When I traveled internationally for the first time after buying my iPhone, I was concerned about the potential for racking up huge phone bills. I’d heard horror stories about people who used their ATT iPhone for international travel, only to discover they had mounted up thousands of dollars in cell phone charges upon returning home. As an underpaid writer, I needed to make very sure this didn’t happen to me.
I started by calling AT&T and was told that I needed to add an International Calling Plan for $24.99 per month. Initially that seemed like a reasonable solution, until I read the small print. The plan provides 20MB of usage within 65 countries, and the list of countries did not include my destination. Additionally, usage over 20MB would have been charged at $.005 per KB. If that all sounds like a lot of gibberish, let me put it in perspective: opening an email with a five megapixel picture in it or downloading a three-minute video on YouTube each require about 2MB of data, so it wouldn’t take long to eat up 20MB of data. Additionally, there are 1,000 KB in each MB, so if I was over my limit, opening a 2MB email would cost me $10! Obviously, this plan was not acceptable.
Since I intended to access my email and the Internet solely through the hotel’s WiFi network, I asked AT&T for instructions to block the cellular network completely. Although it was a struggle to get the rep to agree to send me the appropriate information, she finally offered to send an email with instructions. The instructions were somewhat incomplete, but with research I was able to fill in the missing details and the steps I took successfully shut off the 3G network (I have since traveled internationally for months without incurring any roaming charges). The following are the specific instructions for using ATT iPhone for international travel without incurring high international roaming charges (3Gs, 4 and 4s):
Settings for iPhone 3GS:
- Make sure that standard International Roaming and International Long Distance feature, if it is included in your cellular plan, is removed (call AT&T and make sure the rep adds a note to your account confirming that you requested this)
- If you are going to forward your number, do so before you change any other settings (Settings->Phone->Call Forwarding->Turn ON->Enter number to which you want calls forwarded)
- Disable 3G (Settings->General->Network-Enable 3G->OFF)
- Turn off data roaming (Settings->General-Network->Data Roaming->OFF)
- Make sure WiFi is enabled (Settings->WiFi->WiFi->ON)
- Turn of automatic pushing of email (Settings->Mail, Contacts, Calendars->Fetch New Data-Push->OFF and set Fetch to Manually)
- Put the phone in airplane mode (Settings->Airplane Mode->ON)
- Although not absolutely necessary, I wanted to be very sure I was not mounting up the MB’s, so I reset the usage counter to zero in order to monitor it throughout the trip, ensuring my usage remained at zero. To do so, go to Settings->General->Usage->Reset Statistics (scroll to the very bottom).
Settings for iPhone 4 and 4s:
- If you are going to forward your number, do so before you change any other settings (Settings->Phone->Call Forwarding->Turn ON->Enter number to which you want calls forwarded)
- Disable 3G (Settings->General->Network->Cellular Data->OFF). Also check your Data Roaming; it should be off by default, but for some reason if it is on, turn it off here as well
- Make sure WiFi is enabled (Settings->WiFi->WiFi->ON)
- Turn of automatic pushing of email (Settings->Mail, Contacts, Calendars->Fetch New Data-Push->OFF and set Fetch to Manually)
- Put the phone in airplane mode (Settings->Airplane Mode->ON)
- If you wish to reset the usage counter to zero in order to monitor it throughout the trip and ensure usage remains at zero, go to Settings->General->Usage->Cellular Usage->Reset Statistics
- NOTE: In my 4s I do not turn off Location Services and Notifications, as they both work over wifi as well as a cellular network. Disabling 3G and putting the phone in Airplane Mode ensures that they will use only the wifi network and not rack up expensive roaming charges.
When I arrive in an international destination, I simply log into an available WiFi network and Voila! I have access to the Internet, email, Twitter, and can even make international phone calls with the iPhone Skype app without incurring cellular charges. When you return to the U.S., simply reverse the process, although you may choose not to reinstate the International Roaming and International Long Distance feature.
