iphone 4 s europe

iphones work fine for internet access provide you TURN OFF the data package or roaming. If you don't you will get a very experience surprise when you return home. Apps that depend on the internet will work also. Depending on the provider the phone may or may not work.

Harry, check out this recent message thread from the To the Boot subforum. Although addressed to Italy, it does contain some information about general iPhone use: Iphones in Italy. You can also put "iPhone" in the search box at the top of the page and get a number of links to check out. One drawback to that approach is that the links may be for things that haven't been posted recently. With new technologies, things change too fast to rely on dated information.

I hope this doesn't sound like an AT&T endorsement since I actually have mixed feelings about the service: it's just the plan I have experience with. My daughter just started a semester abroad and will be using an iPhone 4s (AT&T). We signed up for the "World Traveler" plan for $5.99/ month. That reduces the roaming rates to $.99/ minute to most European countries. We also bought a Global Messaging Package for texting - 200texts/month and $.35/text after that. It's very important to turn off the international data roaming or you could unwittingly rack up a huge bill. The AT&T plan is much more expensive than buying a phone once you get to Europe but you won't need to buy a new SIM card in each country or deal with changing phone numbers. (If you are going to just 1 country buying a phone there might be a good option). We are using the AT&T plan more for emergencies. My daughter also took a calling card we bought at Costco to use when she has a landline. This is probably the cheapest way to make a phone call. Also we have been texting using the app called What's App. It utilizes the wifi at the university to text. We have iPads that we used FaceTime, again over wifi. You can do this with the iPhone 4 as well. We checked into cell hones that you can buy in the US to use in Europe. Eurobuzz, although not the cheapest, sounded like the one of the easiest since you don't have to buy different SIM cards.
In conclusion, it's all kinda confusing and we went with what was simple. Be aware that rates can change depending on if calls are made to a cell or to a landline and you will pay for incoming calls as well as outgoing and any other excuse the cell companies an come up with. Coverage may be spotty. We have yet to get an AT&T bill yet, so you may ask me then how I feel about the plan. Definitely look into the apps What's App and use FaceTime or Skype using free wifi in a hotel, cafe, etc.

harry, Could you provide further information on what you'll primarily be using the iPhone for while travelling? Also, which cellular network are you with? As the others have mentioned, you'll have to be extremely careful using any data functions (ie: E-mail, web browsing, etc.), as data roaming charges can be HUGE! I saw one example last year where an iPhone user returned home after a couple of weeks abroad, to find a $37,000 bill in the mailbox! To avoid charges like that, it's a good idea to switch off the data roaming and only access those functions in Wi-Fi areas. If you're planning to mostly use voice and text, there are several options: > Use roaming with your home cell network, provided it's a GSM network. As the previous reply pointed out, using "travel packs" can reduce the costs. > Purchase a micro-SIM from one of the "travel phone" firms. Not all of them offer iPhone plans, but two that I'm aware of are Roam Simple and iPhone Trip. If you're only going to use voice and text, the costs should be manageable. If you also want data, the costs increase sharply. > Purchase a micro-SIM in Europe. These are not available in every country, but based on previous posts here on the HelpLine, some U.K. networks offer them. The "bottom line" when travelling with a Cell phone or Smart phone is that there's a cost associated with the convenience. You'll have to decide how much you're willing to pay for this convenience. I'm the owner of a new iPhone 4S, so this is something I'll also be dealing with when I travel later this year. I'll most likely use a plan from Roam Simple, as that's what I've done for the last few years with my old Cell phone. Cheers!

harry, Thanks for the additional information. To answer your most recent questions..... As you're with Verizon, AFAIK your iPhone 4S will NOT WORK at all in Europe for "cellular functions" such as voice calls or text messaging. Verizon phones use CDMA technology, which is not compatible with the GSM technology used in Europe (and much of the rest of the world). Therefore, it's probably not going to be possible to "stay in touch should the need arise". You will be able to use the iPhone for internet or E-mail use but only in Wi-Fi areas. This will allow you access to Google Translate, Trip Advisor, Google Maps and Google Earth, but only where Wi-Fi is available. I believe Verizon has a "loaner program" and can provide their customers with a GSM phone which will work in Europe. I believe this is only a "basic" phone (not a Smartphone) and the time limit is 30-days AFAIK. This would provide the ability to use voice and text during your trip. The rates seem a bit higher than other carriers, but for limited use, it seems like a cost effective option. Verizon may be able to "map" your existing number to the travel phone, which would allow your contacts to simply call your regular number. This is somewhat of a "dubious benefit" though, as you'll be paying for all incoming calls ($1.29/minute?) and more importantly you could be getting calls at very inconvenient hours. I've received calls in the "wee hours" of the morning from morons that didn't bother or were too inconsiderate to check the time difference. I'd suggest checking with Verizon C.S. for full details and pricing information. continued......

