I-phones in Spain and France this summer

No if they are Verizon. The phone will work for internet access via the internet but not the phone function. However, you do not want the phones to use date links via 3G, 4G, or any other G. Think of it as $$$$$G. It is super expensive and easy to a $800 phone bill for data.

I have read the iPhone 4S will work but that earlier versions won't. I agree that your students may not want to use their iPhones even if they do work. Running up excess data charges is way too easy. There are better options. That wasn't the question you asked, though, so I'm sparing you a list. If you are interested, just let us know.

Lynn, Could you clarify which cellular networks ALL of the phones are with??? Those students using a Verizon iPhone 3G or 4 will NOT be able to use their phones in Europe, as the technology is not compatible. I believe Verizon offers a "global loaner" program so that may be an option, however they'll likely only be getting a "basic" voice & text phone. Those students using a Verizon iPhone 4S should be able to use their phones in Europe. HOWEVER, these will have to be "enabled" by Verizon, and you'll be stuck with using their roaming plans and rates. I'd recommend checking with a knowledgeable Verizon CS rep. for the details. If any of the iPhones are with AT&T, they will work in Europe, HOWEVER these are most likely "locked" so users will have to pay the prevailing AT&T roaming charges. I believe AT&T offers international roaming plans, which can be cancelled when you return home. You'll need to check with them for the details and costs. For those with AT&T iPhones, it's VERY IMPORTANT to understand the data roaming issue. The students WILL NOT be able to freely browse the net, send photos or do E-mail the same as they do at home! It would be highly advisable that the data roaming be switched OFF and that data uses be limited to those locations where Wi-Fi is available. I'm sure none in your group would be too pleased to return home to find a bill for $37,000 waiting in the mailbox (which is what happened to one iPhone user last year). If any of the AT&T iPhones are "unlocked" these could be used with a "travel SIM" which would provide limited data, however those plans are not cheap so probably beyond a student budget. Happy travels!

As others have said, Verizon phones won't work. Are your students planning to call home? Text? Both can be extremely expensive if you don't pay attention. The international texting plan for AT&T is $10/month for just 50 text messages. Most kids I know blow through that in about 3 minutes. I used my AT&T iPhone 3G in Spain a couple years ago. I put my phone in airplane mode, then turned on the wifi. Worked great. I set up an international calling plan with AT&T and turned on the phone only to make calls, then turned it back to airplane mode when done. To make sure you don't start accessing data when you turn the phone on, make sure data roaming is off and all of the settings for apps and programs are set to gather data manually (e.g., mail programs are usually set to "push" or "fetch" data on a schedule).

Lynn: This should tell you everything you need to know: http://www.zdnet.com/blog/cell-phones/international-travelers-here-is-how-to-sim-unlock-your-verizon-apple-iphone-4s/6712 You can also check out: http://news.cnet.com/8301-30686_3-57361283-266/will-verizon-unlock-my-iphone-4s/ Both articles are Verizon iphone specific. Enjoy!

thanks for all the help! I spoke to a "genius" at the Apple store this weekend and he said the 4s will work in Europe but not the previous versions. He also said the date fees are outrageous.

I'm not an expert on this smart phone stuff but can't one simply use a Skype wi-fi connection at the local hot spot to initiate phone calls back home at some low rate like $.05 per minute?

And where do these kids get the monies to buy/subscribe to all these smart phones? Are their allowance packages now in the 3 figure per week range? Man oh man.

I used my iphone 4 in Spain in November with no problem for texting (got the unlimited text plan w/AT&T for the month and cancelled). I used the airplane mode to be safe and only used the free wifi at our hotel for internet and sending pics back home. Also made a couple calls in Italy last summer with no problem (no idea what they cost, I decided I didn't want to know!)

I too used my iPhone 3G model - AT&T service - 2 years ago in Paris and 3 years ago in Italy (northern Italy down to Rome ). I purchased the International service for one month; was sure to turn off roaming, and had no problem with texting, emails and a few brief calls.
The GPS came in very handy!

Lynn, have each student go to their provider's website, and read the info about taking/using their phone overseas. Then have them tell you what they found out. Put the monkey on their backs. If they are on Verizon,(and do not have a 4s) they can get a free loaner that they can use. Then...if they sign up for a short term "international plan", they can get "reduced" rates; for calls and texting. Tell then to forget about data! When my cousin went with us to Spain last year, she did this. She had her loaner Verizon phone, and I was on AT&T. Both of us signed up for our respective "international plan". We shut off all data!!!!, used free wi-fi for Skype calls ($.03/minute), and we just texted each other. Texting allows everyone to wander, but still be able to comminicate at really cheap rates. Again; read about this on each providers web site!