Johnnlilian

There's another thread I found here about SIM cards, with good info.
it's under :Who has used their iPad and sim card? in the Europe forum
check it out.

ParisAmsterdam

Johnnlilian,

Yes, downloading maps for Europe is easy... just go to the website of your GPS maker.

For those planning on using US carriers in Europe such as ATT... no doubt they'll work but be careful. Someone mentioned a bill of $700. It's very easy to do.

I think you are much better off using WIFI (who says it's a problem... it's always available when I've needed it in Europe even from MacDonalds!) and a locally available SIM with or without data. To use the latter you will need to have your device unlocked.

Saraho

I used my iPad in the UK and Bruges where there was wi-fi. I kept the data plan and roaming turned off. All of our B&B's had wi--fi and so did a number of restaurants.

Saraho

I'm going to Italy in May and I'll probably just use wi-fi there, too.

Johnnlilian

ParisAmsterdam,

Thank you for your suggestions. Glad to know it's easy to download maps on my GPS.

We'll try wi-fi as much as we can but around the countryside it's hard to find. It's just for emergencies. I'm very careful with my usage to avoid high bills at home so I'm sure I will do the same in Italy.
I did read about the $700, I would hate a $700 bill, it would ruin my vacation! So knowing that I'll be extra careful, good to know. That's why this site is so important, we can learn SO MUCH from others.

Keep up the great work Fodorites!!

violetduck

This link has excellent information for international iPhone use.
http://www.holeinthedonut.com/2010/0...avel-settings/

violetduck

Oops, left out i before phone in link.

http://www.holeinthedonut.com/2010/0...avel-settings/

Johnnlilian

violetduck,
Thank you it was a good article.

PDersch

Johnnlilian, have a great trip! I'll be anxious to read your report of how this plan worked for you.

SusanG

John, I took my IPAD 3G with me to Italy and Paris this past Sept, and I bought the international plan via AT&T. I'm not a technical person, so didn't want to mess with the SIM card, etc. I had access in Paris and all over Italy - no problem, WIFI worked great. And having my IPAD (which I love, love, love) was so great. Enjoy your trip

francophiletasmania

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annw

Thanks for the link, Violet.

bocacpa

Agree with uhoh_busted that if you can get find Tre Italia/3 Italy store, their micro-Sim card for the IPAD is great. When we were there last May they had a special, sold the card for 8 euro with 19BG of data that lasted us the two weeks we were in Italy. And we have the card for recharging when we go back this May.

Make sure you have the ATT IPAD, look on the right side, there is a little cutout with a small hole in it for the MicroSim card to fit. If you have a Verizon IPAD, you will not be able to use it in Europe.

as to the iPHONE, Sprint has only had the Iphone since Nov or Dec 2011. You must have the Sprint 4S iPhone. The plain 4 does NOT have a place to put in a SIM card as it is not quad band.

Also Apple has made Sprint sell their 4S iPHONES "locked"...because people were going into Sprint stores, purchasing the ;phones andthen selling them at $$$ around the world (and presumably Apple wanted the $$$ for themselves).. But if you are a normal Sprint subscriber, just call their International department (tele is on their web page) and they will gladly unlock the phone for you free and with no hastle - so you can use it worldwide. (At least they did it for me)

Steve


Steve

cybertraveler

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