Taking Iphone to Europe

I will be in Germany for a couple of days next week.

I'll have the iphone 6s (getting it this weekend.)

I will want to text and facetime another iphone user and call my mom (she doesn't have a smartphone.)

For the former, if I am on wifi, I am good right? I won't get nailed with roaming charges?

For the latter, do you think the bill will be crazy if I make a 5 minute call to my mom? I have Verizon.

I tried calling them to ask but lost patience after 1/2 hour on hold.

I read that I should turn off cellular data so I don't get nailed with roaming charges.

Anyone have any experience with this?

Do I need Whatsapp?

TIA

Re: Taking Iphone to Europe

Yes, definitely turn off the data roaming. If you're connected to wifi you're fine. Whatsapp is great to make phone calls...or even through Facebook messenger you can make phone calls or video chat. If it's to another iPhone then texts are fine since they go through with wifi, same with FaceTime. A 5 minute phone call shouldn't cost much, but I'm not sure. Less than adding an international plan though.

Re: Taking Iphone to Europe

Put your phone on airplane
Mode and leave it for the entire trip. A 5 minute call should not be a lot. Maybe $20?

Taking Iphone to Europe

I leave my phone on airplane mode and connect to wifi in the hotel for texting, emailing and FaceTime.

Taking Iphone to Europe

Does your mom have FB? If so, you can connect to wifi and call her for free through Facebook messenger.

Re: Taking Iphone to Europe

I did this last year, call Verizon and get the overseas plan for the month then cut it off. It was only $20 extra and get 100 mins, 100 texts and don't remember exactly how much but they gave you some data as well.

I used the WIFI at the hotel otherwise. Did not cost anything extra besides the $20.00.

Re: Taking Iphone to Europe

Go to Verizon site and log on...........go to "My Plans and Services" then click "International Usage and Services". Activate the "Travel Pass" for your phone. It doesn't cost anything to have it on your phone unless you use it.

Germany is included (my DH traveled to Germany a few months ago and we used this service) and it's a FLAT RATE of $10 for every 24 hr period you use your cell. You use your current data plan for texting and calls. They alert you when you're 24 hrs is ending and alert you when you activate another 24 hr period. We talked and texted A LOT and it was only $10/day. He didn't incur ANY roaming charges.

We used a combo of Viber, Skype, and WhatsApp for calls, texts, and video chat.

After you're back from your trip you just leave the Travel Pass on your phone, you don't have to do anything with Verizon. If you travel internationally again it will just activate again every 24 hrs you use your phone.

Have a good trip!


What is TravelPass?

TravelPass lets you use your domestic talk, text and data allowances while traveling outside the US in more than 100 countries for a low daily rate.

Instead of paying per minute, per message, or per MB you'll be charged a flat rate with TravelPass. The daily rate is $2/day in Mexico and Canada and $10/day in other countries where TravelPass is available. You'll use your minutes, messages and data allowances from your domestic plan. The daily charge only applies on days you use your service outside of the US, Puerto Rico and US Virgin Islands.


Verizon Travel Pass FAQ

Message edited 11/3/2016 8:42:31 AM.

Re: Taking Iphone to Europe

Taking Iphone to Europe

Also you can make calls over wi-fi. I used whatsapp when I was in Australia for everything.

Re: Taking Iphone to Europe

What's app is good for free calls, but it only works if the other person has a smart phone and the app as well. You could get the Skype app and put a $10 credit on it. You can call landlines when you are connected to wifi. That should work for your mom.

Also the Apple Store always has free wifi and you will see people standing outside of it using their phones.

Re: Taking Iphone to Europe

Buy an international phone card in Germany and use that.
My dad buys one here to call his family in Germany.

Waaayyyyy cheaper.

Re: Taking Iphone to Europe

Thank you everyone for your great ideas!

Special thanks to Hofstra for the info on Travelpass as that sounds like the way to go!

Re: Taking Iphone to Europe

Taking Iphone to Europe

Before I had an smart phone, my DH would contact me (text/call) using google voice.