Apple Selling Unlocked iPhones In Hong Kong

3G Hong Kong version of the Apple Store

"Buy directly from Apple. And choose your carrier," says the Apple Store (Hong Kong).

The Hong Kong Apple Store is offering the 8GB Apple iPhone 3G for HK5,400 (about $695) and the 16GB Apple iPhone 3G for HK6,200 (about $798).

"iPhone 3G purchased at the Apple Online Store can be activated with any wireless carrier. Simply insert the SIM from your current phone into iPhone 3G and connect to iTunes 8 to complete activation," says the Hong Kong Apple Store. The Hong Kong Apple Store is also offering free shipping on the iPhone 3G.

Apple normally requires that anyone purchasing the iPhone sign up for a mobile service plan through a specific service provider. Prior to this move by Apple, Hong Kong consumers could only buy the iPhone 3G from Hutchison Telecommunications International, and were required to sign a two-year mobile service contract.

iPhone 3G buyers in Japan must purchase a two-year service plan through Softbank, and iPhone 3G buyers in the U.S. are required to purchase a two-year plan through AT&T.