Yet another iPhone 5 question....

Turn airplane mode ON then go back to the wifi settings and change it to ON.

If you turn off cellular data you obviously won't use data.

You will still have a phone. If it rings and you answer it (or make a call) you will be using international voice. With ATT and no international voice plan this runs about two bucks a minute.

The notion of using the airplane switch has drawbacks since it a multi-step process with error potential. It also prevents you from getting a really important call.

Yes, turn off cellular data and keep it off. When in Italy in November 2013, I could use both Google mapping and iPhone mapping without data charges. I have both apps installed on my phone.

I do like Miranda does. Turn on Airplane Mode (which turns everything off), then turn on Wifi. I use my phone all the time this way in Europe.

So are there 2 ways to turn off cellular data, one being to switch it off specifically and the other to switch to airplane mode? I'm hoping to go back to Europe in fall 2014 or spring 2015 (fingers crossed) and now that I have an iPhone, I'm paying attention to all of the data questions.

If you want to make/receive calls and make/receive text messages but don't want to run up data usage, you can just turn mobile data off. If you want, you can turn it back on when you do need mobile data. Really, depends on how you want to use your phone. If you really want to use it regularly, (especially for data) get a local SIM card.

Amy,

Given the fact that you stated that you do NOT want texting or calling capabilities, I'd use the method suggested earlier - put the phone in Airplane Mode and then switch Wi-Fi back on.

If you don't use that method, the phone section will still be active, which means that anyone calling your home number will reach you in Europe at any time of the day (or night). As Ed pointed out, you'll be paying exorbitant rates (usually billed per minute) for just telling callers that you don't want to be called while in Europe.

Cheers!

OMG! I never knew that you could do Airplane Mode and THEN turn WiFi back on. So cool! That is great. I do not want/need phone or texting. If there's an emergency, my family will have info on where we're staying or can email and I'll get the message where we lodge or get to WiFi again. I read all the threads on here about Sim cards in iPhones and I'm utterly confused. I don't know if I care enough to try to understand it/research it further. I didn't know there was a Sim card in iPhones and if there is, how do you get to it? It would be kind of nice to not have a way for people to reach me. We don't have children, so I don't know why I can't just be on limited communications for a few weeks...... It worked back in the day......
This is so helpful! Thanks everyone!

If you really don't care to use your phone as you would home in the States, don't need to make local calls, don't need data on the go, etc. etc. don't worry about getting a local SIM card. It's a controversial subject and everyone has a different perspective. Based on your responses, I would just do the Airplane Mode with manually activating the WiFi. That should make sure you can't receive calls or text messages and would prevent you from accidentally placing a call or a text message.

Thank you for making it so simple, everyone!

Amy,

A few additional points to clarify.....

It would help to know which cellular network you're with? Regarding SIM (Subscriber Identity Module) cards, ALL phones which operate on GSM networks (which are used in Europe and about 85-90% of the world) will have a SIM card. The card contains account details, etc.

Leaving your phone in Airplane Mode should prevent any unwanted calls or cellular data use, which will keep your costs at a minimum (received texts are often free). However, it's a good idea to ensure that your phone NEVER registers with a European network, as you could still be billed for calls which are bounced back to your Voicemail (at least for a 24-hour period). You can prevent the phone from registering by switching it to Airplane Mode prior to arrival in Europe so that the phone never tries to "find" a network. Hopefully this isn't too confusing?

Cheers!

Ken, I have AT&T. I think I understand what you're telling me. If I turn my phone onto Airplane Mode before leaving the US and never turn it off of Airplane Mode until my return, I'm good to go?

Amy,

Thanks for the additional information. AT&T operates a GSM network, so your phone will most certainly have a SIM card, which for an iPhone 5 will be a Nano SIM (the smallest version). It's located in a tray on the right side of the phone. Don't try opening the tray unless absolutely necessary as it's very small and a bit fragile.

In the same situation, I'd probably place the phone in Airplane Mode at the start of the flight to Europe, and just leave it that way for the entire trip. Turn the Wi-Fi "on" the first time you want to use it, but BE SURE to switch it "off" again during air travel.