Part 2..... It's important to note that even if you had a GSM iPhone, you'd have to be extremely careful with internet use outside of Wi-Fi areas (ie: anything that uses the cellular data network)! In most cases, it's a VERY good idea to switch "off" the data roaming when travelling, and use only Wi-Fi access. The charges for data roaming can be HUGE. I saw one example last year of a traveller that returned after a few weeks abroad to find a bill for $37,000 in the mailbox!!! I may be able to find a link to that story if you're interested. Regarding the method I use. On all past trips to Europe, I've used an unlocked quad-band GSM Motorola{/i] "flip" phone. I typically make only occasional voice calls to confirm Hotel rooms or whatever, so the cost for that was reasonable. I use text messaging for the most part to keep in touch with family and friends back home, as that's the cheapest method (incoming texts are free). Of course, that only works if they have a Cell phone! For those friends that don't have Cell access, I keep in contact via E-mail using my Netbook in Wi-Fi areas. Until 2010 I was using roaming with my home cell network, Rogers. However, their international roaming rates have increased substantially. Both incoming and local calls start at $2.00 per minute, and outgoing calls to some countries are somewhat higher. Due to the high rates, I started looking for other options and after reviewing many of the "travel phone" firms, I decided to try Roam Simple. My experience so far has been very favourable, and I renewed my plan for my 2011 trip. Billing is on a post-paid basis, with calls charged to a credit card so there's no need to "top up". continued.....

Part 3... The phone number provided with "travel phones" is often a U.K.-based number. Of course, there's a slight risk with post-paid billing in that if the phone is ever lost or stolen, the user is usually "on the hook" (no pun intended) for calls until the firm is notified. I watch my phone closely, so that hasn't been a problem. I really like having a "working phone" as soon as I step off the plane, so no need to go looking for a Cell shop to buy a SIM card. Now that I've upgraded to an iPhone, I will also have to contend with the data roaming issue. I haven't made a definite decision yet, but will probably be packing along my iPhone (OR I could also just take the "flip" again for voice and text and use the iPhone only in Wi-Fi areas). I recently went to Seattle for a travel event at Rick Steves headquarters, and used a U.S. $25 data roaming package with my home network. That worked really well and after almost a week, I still hadn't used all of my data allotment. That trip was somewhat of an "evaluation" to get some idea of my typical data use during travels. At home, I don't worry about accessing data as I've never come close to reaching the maximum. Roam Simple now offers iPhone plans both with no data and with data bundles, so I'm presently considering what would be most useful and cost effective for my trip this year. Regarding your last question, YES, I am happy with my iPhone 4S so far. It's usefulness increases every time I discover a new App! Cheers!

I used mine in December in France but switched off data Roaming. In fact it comes up to tell you that You can either switch or continue and pay X amount in fees. Hubby had other smart phone with Internationak SIM. My phone was great Otherwise for pics (regular camera died over There!), and I was receiving texts from home but could not respond. Only read. Used free WiFi everywhere. Taking it back in May
To Europe but hubby will have phone with SIM.

KEN ASKS? "Could you provide further information on what you'll primarily be using the iPhone for while travelling? Also, which cellular network are you with?' SORRY .. GOOD QUESTION.. verizon.. would be the carrier and main reasons in importance would be : to stay in touch should the need arise to use apps such as google translate, trip advisor,google maps, google earth

Ken, you mention that you will probably use "roam simple".. which carrier do you use ?.. BTW are you happy with your new Iphone 4s ?

