Leaving in 2 weeks for Europe. We want to take our I-Pad mini to use on the trip. Do we need to do anything special(settings, etc.) to be able to use it over there. The Verizon network,I'm sure, won't be available. this is our first trip with the I-Pad. Thanks.
Posted by
Genesee, ID
1840 posts
I think the Mini is perfect if all you want to do is connect to WiFi. We use a Touch to do that for sending and receiving emails. We are going to take a Mini beginning the next trip because my wife's fingers have arthritis and the Touch's keybord has gotten too small
Posted by
Genesee, ID
1840 posts
I forgot to add, the regular iPad is too heavy so the Mini is just right.
Posted by
Tresana, Highlands Ranch, CO, USA
23609 posts
If you have 3G/4G running on your i-pad. TURN IT OFF. The data down load fees will kill you. We use a standard ipad with internet and it works fine.
Posted by
New York, NY, USA
11294 posts
As Frank says, turn off 3G/4G, and just use WiFi. WiFi is a universal set of standards, and you connect to it in Europe the same as in the US. Of course, if you're merely using things already downloaded onto your iPad (watching movies, listening to music, reading books, playing games) you don't need any data at all.
Posted by
NYC area
2973 posts
Hi, We are also traveling with an iPad Mini soon. First time we'll have it in Eurpoe. Ours is a WiFi only model. We opened an account with Skype and will buy $20 worth of minutes to use to check in at home. the places we are staying have free WiFi. We don't plan on carrying the iPad around with us, but use it before going out for the day to double check maps, weather and attractions in the area. Alos, we figure we'll use it before leaving for dinner at the places we are staying to call home via Skype. From what I understand, you'll only need a plug adapter to charge your iPad. Paul
Posted by
Toledo, Ohio, US
11613 posts
Paul is right, I used the full-size iPad with wi-fi only last summer, only needed an adapter plug to charge it. The 12-hour battery was great. I took it with me everywhere, though, because I used the camera and photo-email functions a lot, as well as taking photos of train schedules posted at the train stations. A cell phone camera will do the same thing, but I like looking at a larger format. Regarding Verizon, I have my phone turned off when I travel (but I take long trips).
Posted by
Provo, UT
175 posts
I'm taking my iPad mini to France in a few weeks. Mine has 3G (or 4G? I don't know...) and I'm planning to use a local SIM card. The iPad mini takes the same nano SIM card as the iPhone. I decided to order one from Le French Mobile, even though it's not the cheapest option, so that I could have it before I leave and so that my tech-savvy husband could install it for me. This way, I'll have access to data as soon as I land, and I won't have to worry about finding wifi. I'm sure finding wifi is probably not a problem, but I like the assurance of knowing I'll have data when I need it. Like another poster said, though, if you aren't planning on using data, simply turn it off and don't worry about it. It depends on what you'll be using it for.