Using cell phone while in Europe

[Happy99]

Can any kind soul explain to me how you would make this type of call using your cell phone.

We have phones that do work in Europe but what I can't figure out from AT&T's website is how you make a call while in Europe to another U.S. phone.

For example if for some reason my husband and I get separated and we want to call each other do we just dial the phone number regularly like we would in the U.S. or do we dial it differently since we are outside of the U.S

If we need to make a call to a local number in say Rome any special numbers we need to add to it first?

If we need to call the U.S. what numbers do we need to add before dialing the phone number.

For example when I call London from the U.S., have relatives there, from my cell phone I hold down the zero until it changes to a + sign then dial their country code of 44 and then their number

Just not sure if it works differently when you are actually in Europe

I know about roaming charges, etc and will have that option off but not sure how to go about making the calls if we get separated

I have called AT&T and while I have never had a problem with their customer service the three people I spoke with had no clue about what numbers, symbols, etc would be needed when using the phone while in Europe

Thank you

 

[erionm]

I found this on at&t's website:

Helpful Tips About GSM Roaming

• Your GSM phone assumes the characteristics of the wireless network in each country you visit. So if you are traveling in Italy, your phone will work like a local Italian wireless device.
• Upon arrival, you should learn how to make local calls in the country visited.
• While roaming outside the U.S., be sure to make all international calls using the international format (+, country code, number). For example, to place an international call back to the United States, dial +1, then the area code and number (the U.S. country code is "1"). In most GSM devices, holding down the 0 key will cause the + sign to appear.
• The 911 emergency number is unique to the U.S. In many European countries, the emergency number for police, fire, or ambulance is 112. Outside Europe, emergency numbers will vary by country.
• When you are abroad and turn on your wireless phone, it will automatically search for a wireless network. Registration usually occurs within 30-40 seconds. When the name or network number of the local operator is displayed, your phone should be ready to use.
• Like any other appliance, you will need a universal phone charger and plug adapters for the countries you are visiting.
• In some countries, using a wireless phone while driving is prohibited. Contact the local tourist information office for regulations that may apply.
• If you have problems or questions while roaming outside the U.S., contact AT&T by calling +1-916-843-4685 (a free call from your wireless phone).

http://www.wireless.att.com/learn/international/roaming/faq.jsp#helpful

 

[erionm]

You can also call at&t now by dialing 611 on your cell phone and ask them any roaming questions you may have

 

[clayfolks]

In order to call your husband's cell phone from your cell phone when in Europe, you would simply dial +1 and then the area code and number. We frequently call each other when traveling. The only thing to remember is that it will cost you doubles because you are both sending and receiving. The real thing to be aware of is data consumption if you have smart phones. If you call AT&T (611) and ask to speak to the international department they can give you all the info you need.

 

[Pixie Naseweis]

Yes, you have to call the international country code of the USA (+1) followed by the complete number of your cellphone. It is like calling your husbands cellphone at home and only adding the +1.

 

[cmaasfamily]

If you dial from your phone book (rather than manually entering the number) you don't need to do anything at all. Most phones (iphone for example) have "international assist" on by default. You may want to confirm settings on your, but it should work with no extra steps.

 

[Fly_Away]

If you dial from your phone book (rather than manually entering the number) you don't need to do anything at all. Most phones (iphone for example) have "international assist" on by default. You may want to confirm settings on your, but it should work with no extra steps.

You will have to somehow tell your phone which country you are dialing in your phone book as well, because 7-digit number format is in all countries, and your phone cannot distinguish to which country a particular number belongs. So anyway either in phone book or by dialing manually you will need to use country code (+1 for US) or maybe in modern phones choose the country flag(not sure about the last as I have a super old cell phone).

