use of a cell phone in Europe

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Your question is a FAQ here, as Nancy mentions. Here's the link to which she refers

click here to find ALL the answers to your question, but just some

this link will show you how to access ALL the answers that have been given here, not just one or two.

And here's advice from Rick from another place on this site

Rick Europe Cell Phone 101

Hi Mary,

I am spending my summer in Belfast, N. Ireland. Here Vonage, O2, and Orange are popular for service to the EU/UK but calling back to the US is a different matter. You might even want to get a calling card instead.

I went with Vonage for my calls in Europe/UK - seems there are plans for 10£, 15£, and 20£ where they give you a decent amount of minutes and texts with your free SIM card. Make sure to call your cell phone provider before you leave the states so they can unlock it for you.

Don't have an Iphone; we have standard verizon cell service, and so rented 2 global phones from them for a month. For most of Europe it's a buck or $1.29 minute; texting was 50 cents to send,5 cents to receive, as I recall. There's also a shipping charge. The service is very reasonable if you are already a customer and you're willing to care for a two hundred dollar phone! We rented strictly so the petsitter and relatives may contact us by dialing our regular cell numbers.

Hasn't someone here mentioned turning off some of the IPhone features when traveling for a lower data cost?

Hasn't someone here mentioned turning off some of the IPhone features when traveling for a lower data cost? <<

The term is "data roaming." You want to have that turned off before traveling outside of the US with an iPhone. AT&T has global data packages but they're not cheap when you consider how much data is included and what the overage charges are.

Here's a quick tip that explains what do to to turn off data roaming:
http://ipod.about.com/od/internationaliphone/qt/iph_data_roam.htm

Mary,

One method you might consider would be to use roaming with AT&T which will allow voice calls and text messaging. I believe they have an "International roaming" plan which reduces the charges somewhat, which can be cancelled when you return home. Check with AT&T for details.

If you do decide to travel with your I-Phone, it's extremely important to disable the data features, as the data roaming charges are horrendous! Previous posts here provide information on how to do that.

I'd suggest keeping the voice calls to & from the U.S. at a minimum and using text messaging where possible. This will help to keep the costs at a manageable level. Check with AT&T on the roaming rates (should be on their website).

Happy travels!