American iPad in Europe?

I just returned from France, I have a Verizon iPad 3 with cellular and SIM slot. I researched with verizon before I went, and they told me I would not be successful with installing a SIM card purchased in Europe and that they didn't have a solution for me. Interesting how my phone calls got different answers than a post made previously by others.

I tool mine to France anyways with instructions from others on how to get a pay as you go plan from French telcomms and to install their SIM's. I tried two different firms Orange and SFR. Both were willing to sell me the card and assist with the configuration, but neither one was successful. It was obvious at both places that the person had previous luck with this, but it appears like it was not with Verizon version. It is possible that there is a method to make it work, but two different firms were not successful. Both experienced the same issue. After they put the SIM card in, the iPad failed to be able to use it to work. They were looking for some type of response from the iPad that said it had connected to their network and it didn't. The store reps didn't look at any settings under general settings or network or cellular. Their experience seems to be that it would just work.

If anyone has been successful with a verizon iPad 3 with cellular and knows of what needs to be done different, then let me know for next time.

Hi all, I also have an ipad which i got it from US with cellular and the provider is Verizon. 3G works fine the Netherlands. But my problem is with mic. the mic is not working. and took to apple store to fix it. they told me that since this is from US and with verizon cellular, it has different hardware then what they have in Europe. So they said nothing can do. Apparently Apple doesnt have worldwide guaranty. and apple care is the careless thing ever. Can anyone give me a suggestion?

There's a problem in some European countries, especially France, where you should have a local Bank account (and Bank informations) just to get a pre-paid 3G or 4G connection!!!

Disclosure: I am french, living in north America.

It's easy to have a pre-paid connection in Belgium or Netherland, but in France, you won't be able to fond pre-paid without a local bank accoutn. Bank account that is granted if you have a local work, and local renting or owned house. A pain in the ***!

iAPX,

You point out some of the "fun" things about the European Union...one currency, but still multiple countries...treated as one country for Apple warranty purposes. But still the user needs to be aware that each may have some unique usage features.

I used t live in France, and love the country, but there were and are some major annoyances...such as you must have a legal residence in Paris, or the region, to get the permanent transit card. When over a couple years ago I was allowed to "purchase" a temporary card for 8 Euros that I could use for one year. And then could only add money to the card for very specific time slots, such as the next week, starting on a Monday. A major pain.

So, I fully understand your point, and would add that the travelers must educate themselves with regard to local laws/usage procedures that we fellow users often do not know.

Great comments and thanks for the addition to the discussion.

http://www.apple.com/ipad/specs/

Correct

Regardless, if it were me, I'd still buy the at&t version over the Verizon for full GSM compatibility.

Hello,

is the same with Ipad Mini?
We just buy the AT&T version and can work in European Networks (interestd in 3G) without any prior subscription in American carrier?

Thank you

Yes, none of the iPads are locked to a carrier, they can accept sim cards from any carrier.