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View Full Version : Traveling aboard: what options do I have?

carrera.owner
09-01-2008, 07:25 PM
I will be leaving on a 6-week scientific field campaign to Arica (Chile) in mid-October and would like to take my iphone (2G): email, Apps and (ideally) phone usage. However, if I did this I'd want to be sure that upon my arrival back to the States that I didn't have a whopping bill from AT&T sitting in my mailbox. :smile: One potential option that I've seen in our forum is that one can use Skype with their iPhone (http://www.everythingicafe.com/forum/iphone-modifications/skype-35911.html) and that may probably be good enough. (btw, has anybody tried this yet?) Anyway, before I make any decisions, I'd thought I'd poll the collective wisdom here to see if there are other options.

TIA
Ramesh
09-02-2008, 07:57 PM
Maybe unlock your phone and get a prepaid sim?
coasts
09-02-2008, 08:46 PM
ATT has support in Chile. You can purchase an International Data Plan for quick email checking, but i'd suggest using hotel WIFI for surfing or downloading mass emails in the mornings.
admittedly, i didnt look at the link concerning skype, but i'm not sure how that'd work. you still need a data connection for skype, which is usually what racks up the charges while overseas. sorry if you are aware of this. travel safe
Ramesh
09-02-2008, 08:50 PM
ATT has support in Chile. You can purchase an International Data Plan for quick email checking, but i'd suggest using hotel WIFI for surfing or downloading mass emails in the mornings.
admittedly, i didnt look at the link concerning skype, but i'm not sure how that'd work. you still need a data connection for skype, which is usually what racks up the charges while overseas. sorry if you are aware of this. travel safe
Would that be cheaper than a prepaid? I have no idea, I haven't traveled internationally in a while, but from what I've read, people have unlocked for the sole purpose of being able to buy a cheaper prepaid plan and popping in the sim...
carrera.owner
09-02-2008, 09:02 PM
Oooo....didn't think about the international support of ATT. That might just do the trick along with most surfing/emailing done using the hotel's wifi. yeah...I like this idea...Thx Coasts!
coasts
09-02-2008, 10:03 PM
Would that be cheaper than a prepaid? I have no idea, I haven't traveled internationally in a while, but from what I've read, people have unlocked for the sole purpose of being able to buy a cheaper prepaid plan and popping in the sim...

im really not sure which would be cheaper. ATT would be easier and I like easy.
coasts
09-02-2008, 10:04 PM
Oooo....didn't think about the international support of ATT. That might just do the trick along with most surfing/emailing done using the hotel's wifi. yeah...I like this idea...Thx Coasts!

no trouble. New Yorkers helping New Yorkers. this is what we do.
Ramesh
09-02-2008, 10:06 PM
im really not sure which would be cheaper. ATT would be easier and I like easy.
I agree.

[insert joke here]
coasts
09-02-2008, 10:07 PM
I agree.

[insert joke here]

Ramesh likes 'em easy and doesn't mind paying for it.
carrera.owner
09-02-2008, 10:08 PM
Just found this link: http://www.iphoneatlas.com/2008/08/27/att-expands-iphone-international-data-plans/ I'll do some homework on this a report back.

Yeah, New Yorkers Helping New Yorkers! :2cool:
Youngbinks
09-02-2008, 11:31 PM
I have traveled internationally with my iPhone a few times and have found that AT&T's International Plans certainly work out to be more cost effective than purchasing a pre-paid SIM from overseas. The pre-paid SIM may seem cheaper but you must also consider the cost for the caller you are talking with in the States, as they may incur huge international fees. As far as the Data package is concerned, I didn't subscribe to one and just looked for WiFi locations and found them to be quite numerous throughout my travels. The Voice plan is $5.99 a month and greatly reduces the per-minute charges of calls. Data packages generally include a set amount of data (but is it VERY expensive if you go over) to use for the month.
carrera.owner
09-03-2008, 07:57 AM
Still too new to the forum to figure out how to formally 'thank' Coasts and Youngbinks...but in the meantime, Thanks guys....very much appreciated.
greenjbhsd
09-03-2008, 11:59 AM
Will you have wifi available at any time? I was in Cuzco for 2 weeks recently and did not use my phone (unless I had an emergency then I would) though I had 5 bars at all times (even at Machu Pichhu). I used wifi for e-mail and apps. Like said above, you can talk to ATT about an international window of minutes. It might be expensive but an option. Data is what will kick your ass really. Avoid that if you can.
carrera.owner
09-03-2008, 06:01 PM
>Will you have wifi available at any time?
yes. Based on everyone's suggestion, I will take the wifi route for email and such probably just get a voice plan for the duration of the field campaign (as per Youngbinks).

...Machu Pichhu...
how was it? I am thinking of treking up there after the campaign.

Thx Greenjbhsd