 

[petchie]

Since ATT uses SIM cards, can't you purchase a European SIM with time on it ?I remember someone doing this and it was cheaper than using ATT International. It may have been on the Howard Forums (the DIS for Cell Phone people)

 

[everafter1]

My husband has AT&T and is in the military so he is always overseas. What he did was turn on international roaming on his phone. Rather than call me on it (because that can get pricy) he sends texts. I can't remember how much each text is, but it wasnt too bad. He can also receive them free... so you may want to think about that instead of calling. Have a great time!

 

[lexlaw69]

Be very careful with roaming charges - not only on your telephone but for your dataplan (iphone, blackberry, etc). Turn off your bluetooth (unless you are using a headset) to conserve battery.

you will also want to add the int'l plan att offers - its like 4 bucks a month and you can turn it off when you return but gets you a discounted rate (not a good rate - just discounted from att's high rates). Also, I would call att twice to insure that you are able to roam while in europe. I travel quite a bit and att has screwed this up for me many many times where i was unable to make calls.

Last, your best solution is to get a european sim card which would give you better rates (by far) than what att will offer you. Also, if you have a smartphone look into using skype voice.

 

[lexlaw69]

If you use a sim card from a different carrier be sure to unlock your phone.

 

[Happy99]

Since ATT uses SIM cards, can't you purchase a European SIM with time on it ?I remember someone doing this and it was cheaper than using ATT International. It may have been on the Howard Forums (the DIS for Cell Phone people)

This was my first thought but I have an iphone and according to everything I have found they can't be unlocked. If anyone knows differently I would love to know how it can be done

I will look into Skype. The problem is that DH has a work phone, got rid of his service on our home plan since he didn't need two phones and not sure if they will allow him to get skype. He has a regular blackberry with verizon

I always have my phone set to DATA OFF when roaming so that I don't incur charges for email but thank you for the reminder

 

[ScubaMickey]

Can any kind soul explain to me how you would make this type of call using your cell phone.

We have phones that do work in Europe but what I can't figure out from AT&T's website is how you make a call while in Europe to another U.S. phone.

For example if for some reason my husband and I get separated and we want to call each other do we just dial the phone number regularly like we would in the U.S. or do we dial it differently since we are outside of the U.S

If we need to make a call to a local number in say Rome any special numbers we need to add to it first?

If we need to call the U.S. what numbers do we need to add before dialing the phone number.

For example when I call London from the U.S., have relatives there, from my cell phone I hold down the zero until it changes to a + sign then dial their country code of 44 and then their number

Just not sure if it works differently when you are actually in Europe

I know about roaming charges, etc and will have that option off but not sure how to go about making the calls if we get separated

I have called AT&T and while I have never had a problem with their customer service the three people I spoke with had no clue about what numbers, symbols, etc would be needed when using the phone while in Europe

Thank you

We were on the Magic Europe relocation cruise last summer using a USA ATT cell phone to dial numbers in the US using the + then 1-area code-number. The system worked in England, Spain, Portugal, and France.

I can't assist with your other questions because we only had one cell phone with us.

ScubaMickey

 

[erionm]

This was my first thought but I have an iphone and according to everything I have found they can't be unlocked. If anyone knows differently I would love to know how it can be done

The iPhone can be unlocked as it's sold that way in many countries around the world. The problem is getting AT&T to unlock it.

 

[luke]

The iPhone can be unlocked as it's sold that way in many countries around the world. The problem is getting AT&T to unlock it.

Or you could look into jailbreaking it...

 

[e_s_jones]

Since ATT uses SIM cards, can't you purchase a European SIM with time on it ?I remember someone doing this and it was cheaper than using ATT International. It may have been on the Howard Forums (the DIS for Cell Phone people)

Yes, that would be the way to go, ASSUMING that AT&T has not locked the phone to their SIM card only, which is usually the case. The OP needs to call AT&T and get the phone unlocked if they want to do this.

And by the way, no one has mentioned that do dial a "+" symbol (like for putting +1 in front of your US/Canada phone number) the usual way is to press and hold the zero "0" button for a second and it will change from zero to plus.

 

[boueburn]

There is a costumer support on at&t by dialing 611 and you can ask them anything regarding on the at7t issues.