Iphone

I have heard it is very expensive to use in Europe. Is that true?

Thanks.

I have an iPhone and I can tell you that it is not cheap to use overseas. I did not use it to make phone calls I only used it to access the internet and for GPS. You have to pay for a data plan which gives you a limited amount of megabytes to use. If you go over your limit AT&T will nail you.

That being said the iPhone is the greatest phone ever made by man so you should have one anyway. But don't use it in Europe. It is not worth it.

Jennifer,

In order to provide more specific information, it would help to have some details on the reasons your friends are suggesting an IPhone for travelling? Some specific information to consider....

For basic voice & text, an IPhone doesn't provide any advantage over other cell phones, even basic models. There are two options for using this in Europe.

1.) Use the Phone while "roaming" with AT&T. No "jailbreak" or unlocking will be required. You'll keep your home number and will be billed on your regular account. However, be sure to review the roaming rates so that you have a clear idea what the costs might be. AT&T have an "international roaming plan" that provides slightly better rates.

2.) Unlock the phone and use a European SIM. In this case you'll have a different number, and friends and family will have to make an international call and pay long distance to reach you.

One important point to note regarding the IPhone (and other "smart phones") is that the data will be charged separately from the voice portion. International data roaming can be horrendously expensive (one IPhone user incurred a $3000 bill), so it's usually recommended to disable the data portion (E-mail and web surfing) while travelling.

Even with data turned off, you can still access the net using Wi-Fi in any location where this is available (some places charge a small fee for this). Note than you can get this same Wi-Fi capability by using an IPOD TOUCH, which uses many of the same App's.

Accessing the Net and E-mail while travelling can also be done by using a Netbook or Laptop, via Wi-Fi.

I'd suggest ignoring your friends and give some thought on whether you actually need an IPhone while travelling, and whether you can afford to pay for whatever charges you incur. I've used a basic Cellphone and an IPod Touch on past trips and that combination has worked well (however, I'll be taking a Netbook as well this year).

Good luck and happy travels!

iphone worked great in ireland last june...i just made sure i used wi-fi if i ever went to the net...only had to make a few calls...kept them short and was not expensive at all...

ATT has the info on how to travel savvy with the Iphone and explains what to turn off (like roaming). You can also leave it in Airplane mode all day until you need to make a call (1$ or more) or when you are in hotel lobbies. Always have the "roamind data" off.

IPHONE TRAVEL TIPS web site at ATT
http://www.wireless.att.com/learn/international/roaming/iphone-travel-tips.jsp

I am an AT&T Blackerry user. my last trip to Italy I had AT&T turn on international voice and data for my Blackberry. If you are like me and want to use your phone like you do at home and not get nailed $$$ on these services. I don't think it increased my bill by more than $50. By having data service it saved be from paying hotels to use their computers/ The Westin in Florence was over 10 euro a day... So by being able to email and web surf on my cell was invaluable. I turned off the service as soon as I got home. I also had difficulty with my credit card on that trip. Despite advance notification they flagged my card and I could not get through to the bank on the toll free number through the hotel phone. I had to use my cell. I love the iPhone but for business ya got to have a Blackberry.