Warning.. Your Verizon phone may or may not work at ALL in Europe. Some of them have operating systems that do not include the compatible "stuff" required for Europe. So step one. Find out if your phone even works in Euorpe. I understand they are now selling phones that do provide this option, but when I looked at changing from AT&T to Verizon in 2011 they proudly told me "we don't support roaming in Europe" So.... I looked elsewhere. Now I would expect you could still use WiFi, but that's going to be it.

Thanks for the detailed update, Ken. I, too, have an unlocked, no-contract iPhone 4S (like you, I believe) - this phone is definitely "world ready." I'm planning to take it on a trip to Slovenia/Croatia this May and will be exploring my options. I'm pretty sure my domestic plan (StraightTalk Wireless) doesn't even offer overseas service (at any price) - but they use AT&T's network, so just to be sure, I plan to remove the SIM card and buy a local one upon arrival in Ljubljana (we have a long layover in Frankfurt, so we could conceivably shop for a SIM card there, too, if we might have a better selection). My wife has the same phone and service plan, so if the European SIM isn't too expensive, we might get two just so we can get in touch with each other easily for those times when we get separated (and so she can update her Facebook status without annoying me completely). I expect that my usage while in Europe will be just a few calls to confirm hotels, etc., and some data usage for a variety of things. In your experience, is Roam Simple a good choice for that profile? Thanks.

Ken.. may thanks for a thoughtful well researched out answers.. you are a font of knowledge on cell phone issues that pertain to travel in Europe..I guess I'll go back to plan A which was magicjack for netbook and use this for all other issues when in wifi area

@David, "I expect that my usage while in Europe will be just a few calls to confirm hotels, etc., and some data usage for a variety of things. In your experience, is Roam Simple a good choice for that profile?" Roam Simple has been great so far in terms of voice and texts. While the rates are slightly higher than using a SIM purchased "in country", I like the fact that rates are consistent for all countries within a particular "zone". However, given the fact that you'll be travelling in Slovenia and Croatia, the rates will be higher. You'll have to check the website for specifics on the rates. One aspect of their service that I'm still researching is the apparent 30-day limit for the data plans. I typically travel for longer than that, so not sure how this would impact me. I'm still looking into details like that. My trip this year may be in the 30-day range, so maybe that won't be a problem. @harry, You're very welcome! I suppose a MagicJack is one solution, but I've never used that so can't offer any comments. You could also buy an inexpensive travel Phone, either from one of the "travel phone" firms or when you arrive in Europe. They're not usually too expensive. Cheers!

Harry Skype is another inexpensive way to make calls and to text. Although you will need to have wifi access, if you have a smart phone, you can call a landline or cell phone using Skype. The rates are very inexpensive. Happy travels!!!

Minnie, thanks for that idea. I ididn't know that skype worked to non skype phones numbers.

This ZDNet article discusses unlocking a Verizon iPhone 4S.

Ken, I have read that the Verizon iPhone 4 only worked with CDMA but that the Verizon iPhone 4 s has the radio for both CDMA and GPS so it should work in Europe. I have no personal experience with this, however, because I don't use an iPhone.

Paul, Thanks for the note. I wasn't sure which of the iPhone 4 features had been upgraded in the iPhone 4S CDMA versions, which is the reason I prefaced my earlier reply with "AFAIK". Keeping up with all the details in wireless technology (especially with a foreign carrier) is always challenging! Based on the information in This Article, it appears the same features are also available in the Sprint versions of the iPhone 4S (although there appears to be a requirement for their phones to remain "locked" for at least 90-days vs. 60 days for Verizon). Although this makes it much easier for Verizon and Sprint customers to travel internationally, there's still the issue of which travel SIM to use. As you've noted in previous posts, inexpensive data plans are relatively easy to get in the U.K., however that's not always the case with other countries in Europe. For those customers with <90-days on their plan who are required to travel with Sprint roaming partners, hopefully they don't return home to a huge bill for data roaming. The plans offered by TruPhone (mentioned in the ZD Net article) look good, however I'd like to know a bit more about the specifics of their "patented technology" before considering it. I find it surprising that TruPhone doesn't actually offer micro-SIM's, but instead requires their customers to purchase a SIM Cutter on Amazon (or wherever). Due to the plethora of options and pricing plans available, it's still difficult for most consumers to wade through the material to find the cheapest solution for travel. Cheers!