How to Prepare an iPad for International Travel – Guide

As an iPad user, what can you do to make sure you’re not surprised by unexpected costs on your phone account if you’re an occasional traveler or routinely leave the country for business trips? ..

Do you have WiFi access?

Disable Cellular Data and Data Roaming on your iPad to prevent it from using data even when connected to a local network.

If you need to closely monitor your data usage, scroll down to the list of your apps and see how much data it uses when connected to a cellular connection. This is found directly below the app listings. Another good tip to monitor your data usage is to reset the statistics at the beginning of your trip. This is found at the bottom of the mobile section page. Also, one of the easiest ways to save on data usage is to use Wi-Fi to make free calls. This can be done over FaceTime audio, Skype and Google Voice, just to name a few.

Is your iPad mobile-enabled?

If you own a cellular-enabled iPad of any variety, your SIM card is already unlocked. This is especially useful if you plan to buy/use a local SIM card for data usage. When using your iPad over a cellular network, it is important to understand the limitations and costs associated with such use. There are steps you can take to protect yourself from unexpected costs/fees when traveling abroad.

The first step you should take is to contact your local carrier. They should be able to answer any questions you may have. However, visiting the site for information can be just as beneficial, without the extra time investment associated with a call. In my experience, visiting the site first, I have often felt more prepared to make an international roaming decision than talking to my own carrier. If you feel like your rep is just reading a script and not fully versed in the options available, insist on talking to someone who is better equipped. The carrier usually doesn’t have many options to choose from when it comes to international travel. It usually comes down to how much data you need while you’re away. ..

You can always buy a cellular data plan for your iPad. Plus, if you have an iPad with an Apple SIM, you can purchase cellular data plans from select carriers in over 90 countries and territories around the world. When you arrive at your destination, you can choose a cellular data plan directly in your iPad settings to connect.

What should you do when you arrive at your destination?

If you have an international data plan with your carrier before you depart, you can now enable data roaming. This can be found under Settings–> Cellular Data–> Cellular Data Options on your iPad.

If your iPad has an Apple SIM, you can subscribe up for a data plan with selected carriers in that country. To do this, go to Settings->Cellular Data and choose a plan that suits your needs. More information can be found here.

To use/activate a locally purchased SIM card, simply remove the current SIM card and replace it with the newly purchased SIM card. Don’t forget to keep your old SIM in a safe place to exchange when you return.

Troubleshooting international data roaming issues.

If your iPad displays the No Service icon in the status bar, first check that Data Roaming is actually turned on. If so, follow up with your data provider to make sure your international roaming plan for your account has been activated. Most international plans last 30 days, so it’s a good idea to get it up and running several days before you need it, especially if your trip is less than 30 days.

Incorrect date and time issues can often be resolved by ensuring that the Auto Time Zone feature is on your iPad. To check this, go to Settings–> General–> Date & Time–> Set Automatically.

Airplane Mode can help improve your network connection by turning off your device’s wireless capabilities for 30 seconds. After that, you should be able to connect to the best available network.

To manually select a network, open Settings-Carrier-Auto Power Off. After a few minutes, available networks will appear and can be selected for use. ..

Make sure you have the correct electrical outlet for the country you are visiting.

When planning your trip, be sure to research the different electrical outlets in different countries before you go. There are many affordable World Traveler Adapter Kits that will work in any location, so be sure to take advantage of them!

Final note

If you’re planning a trip abroad with your iPad, this guide will help you get the most out of your device. ..