Is everyone aware of the risks when travelling with Smart phones?

Terry Kathryn: check your blackberry plan. I can turn off data services on my Blackberry. (go to settings, then network, then turn data off) when I do that I can still use my phone and text, but I don't have email. that's what I do when I am in Europe. when I get back I just turn data back on.

Lisa, on the main Welcome to the Travelers Helpline page, there is a link farther down the page that says "Format Your Posts". There is information in there about how to do links.

Thanks Ken and Nancy

All the problems in the U.S. seem to be with AT&T. With Verizon, I can sign up for a monthly plan for unlimited data overseas for $69.99 and it will be prorated if I use less than a month. All the other problems seem to be with Canadian services. Phone call overseas via Verizon are still highway robbery.

Frank II, I've found the "Canadian services" work very well for roaming in Europe, however they're on the "pricey" side. I've been with the same network since 1992, and have experienced very few problems in that time. For my trip this year, I may try an experiment with my network provider and try one of their Travel Packs for voice and text since my trip will be about a month (the maximum time for "Travel Packs" is a month). It will be interesting to find out what type of bills I'll have? Cheers!

On a few recent trips to Europe with my Blackberry I had to stop my email service while I was overseas, even though I assured AT&T I would not be opening those emails unless an emergency. It did not matter. If the emails came to my phone (spam or not) even if I ignored them, there would be a charge. It's based on some kind of 'amount of data', which is impossible to calculate. So, I opted for a cheap international text plan, and stopped my emails. However, when I got home and wanted to turn my email back on, the plan I had was no longer available....so, of course...they wanted more money. I have been with them forever and have a number of phones, so after 30 minutes of arguing, the manager reinstated my previous plan. Now I have a few trip this year and have to decide how to handle it again!

Terry, I think the best way to handle it. Is to have two phones or to convince AT&T to unlock your blackberry. Unless you have a situation where you absolutely, positively need be reachable at your US number just use a foreign plan and sim card. Odds are plenty of people have your cell phone number that you don't want to get calls from while overseas and on vacation.

We had a friend have a similar situation. He was visiting family in India with his new iPhone and didn't turn off the roaming. He came home to a $3000 phone bill. Makes me glad that I have an iTouch instead. I'm not that tech-savvy, I'd probably mess up and end up in the same boat. With the iTouch, I just have to find free wifi, that can be a challenge at times, but the key word is FREE.

100 MB/day for 2 1/2 weeks is a huge amount of data usage on a phone. But I suppose it can be done if downloading a lot of maps, doing a lot of emailing and surfing the web every day. It's very simple to turn off data roaming and email push on an iPhone. In the States, AT&T has affordable data roaming options that allow reasonable use of smart phones while abroad without incurring big roaming fees.

If it was really a smart-phone, it would have known better. :)

It doesn't matter if you read your mail or not, mail and data comes to a phone unless you put it in airplane mode or turn off automatic mail collection. There are all kinds of settings on phone but international data roaming should be an opt in thing not opt out but the phone companies always want to make more money and unless you prepare for it data roaming can be extremely expensive. The average traveler probably doesn't have a clue about this at least people coming to message boards like this can learn from each other. AT&T has info here see travel tips on right side: http://www.wireless.att.com/learn/international/roaming/affordable-world-packages.jsp?wtSlotClick=1-0044LQ-0-1&WT.svl=calltoaction how do you put a live link on this board?

most people are not tech savy enough to do the ebst things to maximise the use of a smart phone when they leave the country, its not a big deal but i found that even as being tech savy as i am that phone companies can still screw you. I was away for all of april last year minus the first week. i got my g1(original android phone) unlockedby tmboile. i got to france stepped off the metro to call my friend in paris and what do you know, my phone doesnt find a network. so ifigure ok no big deal i will go to orange and get a sim card and be on my way...nope, nothing. so i end up buying a cheap flip phone to get by which i kept and will use again this trip. i got back and called tmobile and apparently the person who had given me the unlock code also decide to basically inactivate my phone if out of the USA thinking they were doing me a favor. So when i told them how they had left me stranded they didnt give a damn until i raised my voice. they then cradited my bill for the month of april. so basically, if you dont have an unlocked phone and need a phone where ever you are going....spend 30 bucks and get a cheap to go phone...if you need the internet that badly because you have all your trips and address on their, i reccommend gettign an app that can save maps to your memory so you can use them offline

Lisa, How's this...... Link to Lisa's story Cheers!

