Can I buy sim card in Italy and use in my iPad 2?

Question

Can I buy sim card in Italy and use in my iPad 2?

I'm traveling to Italy and am exploring my cell phone options. I know that my iPhone is locked, so I am wedded to AT&T, an expensive proposition. It is my understanding that my 3G iPad is not locked. Correct me if I am wrong. That raises the possibility that I could get an Italian sim and use my iPad as a communication device. Will this work? Has anyone tried it? If not, does anyone have any other suggestions besides the obvious ones like Skype?

iPad 2, iOS 4.3.2, 64 MB, 3G

Posted on Dec 29, 2011 9:10 AM

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Answer 1

Dec 29, 2011 9:19 AM in response to John Greenwald

As long as you have the GSM (AT&T version of iPad), you are correct in your assumption that you can purchase a sim card in Italy and use your iPad. It is not carrier locked.

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Answer 2

Dec 29, 2011 9:24 AM in response to John Greenwald

Thanks, you have answered my question. Does anyone have any experience doing this? Are there any pitfalls to avoid or handy tips?

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Answer 3

Dec 29, 2011 9:37 AM in response to John Greenwald

I don't have experience with this, but have read posts from people who have done this. The issue I've seen people have difficulty with is actually buying a sim card in Europe from a carrier with a US credit card. If you have any friends over there, they might be able to help you overcome this obstacle.

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Answer 4

wegras

Level 6

15,311 points

Dec 29, 2011 9:49 AM in response to lobsterghost1

IIRC that is likely to be France they won't sell to a PAYG sim a non resident . Not heard of any issues in Italy though

@John make sure you purchase a data sim ( in UK they are sold as iPad microsims )

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