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I am going to live in Malawi, Africa for a year. I am taking my iPhone with me. I do not plan on using it all the time. The orphanage has a computer with Internet acess I can use. Not sure of they have wifi. I will want to talk to family occasionally and I get 50 text messages on the international plan. So if I understand correctly I need to turn off data roaming, turn on airplane mode and get a skype number. If I want to read text the I have to turn 3G back on, right? Sorry for asking the same questions as others but I don’t want tons of charges bit would still like to use my phone if o can.
Hi Karen: Skype on your cell phone won’t help you a bit unless you have a wifi connection. If the orphanage has a computer that is new enough to support Skype, and if you can download and install it on their computer, that is probably your best bet for talking to your family. Of course, you need to make sure that all your family members have installed Skype as well; that way you can talk without any charges whatsoever.
As for a Skype phone number, the only reason for getting one either to forward your cell number to Skype, which will not do you much good without wifi, or to have a local number that your family can call, and which rings thru to Skype. In the case of the latter, unless you have wifi access for your cell, you’d need to pre-set a time for your family to call so you could be sitting at the orphanage computer to receive the call on Skype.
You are correct that to receive sms text messages on your iPhone you must enable the 3Gs, but you must be VERY careful that all push and location services MUST be turned off or you risk eating up data in excess of the plan you are going to buy, which could result in huge charges. Hope that helps.
Hi there, I was just about to purchase a skype number and noticed that they do not support Italy. Does anyone know of a skype-like app that gives out a local (39) Italy number for inter-Italy incoming calls? Thank you…
Baweibel, sorry for my confusion. Yes calls are always on 3G, but my data usage goes to wifi if available, first (in the US) and only 3G if no wifi is available. When roaming the countryside, I need the GPS so I will take your advice and only turn on when necessary. BTW, I have a iPhone 3GS and it does have separate settings for 3G, Cellular Data, and Data Roaming, so that may not be phone specific.
BTW, does anyone know if TextFree Voice has better coverage in Europe than Skype. I have been using their instant messaging and it is wonderful. You can text other cellphones for free using wifi! I was thinking about trying out their paid calling. I believe it’s free incoming and paid outgoing and every time you get an incoming call you rack up points.
Thank you again for this wonderful site…Lesli
Happy to help Lesli; sounds like you’ve got it figured out just fine. Happy travels.
Hi. Thanks for all the great info. Was on with AT&T chat and they didn’t know how to turn the wifi back on in airplane mode – either did I until now. The thing is, in the US (I’m in Italy now) the phone will always search for a wifi network before a 3G network. Is everyone saying it’s diffeent when you’re abroad? I would like to buy the 20G as in the US I barely touch that usage. I really could use the GPS capability. I am by myself traveling and am totally lost. BTW is anyone traveling in Italy that welcomes additional travelers. I may buy the 50G just to stay on the safe side. Any suggestions, please!!!
Thank you…
LostinItaly – sorry but I’m not quite sure what you’re asking. The 3G and wifi networks are totally separate. You can turn on Airplane mode and then enable wifi, however if 3G is on and you try to make a call or download data the default is the 3G network. If you want to keep your data usage down, turn off 3G, enable wifi and use it whenever possible, reverting to the 3G only when absolutely necessary.
This may sound quite ignorant, but using an iPhone so arranged above, how do you dial domestic telephone numbers while in a country? Do you have to dial using the full country codes even if you’re calling someone a block away?
Bill, that’s not an ignorant question at all. In my experience, it is different in each country, and even within the country it can vary. For instance, one district or region can require a prefix and another one not. Also, the way cell phones and landlines are dialed are often different, with respect to prefixes. I just ask once I get there.
this sounds great! thank you for sharing it, we’re planning a trip to Guatemala in November and will let you know how it went.
Great Wendy. Please do report back. Every little bit of information helps.
Fantastic advice, Barbara – and all your followers. Thank you very much.
