How does the factory unlocking process of iPhone 5 work?

So I'm willing to get an AT&T locked iPhone 5 from the USA, and I live in Lebanon. I heard it is possible to unlock it at any cell shop here, but is there any hidden fee? (I heard that you pay monthly from AT&T or something?). If so, is there any way to get a locked iPhone and unlock it without having to pay monthly? (Friend is in the USA and coming soon… ) Thanks!

Just found this for you. If you buy it for the full price (without a contract) all you have to do is restore it using iTunes and you will get a pop up on the device saying, "Congratulations, your iPhone has been unlocked!" And there's no additional charges or anything, you should then be able to use your iPhone with any carrier. Just read the comments on the bottom of this link.

http://techcrunch.com/2012/09/26/to-unlock-a-full-price-att-iphone-5-just-restore-it-in-itunes/

Hope I helped! Enjoy your new iPhone!

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