I'm considering upgrading from my "dumb" phone to a Smart phone (currently have Verizon). My present phone is good for overseas; I simply call Verizon before I travel to set up global travel which is approx. $4.95/month + $1.99/minute for phone calls, but I don't have e-mail capability. The Verizon dealer said that in order to use a smart phone overseas, one would have to pay approx. $60/month because of the roaming charges/data to check email, internet, etc.
In the distant past, one could easily find internet cafes, and using their computers, cjeck email for reasonable rates. Now we find fewer and fewer internet cafes with computers as it seems everyone has their own smart phones (I guess they're not cheap like me!) or i-pads, and all they need is wi-fi connection.
Would appreciate hearing from anyone who uses their smart phone overseas. Or maybe I should just buy an i-pad and keep my dumb phone?
Smart Phone Usage Overseas, specifically e-mail
Message Submitted by aicitn on Sat, 10/13/2012 - 09:19
Smart Phone Usage Overseas, specifically e-mail
I recently spent a month traveling in China and Japan. I didn't see many internet cafes but most of the eleven hotels and hostels that I used offered wifi - at least in the lobby area. I always inquired at the Front Desk to see if it was offered and where. If offered, I got the access code from staff during check in. When I powered on my AT&T smartphone or Apple iPad and logged onto the establishment's network, I could easily get my email, surf the web and post to my travel blog at no charge. Sometimes the speed wasn't as fast as I have at home, but it was free.
In Shanghai, I joined a few people on the steps just outside the entrance to the Apple Store and got onto the Apple wifi. Also, I found that some restaurants that cater to tourists also offer free wifi. Most of the time this information was posted somewhere inside the restaurant. If you don't see a posted notice, it can't hurt to ask.
When using the establishment's wifi, you don't need data roaming, so be sure to turn it off to avoid getting hit with hefty charges when you return home. I also turned off my devices when I wasn't using them within range of the free wifi just to be sure I didn't incur any charges of any kind. I recently reviewed my AT&T bill for overseas charges during my travels and did not see any.