Heading to Italy in July

Discussion in 'iPhone' started by jaw2k9, Apr 11, 2013.

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  1. jaw2k9

    jaw2k9 Member
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    Have 3 phones on an ATT family plan - what to do? Trying to not break the bank over a phone - but momma is a worrywart.

    Thanks!
     
    #1 jaw2k9, Apr 11, 2013
  2. Europa

    Europa Moderator
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    Buy eBay IMEI unlocks (they cost about $5 each) and get prepaid SIMs when you get to Italy. This will save you quite a bit of money. The unlocks are only legal if the phones were purchased prior to January 26th 2013. I went through Unlock_Fusion.
     
    #2 Europa, Apr 11, 2013
  3. jaw2k9

    jaw2k9 Member
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    Thanks will give that a very strong look. This will allow them to function only locally - in country so to speak? Or would people from the US be able to call/text whatever - and the cost won't give the wallet a blowout?

    What do you think about turning on an international accout via ATT, and turning it off as soon as we land back in the states? - in other words only on for 10 days or 11?
     
    #3 jaw2k9, Apr 11, 2013
  4. Europa

    Europa Moderator
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    It's equivalent to a permanent factory unlock. It will work on any worldwide GSM network.

    You'll get a temporary number. It will be long distance for people to call from the U.S.

    This will be cheaper than roaming on an Italian network through AT&T.
     
    #4 Europa, Apr 11, 2013
  5. jaw2k9

    jaw2k9 Member
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    Excellent - and any issues with texts - traveling with 2 teen age girls!
     
    #5 jaw2k9, Apr 11, 2013
  6. rambo47

    rambo47 Contributor
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    There are also pre-paid phones available in international airports so when you get to Italy you could pick up a couple as you get off the plane. You can't swing a dead cat around most airports without hitting a kiosk that sells 'em.
     
    #6 rambo47, Apr 11, 2013
  7. jaw2k9

    jaw2k9 Member
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    Thanks - another great idea - and like the CSI shows disposable - it's funny, disposable phones a huge industry!

    If we go this route, could still do WIFI in country with the ATT iPhones yes?
     
    #7 jaw2k9, Apr 12, 2013
  8. AdamDaieh

    AdamDaieh Member
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    Europa is right, have your phone unlock and it will save you a bit of money.
     
    #8 AdamDaieh, Apr 12, 2013
  9. alicepattinson

    alicepattinson Member
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    Unlocking your phone is expensive right? But yeah that's really a gooooood idea :) I think there are also some forums that will teach you how to unlock it.
     
    #9 alicepattinson, Apr 23, 2013
  10. Europa

    Europa Moderator
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    No. It costs less than five bucks for a permanent unlock.
     
    #10 Europa, Apr 23, 2013
  11. Skb2000

    Skb2000 Evangelist
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    I am in the same boat.. sort of. My 4S is unlocked... accident care of AT&T :). Last October I went to the UK and bought a local Sim card. It was fine for what I wanted it for but it is a pain in the butt because you have to tell everyone your new number. They also gave me a temporary US number to use. Fast forward.... I am going to Italy for 2 weeks with hubby... he works, I get to play. Now I am in a quandary because I really only want a phone to connect up with him and he has a US phone number. Getting a local Sim and calling a US number may not be worth the effort and it may turn out to be more costly. I have seriously been considering just getting an International Plan from AT&T to use for the once a day calls or text messages. Unless it is an emergency, no one else is going to call me and I can use Skype to contact them when wifi is available.
    Any thoughts?
     
    #11 Skb2000, Apr 29, 2013
  12. soum500

    soum500 New Member

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    buy cheapest unlocked phone when you arrive in italy buy a sim for your phone.
     
    #12 soum500, Apr 30, 2013
  13. Skb2000

    Skb2000 Evangelist
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    My phone is unlocked... why should I buy another one?
     
    #13 Skb2000, Apr 30, 2013
  14. Europa

    Europa Moderator
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    Because one is the lonliest number. :D
     
    #14 Europa, Apr 30, 2013
  15. Napoleon PhoneApart

    Napoleon PhoneApart Moderator
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    ...there could ever be.
     
    #15 Napoleon PhoneApart, Apr 30, 2013
  16. Skb2000

    Skb2000 Evangelist
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    Oh gee thanks..I almost got that song out of my head before you helped, Naps.
     
    #16 Skb2000, May 1, 2013
  17. Napoleon PhoneApart

    Napoleon PhoneApart Moderator
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    Heheh.

    Momma told me not to come...
     
    #17 Napoleon PhoneApart, May 1, 2013
  18. mifzal

    mifzal Guest

    We can unlock your phone
     
    #18 mifzal, May 9, 2013
  19. Europa

    Europa Moderator
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    Gotta love some of the spam here. :D
     
    #19 Europa, May 9, 2013
  20. Skb2000

    Skb2000 Evangelist
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    I knew either you or Naps would respond.....for those who are curious...I decided to buy an international plan with text messaging. It is working out well.
     
    #20 Skb2000, May 9, 2013
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