Samsung clarifies handset region-locking in face of consumers' fears

Yes, handsets built since July are now locked to the region in which they are purchased. But the new feature is meant to stop grey market phone sales, rather than owners avoiding roaming fees when using their devices in foreign countries. 

The need for a region-specific SIM card affects all Galaxy Note III phablet handsets, plus Galaxy S4, S4 Mini, Galaxy SIII and Galaxy Note II devices built since July.