csmart01

We're taking it but not getting a roaming plan... or maybe just on one of them for emergency. My question is what are peoples experiences with ensuring the phone won't go grabbing data on it's own. I have heard horror $tories. Can you just leave it in airplane mode? If so, does gps work so if I get a Paris app it won't be useless? Any recommendations on apps?

Thanks.

justbronwyn

If you turn data roaming off (tap settings, then "general", then "network") on the phone it won't automatically download data.

We bought the extra data plan before our trip to France & Italy--it was about 25.00, was helpful for the map function in places where wifi was limited (mostly Italy). We downloaded skype and used that for the few phone calls we made--worked great calling from our apartment in Paris (which had free wifi). I also downloaded a Paris metro and Rome metro app and used both a lot--no wifi or data required.

If you're going to Paris this blog post by David Lebovitz has some good information regarding accessing wifi:
http://www.davidlebovitz.com/2010/08...-free-wifi-in/

Have good trip!

cherrybomb

Airplane mode off wifi on will allow you to use wifi when in a hotspot with no roaming charges. If you want to be able to make a phone call you need to call AT&T and add international service. It is ~$3 months and you can cancel when you return.
Be sure to tell people not to leave you a message unless it is an emercency or you will be charged for the time of the voicemail. Also, I tell people not to call/text me so I don't accidentally recieve a call/text if I turn my phone on to use. Make sure you turn off push data as your emails may download when you turn your phone on if you use it and you could get charged. You can download your email for free in airplane mode when in a wifi zone.

You can use GPS maps for free when not in a wifi zone as gps is satellite, however you need to download the maps that you wish to access while connected to the Internet. The best way to do this is to download the area that you want detail of while connected and save the map in your map address bookmarks. You do have to zoom in and scroll around the area though or you will not get full detailed map. Really zoom in on all the streets you want to access and the surrounding areas. Whatever is not downloaded in detail cannot be accessed via GPS alone. I usually do this prior to leaving the apt or hotel for the day as I tend to have an idea where I am going. You can also save driving or walking directions this way. It is not as accurate for driving as it tend to be a longer distance and really needs a lot of map loading.

Hope this helps.

cherrybomb

Also, many of the mid to larger cities in France are good for wifi hotspots. For instance most of the parks and squares in Paris are free wifi hotspots. Many cages also offer free wifi. If you can't connect, just ask for a code and they bartender/server will give you an access code. Good to know as you can access and download maps for GPS use while on the fly. If you plan to make calls consider downloading the skype app to avoid using AT&T.

csmart01

So much help! Thanks everyone.

gh21

Standard AT&T service plans in US include the ability to make international calls FROM the US. You must modify your plan to include extended international calling which gives you the capability to make calls from outside the US. This is free, however there are charges for the calls, approx $2.29/ min. This free srevice can be added to your plan by modifying your account on their website or by calling customer service If you think you will be making many calls or need to access your e-mail frequently and will have little access to wi-fi, then you may wish to additionally purchase an international phone and data plan for the time you are out of the country. This plan will reduce call time charges tp approx $1.99/min

Generally, we do not purchase this plan as our calls are limited to occasionally checking in with family at home or making dinner reservations in Europe.

scrb11

Just heard about this service:

http://www.xcomglobal.com/?gclid=CJy...FQP4iAodPzlJDw

They rent Mifi devices with local SIMs for $17.95 a day. Then you could use iPhone on the road without roaming so you would be able to use GPS with streaming maps or other apps. which make use of the GPS (some travel apps. use GPS to point out attractions near your location).

I haven't tried it myself and it is pricey but some hotel charge at least this much for Wifi.

You can probably do better buying an unlocked Mifi from eBay and then getting a local SIM in some European countries. However, I heard France doesn't really have competitively-priced prepaid data plans, like for instance Italy does.

So it might be worth it for a country like France, especially if you can use the Mifi to get Internet access in hotels, if they either don't have Internet access or charge ridiculous rates, as many hotels do.

john183

Below is an excerpt from the log of my computer chat with an AT & T rep when I asked what I would need to do to make my iPhone work for voice only in France. It is very close to what has been described above so I'm guessing this should work. I think I'm just going to go with the standard plan as we want to only use it occasinally just like gh21 descrbes.

AT & T : How do you do. There are two options in terms of voice. With standard service, it's 1.29 per minute there and no additional monthly fee. With the AT&T World Traveler plan, it's 5.99 a month, prorated, and .99 per minute. Also, voice mail access is treated like a regular call.
Me: Will the phone work as is or do we need to "unlock" it like I have heard about from different people?
AT & T : It will work as is.
Me: So we just need to treat it as if we were here in the US but know the rates will be $1.29 per minute with our standard service or $.99 per minute with World Traveler Plan?
AT & T : You just need to enable a roaming feature.
Me: How do we enable the roaming feature?
AT & T : Actually, you have the option of adding it online.
AT & T : You can choose standard or World Traveler.
Me: I'm logged in to my account now. Where do I go next?
AT & T : Manage Features, to the right.
AT & T : You can select one of the circles after each option: AT&T World Traveler, or Expanded International Roaming. The latter would give you the standard rates.
AT & T : Is there anything else we can resolve for you today?
Me: Is there any other advice I should know about the iPhone before we go to France?
AT & T : You can just turn the data roaming off.
Me: Good idea. Where would I do that?
AT & T : On the iPhone, it's Settings>General>Network>Mobile Network>Data Roaming: Off

jujubean

I don't mean to be daft, but I don't get it. I also have an iphone. I plan to subscribe for the world travel program for our trip in December so that we can make the many holiday calls that we usually do.

But, about this data stuff - I have an unlimited data plan. I use 5000 or 500,00KB and it's all the same cost. Am I still potentially subject to the crazy charges people talk about? Do I need to worry about any of this stuff?

greg

The ATTwireless describes international data roaming in the following page:

http://www.wireless.att.com/business...t=KB84199.html

Alec

<i>But, about this data stuff - I have an unlimited data plan. I use 5000 or 500,00KB and it's all the same cost. Am I still potentially subject to the crazy charges people talk about? Do I need to worry about any of this stuff?</i>

Most international programs don't include data use. It's charged at so much per MB downloaded,, so you can easily run up a bill of several hundred bucks. Your unlimited data plan almost certainly operates within your country only - check with your provider.

gh21

While you are abroad, you are out of AT&Ts 3G network. If you can get wifi access you can send and receive data for free. If you are not in a wifi zone and use roaming for data there will be steep charges. Hence the warnings to turn off roaming capability while outside US.

jujubean

I think I'e finally got it - thanks!

Dukey1

Pretty simple..you turn off the data connection, you do NOT check your e-mail, and you spend all your money on other things.

clemson91

Good information.