HT201673: iOS: Understanding cellular data networks

Learn about iOS: Understanding cellular data networks
Robert Heil
Level 1 (5 points)

Q: With an iPhone 5, how can I avoid data roaming charges "iphone 5," but still get wifi in Europe?

When I travel to Europe or Canada, I would like to use my iPhone 5 for wifi -- but I want, absolutely positively, to avoid data roaming charges or any other cellular charges.  I know I can go to settings-general-cellular-turn off BOTH cell data and roaming.  BUT, IS THAT IT?  Can I be sure I will avod all these other charges, given that I would leave on the airplane mode?  Thanks for the help on this.

iPhone 5, iOS 6.0.2

Posted on Dec 22, 2012 11:31 AM

by KiltedTim,Solvedanswer
KiltedTim KiltedTim
Level 9 (56,361 points)
Mac OS X
A:

Turn on airplane mode, then Turn WiFi back on.

Posted on Dec 22, 2012 3:25 PM

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Robert Heil

Q: With an iPhone 5, how can I avoid data roaming charges "iphone 5," but still get wifi in Europe?

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  • Helpful answers

  • by KiltedTim,Solvedanswer

    KiltedTim KiltedTim Dec 22, 2012 3:25 PM in response to Robert Heil
    Level 9 (56,361 points)
    Mac OS X
    Dec 22, 2012 3:25 PM in response to Robert Heil

    Turn on airplane mode, then Turn WiFi back on.

  • by Robert Heil,

    Robert Heil Robert Heil Dec 23, 2012 1:34 PM in response to KiltedTim
    Level 1 (5 points)
    Dec 23, 2012 1:34 PM in response to KiltedTim

    Thank you for your answer.  It does seem to solve the problem.  BUT -- I had a related question, which this does not solve.  Suppose I am in Europe and do not want to incur roaming charges.  Your answer would allow me to get email and surf the web, all on wifi.  BUT, suppose I want to make just a telephone call or two.  I know I cannot use siri with iPhone 5, to make a telephone call, based on wifi, when out of the coutnry.  However, If I take off airplane mode, and make my quick call, there is a great risk that lots of data would flow my way, running up a big bill.  Any ideas on how I can, when in Europe, use my cell phone for cell phone calls, but do my email and net surfing on wifi, all without getting nailed on the data roaming over cell???  It's a long question, and I apoligize, but thanks for any help.  Bob

  • by KiltedTim,

    KiltedTim KiltedTim Dec 23, 2012 1:38 PM in response to Robert Heil
    Level 9 (56,361 points)
    Mac OS X
    Dec 23, 2012 1:38 PM in response to Robert Heil

    Settings>General>Cellular. Turn Cellular Data "Off".

  • by Robert Heil,

    Robert Heil Robert Heil Dec 23, 2012 1:39 PM in response to Robert Heil
    Level 1 (5 points)
    Dec 23, 2012 1:39 PM in response to Robert Heil

    Never mind.  After spending more time searching my answer, I remember now that a Verizon phones don't work in Europe and in most places.  Therefore, I cannot use the iPhone 5 for cell calls there.  So, my question goes away . . . I think.  Am I right?  BUT, if anyone has a clever way for me to make cell calls in Europe, I would like to hear it.  Thanks again.,  Bob

  • by KiltedTim,

    KiltedTim KiltedTim Dec 23, 2012 1:41 PM in response to Robert Heil
    Level 9 (56,361 points)
    Mac OS X
    Dec 23, 2012 1:41 PM in response to Robert Heil

    Buy a local Nano-SIM and put it in your phone... The SIM slot on a Verizon iPhone 5 is unlocked for use with other carriers out of the box, as required by FCC rules as a result of a recent spectrum auction that Verizon won.

  • by Robert Heil,

    Robert Heil Robert Heil Dec 23, 2012 1:48 PM in response to KiltedTim
    Level 1 (5 points)
    Dec 23, 2012 1:48 PM in response to KiltedTim

    I truly appreciate your advice, Tim.  I thought all iPhones were locked.  So, if I buy a French Nano-sim card in France, put it in my iPhone 5, I can make cell calls there.  Andi, I know I can do the wifi, for net and email, as discussed above.  Any chance that, with the French Nano-sim, I could, through it, surf and email, when there is no wifi???  And, if so, would it be shockingly expensive?  Or, if I put in the French sim, would I want to leave the datacellular data off?  Thanks again.  Sorry for monopolizing your time.

  • by Robert Heil,

    Robert Heil Robert Heil Dec 23, 2012 2:05 PM in response to Robert Heil
    Level 1 (5 points)
    Dec 23, 2012 2:05 PM in response to Robert Heil

    One more question.  Forgive me -- I'm not dumb . . . just scattered.  I can't use the Verizon iPhone 5 in Europe, unless I put in a European sim card.  But, what if I'm in Canada, where I am going in two weeks?  Anyway that  I can make a cell phone call there and still be sure of avoiding the scary data roaming costs (but do surfing and email on wifi)??