Traveling to Canada. Need advice.

kmichalec

kmichalec

macrumors 6502a
Traveling to canada this weekend with my unlocked iPhone5, normally on Tmob. A few questions:

1. Is it good enough to set the Data Roaming switch in settings to OFF to prevent surprise international data charges, or would it be better to switch the Cellular Data switch in settings to off so that the phone is grunted to use data only when on Wifi (according to the description of the Cellular Data switch)? Is that overkill?

2. Any tips for ways to call/txt back to phone numbers in the US cheaply? I was looking at using my Google Voice number, which is linked to my Taptalk app, to make calls/send texts when on WiFi at the hotel. Any thoughts on that? Any other ideas for when I'm not on Wifi? I see with Tmob roaming, I can recieve texts for free, but its $0.20 a text outgoing, or $0.53/min to make or receive calls. Looking for something i can use to make maybe a 5-10 min call each day to check on in my elderly father, and maybe a few texts a day to other people.

Thanks.
 
If the phone is unlocked and it's a TMobile (GSM network), why not just buy a sim card there with a data plan? That's what I always do when I travel internationally (Canada included). Your local TELUS phone or a company like that will be happy to accommodate you.
 
1. Set "Data Roaming" to OFF unless you're traveling within your home country, period.

2. Prepaid cards from Loblaws (various banners - Loblaws, no frills, valumart, Real Canadian Superstore, etc...), Shoppers Drug Mart and the like.

btw, OP: the lack of wireless competition in Canada is worse than that of USA - I'm not kidding about it.
 
1. Set "Data Roaming" & "Cellular Data" to off to be sure you won't inadvertently roam. Leave WiFi on.

2. If you're on VZW, the Canada/Mexico feature (1000 voice minutes, unlimited SMS texting to & from Canada to US) is only $10 per month.

ETA - Sorry, missed your saying you're on TMob.
 
Vancouver and Whistler

Going to Vancouver and Whistler with my unlocked GSM iPhone 4s. I anticipate light voice, moderate SMS and about 3Gb data.

I'd appreciate recommendations...
 
Try to stay somewhere with free wifi and just use whatsapp on skype! I done this for a few weeks when in the states.
 
Chief87 said:
Try to stay somewhere with free wifi and just use whatsapp on skype! I done this for a few weeks when in the states.
Click to expand...

Yes, that's my plan but I'm worried about needing to call somebody if I'm out of range from a WiFi area.
 
If the phone is unlocked, buy yourself a sticker for your sim card from a company called "know roaming". It auto detects when you're roaming and puts you on their network for cheap call/text/data. You have an account you can refill with money, and it works globally. Soon as you're back home, auto switches back to your normal carrier.
$35 for the sticker to put on your sim
After that, cheap rates you can check out on their website http://www.knowroaming.com
I've tried this personally because i travel a lot, works like a charm.
 
pogoyoyo said:
If the phone is unlocked, buy yourself a sticker for your sim card from a company called "know roaming". It auto detects when you're roaming and puts you on their network for cheap call/text/data. You have an account you can refill with money, and it works globally. Soon as you're back home, auto switches back to your normal carrier.
$35 for the sticker to put on your sim
After that, cheap rates you can check out on their website http://www.knowroaming.com
I've tried this personally because i travel a lot, works like a charm.
Click to expand...

Thanks, pogoyoyo! I'll consider this.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Register on MacRumors! This sidebar will go away, and you'll see fewer ads.
Back
Top