IPad2 - Do I need 3G?

I don't have one and my daughter just has the first version, but I've read that the iPad 2 does have 3G frequencies that will work in Europe. You'd need a data connection of some sort and AT&T apparently does sell international data packages that, while not cheap, aren't as deadly expensive as the data connection without a package. Also, some foreign carriers sell the mini-SIMs needed for i-products with data rates. Having said that, you can stick with wifi and would probably get by fine. There are places to connect overseas and there are plenty of places to connect in the U.S. To download a movie, you'd want to use wifi anyway because using 3G would take a long time. You don't need to purchase a data package with your iPad. You can get them with no package at all. That permits you to use a wifi connection at home or anywhere else where you can connect.

Gretchen, I may be able to answer your question... My husband got the Ipad 2 and we traveled with it to Europe last month. He doesn't have the 3G. He uses our wireless at home and when we went to Europe, we used the wireless at our hotels. We also stayed at two hotels that DIDN'T have wireless, and in those cities, we went to cafes/restaurants to use their wireless. Someone suggested (and was totally right) that no matter what type of restaurant/cafe we were at, we should ask and they would probably have wireless. This was so true. Most establishments offered WI-FI whether they advertised it or not, you just had to ask the server for their password. The only hotels we stayed at that DIDN'T have wireless were two Hiltons (I'll never understood how the nicer the hotel, the less free stuff!). The more budget hotels/B&B's generally offer free Wi-fi. I don't know how much it would be to get one of the international 3G packages, but I would love to know. My guess is it's astronomical! Are you considering using the iPad to do tours/walks? Where would you put the iPad if you're walking around with it? Just a word of caution, we were very careful with ours while in Europe. We didn't flaunt it or have it out unless we were sitting at a cafe/restaurant and stowed it securely before we left. I'd never take it out on a street walking around -- probably no matter the city. Oh, and to answer your last question about NEEDING the 3G (if I didn't already cover it above): No need. You can continue to use your wireless at home just like your regular laptop. Sorry if this post seemed like I was rambling!

I took my iPad2 3G on my trip, but I canceled my data before I left. It is not difficult to find wifi in Europe. I don't know how much an International plan would be, but it is probably expensive. I wouldn't pay extra for the 3G model if you don't need the the data at home. If you have easy access to wifi that is good enough. I have taken a netbook while traveling and taking the iPad was so much better.

If I'm not mistaken, you can purchase a month's worth of 3G at a time, nullifying the need for a long-term contract--of course, this assumes you purchase the 3G capable one. I've never used our first generation iPad for internet use while traveling, we've just used it as a DVD player of sorts on the plane. We make sure we have all the movies we might want downloaded directly onto the hard drive before we leave. Good luck with your decision!

We have an iPad 2 with wifi capabilities. We are on the Internet at home wirelessly via the router for our computer. We use it locally at Starbucks, etc. via their respective wifi systems. We used it in Turkey and Greece earlier this month at nearly all the hotels we stayed in. We used it on the plane for movies. If 80-90% of use is at home or school, both locations having wifi, then it doesn't seem that the extra cost of 3G would be worth it in my opinion. With the wifi version, you do not pay extra for a 'data package.' In the end, the "worth it" question can only be answered by you. Good luck.

I bought the Ipad 2 without the 3G option. I just returned from france, and I LOVED my ipad. I had wi-fi most nights at the hotels (sometimes just in a common area, sometimes in my room, sometimes, not great connection) I got to Facetime my kids back home, that was great. So much better than text messages...and it was free. I don't see the need to spend extra for the 3G, I already have that on my iphone, and I don't use it in Europe, ever. I loved the iPad for the ease of surfing the web, checking my email, and replying. I've traveled with my iphone for years, but the frustration of the small keypad was the reason for the ipad purchase. Don't spend the extra on the 3G model, unless you want to spend a lot more each month for it here in the US...you will need to buy a package, like a phone. There are plenty of places to find wi-fi, and if you can't, you can live without it for a day or so.... wi-fi when you travel depends on the country and the location. it seems like it is easier to find in most hotels now. You just have to ask when you check in at the front desk for a security code to log in...that's what I've found in England and France and Switzerland so far. If you are traveling, you don't hook up to your home router (is that what you are asking?) You don't have to pay for a data package, that's only for the 3G. We downloaded a movie while in France, the wi-fi connection was so slow, it took 2 hours to down load a 2 hour movie, but it was great to have something to watch in the hotel room later in the trip when we were in for the evening. I'd suggest that you download movies before you travel, just to keep it faster. you can rent movies on iTunes (that's what we did, paid $4.99 for a movie) We were with a group of people, and I noticed that out of 6 couples, 4 had ipads with them!

Hi Everyone,
I want to thank you for your thorough replies. I am glad to know that most hotels/restaurants will have wi-fi access. It definitely sounds like 3G would be a waste of money. Thanks!

I got a package from AT&T for my cell phone last trip. Totally NOT worth it. I also had my IPAD and used it a lot. Mine does not have 3G, but has wifi. My hotel did give me free wifi, plus I was in Paris and often used the Wifi in the city parks. I wouldn't "pay" for the 3g package here so I don't think it would be worth it for me.

We are in Italy now with a 3G IPad2 and it has been invaluable and has saved numerous inconveniences. The rentals we have all have wifi but we like to explore and wifi is not as easy to find out of big cities. We bought a TIM sim card at CDG for 16 euros for 3GB. The clerk took out the original chip and replaced it with the TIM. Super easy. Just keep your original chip safe (they are tiny). When you have access to wi fi, use it. When you don't,go to settings and turn on Cellular, but make sure Data Roaming is turned off. Example: we got lost in Abruzzo and realized we would have to drive back to our rental through small mountain roads at night. Used the IPad to book an inexpensive hotel room, got the last room available, used Google maps to find the place. I was resistant to taking it but now I wouldn't travel without one. Hope this helps. Enjoy your trip!

I am not encouraging you to get the 3G, but just to clarify - you DO NOT need a data contract with the 3G. You can get data on a month to month basis and cancel at any time. Only get the 3G if you will use it at home.

I would not make the decision about 3G on the iPad dependent upon how you might use it outside the US. If you think 3G would be useful at home, then spend the extra money. We have found it very useful out on the road where wifi isn't available. The month by month charge is low.