cross-border-shopping

Research and vet gray-market electronics imports for carrier compatibility, retailer legitimacy, and pricing.

10|2|Updated May 6, 2026
One-click install
npx skills add https://github.com/jcrabapple/hermes-skills --skill cross-border-shopping-jcrabapple
Or copy as Structured Prompt for Agent▼
Please help me install this Agent Skill.
Skill: cross-border-shopping
Source: https://github.com/jcrabapple/hermes-skills/tree/main/cross-border-shopping
Command: npx skills add https://github.com/jcrabapple/hermes-skills --skill cross-border-shopping-jcrabapple

SYSTEM DOCUMENTATION & REQUIREMENTS

💡 This Skill includes references (resource) components.

What problem does it solve? Buying smartphones and electronics not officially sold in your region is risky: incompatible carrier bands, fake "Global ROM" devices, scam retailers, no warranty, and no financing options. This Skill provides a structured playbook for researching, verifying, and purchasing gray-market imports safely. ## Core Features & Use Cases - Carrier Band Compatibility Checks: Verify import phones against T-Mobile, AT&T, and Verizon bands using Kimovil, including rural coverage analysis via CellMapper and MVNO (Google Fi, Mint) distinctions. - Website Legitimacy Vetting: Run a structured pipeline (ScamAdviser, ScamDoc, domain age, SSL, Trustpilot, payment methods) to evaluate unfamiliar e-commerce sites before purchase. - Retailer & Pricing Guidance: Tiered recommendations for reputable importers (Swiftronics, TradingShenzhen, Wonda Mobile) with financing options (Sezzle, Klarna, PayPal Credit) and warranty expectations. - Use Case: A user asks "Will the Xiaomi 15 Ultra work on T-Mobile and where can I buy it?" The Skill verifies the Global model number (25010PN30G), checks band coverage, recommends vetted retailers with prices, and flags risks like missing eSIM or rural B71/n71 gaps. ## Quick Start Ask the agent whether a specific import phone or product will work on your carrier and where to buy it safely.

Frequently Asked Questions about cross-border-shopping

High-intent search queries and answers about installing and using this skill.

FAQPage Schema
How do I check if an import phone works on T-Mobile?▼

Use Kimovil's frequency checker: enter the device name, select USA, and compare band overlap with T-Mobile. Prioritize n41, n71, B2, B4, B12, B66, and B71. Missing B71/n71 means poor rural coverage, so verify local tower bands via CellMapper for your address.

How do I know if an unfamiliar e-commerce website is legit or a scam?▼

Run a vetting pipeline: check ScamAdviser and ScamDoc trust scores (80%+ and 90%+ respectively), verify domain age over one year, confirm valid SSL, review Trustpilot and Reddit feedback, and require credit card or PayPal payment. Wire transfer or crypto only is an automatic disqualification.

What is the difference between Global ROM and Global Version phones?▼

Global Version is official hardware with factory Global firmware, Google Play, and broad band support. Some sellers flash a custom Global ROM onto China hardware, which blocks OTA updates and may contain malware. Buy only from sellers guaranteeing official firmware, like TradingShenzhen.

Can I use carrier financing or Apple Card for gray-market phones?▼

No. Apple Card, Samsung Financing, and carrier installment plans only apply to officially sold products. Gray-market imports require Sezzle (Swiftronics), Klarna (TradingShenzhen), PayPal Credit (Wonda Mobile), or credit card installment plans.

Will a Chinese version phone work in the US?▼

Generally no for daily use. China-market variants lack US LTE/5G bands, have no Google Play, and run China ROM with English/Chinese only. Always verify the model number suffix (G for Global, C for China) and buy the Global or international version.

Does Google Fi have the same compatibility as T-Mobile for import phones?▼

Close but not identical. Fi uses T-Mobile's network but has different 5G band requirements. For example, the OnePlus 13 covers only 2 of 4 Fi 5G bands, losing peak 5G UC speeds. Always clarify whether the user is on T-Mobile directly or an MVNO like Fi, Mint, or Cricket.