Ed... I have thought of that and may try it next trip...last time I told my family to text if they were going to call me, then I would answer. Otherwise I do not answer...I just use it to call out. AT&T did havve a plan for email for about $60 for overseas, but it was based on 'amount of data' and I didn't know how to calculate emails coming in. I have actually had superb coverage all over Europe as well as Mexico and even the mountains of Guatemala...so I am happy about that. I have been with other friends who had other service and theirs never worked as well as mine.

Another possibility to consider if you have an iPhone is http://www.iphonetrip.com/ This is probably not the most convenient solution if you are mostly concerned with voice as it just gives you unlimited data; voice is handled by using VOIP applications like Skype. I used Skype a few times over wi-fi; last year it didn't work very well over 3G, but that may have changed. If you just want wi-fi VOIP obviously you don't need a specific 3G data plan. We used this service last year for three weeks in Spain and were happy with how it worked. However, our main issue was data, especially google maps which we used a lot while driving since the Michelin maps weren't that detailed. We also used maps while walking, plus the standard data usages for web, email, etc. I just did a preliminary check and the price per day for unlimited data appears to have gone up, but depending on when you travel, expected data usage vs. phone, etc., you might be better off with the pre-paid AT&T data plans. You have to do some cost comparisons and think seriously about how you use your phone. Another possibility that we are considering for this year is jailbreaking an iPhone and using local SIM cards for the data and voice, but that is a more complex issue.

Kevin, You may have some difficulty in using a "jailbreak" iPhone for data use in Europe. While it's relatively easy to obtain a SIM for voice and text, data plans are typically sold only on a contract basis and limited to residents. However, I believe one carrier in the U.K. is offering PAYG data plans, but I don't have much information on it. As you noted, the data issue is somewhat more complex. Cheers!

I'm sorry, but given how ubiquitous smartphones are these days, there is no excuse for not doing your homework (i.e. purchasing an international data plan or keeping your phone in Airplane Mode). I spent weeks all over Europe, constantly using my phone as a clock, navigator, camera, etc. without any hassles. The only risk of bringing a smartphone on a trip is the user's ignorance, both when it comes to data and not getting it stolen.

Anna - that's pretty harsh....some users might not be as tech-savvy as you. Some people, especially those of "other"generations, just don't always"get" it as quickly as you children do.

Ken, when I wrote "problems," I was referring to billing problems such as the woman from Vancouver with a $37,000 bill.

"All the problems in the U.S. seem to be with AT&T. With Verizon, I can sign up for a monthly plan for unlimited data overseas for $69.99 and it will be prorated if I use less than a month." What type of phone do they give you for unlimited data overseas? It's hard to imagine truly unlimited data overseas on a smart phone.

There is a simple solution to all this; Don't take a phone with you. I know in today's phone-obsessed world this seems foolish. But remember that 20 years ago nobody had mobile phones. Even 10 years ago there were plenty of people without them - and yet people still traveled. Given the ease of email devices and free or low-cost WIFI, there is simply little reason to consider voice-to-voice contact critical. Frankly, most trip-related information would be better given & received in written form via email anyway. Your children/parents/coworkers can email you and you can get back to them in a matter of a few hours & no more fussing with time difference calculations wondering what time it is "over there". I recently heard a story about how younger people today are less likely than ever to use their phones for talking. They just text and leave voice mail messages - making our reliance on that device even more silly. I have an iPod touch for all of that. I can even make calls via skype for (almost) free anywhere worldwide, as long as I have a WIFI connection. But I don't. I email. Seriously, people. Stop worshipping your cell-phone...

