iPhone 4S Global Use

[David Slocumb]

I have an Apple 4s I purchased from Verizon and it is supposed to be activated for Global use. I am traveling to Paris and taking a Cruise around England in about 10 days. I have received confusing information on what to do when I leave the USA and when I get to Paris.
I was told to enter different codes before leaving the US and then enter different codes when I get to Paris.
Can you help me with dialing instructions?
Thanks, David Slocumb

[veriztd]

Did you get your information directly from Verizon or what you read on the internet ?? If you didn't already, call CS before you leave the US to confirm your options. Are you planning to use your current Verizon mobile # or do you want to use a foreign SIM and foreign mobile # instead ?? You need to be more clear in what you need to know.

[David Slocumb]

Yes, I received my information from Verizon; local store & Global site.
I will use my current Verizon cell phone number, I do not want to use a foreign SIM.
Thanks for replying.

[veriztd]

Start at this site directly from Verizon for more information: http://businessportals.verizonwirele...nal/index.html

I hope this helps.

[Slinkwyde]

I will use my current Verizon cell phone number, I do not want to use a foreign SIM.

Just be aware that doing it that way is a lot more expensive. It's a lot cheaper to buy a local prepaid SIM than it is to do international roaming. Also, be extremely conservative with your data usage while roaming internationally. Otherwise, you could easily rack up an enormous bill (thousands of dollars). Use WiFi as much as possible, and you may want to disable cellular data entirely for the duration of your trip. It's a good idea to download things like offline GPS apps (and their maps) before you leave, along with the JiWire WiFi finder. If you still want to use your Verizon number instead of a prepaid foreign SIM, you should make sure your phone is actually on an International use plan. Much cheaper that way, but still not as cheap as a prepaid foreign SIM. At least that's how I've heard it is on AT&T (according to Alex Lindsay on Macbreak Weekly); I don't know if the Verizon situation is similar.

[txusa]

After crossing the Texas-Mexico border I received 3 text messages welcoming me to Mexico and how to place a call to USA, charges for making or receiving a call or text and how much for Global data.

[l_traveler]

Call Verizon and ask for global support, they will verify that your account is active for international travel. They will verify your SIM card is active in the system. You will have to update your PRL, *228. I would advise purchasing the global data plan for the month or 2. Depending on the trip times and your billing cycle. I think it is 25.00 for 100MB. Not a lot, but you do not want a surprise in this area.
I use wifi as much as possible, and only leave my work email on and use Skype without video to limit my call cost. Maybe 30 minutes total of skype for the week and work email and wifi, I used 60MB in France last month.

[l_traveler]

As for dialing, I have +1 already as part of the phone number for all my contacts. It works correctly in the US, except for parts of Kentucky. It works properly in Mexico and France and Amsterdam.