Apple Watch In Europe

I don't take my apple watch simply because it is an another item to be charged and a need for a special charging cable. It is an extra I don't need.

We took our Apple Watches (no cellular) to Europe last summer. We purchased the international plan from AT&T for our iPhones. We did not use our watches for walking directions mainly because I prefer Google maps, so we used our phones for directions, as well as a physical map. Also, our data was limited to 1000 MB for 30 days.
Benefits? It kept track of number of steps and exercise minutes each day. When we had WiFi, it alerted me to texts. And I liked knowing the local temp and forecast. And of course, it showed me the time :).
Would we take it again? Yes, because our only items we take that need to be charged are our watches and phones.

Hi Andrea, If you plan to keep your phone on you, you just need the GPS model. If you don't keep your phone on you, thats what the GPS + Cellular model is designed for.

It’s also great to have a more accurate count of your daily activity such as steps, cardio, and hours you were active. Just like on iPhone you can add your credit card to Apple Watch and pay for things with contactless payment aka Apple Pay.

Edit: Ryan used his extensively on this trip with no problems.

We've got the GPS-only Apple Watches and I was happy at how well directions work on them both in and out of country as long as the watch is in contact with my phone stashed in the bottom of my bag.

My husband had a great time with his Apple Watch this past April in Europe: he paid for almost everything with Apple Pay, which meant he didn't have to take his wallet out: he just waved the watch over the portable credit card scanners that almost every vendor used. In the event of theft, the Apple Watch is designed to shut down if it can't detect a heartbeat.
Safe travels!

I, too, have the Apple GPS only (cellular is not supported by my small provider). I love the movement/activity information and find this very motivating. I still use a map for directions so no experience with GPS. I DID use it on the train for my tickets! Of course, had them as back up on my phone and in paper form but it worked well to just hold it out for the conductor to scan.

I have had a FitBit for years but over the last year the face has become scratched and I could no longer read it in the sunlight.

I love the sharpness of the Apple faces and yes...I've got Paris photos on the face where you can load up pictures, lol! I also like having the weather when I had WIFI. I found it no problem to charge along with my phone and iPad Mini. I think next time I will take 2 adapters so I can do 2 things at once. One hotel had the USB plug adapters bedside which was wonderful.

I'm not really a tech person but I like having my watch, phone and iPad Mini.

You can buy bricks with 2 USB ports. Makes charging two things at the same time easy w/o using two plugs.

Thanks everyone. I have had a Fitbit for years, but it has been having issues. I figure it would be better to replace it with an Apple Watch that has a lot more functionality. I'm just undecided about whether to get the cellular model. There are times that I would prefer to not have to keep my phone with me, such as the gym, taking walks, and times I would like to not have to have a purse with me. I often don't have pockets that would accommodate my phone. But is it worth the extra cost and monthly cellular charge? Would it have enough extra value, especially when traveling? That is the dilema. I have responsibility for two people that I have to be reachable for at all times. As for an extra thing to charge, that's not a concern for me. I travel with a brick that has 3 USB ports or a strip that has 4 USB ports and 2 places to plug something in. Where I'm going and who I'm with determines which one I pack. I was just in Germany and took the brick. I only needed one adapter and was able to charge my iPad, iPhone and Fitbit at the same time.

I did it! I got an Apple Watch today. I did decide to get the cellular model. So far I really like it, but I'm going to take a class next week at my local Apple Store to learn more about the features.

Pam, how were you able to personalize the face of your watch with a picture of Paris? Inquiring minds want to know. :-)

Yay!! Happy Birthday!! 🎉🥳🎉

Thank Susan!!

Go to the Watch app on your phone. You'll see the first thing is "My faces". The first "face" can be pictures that you add. I have an Apple watch 4 so if you have a 5 it might be slightly different.

I added the pictures from the photos on my phone.

editing to add: HB from me as well! I got mine for my birthday in August. Also go to the Apple.com site (or look in your store - there's not one near me so I have to do online) and look at the different bands. The colors now are not attractive to me as they are "Fall" colors so I'm looking forward to what comes out in Dec or so. The last new ones were loaded around Sept 1 so I'm not sure if they do it quarterly or what....still new to it. The good colors do apparently sell out.

Thanks Pam. My watch is a 5. I tried your suggestion, but it didn't work. Hopefully I will learn a lot more at the class I take next week.

I agree that the bands are a bit lacking. I ordered a leather band from Amazon yesterday afternoon and it arrived today. Amazon has a lot of choices in a variety of colors.

My apple watch goes everywhere I do, including Europe and other foreign countries. I use apple pay everywhere I can and it is very convenient not to have to pull out money or your wallet. Any time I see a wireless symbol on the payment terminal, I try apple pay even if it doesn't have the apple pay symbol. It almost always works. Plus, keeping track of steps, messages, etc. is important for me.

It kept track of number of steps and exercise minutes each day.

You don't need an Apple watch or FitBit to do this. This feature has been included in Iphones and Glaxays for several years now.

Apple watches are more accurate than iPhones at fitness tracking and they track more things than iPhones do, like cardio and hours you were active... as i said upthread.

You can call Applecare from home and they will teach you, problem solve, fix things, explain anything and everything to you. They are fabulous. You don’t have to wait for a class or til you’re at a store. 1-800-692-7753

A phone only tracks your steps if you have it with you. It's not the primary reason for having the Watch, but it's a plus. I've been wearing a Fitbit for years.

As for Apple Pay, sadly my primary credit card (Chase United Mileage Plus Explorer) doesn't support It yet. I have a credit union visa credit card that does, but I prefer to use my United card. Not only do I earn miles, but there aren't any foreign transaction fees.

Susan, thanks for the tip about calling Applecare. I knew you would have all the good Apple information.

for Apple Pay, sadly my primary credit card (Chase United Mileage Plus Explorer) doesn't support It yet.

Mine does!

Diane, that's very interesting. I think I'll call and inquire about it. Thanks for letting me know.

Chase cards have been available with Apple Pay since it launched back in 2015.

Andrea, just try adding your card to Apple Pay. That’s all you need to do. Open up your wallet app and add your card!

I have tried to add my card, as recently as yesterday. I'll try again.

Mystery solved. I called and discovered that the reason I can't use Apple Pay with this card is because it's a business card. Apparently Chase and Apple haven't come to an agreement regarding business cards.

At lest you have an answer!