When you read a technical blog, you are almost never burned by a scam popup asking you to impose a fake app, but the average consumer is not so knowledgeable. If you want a particular phone and the operator offers the best service in your area, offer an appointment on this device that will save you money, which is a great way to go. I know there are some frequencies in some parts of the world that do not support American phones, and maybe the international - but that should not be a problem in Europe. Take for example a Verizon Android phone: It has a number of mostly redundant preinstalled apps, from Verizon apps and games to NFL Mobile and Slacker Radio. References Amazon.com; Understand unlocked phones; Joshua Gunn Travel Insider: Unlock PCWorld Mobile Phone; How to unlock an iPhone; Cyrus Farivar; September Are Straight Talk Phones Gsm Unlocked.