AT&T versus Vadaphone on Ipad?

If you're going to rely on Skype and Facetime, then all you need is a wifi connection.

Be very cautious in the use of AT&T or any other U.S. carrier's 3G or 4G cellular abroad. You will be roaming and it will be terribly expensive. I'm not sure about the impact of using Vodofone. They are European but... Best to just use Wi-Fi where you can get it (which is everywhere).

Check out AT&T's world traveler plans. The rates aren't great, but they aren't horrible, either. AT&T has come a long way in offering data when traveling internationally. It is worth searching AT&T's web site to see what the prices are. I recommend getting an app to show you how much data you are using. I assume these are available for the iPad. Keep an eye on the number and you can be sure you won't be hit with a surprise mega-bill when you return home. See my last post in this thread for a comparison of data prices between what AT&T offers and what an English carrier offers for prepaid usage: iPhone 4S in Europe

I called AT&T. They told me you have to buy the domestic package before they allow you to buy the international package. They acutally have a data calculator that if you plug in the estimated usage it tells you have many megabits you will use. They said skype is equivalent to streaming video. It was super expensive. I estimated it could cost $50 for a 5 minute telepone call. Even downloading email is pricey. So the way to go will be Vadofone. We are landing very ealry in Milan. Does anyone know what time the place that sells it open? Also, I do understand that many places have Wifi and you can just use that for free but we want to be able to use it when we are driving between destinations. Thanks for your replies and in advance for other information. Tom

Tom, Are you referring to Vodafone? I'm not sure how easy it will be to buy a PAYG data SIM it Italy, as those are usually only offered to those on a "monthly contract" plan. Some of the "travel phone" firms offer data plans for iPads, however if you're leaving in a few days there may not be time to obtain one. As you'll be driving, one other point to mention. Are you aware of the usual "caveats" regarding driving in Italy? If not, post another note for further details. Happy travels!

Don't confuse data with wifi. If you just want to use the internet occassionaly use wifi. You do not need to have a data capability to do this. Most hotels and others now have wife and mostly it is free. If you want to access the net anytime via 4g, 3g or LTE then its costly. Buy a SIM chip for your iPad when you get there. Vodaphone has the best network in Europe but I am not sure about Italy. If you don't have the major network's SIM then you MIGHT get charged roaming (or at least use up your prepaid amounts more quickly). check out a few websites by doing a search for SIM cards in the country of your choice. It is always better to buy the SIM in country than in the US.

Tom, you may want to check out this recent message, too. It has some links to other messages that discuss using iPads / iPhones in Italy. iPhones in Italy