I'm going to Europe with a 1st generation AT&T iPad, and would like to avoid the huge surprise roaming fees I've heard about, so I figured I'd use Wi-Fi only. Is it enough just to use airplane mode only, or do I also have to go into Settings:Cellular Data and change things there, too?
iPad, iOS 4.3.1
If you want to be absolutely sure, just take the SIM card out. Without it, there is zero possibility of getting on a network.
Airplane mode should be sufficient, it turns off all the radios. You can turn wifi on in airplane mode, all other radios stay off. The seperate cellular data settings are more for the iPhone, where you might want to make a call, but not pay exorbitant fees to download your email.
Having said that, it doesn't hurt to use belt and braces; roaming fees are very expensive!
As someone posted already, "Just take the sim card out". another option for you is to get a sim card for the country you are going to when you get there. I just moved back to the states from Poland and believe me you will be able to get a pay as you go sim in Europe with no problems
I am in Florence Italy and relying on my iPad now. This is my strategy.
First, I replaced the iPad simcard with an Italian prepaid card. I am using tre.it. I have 3g with a set price and no AT&T charges. Cards are sold in Europe from other cell phone companies as well. You may be able to order one from the US if you have time. I bought mine in Italy. Second, download maps. This way you can navigate and use your GPS offline. I am using CityMaps2Go. Several options are available at the app store. Third, download city guides. Who carry all those books? Fourth, download audio tours. Rick Steves is a good start. Fourth, sign up for VOIP. I use Truphone. Call home cheaply. To summarize, the iPad is wonderful for a European trip using both 3g and WiFi.
I've got CityMaps2Go downloaded with maps.
Does this app need to use a Sim card to use the location services?
I dont have a data plan with my iphone so can i leave my sim card in the phone and take it to Europe and not worry about roaming charges when I use cityMaps2go to track where i am ?
Thanks for your help.
How to avoid huge roaming charges in Europe?
