I am a new to Ipad user, having used it in the US on vacation by purchasing 3G for 1 month from Verizon. Mostly just using for directions while driving - worked great. We are planning to drive from Prague to Brno - touring in between. Will the 3G work?
I am assuming that in the big cities wifi will be fine.... Also - any tips for useful apps or websites to use while there? thanks!
Posted by
Newtown, CT, 06482
38 posts
Linda as far as I know, probably not. This article explains it best: http://www.tuaw.com/2011/03/05/international-travelers-are-best-off-with-the-atandt-ipad-2-wi-fi/ However, I'd definitely call Verizon to confirm - they will know for sure whether your particular device is compatible. I'd download the tripadvisor and whatever airline you're flying. Maybe a translation app if you don't speak the languages.
Posted by
Magyarország / Rep of Texas
17998 posts
I read the article posted above. I didnt know Verison was not GSM. I thought everyone had converted. And yes, you are going to need a tri band GSM phone or GSM chipset. Then you also need a lot of money to pay the roaming charges. But you can use your Wifi and there are a lot of convenient places and some websites that will tell you where they all are. When in Budapest you can sit at my front door stoop (i will give you the access code).
Posted by
Los Angeles, CA, USA
177 posts
Hi Linda, VZW is not on GSM, your iPad will not work in Europe. Even if your iPad works, you do not want to pay for the roaming charges, unless you are the top 3% of course, and it's chunk change to you. Your wifi will work, often times, GPS can still pin point you even if you don't have data running. For walking around in the city, I paid for an app called "Pocket Earth" and you can pre download the entire vector city map onto ur smartphone or ipad. and no DATA is required. Before I decided to invest in Pocket Earth, I'd cache Google map in memory of the whole city zoomed in and out at a wifi enabled spot. My phone retains the cache and GPS pinpoints my location when I walk around the city to save money. Now let's get to your driving. If you go to Europe quite often, I'd invest in a pre-installed Europe/North America GPS by Garmin or TomTom with XD card slot for extra maps if needed. I bought my Garmin on Amazon for US $120.00. If you do not go to Europe often (less than once a year,) you can always rent one from your rental car company. Have fun!
Posted by
Los Angeles, CA, USA
177 posts
Another cool thing about Pocket Earth is that it automatic link attractions to Wiki Travel, and it gives u a wiki on every historical site. It's useful for self guided style traveler like my self. Again, it's pre-downloaded, so no data is needed. Try the free version, if you like it then buy it, it's not for everyone.
Posted by
OP
redmond, WA
75 posts
thanks, Frank. I love the idea of the Pocket Earth app - sounds like just what I'm looking for. We do have a Garmin - a few years old now with preloaded maps - that we'll be bringing along. This will be our first international trip with the Ipad - so there's always a learning curve. So good to hear from others with more experience...
lt