What is the best way to buy an iPhone during a six-month stay in the US?

I'm an exchange student in the US and I'm looking for the best way to but an iPhone 5s here. I don't know if I'll be able to use it back home if I buy one with a plan so is there anyway I can get a plan and drop it after 6 months? How much will it cost? Can I get one with a plan here and unlock it back home via jailbreak? Is there a better/cheaper way?

If you decide to have the phone unlocked while still on a contract they will do it if your account is in good standing but expect to pay a lot to have it done.

IOS7 is impossible to jailbreak at this time.

Your only other option is to buy it factory unlocked which we both know is quite expensive.

The phone would be blacklisted if you don't finish the contract, they probably wouldn't sell it to you on contract anyways as you aren't from the US. As they will run credit check, or you may have to pay a big deposit… Best is just to buy it outright not on contract then take it back with you.

You could just buy an unlocked model which became available earlier this week.It'll cost $649 (16GB) + $100 more for the others

It will work with any GSM carrier of course.

The best thing is to buy a Factory Unlocked Model or to buy an Out of Contract model ( in case you have budget constraints ) and unlock it.