Lisa, it looks like they changed the plan. It used to be unlimited. Now you pay either $30/month for 25 MB or $100 for 70 MB. In 2010, the unlilited plan was still in effect. I guess they must have just changed it. Verizon just gets greedier every day. 100 MB/month is nothing. Not worth it anymore. Regular use will get AT&T type rates. I guess it's back to wifi.

Frank II, Sorry, I misunderstood your meaning for "problems". I'm sure the "excessive billing" has happened elsewhere, but I seem to only hear about those from Canadian networks. One of the other large Canadian Cell networks has somewhat of a "reputation" for billing problems, and is the most frequently reported to the government regulatory agencies, Better Business Bureau, etc. I was really surprised to hear that they weren't the "culprit" this time. Cheers!

Well, I am going to a Best Buy and see if the Itouch is the technology for me! Any drawbacks from someone who has one, or really knows about them? (getting way off original topic here)

So Randy... you are saying to replace your cell phone with an ipod touch? What are the benefits? Aren't you just replacing one item with another? (how would this make things simpler, or cheaper?) I don't want to complicate my travels, but make them easier.

The iTouch doesn't need any plan, just a wifi connection. I use mine for free at places like Chik Fil A, Starbucks, anywhere with a free wifi connection. Costs me nothing over the cost of the iTouch. Yes, I can't use it everywhere like a smart phone, but I don't have to pay anything to use it, either. No plans to worry about, no data roaming. And it's the same size as an iPhone, so it fits in my pocket or purse.

Exactly what Maureen said. Plus it has access to thousands of apps, music, movies, etc. As Skype-like features become more refined, I can see even less need for a cell phone.

Email is a wonderful thing, but it isn't a perfect replacement for a cellphone. When my aging parents were having health problems, I had to keep in contact with them frequently while traveling. Neither knew how to use a computer, but they were comfortable using the phone to communicate. And maybe someday every French bistro will let you make reservations online. But these days, it's a phone call for reservations. And that has nothing to do with 'worship' of cellphones. Just practicality.

So JER, What would you have done 20 years ago? Stayed home? And you can "call" home as often as you find a WIFI connection for pennies a minute using skype - without worrying about your data plan, SIM card, "airplane mode" or any of that nonsense. You can call a bistro the same way, too, if that is truly critical to your travel experience.

Terry Kathryn, If a tiny form factor is the most important thing for you, then the iPod Touch would be a great option. It's so small and slim that you can slip it into your pocket and forget it's there. But doing email or using the internet can be a little tedious on such a small screen. If good visability is more important to you than small, try the iPad. It does essentially the same things as the Touch, but in a much more friendly and comfortable way. It's about half the size of a laptop - or about the same size as a Kindle - and doesn't fit in any pocket. The newest version will be in stores in a week. The old ones are on sale for $100 off.

Hey, Randy, what would you have done twenty years ago, lugged around your Commodore 64? I'm not sure I get your point. You suggested that those of us that 'worship'our cell phones need to get with the program and travel without one like you do. I pointed out that some of use have different needs and don't find that email and skype suffice for us. No need to be snarkey and rude about those who have needs unlike yours. Oh, and check out some of the local bistros next time you're in France. They may not be 'critical' to one's travel experience, but you never know, you might find you enjoy trying them.

Tex, I tend to also consider Cell phones as a "handy tool", but in some cases they're more of a necessity. There was one occasion on my 2009 trip to Europe that I was VERY THANKFUL that I was travelling with a Cell phone! On that trip, I was experiencing some problems with my primary ATM card. Basically, it wouldn't work at the ATM's of any Bank, regardless of time-of-day or other factors. I therefore had to resort to my backup card, which is with the same financial institution. The Bank had noticed this pattern of unsuccessful ATM attempts, followed by a successful withdrawal with the other card. After about three days, I received a phone call at about 03:00 to enquire about this. When I explained the situation, they simply told me to continue using the backup card. If they hadn't been able to reach me, they would have "frozen" both cards, which would have been a MAJOR problem for me at the time! I later found out that the problem was a "coding error", as they were changing their data system at the time. That's been corrected, and I haven't had any problems with my primary ATM card since that time. Considering the circumstances, that's one call I didn't mind receiving in the middle of the night! Cheers!

