International use of iPad 3G?

[mds]

Hey guys!

I'm about to embark on a 3 month tour around the world (musician). I'm gonna need some entertainment and thought the iPad might be perfect! I'm not sure how often I'll have wifi access, so I'm considering the 3G version. My question is: Will I be able to use the 3G in Europe? Japan? Australia? I suspect there aren't subscriber plans available in these countries yet and even if they are I might have SIM card issue, etc...

Any thoughts?!?!?

Thanks!

Mike

 

[pondie84]

You could consider 'roaming' or you can buy microsims in each country you visit (if they have them). Which countries are you visiting?

 

[JonboyDC]

FYI, AT&T international roaming charges are $19.99 per megabyte. Not an especially affordable option.

 

[mds]

$20/mb? That is insane!

I'll be in, oh I dunno, 20 countries maybe? Majority of Europe, Japan, Australia, US, Canada. Probably wouldn't have time to get a new sim card in each country I'm in. No 'all Europe' solutions? Hmmmm....

Thanks guys!

 

[KevinC867]

$20/mb? That is insane!

I'll be in, oh I dunno, 20 countries maybe? Majority of Europe, Japan, Australia, US, Canada. Probably wouldn't have time to get a new sim card in each country I'm in. No 'all Europe' solutions? Hmmmm....

Thanks guys!

If you buy an At&T global data plan the cost is about $1.20 per MB. See www.wireless.ATT.com/learn/international

 

[mds]

Hmm....there doesn't seem to be a reasonable solution. If there was a blanket Europe deal it might be worth it, but it seems to expensive. I might just stick with non-3g and pray for wifi...

 

[FlashHead]

I travel internationally a great deal also. Director. I'm in Seoul right now. Switching sims constantly while on tour could be a pain. Remember that iPad isn't released everywhere yet, either, so you might have to cut sims all the time.

I have a 3G. I pray for wifi, and also get 20 MB at a time for $25 from AT&T. It's a bit of a pricey option, but I limit my 3G usage to e-mail and an occasional website or two, and even a quick Skype call once in a while. My 20 MB can usually last me the 30 days. Having it gives me the security of of never being cut off. Worth $25 bucks a month to me.

Hmm....there doesn't seem to be a reasonable solution. If there was a blanket Europe deal it might be worth it, but it seems to expensive. I might just stick with non-3g and pray for wifi...