Talk:United States/@comment-159.203.18.172-20151204050930/@comment-26674008-20151204110751

Unfortunately the iPhone 5 models are not very compatible internationally. The iPhone 6 and 6S are much more compatible between countries in this regard. If you are considering upgrading for other reasons. You'll get 3G from T-Mobile and ATT, but no LTE.

Again unfortunately, Verizon is extremely picky about phones on its network. For many years, they prohibit any phone except if sold by them (even if hardware compatible). They relax this somewhat for iPhones, but as you say, likely you lack CDMA hardware.

Since you will not get LTE, that is a big bonus in favor of ATT as their 3G network has much more coverage. If you intend on being out of cities and populated areas, then that is another pro for ATT. T-Mobile is a very popular network, but I think it is only good in cities and with LTE.

One word of caution. Many very rural areas of the western US are not covered by any major network (T-Mo, ATT, Verizon, or Sprint) or are only covered by Verizon. Postpaid customers of ATT will roam onto local independent networks, but prepaid will not. So when looking at coverage map, make sure to select GoPhone. You will likely be covered by GoPhone in almost every city, but if you are hundreds of miles into farmland, it will not work.