This past summer, when I traveled to Germany and Austria, I called AT&T before leaving and spent an hour on the phone with them setting up my international travel plan (limited roaming, $20-something dollars) just in case I needed. I took my iPhone in order to Skype with my wife when we were separated on the trip, and to use as my iPod/Kindle while on the planes and trains. There were at least four times when I turned off the airplane mode to try and use the phone (chancing the data usage), but I could never get a signal - and this was in Berlin, Vienna, and Munich. Turns out, they never turned on the plan. So I don't know if in that conversation they turned 'off' my ability to roam or what, but I was not able to get a signal even if I wanted to. BTW, another tip is to turn off PUSH notifications for emails, but that won't stop voice messages, unless you are in airplane mode.

Skype and email are fine tools, but since the advent of the telephone there have always been demanding clients, customers and employers who insist on being able to make contact by telephone. In my working days, I had to compile and distribute a list of phone numbers where I could be reached during my travels and would regularly call my office. Today's cell phones obviate that process but haven't eliminated the demands of people who want their hands held and urgent matters addressed in a phone call. So for many travelers a cell phone is a necessity, not merely a matter of convenience. For others like me, a cell phone is a handy tool. I prefer to talk to my loved ones back home from the comfort of my hotel room, apartment or a friendly park bench. I like knowing they can call and reach me if they wish. If I have a problem with a rental car, as happened last year on the road in France, I want to be able to call the agency on the spot. Of course we got by without cell phones in the olden days of the 90's and before, just as people got by without telephones at all in prior generations. We had to. But I personally won't ever travel without a cell phone again.

I think we're going to buy phones when we get to France, just two since there is a group of us. And when we have to talk with people overseas we use skype. It works great. Of course that means you have to have a computer. Question, has anyone had experience with a Kindle or Nook overseas?

Debbie: You can use Skype over a smartphone using either wifi or 3G or you can use Skype over an iPod Touch using wifi. To just Skype call someone, I wouldn't want to have to carry a laptop or even a netbook.

"Anna - that's pretty harsh....some users might not be as tech-savvy as you. Some people, especially those of "other"generations, just don't always"get" it as quickly as you children do." It's not harsh, it's realistic and practical. No matter how old you are, if you purchase a smartphone, it only makes sense to read up/talk to your service provider about its features and what to do with it abroad. Age is no excuse not to seek information about how to use a rather pricy product you just bought.

We never take our "real" phone, but instead, use some older phones we have here and get SIMS abroad. I don't understanding taking your phone from home to be honest. I'd hate to have anyone calling or texting me while on vacation! Ours is used to communicate with each other while abroad.

Anna: To get informed about what one needs to know about using a smartphone overseas, one must know first the type of questions to ask. There is no test required to buy a smartphone and it usually is configured to work right away. Consequently, the folks that get burned by unintended data use probably haven't a clue they are even using data or that it matters. The carriers are getting better about warning their customers, through text messages and the like, but more could be done to prevent mishaps. I can't really blame most of the people who haven't a clue about all the intricacies of cell use because there are lots of things I know I don't know and know I don't know I don't know. (Didn't Donald Rumsfeld say something like that about the Iraq war?) I happen to know cell phones, though, and know where to look to find information. To some degree, however, when I first learned of some of the issues, it was by accident. So to me, when I read these stories, my thought is, "In some other context, that could easily be me."

Afraid I disagree, Anna. The world is full now of consumer items with increasingly arcane and complex product attributes and rules governing their usage. It is not reasonable or practical for most consumers to figure tham all out. Think of all the online agreements that you 'sign' when you click "I have read and agree to all the terms." Do you really read them? And understand them? And contact your legal advisor in the case of terms that you don't agree with? Honestly, I am an attorney and I don't bother. I suspect few people do. Likewise, I would guess that most people don't understand most of the technological attributes and capabilities of the things they own. For example, Microsoft contacted beta users of what would become Windows 7 to ask them what new features they wanted incorporated into the new operating system. It turned out that 90% of the requested features had already been incorporated into Windows XP! And these were users sophisticated enough to become beta testers... So, in my opinion, it is harsh to condemn people for failing to fully understand the terms of the agreements they sign for all of the many consumer products they buy. YMMV of course.

