Head over to Samsung’s UK website http://www.samsung.com/uk/consumer/mobile-devices/galaxy-note/smartphones/SM-N9005ZWEBTU-reviews/ask-and-answer and you will see the following answer in the Q and A.
Question. Will i be able to use my phone abroad with a different sim? i travel to Malaysia soon from UK for a few months and plan to buy a local sim card to use. I have heard rumors this isnt the case and so i would like to ensure that i can get a full refund if i cannot use my phone in another country on a local sim. These details are no where to be found on your website and also nothing is mentioned in the specs on the wesbite i bought my phone from.
Answer.
Samsung E-Support 2 days ago
Hi,
The regional lock means the product is only compatible with a SIM card issued from a mobile operator within the region identified on the sticker of the product package.
Once a device is activated normally, the regional SIM lock is automatically released.
Thanks.