Using iPhone when overseas.

[drewbles]

As others have said, simply turning off data roaming avoids any data charges and still allows you to use it as a phone and to use the net at wifi hotspots.

What surprised me is that even with data off, I was able to use the location tools in TripAdvisor and Lonely Planet (i.e. click on "what's nearby" for hotel/restaurant locations in your immediate vicinity) and they didn't cost a cent. I guess the GPS function is different to the data, but the iPhone Maps function needs you to be wifi connected.

Mapping via cell tower is surprisingly accurate. We use cell tower databases for one of our products that customers use, and it's actually very good for a lot of places. This is often all that's required, Data is not necessary if the phone has a database of locations stored locally.

 

[Flashback]

As others have said, simply turning off data roaming avoids any data charges and still allows you to use it as a phone and to use the net at wifi hotspots.

What surprised me is that even with data off, I was able to use the location tools in TripAdvisor and Lonely Planet (i.e. click on "what's nearby" for hotel/restaurant locations in your immediate vicinity) and they didn't cost a cent. I guess the GPS function is different to the data, but the iPhone Maps function needs you to be wifi connected.

My thought would be that it stores the GPS co-ordinates and then when internet is available it downloads what the actual location is.

 

[Lawlass]

My thought would be that it stores the GPS co-ordinates and then when internet is available it downloads what the actual location is.

I don't think so, because it gives me local results even if I haven't been near wifi for days. I leave 3G on because that doesn't cost me anything - don't know if that makes a difference?

 

[Bodazoka]

It seems as though trying to use the applications on your Ipad whilst travelling is just too hard basket!

I am going travelling for 3 weeks through Eurpope (starting London ending Greece) and was hoping to pick up a pre-paid sim card in London to use the whole trip (with data). But considering it is such a short trip and there will be allot of countries it does not seem like it would be viable, and/or that a product like this actually exists..

 

[drewbles]

It seems as though trying to use the applications on your Ipad whilst travelling is just too hard basket!

I am going travelling for 3 weeks through Eurpope (starting London ending Greece) and was hoping to pick up a pre-paid sim card in London to use the whole trip (with data). But considering it is such a short trip and there will be allot of countries it does not seem like it would be viable, and/or that a product like this actually exists..

If you know someone in London, you can get 2 x free Vodafone UK SIM Cards. They are mini SIM's, but there are plenty of people with micro-SIM cutters around. Order one from here: http://www.vodafone.co.uk/personal/price-plans/pay-as-you-go/index.htm (look for 'Get your free SIM' on the left, click that). This is the pay-as-you-go option.

Vodafone charge you £2 per day for 25mb of data in a lot of countries in Europe, and £2 per 5mb in others. See this link: http://www.vodafone.co.uk/Lightbox/VFTST061981 (from this page: Using the Internet Abroad – Vodafone)

If you do go with this option, you'll need to change the APN that the SIM is provisioned with. For some reason, it's wrong. You need to make sure the APN is pp.vodafone.co.uk. The other settings can stay the same.

I used this option a few weeks ago whilst travelling through the UK (you get 500mb for a £20 recharge to use in the UK), France, Germany, Sweden (5mb country) and Belgium. Worked a treat and you get an SMS when you start being charged and when you approach your limit, although the iPad will not display anything, this is mainly for mobiles.

 

[Bodazoka]

You are a prince among men Drewbles

Do I need to know someone there so it gets sent there? Or do they need to buy it in London. Im thinking I can get it sent to the hotel.

 

[Flashback]

You are a prince among men Drewbles

Do I need to know someone there so it gets sent there? Or do they need to buy it in London. Im thinking I can get it sent to the hotel.

If you need a helping hand, let me know and I can help sort it for you.

 

[Bodazoka]

All done, have ordered it.. unfortunately they are out of stock though.

Apparently it will take 10 working days to send, im cutting it close as I leave on the 9th of May which only gives me 7 working days before im at the hotel. Hopefully the 10 days is a maximum figure and it is usually under that.

Thanks for all your help and tips guys it is much appreciated.

If I get a horror bill on my return though I will be back!! haha jokes.