All you have to do is call/meet your service provider and say "I am going overseas. What would it cost me to use my phone abroad? How can I avoid extra charges?" This is no different than calling your bank to inquire about charges you would incur abroad. None of the issues raised in any of these articles about multi-thousand-dollar fees mentioned any fine print buried within a 50-page software update licensing agreement.

My travel partner wants to keep in touch with me while traveling in Europe, or at least have emergency contact possible. If my iPhone is in airplane mode, we can't call. (I'd like to use it for maps, reservations, etc.) She has Verizon, I have ATT.
What to do?

John, if you'll need to call then you will need to keep your phone on (off of airplane mode). There are still steps you can take to lessen your data used, like turning off push messages, etc. Another option is for both of you to buy local phones over there and use them. It really depends on how long your visit is. I'm guessing it is short, so it will be easier just to use your own phone. If you are using your own, call ATT or go online and set up the international calling and texting plans.

John, A few comments about your last post, and keeping in touch with your travel partner. Your iPhone will work fine in Europe, however I'd suggest contacting AT&T for information on their "Travel Packs" which will save you some money on voice and text calls. I believe they have Packs for data also, however I haven't checked recently. I don't own an iPhone but I believe it's possible to switch off the data portion but still leave voice and text active. I'd suggest checking this periodically during the trip, as I've heard a few reports of the data portion mysteriously switching on again. Your partner's Verizon Phone won't even work in Europe, as it's very likely CDMA technology. Therefore she won't be able to keep in touch with you, or anyone else for that matter! Verizon used to offer a travel phone for rentals up to one month, but I'm not sure if that's still available? Your travel partner may want to have a look at some of the travel phone firms such as Roam Simple, Call In Europe, Cellular Abroad, Telestial or Mobal, as they offer inexpensive phones as well as SIM's (for those that already own a compatible phone). There are other options as well, including buying another phone when you arrive in Europe or buying an unlocked quad-band GSM phone from E-Bay or similar sites. Each option has advantages and disadvantages. Cheers!

Anna - Some of these users have incurred thousands of dollars in charges when they weren't "using the phone" - they just had it in the wrong mode and data charges were piling up. I think the mention of a software agreement was just an analogy. ... Whatever!!! PS - I guess I was one of those irresponsible dumb old people. If I didn't read this helpline on a regular basis, I would have had no idea you could rack up roaming data charges when the phone wasn't even being used. And talking to your carrier is no guarantee of anything. In my 15 years as a mobile phone user (remember the bag phones?), I have received incorrect information on several occasions from the service providers.

John, One other point to mention regarding a choice of phones for your travel partner..... If she obtains a phone in Europe or uses a Phone or SIM from one of the travel Phone firms, the phone will have a European number. That means (for example) that if she needs to call you (voice call), she'll have to phone your U.S. number, which of course will involve long distance charges. The call will be routed back to you from the U.S. Texting is usually the most cost effective method for keeping in touch, as the cost is very reasonable (although it adds up, if used frequently).

"Texting is usually the most cost effective method for keeping in touch, as the cost is very reasonable (although it adds up, if used frequently)." Yet when I suggested people just leave their phones at home and avoid all this nonsense & just email and skype, I was treated like a Luddite. Text - email ...what's the difference? Except one involves a phone with unique hoops to jump through so confusing that people are often advised to simply not use the phone part. My head is spinning... Now I'll make a late run to the grocery store where I'll get stuck behind someone using their cell phone instead of a shopping list. How on earth did we live without these devices?

First of all, thanks for posting this story...informative to say the least. I don't bring any of this type of electronic gear with me on a trip in Europe, be it three weeks or over two months, cell phones, iPhones, etc. none of it. To keep in touch back here I just use the internet cafes to phone and e-mail, and I always have a local phone card on me. Internet cafes are located everywhere. Twenty years ago I used phone cards, in 1970s I made the calls back home from the train stations or post offices, and you knew where they were in France, West Germany, and Austria.

