We want to use an Ipad for data and phone. We have an AT&T Ipad. I read that the AT&T can really be expensive because of roaming charges and we should not buy their Sim at all but get a local one in Italy. Others have said they have had trouble logging on to the through the local ones. Help! Should we skip AT&T altogether? Do we have to call them to turn off their service (we presently don't have it on) or can it be done through softway on the Ipad?
Posted by
Dallas
1021 posts
Phone - the only way to use an iPad for a phone is with Skype or other VOI service. You need a good wifi internet connection for that. Data - you can use wifi as you normally do. If you haven't signed up with AT&T and activated data service, you can't data roam through it even if you want to do so. When you get to Italy, go to a store and get a local sim. Here's a link to a Trip Advisor thread that has the info http://tinyurl.com/c7r5oxv
Posted by
Centennial, CO, USA
1883 posts
Do you have the Ipad2? If you do, you have Facetime. While that will only work with someone else who has Facetime, I can tell you it works great in Europe. The Ipad isn't a phone...so you can't make traditional phone calls. My Ipad2 doesn't have 3G, I didn't want to pay for that, since I have the iphone with it. My iphone is 4s, so I have facetime there as well. you should consider downloading the SKYPE app and use that for "calls" home. Even if you can't get video, you can hear each other. You will have to have a wi-fi connection. It seems that most hotels now offer this, either just in their lobby, or sometimes in your room. Turn off your roaming before you leave the US. You don't need it, and you will be charged if you use it in Europe. Hope this helps a bit. PM me if you have questions about my experiences with Ipad in Europe...
Posted by
Edmonds WA
244 posts
We used our Ipad this last fall the same way you want to use yours. We have the same At&T one. Each country we got to we bought a SIM card- they were cheap- between 15-30 USD. We never had any issues.
Posted by
Texas
518 posts
Also, buy the little camera card reader for the iPad. I got mine at Best Buy for about $30. You can load your pictures onto the iPad as you go along. We enjoyed looking at a slide show of what we had just seen.
Posted by
Chicago
2876 posts
If you do a lot of traveling, it may be more economical to purchase a mobile hotspot, rather than sim cards. If you have a smartphone, it very likely can itself serve as a mobile hotspot, with your not having to purchase any other device.