I have followed all your instructions prior to my trip to Turks/Caicos. My hotel on vacation has unlimited free WiFi access. My question is this: Once in airplane mode, and I turn WiFi back on – I should be able to use the Vonage Mobile App which I have downloaded onto my iPhone, correct? I have been told that calls on Vonage from Turks/Caicos back to USA are absolutely free. Can you confirm? Thank you!!!
Hi Doc: So sorry but I don’t know a thing about Vonage. Maybe someone else who is subscribed to the comments???
Barbara: I have my answer!
Once I arrived in Turks and Caicos, I turned airplane mode ON. I then switched WiFi back to ON and connected to my hotel’s complimentary WiFi service. I had downloaded the Vonage Mobile app before I left.
Once connected to a WiFi network, I simply opened the Vonage app and dialed back to USA without being charged a cent! The connection was perfectly clear, and the app even download all my contacts!! I am sure there are some countries where using Vonage will require a payment, but calling fromTCI to USA was absolutely free!
Just putting the phone in airplane mode is sufficient. It auto disables the cellular network and only uses wifi. Travelled to Europe, Asia & the caribbean like that.
Hi Shsamuels: You are absolutely correct that just putting the phone in Airplane Mode will do the same thing, however the Airplane mode button (on my 3GS phone) is right next to the wifi button and on occasion I have disabled the Airplane mode by mistake and realized it some time later. If I had not taken all the steps described in my post, I would have racked up huge charges, as the phone would have used international roaming to check my email, use location services for apps, etc. I’m a proponent of being safe rather than sorry.
Will I get charged if I use Wifi outside the US WITHOUT airplane mode ON?
@Aldo: if you are only concerned with Internet access, you are much safer with airplane mode ON. By turning airplane mode OFF, you are exposed to cellular network roaming charges which can add up quickly.
Once airplane mode is ON, you then have to turn the WiFi on the phone back on. As long as you can find a free WiFi carrier where you are traveling, you are all set,
No, Aldo, as long as your Airplane Mode stays on and you use only wifi, there will be no charges, however I strongly suggest you read the whole article so that you know about push notifications and location services. etc.
Hi Barbara,
Been following your blog for awhile now as I’m going to Europe for 3 weeks and want to bring my iPhone. I downloaded Skype for mobile. My understanding is that if I buy Skype credit, I can call my US vmail for a very reasonable rate so that sounds like an easy way to check vmail. I can also make local calls within the countries I’m visiting for pennies/minute. So that’s my plan. I’m thinking about getting the ATT World Traveler option at $5.99/month just in case I’m not in a Wifi area and need to make a call for some reason. I plan to keep my phone in Airplane Mode the entire trip and only get off it if I need to make an ATT call. I do most of my communication by email, so my understanding is that this will be free as long as I’m in a wifi area when I check and or write emails. Do I have this straight?
Your blog has been a huge help to me and others–thank you!
Hi Leslie: Sounds like you’ve got it down just fine. The only other thing you might want to look into is to buy a Skype phone number (it would be a U.S.number, so all your friends & family could call you for the cost of cell minutes only) and a Skype subscription, which would give you really cheap per minute calls from most any destination in Europe. With the subscription, you get Skype voice mail, so you can forward yor mobile number to the Skype number and pick up your voice mail via Skype when you have wifi access. If you do this, just remember to forward your cell phone to Skype BEFORE you put it in Airplane mode. Best of luck and have a great trip.
Hi! Thanks for the great tips 🙂 I am leaving overseas in a couple days and was wondering what your opinion was on just taking out the sim card instead of putting the phone on airplane mode? Have you tried this before? I have an iPhone 3g and just wanted to use the music and some apps (Facebook,Twitter) that require Wifi. Which do you think is the better thing to do? Thank you again!
Hi Kathleen: I am no expert on your question, but was intrigued enough to do some research. It appears that you can use the iPhone as an iPod (access the Internet via wifi, stream music/videos, etc) without the sim card in. However, if you connect to iTunes without the sim card and do a restore or update either the operating system or iTunes it will likely lock it up and will have to be unlocked by ATT. It also appears that the safest way to do this is to have your iPhone unlocked. I had mine done for $10 – just Googl iPhone 3GS unlock and add the geographic area you are located to find someone who can do this. Best of luck and enjoy your travels.
