Traveling in Asia, WIFI & communication

[WokMaster1]

Will be in Singapore & Malaysia for 2 weeks. So I went to AT&T store to update my account with international 30MB data for text, emails & usual photo uploads, etc.

The lady told me that my iPhone & iPad is not configured for international WIFI. Hmmmm! Is she full of it & spreading FUD in hopes of me buying more??? I thought WIFI is universally compatible, am I wrong?

So I know that using your cell phone overseas is very expensive. How do you guys stay in touch with home/family when you travel? Skype?

[Dekker]

Skype/Email. When I was away for a month from home overseas and I was working I would use Gmail Notifier which constantly refreshes and checks your Gmail inbox and when something new comes in an alert pops up on your computer/laptop. I was able to respond within like 2 mins if my family messaged me(we basically used it like text messaging since their iPhones would automatically tell them when they got an email as well). And then Skype for the end of the day when I got back to my apartment.

Emergencies they could always call the office telephone and they would transfer it to me. Company cellphones were restricted to business only(ie business with whoever you had to deal with) so you couldn't use it to call your family whenever you wanted unless you wanted to be in deep poo with corporate.

[Jel]

If you have access to internet I would pick up a Magic Jack Plus. The Plus version allows you to make calls without having to use a PC. You still need to be able to plug into a switch or directly to a router's ethernet port but they work great. You will also need to carry an analog phone. So if you are just making calls from your hotel room and you don't mind bringing a cheap phone and the magic jack, your calls are free. Just make sure you get it registered and setup before you leave.

Otherwise, Skype.

[bigbearbear]

The lady is just stupid, WiFi channels are basically the same except for a few. Your iPhone and iPad will work just fine.

I know this for sure, since I gave my bought-in-USA iPad2 to my father who lives in Singapore. And he's using it everyday to read newspaper via WiFi.

If I were you though, I'll turn off data roaming and just use the hotel's WiFi. Singapore Changi Airport has free WiFi too.

[WokMaster1]

Thank you

[NSR500]

I travel to Asia and I always bring an unlocked phone so I can buy a prepaid sim at my destination.

[WokMaster1]

I travel to Asia and I always bring an unlocked phone so I can buy a prepaid sim at my destination.

What kind do you have? What did you pay for it? I checked on eBay & saw a whole bunch of "deals" from China & not cheap.

I was looking for something that has a Qwerty keyboard (OK, who am I kidding?) I am looking for an iPhone

Quick question about Skype.

I have never used it before & I just downloaded it on my iPhone & laptop. The laptop stays home for the family & I am gonna use the iPhone on my end. Will I get charged on my end since I am using a mobile phone?

[Mr310]

What kind do you have? What did you pay for it? I checked on eBay & saw a whole bunch of "deals" from China & not cheap.

I was looking for something that has a Qwerty keyboard (OK, who am I kidding?) I am looking for an iPhone

Quick question about Skype.

I have never used it before & I just downloaded it on my iPhone & laptop. The laptop stays home for the family & I am gonna use the iPhone on my end. Will I get charged on my end since I am using a mobile phone?

You won't be charged for Skype if you only use it on WiFi.

The problem with AT&T is that they'll charge you for data usage even if you only use WiFi. It happened to my father a couple of months ago. He came back from 3 weeks in Europe having been diligent to only use his phone on WiFi to a phone bill over 300 from AT&T.

When I worked in Asia, my company gave me a Noka N series. I just swapped out the Sim cards for different countries/carriers and was able to go to kiosks to buy time cards to call in and put time on my phone. It gave me internet as well.

[WokMaster1]

You won't be charged for Skype if you only use it on WiFi.

The problem with AT&T is that they'll charge you for data usage even if you only use WiFi. It happened to my father a couple of months ago. He came back from 3 weeks in Europe having been diligent to only use his phone on WiFi to a phone bill over 300 from AT&T.

When I worked in Asia, my company gave me a Noka N series. I just swapped out the Sim cards for different countries/carriers and was able to go to kiosks to buy time cards to call in and put time on my phone. It gave me internet as well.

ATT will suck every ounce of blood out of you. I was looking at Google ChromeBook & the price is right at $250. Even Kindle Fire HD at $199 sounds cheaper. Too back my iPad1 doesn't have a camera

[NSR500]

I used a jailbroken and unlocked iPhone. It worked flawlessly for voice and data.
As for International data charges from AT&T, you have to turn off all the data function and location based stuff. It's the only way to be sure that you don't return to a $1000 phone bill.

[hermosabeach]

If you have an old phone, search for a local store on craigs list who can unlock the device
The old razors are quad bands and work in a lot of the world

Unlocking simply removes the program installed by the provider who sold you the phone
AT&T locks the phone so it will only work on there network

Once unlocked, you can buy a prepaid sim card when you arrive in your destination and uou will also have a local phone #

The kindle fire is also a great email tool. Check all of your email by wifi- watch movies on the flight or read books

[whobob]

I travel to Asia and I always bring an unlocked phone so I can buy a prepaid sim at my destination.

[ldivinag]

Call your provider and tell them you will be travelling to Asia or wherever for an extensive amount of time and request that they unlock your phone.

I heard of this working most of the time. When you get to your destination buy a sim card there and talk away...