American iPad in Europe?

I'm trying to set up my Verizon iPad account for a European trip that starts tomorrow. I've been on the phone with Verizon for 90 minutes for a process that took four minutes with my AT&T account iPad 2. What Verizon requires is that I change from a pre-paid to a post-paid domestic account in order to even start the process of arranging for International service. They are going to charge an "International roaming fee" (probably the same $5 that they are charging my phone) and then offer three packages of 50 Megs, 150 Megs, and 300 Megs for $30, $75, and $125 respectively.

Honestly, it seems that this is really out of their comfort zone because the first six reps I spoke with didn't even know that the new iPad could be used in Europe. So far I have to say that I was far more comfortable with AT&T's expertise in handling these issues. Presumably that also reflects in their business relationships with the service providers in various European countries.

What I didn't research, and now regret not doing so, is simply changing micro-SIM cards once I get there. Is anyone familiar with doing this to an iPad? I assume that this is not "jailbreaking" the iPad, but merely allowing for a more reasonably priced in-country service.

The iPad is unlocked - do you have the new iPad or the iPad 2? With the iPad 2 you will have to go through Verizon (I don't think there was a sim tray on the iPad 2 VZW), but with the iPad 3rd generation you can just remove the Verizon micro-sim and put in a local sim.

Josh

In Europe, there are prepaid data micro-SIMs available with 256MB to 1 or 2GB data traffic limit at certain locations (use the internet to find out). The cost is quite reasonable, somewhere from 20 to 50 EUR, depending on the carrier. Some also allow "re-charging" with your credit card.

Do not use international data roaming, this can be quite expensive.

Christian is right. I just got a MicroSIM card at LHR (Heathrow) that will allow me today's usage and an additional week after I return from Paris. All for £10,8p. I chose the most knowledgeable staff member and he had it set up I three minutes.

I was going to purchase the American based roaming plan as an interim solution, but fortunately never got to it before I left. In my case I have a new iPad (are we allowed to say, "iPad three.") with Verizon service domestically. Using a T-mobile card here. I understand that it is not the best, but I'll report back as to whether it does the trick.

PelleHK, you have to use some flavor of SIM card installed in your iPad to begin to utilize the Cellular capabilities. If your question is aimed at the specific mention of a "microSIM" that is because the iPad uses a SIM that is slightly smaller than those SIM's that populate cell phones

What I (and others on this thread) have found out is that it makes a lot more sense to actually remove the domestic SIM (whether it is Verizon or AT&T) and replace it with a SIM that is native to the country or region that you are visiting. It seems that the best deals are reserved for those people who can show (or fake) residency. (See earlier in the thread) It may also be that if you were to research prices for micro-SIM cards available in Denmark and count on using the best deal, you may not be able to actually buy that SIM card unless you can provide a Danish address (and possibly a Danish based credit card as another poster pointed out.) But in answer to your original question, it certainly appears that you can buy the iPad anywhere and then purchase local microSIM cards to give yourself the best deal. Christian's comment about International data roaming holds true for ANY cross border roaming, even companies like Vodaphone and T-Mobile who have operations across many borders. It still seems that purchasing individual SIM's in each country might make a lot of sense, and is not that hard to do.

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?

Try this knowledge base pagefor a service support number in your country, or you may need to contact Apple in the US to get service. The Apple warranty is generally stated to be universal on all items except the iPhone. So try the support number instead of the Apple retail store and see if that helps. You may need to send it back to the US but they should be able to tell you.

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.

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.