How do i buy an ipad from apple store without specifying US carrier configuration?

[iMore Question]

I am soon leaving the US to return to my home country. I don't need my wiFi+cellular ipad to be configured to any US carrier. Currently it's not possible to check out of the Apple store without specifying which US carrier the ipad should be configured to. I need help to complete my online purchase.

I have also read that the wifi+cellular ipads are sold "unlocked". Does this mean that despite the requirement to configure to US carriers, when I leave the US, I just put in my data sim card for my local carrier and the Ipad will work ok at my local rates?
Thanks for your help.