Verizon iPhone in Paris
Jan 11th, 2012, 04:59 PM
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Verizon iPhone in Paris
I'll be traveling to Paris in four months with three other adults, all of whom have iPhones with Verizon service here in the US. Any info or tips about our ability to use these phones in Paris in May? Any "do's" or "don'ts"? We don't have our accomodations yet; we may or may not have immediate access to free wi-fi, but I'm sure many cafes and public places do have it...
Jan 11th, 2012, 05:13 PM
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The Verizon iphone 4s will work there; other Verizon iphones will not because they are still CDMA network not GSM. Verizon does offer "international loaner" things at a premium.
We've skipped using our iphones even though they can work (our family member iphones are with AT&T). The potential data costs and the trouble can just kill you. You can pick up cheapie phones with time allowances in France and then use hotel computers, internet cafes, etc when needed. If you need a number ahead of time, you can order SIMS/rental phones via Mobal, etc.
What we do is use cheapie GSM phones we bought years ago and either buy a SIM when we get there or use Call in Europe so we can have both a number in advance and also not need to top off. Our hotels and apartments have all had computers we can use if needed--and actually, we choose to "unplug" when we travel, so it works out well.
We've skipped using our iphones even though they can work (our family member iphones are with AT&T). The potential data costs and the trouble can just kill you. You can pick up cheapie phones with time allowances in France and then use hotel computers, internet cafes, etc when needed. If you need a number ahead of time, you can order SIMS/rental phones via Mobal, etc.
What we do is use cheapie GSM phones we bought years ago and either buy a SIM when we get there or use Call in Europe so we can have both a number in advance and also not need to top off. Our hotels and apartments have all had computers we can use if needed--and actually, we choose to "unplug" when we travel, so it works out well.
Jan 11th, 2012, 05:17 PM
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I have just talked to a Verizon rep about this. He claimed the only Verizon iPhone that works on a GSM network (that is what you find in France) is iPhone 4S. It has both CDMA and GSM. You have to decide if you want to use the Verizon SIM or have the phone unlocked, he said after 2 months, and use a local SIM. I did not ask him about the Verizon data plan, but if what ATT offers is an indication, you probably don't want to use the Verizon data roaming.
Jan 12th, 2012, 01:14 PM
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That is interesting. The main reason I stayed with AT&T was the international issue. May have to look into Verizon again
I just use the phone fir quick updates or emergencies so my bill has never been an issue
I just use the phone fir quick updates or emergencies so my bill has never been an issue
