Iphone users in the US - TravelPUNK Backpacker College Student Budget Travel Message Boards!

Dillon152 · 02-03-2010, 04:31 PM

I have a question for you! I am thinking about bringing my iPhone with me on my 35 day trip. I'm just planning on using it as my internet connection so i can write emails to friends and family back home. that being said, what do i need to do so i dont get charged some outragious phone usage bill when i get home? Does ATT have some kind of international plan so i can call/text people?

Any suggestions come much appreciated!

**maracle** · 02-03-2010, 08:19 PM

AT&T has an international data plan, but it's awful. 20MB will cost you $25, 200MB is $200. Remember to turn off push mail and app notifications if you go this route, and reset your usage stats so you can monitor how much you've transmitted. It's hard to control your data usage on the iPhone, it is truly set up as an all you can eat device.

The better way to go is to break your mobile data and rely on the wireless. There's no true way to disable data on the iPhone, but you can come close by following the instructions on this site:
Disable Edge and 3G data on iPhone

Basically it installs a profile on your phone that somehow prevents it from connecting to the data network. It's very easy to switch back the the regular profile in the settings menu, so no worries. Just activate this profile and then your data will work fine - but only over wifi.

If you're going somewhere where you'll be in the same country the whole time, you may want to consider seeing if the mobile carriers in that country have a decent pay as you go plan for data. If so, you can jailbreak and unlock the phone and get a new SIM card while you're on the road. Then you're not using AT&T at all. But this is a bit trickier to do.

**pinknic38** · 02-04-2010, 11:09 AM

If you want to use it for wifi alone, then I believe it will work without service. I could be wrong, you'd have to double check.

As for service abroad, I'm with Brett, the best route is unlocking it. I've gotten good at jailbreaking and unlocking iPhones, I do it for friends and have made a little biz out of it, so if you're interested in the deets on how to do it, PM me and I can help you out. It's not hard if you follow the directions.

Dillon152 · 02-07-2010, 07:19 AM

Since i've been snowed in here in Ohio, i've been doing a lot of planning. I've been trying to figure out if i am going to have to buy a power converter for my phone or just an adaptor??? It is going to be my only electronic that I bring, so i'm hoping that all i need is a converter!

Dillon152 · 02-07-2010, 03:31 PM

Hey pinknik... I tried to PM you, but since I am tard when it comes to technology, can you email me explaining this whole "unlocking and jailbreaking" my iPhone?
danieldillon152@hotmail.com
thanks

Dillon

**pinknic38** · 02-08-2010, 08:13 PM

you're from Ohio?! Awesome! I live in Cbus and we have 2 other Cbus tpunks!!! woooot!

yep I'll shoot you an email about it when I get a chance!