IPhone - how to charge in Europe?
 

I'm traveling to Amsterdam & Paris later this month and trying to figure out how to charge my IPhone. I'm not taking a laptop. Can I plug it into any random computer to charge, or will I need a converter?

This is probably obvious to those of you who've done so before . . . I did read the previous (April) post on using IPhone in Europe, but wondered if any IPhone users have more current tips to share?

(My local store, when I went to ask about Int'l calling plan, said that ppl calling my cell from US would be charged int'l calling rate since "their phone would know that mine was in Europe." Isn't that the whole point of MY having an int'l calling plan, so the charge gets billed to me?)

Your iPhone charger will work in Europe with a plug adapter.

Those calling from the US will not be charged international rates.

Yes, the charger is 110/220 volt, so it works there, also any computers USB port will work.

If you are not on an expense account, you may want to turn the data mode off, as using the web on the ipHone is very expensive. One bill was over $1K.

Just for comparison - T-Mobile web costs £1 per day. Last month, I bought their Web'n'Walk SIM for £5 and enjoyed unlimited surfing on my WING for 5 days.

IMO, The iPhone is very pretty and has some great features, but is not at all attractive from an economic point of view.

Presuming that your carrier is AT&T - the clerk gave you bad info about incoming calls. People calling you on your US number will pay whatever they would pay if you were in the US. You will pay higher per minute charges for all incoming calls.
Ditto the caution about the high roaming data costs. See http://tinyurl.com/69qoah

Not just web surfing, but also receiving and sending email - all at international roaming rates. This is not included in your data plan at home. Calls in AND out - $1.29 per minute (slightly less if you have a monthly plan).

Hi Pittsburgher,

I will be going to Europe in December, so please let me know if you encounter any problems with charging your phone. I'm just taking the plug adapter to fit the european outlet. Regarding the charges, this person posted their experience on the Apple forum last year and included billing information:

http://discussions.apple.com/message...sageID=5788925

Just curious, why would charging an iPhone be any different than charging any other phone?

My cousin from Dallas was just here visiting us in Lausanne, Switzerland last week and charged her iPhone simply by plugging it into an adapter which we then plugged into the wall. No problems whatsoever.

Thanks for all the info. I didn't really think that it would be 'different' except that I generally plug it into my computer, and didn't want to blow it up with just using the charger.

I actually don't own an adapter anymore since I never use a hairdryer or other electrical appliances. But guess I'd better grab one before this trip!

And I am planning to use the ATT intl plan, and had been warned about turning off the data function to avoid unpleasant surprises!

<i>...why would charging an iPhone be any different than charging any other phone?</i>

Because iPhones are <i><b>Special!</b></i>

This minute my iPhone is charging at my Apt in Paris, it is connected to the small white charger, which is plugged into a US-French plug adapter ($0.75), and then straight into the French wall socket. No problems.

It is great to use the GPS and map function, ALso the Metro planner is a great tool, as is the email function here, but as everyone stated, this comes at a great cost for AT&amp;T subscribers. I had used an Orange chip in my old iPhone, which saved lots of $ last year, but the new iPhone does not accept them.

Pittsburgher,

Look at the charger... on it will be something like &quot;100-240 volts&quot; and &quot;50-60 Hz&quot;... that means you can use it on North American or European power with only an adapter for the plug prongs.

Be sure to get the adapter somewhere OTHER than an Apple Store otherwise Robespierre says you'll pay too much! LOL

Rob

I dumped my AT&amp;T service because of the excessive charges when traveling abroad and went back to T-Mobile and the Blackberry. The iPhone is great, but unless AT&amp;T adjusts its rates, it is a bad option when traveling, even with a corporate account.

Robert (or others who know) -
the AT&amp;T site says turn off data services and use WiFi when roaming. What I don't know is what is available while on WiFi. Can anyone explain?
Thanks

The Internet. Web services. Email. That stuff that comes through all those tubes.

LOL, Robes, I should have been a bit more specific.
One of the nice things about PDA phones (mine is a BB) is the apps. I realize that push email would not work with WiFi, but webmail would. Other things such as IM or map apps would work? Any special settings or tweaks required?

All of your apps should work when using the WiFi function. The problem with the AT&amp;T service is that when you don't have a WiFi connection available, one you don't have to pay for, data roaming will set you back a small bundle. The two options offered by AT&amp;T, the two data transfer programs; do not cover anywhere near as much as the standard unlimited data service offered by T-Mobile for only $19.95/month when traveling out of the country.

Thanks, Robert.
But the Apple iPhone is only available locked to the AT&amp;T network, not on T-Mobile, correct?

Try googling <b>unlock iphone</b> just for grins.