using iPad on wifi and 3G outside the UK

pigeonpie

OH is thinking about an iPad with 3G and wifi. Just how easy is it to find wifi hotspots? Or is most out-of-home use with 3G? In which case he's looking at Vodafone as apparently they have the best 3G?

However he wants to take it with him to France and maybe Spain. I have no idea if it's possible to connect using wifi in public places there, so assume yet again it would be on 3G.
That sounds like it could be very expensive. French data/mobile rates are way higher than in the UK. Is there a roaming option with any of the UK networks that is affordable?

uint32

When abroad it's usually best to do your surfing in a cafe or McDonalds where there is free wifi provided. Data tariffs abroad are simply not cheap and I don't think you will find a reasonable price from any UK providers.

If he is planning on staying in a specific country for a while it maybe worth while looking into a PAYG sim from that country witch has a decent data tarriff, not sure if that's possible though.

Best bet it to use cafes and other free wifi connections when abroad.

For UK only use I think you can find competitive rates from most companies. Check with friends for advice on 3G coverage in your local area.

pigeonpie

iPad and macdo's (what ze french call macdonalds) don't really go together that well do they?! (how do you clean fingerprint grease off the screen? every iPad I've seen is full of grubby fingermarks).

Has anyone done a deal with an internet cafe in France btw for wifi? French PAYG is eye wateringly expensive for calls, so heaven knows what it'd be for data

uint32

pigeonpie wrote: »

iPad and macdo's (what ze french call macdonalds) don't really go together that well do they?! (how do you clean fingerprint grease off the screen? every iPad I've seen is full of grubby fingermarks).

Has anyone done a deal with an internet cafe in France btw for wifi? French PAYG is eye wateringly expensive for calls, so heaven knows what it'd be for data

Lol - I never even thought of that! You could sit and have only a coffee while you surf but the smell of that grease and sugar combo may be too much to resist!

I would assume that the PAYG would still be cheaper than a UK roaming tariff though, but it's something that would need to be looked into.