international travel and (soon to be) new purchase ipad

Part 2...

WiFi Only versus WiFi+Cellular

Consider the functional differences between WiFi Only and WiFi+Cellular models of iPad. Aside from the obvious Cellular functionality (used to access the internet - but not make Cellular calls and/or use SMS messaging), only WiFi+Cellular models include GNSS/GPS location capabilities - which may impact any Apps or features that require accurate and consistent location data, such as Mapping. 

Purchase of a WiFi+Cellular model provides access to precise location services, but does not commit you to using Cellular connections. WiFi Only models of iPad have no Cellular or GNSS/GPS functions at all.

SMS/MMS Messaging

If exchanging messages with Android or non-Apple devices, you’ll need to use Cellular SMS/MMS messaging.

An iPad, whether a Cellular model or not, is not capable of directly accessing Cellular Voice or SMS/MMS Messaging features. An iPad with either WiFi or Cellular connectivity alone can only access IP-data services. If you have activated the built-in eSIM or added a DataSIM and Cellular plan to a WiFi+Cellular model of iPad, the number associated with the eSIM/SIM card is only used to identify your account for billing purposes. This number is not used for making calls or sending messages.

However, if used with an iPhone, the capabilities of iPad significantly broaden to include access to Cellular Voice and Messaging services of the associated iPhone - relayed to the iPad over WiFi using Apple’s continuity features.

More information about Continuity and the relevant Cellular services can be found here:

Continuity

Use Continuity to connect your Mac, iPhone, iPad, iPod touch and Apple Watch – Apple Support

SMS/MMS Messaging

How to forward SMS/MMS text messages from your iPhone to your iPad, iPod touch or Mac - Apple Support

Power/Charging

All Apple iPad USB power adapters are designed for use with power sources rated to provide 100V AC to 240V AC at 50Hz to 60Hz. Apple iPad USB power adapters also comply with the IEC/UL 60950-1 and IEC/UL 62368-1 standards for use with power sources rated to provide 115V AC at 400Hz (typically found onboard commercial airlines).

While your Power Adapter will be fully usable when travelling internationally, you may require a simple pin-adapter to allow the Power Adapter to be used with AC power outlets in different countries. For example, a US flat 2-pin connector will require an adapter for the standard European round 2-pin socket - or UK 3-pin square socket. Travel adapters are readily available.

Alternatively, consider purchasing a European or UK Power Adapter from Apple when visiting Europe/UK.

Any iPad model you get will work exactly the same in terms of travel and cellular usage.

The iPad is not a phone, so cannot use voice or sms messaging, only the data portion of the service plan for internet access.

What don’t you understand exactly?

What do you need the iPad to do across European countries?

If you need internet access while away from Wi-Fi then you would want a cellular model with an appropriate service plan.

All iPad models have broadly the same core capabilities. Models essentially differ in their ultimate performance and physical attributes. iPad Pro models use FaceID for biometric user-authentication, while others use TouchID.

You can compare iPad models here:

iPad - Compare Models - Apple

The iPad9 is the current entry-level iPad. The iPads Pro are the opposite end of the scale - top of the range, with cutting edge capabilities and hardware. Between these two extremes is the iPad Air5, this model offering a mid-range high performance option. The new iPad10 is cheaper than the iPad Air - and differs in position of the front-facing camera. The iPad mini6 is perhaps an entirely different proposition - offering a smaller form factor and other differences in hardware and ultimate capability.

All current models of iPad support either the first or second generation Apple Pencil; models with a USB-C port also support the new USB-C Pencil. For handwritten notes and sketches, support for Apple Pencil may be relevant. Ensure that you choose the correct Apple Pencil for your chosen iPad - as they are not interchangeable. Here is the definitive compatibility list:

Apple Pencil compatibility - Apple Support

iPad models that support the second generation Apple Pencil are paired and charged using the magnetic charging dock on the edge of the iPad. This greatly simplifies charging of the Pencil - as the Pencil is kept optimally charged whenever it is not being actively used. The second generation Pencil has some additional features - aiding drawing capabilities. Also consider that the USB-C Pencil does feature pressure sensitivity.

Also perhaps consider that the iPad Pro 12.9" model is the only iPad to use the miniLED backlit XDR display. This display is not only the largest in the iPad range, but is also the most power-efficient and offers greatest contrast and brightness of any model iPad - and also includes reference modes for professional colour grading. Also note that the current iPad Pro models with 1TB/2TB storage options have 16GB RAM, whereas the others have "only" 8GB RAM (this still being greater than other iPad models).

Whichever iPad model you choose, you would be well advised to purchase as much internal storage as your budget might reasonably allow - as internal storage (and other hardware) cannot be changed, upgraded or extended. The available internal storage is fixed for the entire life of the device. If you run out of internal storage for your documents, photos and other data, you will forever struggle and become a source of frustration. It is far better to have more storage than you need, than to need more storage than you have.

A good rule of thumb is to quantify how much data storage you will need - add a healthy margin - then double it. If you are unable to quantify your data storage needs, it becomes more difficult. Whilst I and others cannot make definitive recommendations for your personal needs, objectively I would council against purchase of any iPad with any less than 256GB storage, 512GB and higher having a greater margin for growth.

Within the Apple Support Communities we see regular tales of woe and disappointment when storage requirements are exceeded, necessitating replacement of the device; by contrast, we never see complaint of having too much available storage. It is relatively easy to fill limited internal storage space; perhaps consider higher tiers of storage as providing room for growth as your needs develop or mature - potentially extending the useful usable life of the device.