Thank you, Barbara for replying quickly! I have googled how to unlock the iPhone and will do that tonight. Thank you again
Hi Kathleen: You’re very welcome, but one more word of advice. Make sure NOT to update your iPhone operating system or iTunes version after unlocking, especially when overseas, as it is often difficult to get service outside of the US. Usually iTunes is not a problem, but best to be sage rather than sorry.
Hi-”
Thank you for this discussion!!
I am travelling in Canada from the U.S. I don’t want any charges. I’m using an iPhone 4. The condo where we’re staying has wi-fi. I’ve followed all your directions–thank you!! However, with “airplane mode” on “on”, I can’t access wi-fi, which would allow me email and games. Is there a way to be sure I’m only using wi-fi?
Thank you!!
Don
Hi Don: I have actually encountered this issue several time in my travels – in Airplane Mode, I could not immediately access the wifi. even if it was an open network. In each instance, I was told that it was impossible to access the wifi with Airplane Mode turned on. This is not correct. What I discovered is that it sometimes takes quite a while for the wifi network to be recognized by the iPhone when it is in Airplane mode. It wuld “see” the network but not connect to it immediately. Sometimes, I would just try several times in a row and it would finally connect. I found it helpful NOT to go back to my Home until the wifi icon appeared next to the airplane logo in the upper left-hand bar. Once it showed I was connected I could safely go back to Home and would be connected. This occasionally took up to a minute. On one or two occasions, I actually had to disable Airplane mode for a few seconds and hen re-enable it before it would connect to the wifi. Hope that helps.
Thank you so much for your post. Sorry if my question is redundant, but do I turn off the “cellular data” as well (since you didn’t mention this part, probably not) ? I want only to access my email and surf the web when I’m in Italy.
Kindly,
Pal
Hi Pal: Step #3 in my instructions is “Disable 3G (Settings-General-Network-Enable 3G-OFF).” That means you will be turning off the cellular network entirely, including all data. If you don’t do this, you could have a nasty surprise when you return, as it will use the cell network by default to search for location or access the Internet. If the cellular data is turned off you’ll only be able to go online and check email when you have access to wifi, which is safe.
Thank you for your prompt reply. You’re the best! I have been exploring your beautiful website and it’s/you’re full of fantastic info. Cinque Terra was not on our itinerary, but after seeing your photos, we might just stop by. Once again, thank you for sharing (sharing is caring)…
You’re very welcome, Palamy. Have a wonderful trip!
First of all, thanks so much for this information! But, in answer to Pal’s question, I think the difference is in the version you are using. I know my phone has a separate option for Cellular Network that does not turn off when 3G is turned off. I have the iphone 4G. Barb, it looks like you have the 3GS. Pal, it’s probably best to just turn off both options (3G and Cellular Network).
Thanks Robin – very good to know!
Fwd your cell to a Skype #
Flip it to airplane mode.
Turn on wifi
For emergency, turn airplane mode off, pay the fee, it’s an emergency.
This works, you don’t need to interact with AT&T. If you think you do, use AT&T iPhone app.
Hi Barbara, I want to be able to use my iphone for emergency calls and texting; I am traveling alone and looking at maps-the wifi looks sketchy. I was planning on buying the ATT international voice roaming (5.99/.99 minute) as well as global messaging 50($10/50 outbound texts). I don’t want the data at all. If I follow the steps with the exception of airplane mode, will this prevent the data from loading?
Kat: VERY risky in my opinion. For instance, unless you ensure that all your
“location” services are disabled, if you don’t have it in Airplane Mode,
yoo will be downloading data in the background and may not even be aware
that you are doing so. By “location” services I am referring to apps like
the mapping service or anything that needs to use your location to work. I
totally agree with ATribeCalledWes:
“Fwd your cell to a Skype #
Flip it to airplane mode.
Turn on wifi
For emergency, turn airplane mode off, pay the fee, it’s an emergency.”
