My wife just got an iphone and since you can't remove the sim card, it seems like the only thing we can do to avoid AT&T charging roaming is to keep it in airplane mode. She wants to be able to use the camera on her phone (which I admit is a nice camera). Anyone else keep their iphone in airplane mode throughout their trip to Spain? Was that enough to prevent any additional charges?
Thanks!
Why can't the SIM card be removed? Apple shows how to.
Yes, airplane mode will prevent excess charges. You can turn wifi on while in airplane mode and use wifi at hotels, cafes, airports - wherever you find free wifi.
For peace of mind go to settings and reset your usage stats - then you can check to make sure you're not using any data.
I'd also turn cellular data OFF (settings - cellular). That way if airplane mode accidentally is turned off you still won't rack up charges
I have used my iPhone multiple times in Europe while it was set to airplane mode. I turned WiFi on and was able to do email and upload my photos to cloud storage. Neve got charged anything by AT&T, but also did not have the ability to make or receive calls (which was fine with me).
I used my iPhone all over Spain and Portugal a year ago while it was in airplane mode. Used the camera, and got emails and used the browser back at the hotel or in wifi someplace else. No extra charges from, in my case, Verizon. Have a good trip.
First: there is no reason why you cannot remove the SIM card from any phone.
However, there is no point in removing it if said phone is not an unlocked one! ; as you would not then be able to use a SIM from whatever country you had planned to buy one in.
Second: I used to buy a SIM card in Europe for my unlocked phone , but nowadays I just turn it to airplane mode, and use apps like WhatsApp, Skype, etc to call home using WiFi.
Granted, you can't then use your phone for app. calls if you are out and about and have no WiFi; but then you would still have the option of turning your phone on to make a quick call in a dire emergency.
So far I've done this for three trips : Spain, Paris and Italy; and it worked well.
You can also make calls through Facebook Messenger and Google.
Just check daily to make sure you are not out of airplane mode accidently, as it can happen!
Oh, and make sure your accommodation has very reliable Wifi.
Just turn off data roaming and that will solve the issue. You won't be able to send a photo with a text, so send it via email when connected to WiFi. Unless you make a call, you won't have any voice roaming. I have an older iPhone and have never placed it in airplane mode.
Or, if you want to be absolutely sure you don't run up charges, you can have AT&T put your phone on "vacation hold" (reduces the cost to $10/month, because you cannot access phone/data/text abilities) and just use the photo and Wi-Fi capabilities. Downside is that you have to have AT&T return it to regular service on your return so you can't make emergency calls; upside is that you cannot inadvertently use data and get an unexpected bill.
We have done this for several trips.
Here is a stoopid traveler question related to this thread: Can you use Uber while in airplane mode?
Some posters are in urgent need to understand what aeroplane mode means!
https://www.howtogeek.com/194421/what-does-airplane-mode-do-and-is-it-really-necessary/
The aeroplane mode was designed for "aeroplane travelling", so in order not to interfere with the plane's onboard systems ALL your wave-based transmissions are simply disconnected. That includes EVERYTHING, so you end up with nothing more than a pocket calculator, and if you have music or photos on your phone, then you can listen/browse them. No calls, no Internet, no wifi. Period.
When/if you activate any of these, then you're out the "aeroplane mode".
So, ask yourself: what good is a phone which I can't use for any call or data-related matter? Ah yes, for the alarm-clock :))
@Enric, a smart phone in airplane (or aeroplane) mode still works as a camera and GPS. Once connected to Wi-Fi at your hotel/ Starbucks you can e-mail, use Internet, even text/call if you have Skype set up at both ends. So not instant communication, but good enough for day-to-day non-emergency situations.
And yes, the alarm clock and flashlight.
Indeed, but when you connect to wifi, you're no longer in airplane mode, as the article explains. What I meant is that I see some confusion here as, for example, Griffsma is asking whether you can use the Internet in airplane mode, and the answer is no, you can't.
Yep, I leave my phone on airplane mode all the time while in Spain, with the wifi on. You will find free wifi in lots of unexpected places. And the camera is independent of your data plan or wifi. On my most recent trip, I discovered by accident that I had "wifi calling" enabled. As long as I was in a WiFi area, I could use my phone for calls without using an app of any kind. You need data to use Uber, since you will lose your wifi when you are driving. As for airplane mode, it IS possible to be in airplane mode AND have wifi turned on. I do it all the time.
