Electronic Etiquette

You can bring one of those portable chargers (not sure what they are called, its like a rechargable battery you plug the phone into) and just charge that less frequently.
Are you really going to be using them every single day?

Definitely not using everyday. Maybe would only need a charge or two a week. Just wondering if cafe owners frown upon someone "stealing juice" if you will.

There are lots of Starbucks in Europe. As most Starbucks (and McDonald's) across the pond offer 30 minutes of free WiFi with purchase, lots of people plug in their laptops. I doubt it would be a faux pas.

Good to know, Michael! I'd only need about that anyway. Just enough to keep them running.

James,

"for weeks, where I will not be a guest of a hotel and my concern is where to charge my phone"

Could you provide some further information? If you're not going to be staying in a Hotel each night, where will you be staying? It's difficult to offer suggestions without having the complete picture.

One other point regarding your Cell Phone - which network are you with??? You'll need a quad-band GSM phone to operate in Europe.

Finally, you'll need to check the Charger of EACH electronic device you'll be travelling with, to ensure these are designed for operation on the 220 VAC European electrical systems. At the least you'll need Plug Adapters specific to the countries you'll be visiting (UK style have three large rectangular pins, Euro style have two round pins).

As this will be your first time in Europe, I'd highly recommend reading the Guidebook Europe Through The Back Door before you go.

Be sure to check the expiration date on your Passport, as some countries may refuse entry if there's less than six months remaining.

Also, you stated that your trip would be "a few months". Be sure not to exceed the Schengen limit of three months.

If you could provide a bit more information on what type of lodgings you'll be using, I'll try to offer some suggestions.

Cheers!

Hi Ken,

Will be doing some long distance hikes/camping from my home base in Switzerland. I don't really plan to not be in a hotel, or with friends, for more than a week, but just in case it does happen, I was curious.

I'm using the iPhone 3g S, which I believe is quad band and a 110/240, and I have the round pin adapter as I have no plans to be in the UK.

The Passport has 8 years left on it, and my total trip time is a shade over 2 months.

I know this is kind of a small detail, but I respect that it is me who needs to change my actions while I'm a guest over there, and not the other way around. Appreciate your time helping me out! :-)

James,

Thanks for the additional information.

One very important point to mention. Have you spoken with AT&T yet regarding roaming? You may want to disable the data portion of the phone while you're in Europe, as the data roaming charges can be VERY expensive. I've heard of a few cases where IPhone users returned home and found a $3000 bill waiting in their mailbox!

You may find that you have good Cell coverage in Europe, even when you're hiking in the mountains. Although my hiking is very limited, I've found there are very few locations in Europe that I haven't had good coverage.

Given the circumstances, one solution would be Solar power similar to www.gizmag.com/go/7034/ or www.backup-power.ca/portablesolarstore.html (a model with enough capacity to power a Laptop might be pricey). You might also check out www.radioshack.com/product/index.jsp?productId=3557119 to see if it might be suitable.

You might also consider an auxiliary battery pack to provide your Cell Phone with additional operating time. Have a look at www.callpod.com/products/fueltank for one example. You could recharge these when you have access to a normal power sources.

Cheers!

My brother has a small, portable solar PV charger thing he uses for his laptop. Presumably you can get one that will work with your cell phone.

I have plugged in my laptop at many coffee shops and I have seen may others do it as well. I figure that if you are offering wifi services, the business should expect people to plug in.

May I add something about etiquette when it comes to actually using your cell phone? It seemed to me that Europeans are much more discreet than Americans when making or receiving a call. I don't recall seeing many people just walking around talking on their phones, oblivous to those around them. In restaurants and shops, I noticed people excusing themselves and going outside to answer their phones. Then they kept their conversations brief and, though they were outdoors, they used what parents call their "indoor voice". (I'm not bashing Americans, I promise. It's just that Europeans are usually more private:-))

Texting is another matter. Young people everywhere text non-stop, so text away!

Have a great time!

I noticed that in England as well. In London and Manchester. People dont generally walk around the shops yapping loudly on phones like they do here. Nor even on the tube platforms. They quietly read a newspaper or magazine instead. They seem to be more discreet and use phones for a purpose rather than entertainment.

It was refreshing and I wish some people in my town would be more considerate like this!

James I just wanted to give you more info on your iphone usage. I just returned from two weeks in Europe. I purchased AT&Ts Roaming data package and it really saved me. Here are some good links to get you started.

http://www.wireless.att.com/answer-center/main.jsp?t=solutionTab&solutionId=KB95509
http://www.wireless.att.com/learn/international/roaming/affordable-world-packages.jsp

Overall I found free internet was hard to come by traveling through Germany, Austria, and Italy. I purchased a T-Mobile monthly access for "Hot Spot"S for E20. This is worth it if you are near major cities but I found that most small towns and even tourist areas didn't have T-Mobile HotSpots. All StarBucks do of course. In Italy, free internet is impossible. Because of anti-terrorism laws they passed there, you must register with the internet provider giving personal information then agree to letting the provider have access to all your data. Most of the time, finding on open wireless internet isn't that difficult but tracking down who owns it to register is mostly impossible.

Have Fun!
-David