I do exactly that – forward my iPhone to my Skype number and use the Skype
app for iPhone to make my calls when I’m in a wifi zone. If you think wifi
will be hard to find, you can buy the international package and only use it
in an emergency. But leaving Airplane mode turned off is asking for
problems, IMO.
Thanks to you, Barbara, and to ATribecalledwes for the responses. I just got my skype account and will keep the iphone in airplane mode. I also found an old phone I bought from vodaphone in 2005 (teeny, tiny-but functional). I will bring it along and buy a new sim card for it when I get there and use it for calls-won’t need to worry about emergency calls on the iphone.
Thanks again for all of the information on this site–sooooo helpful.
You’re very welcome, Kat. Now the next thing you should do is get your
iPhone jailbroken and unlocked. It’s marvelous to travel with it that way
and just be able to pop in a local sim card wherever I am!
Hey Barbara- I feel very dumb asking this. When getting an online number from Skype to forward your calls to, do you get a US number (if that is your country of origin) or a number that matches where you are visiting? I thought it would be blinded to the caller since they are dialing your regular number?
Hi Spain Bound. Not a dumb question at all. I get a number from my country,
which is where most of my friends and all my family is, so they can call for
free on their cell phones, using only minutes. If I got a number in the
conutry I was traveling to, they would have to pay International rates to
cal me.
Call rates depend on the distance of the person you’re calling. If I were you, I’ll take advantage of using free video call like the ones offered through skype and facebook. Bring your laptop, go to a wi-fi ready place and you’ll get to see, hear and communicate with your family and friends in real time without wasting any money.
perth campgrounds
Hi Barbara,
Next week I am planning to travel from the US to Mexico for a week long vacation. I am wanting to forward my iphone to another iphone who has an international plan enabled. When I do this.. And say someone in the US calls my number that’s been forwarded will they be able to see the number I’ve forwarded to? Or only the number they dialed (mine)?
Second, if I make a call from this other iphone back to the US, which number will show up their caller ID? Third, can I turn off the “show my caller ID” and make a call from Mexico to the US and the number will not be displayed?
I’m a little confused if you couldn’t tell.
On a separate note. I’m planning to just use my iphone in Mexico in wifi mode only for posting pics to facebook. So to keep from incurring any charges whatsoever, I should forward my number (all the mumbo-jumbo above). Turn off all push notifications. Turn on WiFi (when needed only). Correct?
Thanks for any help on this!!
Hi Jess: So sorry, but I don’t know the answer to your questions about what
numbers will show up when you forward. I suggest calling AT&T and asking
those questions, but without divulging that you will be doing so to avoid
paying for an International Plan. As to your second question, yes, if you
follow the instructions I have provided and turn on wifi when needed and
available, you will be able to post photos to Facebook without incurring any
fees for International charges.
Thanks for posting and being so informative.
I too am planning a trip to europe soon..and I just want to be certain of the following for having my vmails forwarded (both my wife and I have iphones with at&t)…assuming I follow your instructions…I can set up call forwarding on the iphones (right before I leave) to skype (or someother service) that converts them to emails and not have to worry about getting or needing cellular access whilst in europe. Assuming I diligently keep them in airplane mode etc. Right? Thanks again, in advance!!!!
Absolutely correct Warren, just be sure you forward BEFORE you enable
Airplane Mode.
I think I am a little dense because I read these suggestions but am still a little confused. Here is what I would like to accomplish: I would like to forward messages from home/office to my Iphone so that when I can check phone messages periodically. I am not worried about emails because I know what to do there. So, say I forward messages, then follow Barbara’s suggestions in the original note, but periodically wish to retrieve any phone messages. (I would try to do this in an wifi environment, but occasionally might need to do it as roaming.) And, I might need to make a roaming periodically. Which of Barbara’s suggested actions do I need to reverse?
