cell phone usage & apps

If you are referring to the Rick Steves app, that one does not use data once you have downloaded the things you want. So, you download here (or you can use WiFi anywhere), then use it in Europe. Other apps very much can use data - people have come back to bills of thousands of dollars, even when they didn't know the apps were using data. For instance, the default setting on some apps is to check for updates every 15 minutes. This checking uses data, even if there are not updates to post. And if you use the GPS function without downloading a separate GPS app, you will be using data CONSTANTLY. AT&T's web site used to say that, without buying one of their international data plans, watching a 3 minute YouTube video would cost $40! Which cell phone carrier are you with?

Kris, As you're using a Smartphone, you'll have to be VERY CAREFUL about using cellular data. I have the same question as Harold - which cell network are you with? Also, are you planning to use it for voice and/or texting? Cheers!

We all have Verizon...really have no need to use phone while on vacation...but would be nice to use it for Rick's tours & maybe vox (sp) walkie talkie on cell phone app. Was afraid just turning it on would cause roaming charges. May just buy an ipod for my mom as she is the only one without one. This is our first to Europe, so really trying to get prepared. Will be in Rome 2 days then on to cruise to Spain. Most of my concerns are while in Rome as cruise ships are very good at helping while with them. BTW thanks for the info!!
The only thing I think I have yet to figure out is whether it's better to just buy a guide for those couple of days or to just go for it.

Contact Verizon and find out how to turn off all the cellular data functions on your phone before you go....they should be able to tell you how, as well as telling you how to turn on WiFi without turning on cellular data so you could still use free WiFi in various cafes. If you turn off the cellular data there won't be any surprises when you get home.

I took my Verizon phone to Spain last year and used it all the time (on wifi) for apps, and as a camera. All you have to do is set your phone on "airplane mode" (which turns off data and wifi), then turn on "wifi". There can't be roaming charges anyway, because a CDMA phone will not get a signal.

Thanks--will ask verizon about that airplane mode thingy!!

If you just try to turn your phone off, you will see Airplane Mode as one of the choices. Turn it on. Then go to Settings, and look for WiFi. Turn it on. Done. Then when you are in a free wifi area, it will show you the available networks. Just choose one and connect. If you are at a hotel that offers free wifi but needs a code, get it from the front desk. When you choose their network, it will ask for the code.