Randy -- the difference between texting and email is that text messages are instantaneous and emails you have to wait until you get to wifi and the other checks the computer. Why anyone needs that level of instant communications is a different issue, but there certainly is a difference between thee two.

Christine, "He thought wi-fi was free." That's a point that needs to be clarified. Wi-Fi is often provided at no charge by many Hotels and other lodgings. Ironically, the larger "posh" Hotels usually charge for it, which seems a bit "cheap" considering the prices they charge for rooms. Other locations such as McDonald's or Starbucks (where you can find one) also usually have a small charge for Wi-Fi access. As your husband's phone is with Verizon, it's very important to check the phone to determine whether it's a "dual-technology" CDMA / GSM model (some of the Droid models appear to have that capability). Without a SIM card installed, it's unlikely that the phone would even connect to a network, so expensive data roaming charges shouldn't be a concern (but I'd probably still determine how to disable the data roaming). The phone will likely indicate "No Service" as soon as it's switched on in Europe, but the Wi-Fi access should still work. I'm not too familiar with the Droid phones, but using "Airplane mode" will probably disable ALL wireless functions, including Wi-Fi. Cheers!

Ok, so my husband wants to use his Droid only using Wi-Fi so we can send e-mail to friends and family. How should he do this without incurring massive charges? He though wi-fi was free. We have Verizon. This thread has thoroughly confused me. Of course, I don't understand smart phones at all. I have just a plain, indestructbale little phone that I use to make phone calls, don't text much at all, etc. We don't have cable tv out here in the sticks, very slow internet, etc. I kind of like it that way!! Christine

Actually my experience is that if you switch to airplane mode on an Android phone, it shuts off all wireless access. But then you can turn on wifi and the phone does not restart the cell connection. You are in airplane mode, but with wifi working. That's a nice feature.

Why not use a prepaid calling card. For $20 I bought from Nobel and taking it in May in Paris and Lake Como. the only thing I had to do a little research was the use of access codes, each country is different. But was explained in detail by my guy Jason and I will have about 600 minutes.

Randy, 20 years ago she would have been calling from a pay phone regularly. Heck, as recently as 10 years ago she could have done that (as I did from Switzerland to check on my elderly dog with health problems that a friend was keeping for me). Obviously you are from the generation that would ask, "what's a phone booth?"

Nancy, No, you misinterpreted my message. I'm well aware what phone booths were. I used one regularly in college when I lived in my own apartment for two years but saw little need to pay $30/month for a phone. I just don't understand people's obsession with being in contact 24/7. When there were phone booths everywhere people used them, but infrequently. Why do we suddenly feel the need to banter drivel frequently? Two years ago our family of five spent a month in France. Our week-long apartment rental in Paris came with a phone that the owners said we could use for free calls anywhere. At first we were excited by the unexpected extra amenity. My wife called her parents back here simply because she could, saying essentially; "Guess what, were calling from Paris and it's free!" but for no other reason. There was no one else we needed to call. We COULD HAVE, certainly, if our goal was to banter drivel about "what's new with you...oh not much, how about you?" But that's not our goal while away. We're busy doin' stuff. I certainly understand the idea of phones as a safety device and I understand the need to keep in touch with your job if you are a CEO. But most of us here didn't need instant phone access 20 years ago to feel safe and most of us are not nearly as critical to our jobs as we think we are.

I'm with JER on this-I have changed my vacation plans due to family health situations. No one needs to stay home, housekeepers, parents, kids sometimes need to know immediately.
I've used the Verizon rentaphone abroad so I could keep my phone number, still very expensive. Made my kids leave their smartphones home.

I have done at least two trips with people who either could not put down their cell phones long enough to actually experience what we went to see, or over-spent on hotel phones just to say hi to every member of her large extended family. I don't understand this inability to disconnect from the daily grind of work and family for at least a little while; to me, that's what travel and/or vacations are for. I can see relaxing in an internet cafe to goof off on Facebook for a while, but otherwise, I'm gone, on vacation, not available, and my trips are not so highly structured that I need to make endless arrangements or adjustments to my plans. I leave my cell phone and computer at home, and I don't miss them at all.

