Anyone know if my iPhone will work in France? If I get the international calling do I need a different SIM Card? Really would like to be able to use the map function, Facebook and email. Thx.
Posted by
OP
Breckenridge, CO
239 posts
Thank you...if I get the data plan for $70 is it like here in the states, ie as much internet usage as I want for that price? If so, I think I may do that instead of trying to break-into my phone! Also, does it just use your same SIM card? Thank you for any info. Deanna
Posted by
Texas
518 posts
Your iphone will work fine. Be sure to get an international phone and text plan. You can inquire at the ATT&T store or on the website. Most importantly get a DATA PLAN or keep your data reception turned off completely while you're gone - no e-mail, no internet. (settings>general>network>data roaming)When you look there, you will see ATT&T even warns you. I think the data plan was about $70 for a month. They advise you to keep it for 2 months because charges often lag behind. If you have removed the plan, the high rate will apply. I bought an iphone the year they came out, thought I had all the bases covered, but it was all new and I overlooked the data part. That was a HUGE error I didn't make again.
Posted by
Texas
518 posts
I don't remember exactly how much time that bought. It wasn't unlimited, but it was enough. We were there 25 days. I kept the data roaming turned off except when I turned it on to let it download whatever was waiting. That used much less time than just leaving it on to download all the time.
If you call 611 on your iphone, they can probably answer all your questions about time and cost. You use the same sim card. Nothing about your phone itself changes. I've never tried changing the sim card on the iphone. I know it's different than on other phones though.
Posted by
Dallas
1022 posts
Deanna, you can use wifi for everything on your iphone. There is also a map app that works without a data feed--TomTom, I believe. The GPS locater on the iphone works independently of data feed, so with the app the iphone acts like any GPS instrument.
Steve, I've been researching this subject for awhile. The info I've found indicates that cheap data plans are available in France only to contract subscribers to the local mobile carriers. Can you direct me to the SFR site which indicates otherwise? (I can read French.)
Posted by
Vernon, Canada
32353 posts
Deanna,
Unless your IPhone is "unlocked", you won't be able to use any other SIM cards (French or otherwise).
I would highly recommend checking with AT&T to determine the costs of their international phone and data plans. It's normally a good idea to disable the data portion of IPhones while roaming in Europe (that means NO Facebook, E-mail, etc., EXCEPT using Wi-Fi where this is available). I've heard of one IPhone user that happily surfed and E-mailed his way across Europe, and had a $3000 bill waiting in his mailbox!
An international roaming plan will mitigate the costs somewhat (as mentioned in a previous reply), but it will still mean a larger bill when you get home.
The least expensive way to keep in touch with friends & family back home is via texting. Sent texts are usually about 75¢ while received texts are always free. While 75¢ doesn't sound like a lot, the costs can add up quickly.
Good luck!