Tips for Using Cell Phones Overseas
Adjust your settings...or ask your carrier to turn off voice and data
On the iPhone, avoiding extra charges can be as simple as turning the phone to "Airplane" mode, which shuts off cellular, Bluetooth, and WiFi, making it safe to use the iPod and PDA features while you're flying. (Keeping it there means you'll avoid the pricey automatic updates.) Need an extreme solution?Call your mobile service provider and request your data and voice plans to be turned off completely. You can access all your stored information without a chance of roaming; to check messages, just use a different phone. Most providers will allow you to suspend service for up to three months with no monthly cost, or for the minimum minutes plan.
The upside: You'll still have full access to your phone's built-in functions such as WiFi, Bluetooth, contact lists, stored data, and games.
The downside: Keeps costs down but doesn't keep you connected unless you have a device you can enable yourself.
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