Unlocking of Phone When Going Overseas

Hello, I have a Samsung A14 phone that is complimentary with my plan. Monthly credits are being applied and there are 5 more payments remaining. I need to go overseas for six months and on contacting Customer service I was told by the rep that it cannot be unlocked till the credits are fully paid. I offered to pay the balance of $45 if it will be refunded to me on my return, by which time the credits would have all been adjusted anyway. I was told that it cannot be done and I need to take the international package if the phone is to be used abroad.

I need to use my phone LOCALLY in the foreign country, and no use it for making calls to the USA or any other country. Why is that so hard to understand that unlocking my phone now does not in any way affect my remaining payments, as I will still be on my existing Phone plan. It is obvious that if I am in the USA, I do not need to unlock the phone. This shows how inconsiderate Xfinity is, and there isn't really any customer support where a customer is actually supported. Needless to say, I will switch my phone service after my return. Because by then my phone credits will all be met and Xfinity will have to unlock it anyway. I just see this as a needless way to harass existing customers in a lose-lose situation. I lose the unlock and Xfinity loses the customer.