Hi Ray: You’re not dense; it’s a complicated issue. Unless you have an
International package with AT&T, you will be charged exorbitant fees for any
connection while overseas, and that includes getting your voice mail. I have
my voice mail forwarded to my Skype number, so I can retrieve it whenever I
have wifi access, however there is no way that I know of to get your voice
mail on your iPhone using only the wifi connection. If the only thing you
need to do is get your voice mail (you will not be using the cellular
network to get your email or browse the web, etc.), and if the amount of
voice mail you expect to receive is minimal, then it might be best to buy a
limited International Plan from AT&T while you are traveling. But if you do,
be sure to follow all the instructions to turn off location, push services
and notifications. Otherwise, they will operate in the background whenever
your cellular network is active and you will incur extremely high rates for
any data downloaded that is over the limits of your International Plan. Hope
that helps.
Thanks, Barbara. So, I get an International Plan, follow your guidelines of the settings, then when I want to check messages, or make a call, which do I reverse? I get lots and lots of emails, so fear that if I reverse everything for a few minutes, there will be 100 or more emails forwarded and run up a lot of bits of information. Or, is it only when I open up the emails that the usage skyrockets? Armed with your info, I will try again to make sense of what AT&T tells me. Thanks. Ray
Hi Ray: Frankly, the ONLY way I would even consider buying an International
Plan from AT&T is if you needed it to retrieve voice mails occasionally and
you DON’T get lots of emails. From the way you describe your situation, I
don’t think it will work for you. You do get charged for downloading emails
and if you get a lot of them the data can add up quickly. You could tinker
with the settings (when you want to get voicemail, turn on 3G and make sure
your email “push” is turned off with fetch set to manual), but that’s pretty
complicated and the potential for not getting things back to the proper
settings after you’ve retrieved your voicemail is high. Very cumbersome.
An alternative situation is to purchase an Online Number with Skype. This
would be a U.S. phone number that anyone can call from their mobile or
landline, but calls actually come through Skype. You answer on Skype, no
matter where you are, whenever you have a wifi connection. When you don’t
have an active wifi, people can leave a message and you can return their
calls via Skype (free between two users who both use Skype, as little as 1.2
cents per minute if you are calling someone who doesn’t use Skype, and you
can buy Skype credit to cover these minor charges). Every Online Number
includes voicemail. Prices start at $18 per month for three months and get
lower for longer term contracts. To manage things this way, simply sign up
for a free Sype account and install the free Skype app on your iPhone. Go to
http://skype.com.
I take it a step further and forward my regular cell phone number to my
Skype online number, so the whole process is invisible to anyone but me.
People just call my regular number. Hope that helps.
Thanks, Barbara. I have now taken a Skype number and I understand a lot better the process with the Iphone. I have been following your travels in Nepal, Laos, etc., and am amazed at the things you do and how you do them. Thanks for everything.
Ray
You’re very welcome, Ray. Glad I could help. I’m just glad to see some folks
from the U.S. get out there and see the world. I’m on a mission to educate
Americans that it’s safe to travel. Have a wonderful journey!
One more thing, Ray. When you forward your cell to the new Skype number,
make very sure you set up forwarding BEFORE you turn on airplane mode or
people who call you will get an error message. 🙂
I travel to Spain every summer to visit family and the simplest thing is to leave the phone ALWAYS on the Airplane Mode while outside of the U.S. As mentioned, having access to Wifi allows using Skype calls to other Skype users or Skype Out (requires buying credit from Skype) to call regular phone numbers fairly inexpensively. I bought a cheap Quad Band mobile phone from Craigslist in which I can insert prepaid SIM cards to use for texting and local calling when no Wifi is available. To check voicemail, I either use Skype Out, or the cell phone with the prepaid SIM and a cheap calling card to call the voicemail retrieval number (ask AT&T for the number). Enter the password and listen to your voicemail without incurring any charges from AT&T.
So really, all that needs to be done is to put the phone in Airplane Mode the moment you take off and never change it until you land back in the States.
Blocking G3 should also block texts, because they go through G3– at least they do on my iphone.
I forgot to thank you for this— Earlier this year, we traveled in SE Asia. My iphone became my computer– cool