Phones Abroad

[sddsddean]

Going to USA this summer with an iPhone on O2. Looking on moneysavingexpert.com, looks like best bet to save money is buy a Three PAYG sim with one of their roaming bolt ons. Has anyone done this and is it i) easy and ii) worth it? or did you not use all the data etc you had paid for?

[Fitzer]

I don't know about Three but O2's Travel bolt on is £4.99 a day for as much data as you want plus calls and texts (can't remember how many of either). So you keep your number and just operate as normal.

[sddsddean]

Yes, I know that (and I've got it), but £5 a day (and I'm going for a month) is £150! I don't expect to do any calls etc, but it can be handy to have a bit of internet access and I thought the 3 deal looked quite good.

[sherrardk]

When I took mine I topped up with £10 PAYG before we left - didn't make any calls but did access the net (I suppose it might have been free wifi) and sent some texts.

[KARL]

The USA (together with Canada) uses a different mobile ("cellphone") system than Europe does so unless you are equipped for that with a USA compatible SIM then you will not be able to use your phone in North America. I am unaware of the appropriate SIMs being available from any service provider in Europe.

[sddsddean]

Well that seems odd Karl, as all the articles I've read intimate all you do is swap your SIM and off you go. I think I'll have to talk to someone face to face!(or on the phone...theres irony!).
Another follow up; if a hotel or whatever says it has free wifi, is it really free to you, or will there be some sort of charge from the phone company?