IPAD for trip to France

if you find wifi hotspot they'll be free. keep in mind the cheapest ipad is in the US, so it's a big target overseas for the thieves so you should keep an eye on it.

All of my apps work with internet access. There are free wifi in the parks in Paris but now a login is required and I can't figure that one out yet. The best thing to do is to carry expensive stuff (i.e. cameras, iPhones, iPads) in cheap looking bags. Don't carry an expensive bag - its a neon sign "I might have something expensive in here" !

The apps will work, though some will require a wi-fi connection. I suggest sticking with a wi-fi only connection to avoid high charges for overseas data access - ask your service provider about that. I have an iPad, and have traveled a lot with my iPod touch with great results. In my opinion, you are a lot better off with an iPod touch overseas. I understand you already have the iPad but IMO it is so delicate, such a potential magnet for thieves, and harder to carry around, that it's not worth trying to travel with. Most RS hotels will have wi-fi these days, and the iPad touch is all you need for the basics. Everything I have needed to stay in touch I have been able to do with the iPod touch.

I have an iPad 2 that I will be taking to Spain & France this fall. I took a netbook to Italy & Germany last fall and most places we stayed had free wifi. I also take my iPod Touch. The Touch goes out and about with me. The iPad will stay in the apartments we are renting. The apps will work like they do here - some will work offline and some won't.

Your question depends on a couple of things. 1. Do you have 3G access (if you can get on the internet when you don't have wifi, then you have 3G). You will get charged A LOT if you have 3G and use the internet, it's the same as using a cell phone. We put our iPad in airplane mode when we left the US and didn't take it off until we got back to the US. 2. You can be in airplane mode (so you won't get fees from the 3G) and still connect to wireless networks in France. (they pronounce wifi as whiffeey) Connected to wifi you can check emails and run any app you have. 3. Whether your apps can be used depends on the app you have. If it's something you need internet for, it won't work without a wifi network. But many apps (including the Rick Steves Audio Europe) work without internet. To test whether your app needs internet, put your iPad in airplane mode and turn off the wifi (both in settings). Then try your app. If the app works, you'll be fine anywhere in France. If it doesn't, you need wifi.

We just got back from France and used our Ipad alot!
We have the 3G ipad and purchased ahead of time (thru AT&T) and international data plan. It was 250 MB for $199.99. We used a wi-fi connection whenever we could get it, but used the 3G connection when there was no wi-fi (on the trains, in some hotels, etc). It came in very handy and for us was well worth the $200 bucks.

I found a link to the website below on the slowtalk.com section of the slowtrav website, in the technology forum (in a conversation on ipod apps for travel). Should answer all your questions about free wifi in Paris and perhaps other areas of France. http://www.davidlebovitz.com/2010/08/how-to-find-and-use-free-wifi-in/

Great discussion which just saved me a bundle of money. We are going to France and with the price of tablets falling (just saw an ASUS for $399), I've been thinking of buying one before we go to have internet access via WIFI. But after reading this, I'm just going to borrow my daughter's
I touch instead! I'll wait until Christmas to buy the tablet when I'm expecting price wars and deals.

Am in France now using IPAD. It's working fine. Some of the apps are slow but e mail is good.