American travelling in Ireland, Scotland & England&#59; cell phone?

Terry, If your AT&T phone is a quad-band model, you can easily use that in Europe. Depending on how much you plan on using the phone and your anticipated calling patterns (ie: back to the U.S., calling only in-country?), you may find that roaming with AT&T is a reasonable option. I'd suggest talking to AT&T customer service, to determine the cost of roaming. They offer "travel packs" which provide better rates, and I believe you can cancel them when you return home. If your phone is unlocked, you could also buy a SIM when you arrive at your first location in the U.K. That would provide a local number and the cheapest rates for calling in-country, however calls back to the U.S. may be expensive. In addition, if anyone from the U.S. wanted to call you, they'd have to dial an overseas call and pay long distance. One other point to mention - is your phone a "Smartphone" that uses the cellular data network? If that's the case, I would HIGHLY recommend turning "off" that function while you're travelling (with an AT&T roaming plan), as data roaming costs can be horrendous! Happy travels!

Thanks for the info! I hadn't realized that I wouldn't be paying on wifi :) I have the Skype app on my phone, so maybe I can make my calls over that while on wifi :)

I used my AT&T iPhone in Scotland over the last couple of years. I turn off the data so that the only way I get email is by wifi. To turn off data go to Settings, General, Network, and then turn off both 3G and Roaming. There is also a monthly plan that can make the calls a bit cheaper. It worked well for me. I only used the phone to connect on reservations, link up with people and call home. I was restricted on the data to finding hotspots. Pam

It's the data that is going to cost you $$$$ if you aren't careful. AT&T has some kind of international plan, but it's not cheap. Turning off the data and using wifi is a better option.

We just got back a couple of days ago and we also have AT&T. Not an I phone though. I called and they set me up with international calling that gave me $.50/text messages (I think incoming were free) and $.99/minute for calling. I know it was only a couple of dollars for the plan. I want to say like $10?? In about a week or so I will call and have the plan removed. Hope this helps, but I would just call them.

I've used my AT&T iPhone in England many times without issue. On the way to the airport I call AT&T customer service from my phone and request that international calling/texting be added to my plan. It's about $6/mo. plus airtime & texts charges. Calls in the UK are about $1 minute I think, so texting is the cheapest way to communicate if you can use it. The monthly service charge will continue to be charged until you call and request it be removed, so don't forget to call AT&T back when you return home, btw, or else you will continue to pay $6 for the privilege of being able to make international calls that you aren't making. Just before my plane departure overseas, I turn off anything on the iPhone that that uses data - email, browsing, bookmarks, etc. I rely on turning on wifi when I have access to do anything that uses data transfer, like checking email, internet browsing, etc. So far, no nasty high data charges and no issues with calling except lousy AT&T coverage in places.

Just back from AT&T store this morning to reinstate international plan before upcoming trip. They will activate it the day before. I did the cheapest one that is $25. I do turn off my data and email, only use my Skype app while on wifi. Texts are .45 or you can pay $10 for a pack of 50 texts. I've found this plan works well for me to check weather, confirm hotels, deal with small travel mishaps. Do go into a local store and have the customer service person run everything through with you. I've done this a number of times and they've always been very helpful.

Terry, we also have AT&T and when we went two years ago, we just got a new sim card for our phones at Meteor for about 20 Euro. Are you looking to use the phone for in-country calls or calls back to the US? We were looking to communicate in country and this worked well. Texting used a lot less of the pre-paid than calls did. Not sure how iPhones work as far as sim cards, but it's another option...

What worked well for me when I went was only wifi on my smartphone for emails, Facebook, yelp, etc. u can find WIfi easily.USING WIFI is all free . One easy way is Starbucks has free wifi in their stores. All u need to do is put some pounds (as much or little) as u want on a Starbucks card. Then u log on with that card in any store. I had an old unlocked flip phone that I take and bought an Orange SIM Card that you can add pounds to as u go. Orange is a cell phone company, or as they say mobile company. I used it when I needed to call ahead for reservations etc. Also it's cheaper if u must call home instead of the Att plan.

Alice, Thanks so much for the advice! I was already planning on the wifi, but I will ask around and see if any of my friends has an old phone that I can unlock! Terry :))

I am able to use Starbucks free wifi as an AT&T customer, no need for a gold card that I can see.

We got frustrated w/ being cut off ,not making connections and high costs when we tried our cell phone in Scotland and England this June 2011. So I will go back to getting a phone card in country and using it at public phones like I have been doing for yrs.
If you need it for freq. business this is not the best choice but for one way calling phone cards are a vg option.

I called Starbucks and was informed that all Starbucks in the USA offer free wifi. If you are in Ireland you purchase a gift card (not a gold card) at a Starbucks in Ireland and then you can use their wifi. (I think this is what Alice shared) The Starbucks rep. said you had to register the card online. Alice is that correct from your experience?
Barbara

Thanks so much, Barbara! I hope there are as many Starbuck's in Ireland (and Scotland/ London) as there are here! :))