There are studies that show that cell phone users get an endorphin rush when their phones ping with a new text message or email, similar to the rush gamblers feel when playing the slots and the machines light up and make noise. I don't talk on my phone much, and the calls I do make are generally all business related. I'm not one to chat. I do check for email, though, and I should do it less frequently. I will be taking my phone on my next trip, but I may try and set it to download new messages less often, perhaps once every two hours . . . at first. If I don't break out in a cold sweat, maybe I can then stretch that to every four hours and so on.

I don't get that rush of endorphins when I get a call or a text on my cell - it's more like a "oh gawd what is it NOW...go away". So I really don't understand the need to have a phone sutured to the body or to be in 24/7 contact with ANYone. But that's just ME...y'all have to do what you have to do for you. Paul - maybe there's a 12 step program out there for you...;-)

Has anyone used the iPhone app "Viber"? I just heard about it and it sounds great, but I'm afraid a little "too good to be true", so I wanted to see if anyone else has experience with it and if it truly is free (as long as you have a wi-fi connection). I will be in Germany, Austria, Switzerland and Prague soon and want to be able to check in with home from time to time. I'm assuming as long as I can get on-line (at my hotel for example) that there is no fee to make calls to another iPhone user with the same app. Thanks!

Terry kathryn:
When I took my iPhone to Europe, I didn't have to pay through the nose, even for e-mail. The solution is threefold: 1. I bought the 50 MB international plan from AT&T; 2. For e-mail, I switched the data fetching function from push to manual and updated my e-mail while in wifi hotspots; 3. For the most part, I kept the data roaming function off and download e-mails only in wifi hotspots. I stayed under to 50 MB limit and was never charged with any penalties.

Erika, I haven't used Viber but it looks good. I suggest you post your question separately as I think it will be lost in this thread. John, we did the same as you and had no trouble staying within 50 MB. It was very useful to have access to the internet when wifi wasn't available.

Erika if you know that you are using Wi-fi (have 3G turned off) then any data usage will be free. That said, the higher end the hotel, the more likely they will charge you for wi-fi usage, but that is usually per hour, rather than for data used. Cheaper hotels typically have free wi-fi, but you often need to get the network name and password from them. Also, during busy times at the hotel, especially after dinner when it is afternoon back home and everyone is trying to make Skype calls or just check their email and the web, it can be very frustrating for trying to hook up with someone as there just isn't enough bandwidth to go around. Anyway, as long as you are just doing computer to computer or using chat you're set. If you want to make a VOIP call to a real landline or mobile telephone that gets a bit more involved.

I'm going to temporarily hijack this thread (sorry!), but it seems to be populated by people who know far more about cell phones service in the US than I do... Here's my question- is there a US equivalent to the dirt-cheap pay-as-go Vodafone models they sell over here? I always had a Verizon monthly plan when I lived in the US and never considered pre-loaded phones. Reason I'm asking is because my wife and I are going to a family reunion this summer at a certain large resort in Orlando Florida and we will need a way to keep in contact with each other and other members of our party. And does anyone know if I would be able to buy such phones at the Orlando airport?

"...Here's my question- is there a US equivalent to the dirt-cheap pay-as-go Vodafone models they sell over here?..." Not sure if they are sold at the airport but Tracfone is what you are looking for. You can buy basic phones for as little as $20 including 60 minutes of airtime. You can purchase more minutes by buying their cards literally anywhere: gas station/convenience stores, supermarkets, sometimes with a credit card via the phone, and via the tracfone site. You can purchase the phone kit at best buy, walmart, target etc. Might save you time and hassle to order everything you need via their web site, and have it shipped to one of your relatives also going to the reunion. http://www.tracfone.com

Thanks, that's exactly what I was looking for. OK, Michael paid the ransom, so I shall now un-hijack this thread.