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I am in a tight situation and need some advice!

I am currently traveling abroad for the next 5 weeks in Europe. I bought a new phone from Virgin Mobile (USA) a few months ago and, due to an error on my part, had been under the impression it was unlocked. I am now in Europe with my iPhone 6s and cannot use the international SIM card I had originally bought for this trip. Virgin Mobile, of course, will not unlock my phone anyway because I have not had it active under this plan for at least a year yet.

I am contemplating paying to have it unlocked by a third party but am still somewhat unfamiliar with what is reputable and what is not. I am also very nervous about the risk of damaging my phone for obvious reasons as well as being in a foreign country and not knowing how I can explore my options regarding buying a new phone if absolutely necessary.

Should I unlock my phone myself? If so, what are some more trusted ways to go about doing this?

As a young woman traveling by herself for the first time any assistance right now is very, very appreciated. Thank you!