Can you use your iPhone abroad
If you're a professional, you use your iPhone for more than just keeping in touch with friends and family, in many cases your iPhone is your connection to the business world. Whether you're tracking inventory, checking email, or taking conference calls on your way to a business meeting, your iPhone is literally your key to staying in touch with your career. However, if you're like most professionals, you travel the world to keep your business running and profitable. Many people who use cell phones wonder if you will be able to use your phone when you are in another country, especially if you will be using the phone for an extended period of time.
Like most cell phones, the iPhone works with a specific cell phone carrier, in which case you get your service through AT&T/Cingular. Many security professionals want to know that their mobile phone service will not be interrupted just because they are traveling from one country to another. Since the iPhone is serviced by AT&T/Cingular, you won't have to worry about loss of service or functionality because the iPhone uses the GSM system. GSM is an acronym that stands for Global System for Mobile Communications, which allows you to use your cell phone in many different countries. In fact, over a hundred countries around the world use GSM, so you can continue to use your iPhone without any interference from cellular service.
Many business travelers travel to Europe and Asia, and since their iPhones use GSM, they can get great service in both places. However, you may want to take some precautions before leaving the country with your iPhone. If you've ever traveled the world and used your cell phone, you'll probably be surprised at the incredibly high charges for phone usage and data.
Indeed, your number is a US phone number. Thus, each call you make in another country is considered by your operator as an international call. If you've been away for a while, it's easy to rack up several hundred dollars in charges and roaming charges, which is why you will.
You want to change plans if you travel abroad frequently.
AT&T/Cingular offers very good international calling plans at very low cost. So you can still travel around the world without worrying about roaming charges and international calls. Also, if you use data on your iPhone, which most of you do, you'll also need to make sure you have an international data plan. The worst homecoming surprise you could have is opening your cell phone bill to find several hundred dollars in extra fees and charges. However, if you plan ahead and make sure you get a new service plan that includes international cell phone use, you won't have to worry about exorbitant charges.