Staying Connected Internationally

[DeltaDiamond001]

Just listened to Kevin and John's Italy segment, and heard them mention purchasing a Vodafone SIM card while in Italy for use in their iPads.

I'll be traveling to Germany for two weeks over the summer, and need to stay relatively connected to my family and friends in the US, and am wondering about the options available.

I have an iPad 2 and iPhone 4S which I plan to bring, both are on AT&T.

Can I purchase a SIM card in Germany for my iPad and have data available throughout the time I'm there to check Facebook, Twitter, etc.?

What about my iPhone? I definitely want to make a call each night to check up on things at home, so probably 10 minutes/day. Does AT&T have a plan available for this that I should sign up for before leaving, or should I get a Vodafone card for my iPhone as well?

I'm basically looking at doing this in the least expensive way possible, but I certainly don't mind spending a good bit if it means I don't have to worry about overage charges, fees, etc.

Thanks!

 

[mikelan6]

I don't know about the iPad, but you can't use a foreign SIM card on a locked AT&T iPhone. I don't think AT&T will unlock it for you. You'll probably have to get one of AT&T's international calling and data plans.

An option I use as well is using apps like Skype that allow you to call the US as long as you're connected via wifi.

 

[k5jm]

Christy and I had Vodaphone sims in our Ipads in London and Paris. We used ATT international plan add-ons for our ATT phones.

Here is the link to ATT for the international plans

http://www.wireless.att.com/learn/international/

 

[DeltaDiamond001]

Christy and I had Vodaphone sims in our Ipads in London and Paris. We used ATT international plan add-ons for our ATT phones.

Here is the link to ATT for the international plans

http://www.wireless.att.com/learn/international/

Awesome, thank you!

Do you know if Germany uses SIM cards? I checked the vodafone.de website, and they don't say anything about SIM cards, just top up cards for pay as you go plans.

If it is an option, I'll definitely pick up a Vodafone SIM for my iPad. I'll just add the voice to my iPhone.

 

[k5jm]

I do believe Germany is on GSM, which uses Sim Cards.

 

[corky441]

Christy and I had Vodaphone sims in our Ipads in London and Paris. We used ATT international plan add-ons for our ATT phones.

Here is the link to ATT for the international plans

http://www.wireless.att.com/learn/international/

So, I am totally un-techie about SIM cards.
I will be getting the AT&T international plan for my iPhone, which I've done before, BUT
If I bring along my iPad and purchase a SIM card in Italy like John and Kevin did, will this allow me to connect to the Internet via it's 3G capabilities instead of wi-fi?

Also, will a store take out my USA card and replace it for me?
How to I revert back then?
Help....