Just visited with friends that toured through Italy. They said their friends AT&T iPhone 4 wasn't reliable with phone calls. That may be purely empirical evidence... and I don't know the details. Are there some recent travelers that could rate their experience? Also looking for comments on iPad 1 users. Was the data plan from AT&T worth the $$$$? I have read that the iPad (both models) are unlocked and can take a local SIM card. Any experience there to confirm if its worth doing?
-K
Posted by
Austin, TX, USA
492 posts
Since you appear to be from Oregon, I'll assume you have a US bought device. The Verizon iPad/iPhone uses CDMA and does not work in Europe, unless they do some magic on their part. The AT&T models are locked unless you have unlocked them manually (certain versions with certain iOS versions can be done). Even 2 years ago we have very good use with hotels with wi-fi and only used the phone features rarely. We did buy the international packages, 50 size for one and 25 or something for the other and were very careful how we used our phones and had no major overcharges. Those were 3G phones, at the time. Next trip we'll do the same with whatever our current phone version and iPad 2. Part of the reliability with calls can depend on where you are visiting.
Posted by
Portland, Oregon, USA
306 posts
The data plan is not worth it. If you plan on using your GPS you will burn through your data plan in no time. Turn the phone off and use internet cafes to stay in touch. If you must have your iphone on you, then unlock it and buy a sim card locally.
Posted by
OP
Albany, United States
6 posts
Just visited www.iphonetrip.com and looked over their offering. Tempting as I can avoid unlocking.
We will definitely be using maps. Anyone with experience (favorable or otherwise) with www.iphonetrip.com? -K
Posted by
Austin, TX, USA
492 posts
There are quite a few map apps that don't require internet or 3G, they are worth checking out as well.
Posted by
Freeport
8 posts
We looked into plans to use our Iphones in Italy but could not find an affordable plan (we are on AT&T). However, we have a plan for the Ipad through AT&T also, and had no problem switching over to a Vodaphone microsim in Italy while we were there this month. We went to Vodaphone in Venice and they switched out the sim card for us (they have great month long data plans). No problems at all so I can't imagine the Ipad was locked. Good luck!
Posted by
Catadupa Alamere, CA
515 posts
Using an i-device for reading (maps or anything) can problematic in sunlight or rain
Posted by
OP
Albany, United States
6 posts
Hi Kate, Thanks for the specific details. Maybe I'll wait and do the same with the iPad. And gauge if its necessary once we are there. Good advise.
-K
Posted by
Tuscaloosa, AL
1152 posts
Karl, there is a post in the General Europe forum from Lisa who used iphonetrip.com. It is titled "Cell Phone Data Plan." She said she used the plan without problem, but it cost her $15 a day. It is possible to get data for less.
Posted by
NY, USA
500 posts
Yes, I did the iphone trip for data in Italy and I also got a micro SIM from TIM for my iPad2 5 GB for 35 euros much cheaper than the iPad AT&T international data plan. I used my iphone to check my email, voicemail that was forwarded to google voice, return calls (to actual phone numbers) with Skype. It was also great for downloading maps, finding restaurants and even obscure bus stops in Rome. I didn't want to worry about how much data I was using and to turn the data on and off constantly.