Verizon iPhone 5 options for 3-week trip to SE Asua
Nov 19th, 2013, 01:21 PM
#22
Original Poster
Many thanks everyone, for all the information and advice. It was a happy accident that when I bought my iphone (through Verizon), we ended up getting it when the phones were unlocked! Now I feel especially happy with my new toy!
I'll follow up with syncing the ipad with all the info so that we can access the data we need. That task will be saved for another day!
I'll follow up with syncing the ipad with all the info so that we can access the data we need. That task will be saved for another day!
Nov 19th, 2013, 05:40 PM
#24
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Carol,
My SIM, or US base phone number, fromT-Mobile only expired if I don't use it at all for 60 days and will be cancelled after 180 days of absolute no usage. Even after 60 days I can reinstate the SIM by calling T-Mobile if I wish or I could simply put it in my phone and use it briefly while I am abroad. If you're their so call "Gold" member your prepaid SIM will last 365 days.
It should be roughly the same for AT&T.
My SIM, or US base phone number, fromT-Mobile only expired if I don't use it at all for 60 days and will be cancelled after 180 days of absolute no usage. Even after 60 days I can reinstate the SIM by calling T-Mobile if I wish or I could simply put it in my phone and use it briefly while I am abroad. If you're their so call "Gold" member your prepaid SIM will last 365 days.
It should be roughly the same for AT&T.
Nov 20th, 2013, 02:22 PM
#26
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Hanuman, thanks for that information. Good to know. BUT, a T-mobile SIM doesn't have much calling area in the USA, at least not where we/they (Italian friends) live and travel in this country. Verizon is probably their best bet, but I have not found anything that isn't under contract.
Nov 20th, 2013, 03:14 PM
#27
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Carol have you tried googling?
From a quick google search: http://www.verizonwireless.com/wcms/...aid-plans.html
There's a video embedded on the web page which clearly explains everything. There's also an online chat where you can ask about expiration etc.
From a quick google search: http://www.verizonwireless.com/wcms/...aid-plans.html
There's a video embedded on the web page which clearly explains everything. There's also an online chat where you can ask about expiration etc.
Nov 20th, 2013, 07:36 PM
#29
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Another simpler idea: If you're uncomfortable about giving up your US number (which is not an option for me), sign up before your trip for Verizon's Global Data plan - $25 for 100mg of data. Includes texts, emails, web surfing, Viber, Facetime, etc. I have used this recently on my iPhone for trips to India, Argentina, Chile and France.
Then, if you will also be making local and intl. phone calls, buy a cheap unlocked phone w/ a Thai SIM. (I use an old unlocked Blackberry). You end up with super cheap calls while using your own number for texting.
Then, if you will also be making local and intl. phone calls, buy a cheap unlocked phone w/ a Thai SIM. (I use an old unlocked Blackberry). You end up with super cheap calls while using your own number for texting.
Nov 20th, 2013, 07:50 PM
#30
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I thought I left this message yesterday but I don't see it today. We used the app for Viber which gives you free phone calls and text messages. I turned off the cellular data on my iphone and put it on airplane mode. No charges and the call I made on Viber to my granddaughter from Cambodia was crystal clear! The recipient has to have the Viber app also, though.
Nov 21st, 2013, 02:37 AM
#31
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Thanks for the suggestions, crosscheck & pattyroth. I'll look into those. I think our needs are relatively simple so I'll probably just get the SIM card for our phones. Buying another phone is probably not necessary for us.
The Viber app sounds interesting and I'll check that out.
The Viber app sounds interesting and I'll check that out.
Nov 21st, 2013, 09:12 AM
#32
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You really don't need a foreign SIM unless you plan to use your phone for local voice calling. We used our US phone to text our guides, just not to speak with them. If you get the data plan, you can text to set up times to talk by Viber/Skype/Facetime, etc.
Nov 22nd, 2013, 03:27 AM
#35
Original Poster
crosscheck,
You make a good point about using text. Would texting be a preferred way to reach a guide or other person locally?
I don't imagine using the phone locally a lot but it would be valuable to have it for those once in a while times.
Thanks again, everyone.
You make a good point about using text. Would texting be a preferred way to reach a guide or other person locally?
I don't imagine using the phone locally a lot but it would be valuable to have it for those once in a while times.
Thanks again, everyone.
Nov 22nd, 2013, 03:43 AM
#37
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Seriously though - a lot of people speak English but not very many can read or write English in Thailand.
Also, a local SIM with data plan will set you back around $10 - 15 for a month's usage so why not go for it. An iPhone with no phone capability is not very useful.
Also, a local SIM with data plan will set you back around $10 - 15 for a month's usage so why not go for it. An iPhone with no phone capability is not very useful.
Nov 22nd, 2013, 03:47 AM
#39
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Another example from past experiences that happened to a lot of Fodorites - when you're in a taxi coming to meet me for a GTG and the taxi driver is lost - what are you going to do - text me? Good luck!
