We are traveling to Italy and France in May and June and hoping to use our iPad there. Do I need to purchase a separate sim for each country, or will one do the job? Is it as difficult as it sounds to purchase these and get them set up? I only use mine on wifi and broadband at home so don't want too much hassle trying to get connected. I believe wifi is hard to find in Venice, but if someone can tell me otherwise I will be happy.

Thanks for any help

Originally Posted by Bgerbich

We are traveling to Italy and France in May and June and hoping to use our iPad there. Do I need to purchase a separate sim for each country, or will one do the job? Is it as difficult as it sounds to purchase these and get them set up? I only use mine on wifi and broadband at home so don't want too much hassle trying to get connected. I believe wifi is hard to find in Venice, but if someone can tell me otherwise I will be happy.

Thanks for any help

There is a city-wide WiFi network in Venice, so you should have no problem - though it's advisable to book on line and in advance.

Have a look here

Venice Wi-Fi Network - Venice for Visitors

You'd be better getting a SIM for each country if you want to use 3G or you'll get roaming charges. But WiFi is so widespread in Europe that I think that, unless you're in a remote area, you won't find a big problem. All the malls, franchises, hotels, airports, railway stations, coffee shops, fast food outlets etc have them.

Tim

I was about to ask the same question, I'm going to italy in september, I know the 3 network is pretty big over there, I had a look on their website but couldn't find any information.

so can you just go into the shop and ask for a payg ipad sim? any idea how much they would cost??

thanks

You can see the current operators and their coverage maps here

GSM Coverage Maps | Italy

The cost will depend on the service provider but you find information on the links in the above document.

Tim

excellent, thanks tim!

Thanks for that Tim. Do you know what Burgundy would be like? We are doing a canal barge from Briare to Dompierre. There seems to be lots of towns/villages along the way.

If I didn't want to risk wifi during this part of my trip can you recommend a provider? Thanks for your help

Originally Posted by Bgerbich

Thanks for that Tim. Do you know what Burgundy would be like? We are doing a canal barge from Briare to Dompierre. There seems to be lots of towns/villages along the way.

If I didn't want to risk wifi during this part of my trip can you recommend a provider? Thanks for your help

If you want to go 3G then here are the service providers and links to the coverage maps

GSM Coverage Maps | France

Several members have reported difficulties in getting microSIM cards in France; it appears that there's a lot of bureaucratic hassle there - they want an address in France, telephone number, French-issued credit card etc. Not at all sure why! In the UK you can walk into any mobile phone shop, hand over your cash or credit card and, in 20 seconds, you're away. Obviously, if you're cruising on a barge (it sounds absolutely lovely by the way!) you'll not get continuous WiFi coverage but most French villages will have some WiFi hotspots, so I don't think the situation will be too bad. However, many of those hotspots you have to pay to use.

I hope you enjoy your vacation.

I am envious!!

Tim

I am traveling to France in May. I have been told I can purchase a SIM card with Orange network.
I understand that the sim card is locked to the ATT carrier.
At the Apple store I was told AT&T would do it.
AT&T told me they can't do it. They do not support such operation.
When in the process of purchasing the Ipad, the sales person explained to me if I wanted to used in Europe all I would have to do is buy a micro sim card from a network over there.
What am I to do, to be able use my Ipad in France.

Originally Posted by Robert Troles

I am traveling to France in May. I have been told I can purchase a SIM card with Orange network.
I understand that the sim card is locked to the ATT carrier.
At the Apple store I was told AT&T would do it.
AT&T told me they can't do it. They do not support such operation.
When in the process of purchasing the Ipad, the sales person explained to me if I wanted to used in Europe all I would have to do is buy a micro sim card from a network over there.
What am I to do, to be able use my Ipad in France.

If you get the SFR sim card you can also use the SFR hotspots and there are much more of those than Orange ! I have a MiFi with a SFR card that I can just use when needed, no need to have a monthly plan. I guess they might have micro sims also . Have a look at their website for more information.

Sent from my iPad using iPF

I am now in my room in Florence on my iPad. First off those saying wifi is everywhere are just not informed. Yes wifi is everywhere, but like home also locked. My hotel offer for a price, but so what. I want went I am out and about. I heard of tre.it that offers a sim for 5euro for 3 gig. But before we found the shop we found a TIM shop. To date, I have not seen a tre.it shop, but have stumble upon at least 8 Tim shops. A few vodaphones. Anyway, the Tim shops offer 5 gigs for 19 euro, and 1 gig for 9 euro. I got the 9 euro. Charged me 10 euro for the sim. Just popped the sim in, entered the unlocked sim pw and we have been surfing everywhere. Well so far all over Rome, Florence and on the train ride up. This iPad is a travelers delight. Maps, Skype, Internet, just an amazing device.