ATMs Abroad

independenttraveler.com

Whether you need euros, shekels, pesos or pounds, making a withdrawal from an ATM is generally the easiest and cheapest way to get cash abroad. The biggest advantage of exchanging money with your ATM card is that all cash withdrawals, regardless of size, are exchanged based on the wholesale exchange rate, which is usually reserved only for very large interbank exchanges.

This rate is often significantly better than what you can get from exchanging money at a local exchange counter. In addition, local banks or money change bureaus will add on transaction fees, which can easily eat up another 2 percent of your money.

That's not to say there aren't any fees associated with international ATM withdrawals -- see below -- but if you need cash, you will still almost always get the best exchange rate at the lowest possible cost by using your ATM card.

Finding an ATM

 

If your ATM card is linked to the PLUS, Cirrus or Maestro networks, you have the option of using it to obtain cash virtually anywhere in the U.S. and in hundreds of countries worldwide. Each network has more than a million ATMs. The PLUS network is associated with Visa, so your Visa card will usually work at those ATMs. Likewise, the Cirrus and Maestro networks are associated with MasterCard, and so ATMs marked with these logos usually accept MasterCard for cash advances.

Before you leave home with just your ATM card, however, make sure that the Cirrus, Maestro or PLUS networks are readily available where you're going. While these networks are increasingly common overseas, they are still only available at a limited number of banks in selected countries. Each network has an online ATM locator:
MasterCard/Cirrus/Maestro ATM Locator
Visa/PLUS ATM Locator

Check the back of your card to see which networks your card is linked to. If your card is not a part of either Cirrus or PLUS, you may find it difficult to find ATMs to use abroad. Contact your bank for assistance.

Using Your Card Abroad

 

If you want to use your ATM card overseas, keep in mind that many ATMs abroad, particularly in Europe, do not accept PINs longer than four digits. If your PIN is longer, contact your bank to have it changed. Also, if your PIN is based on letters rather than numbers, translate the letters into numbers before leaving the country. Many ATMs only have numbers on the keypad. One more thing to keep in mind: Most ATMs abroad will only let you access the primary account on your ATM card.

Sudden changes in your account activity, such as frequent withdrawals in a foreign country using your ATM card, can sometimes trigger a fraud alert and cause your bank to freeze your account. To prevent being stranded overseas without a functioning ATM card, be sure to call your bank before you leave to let them know where and when you will be traveling. During the same phone call, ask for a number that you can call from overseas in case your card is lost or stolen -- often the 800 number listed on the back of your card will only work in the U.S. or Canada. Be sure to keep this number in a separate place from your card.

It's important to have a back-up plan in case your card is lost, stolen or eaten by an ATM machine; this could be in the form of a second ATM card (either your own or a travel companion's), cash, credit cards or traveler's checks.

Which Fees to Expect

 

At the very least you will probably be charged the same transaction fee, if any, that your bank charges you when using another bank's ATM. However, many banks charge higher fees for international ATM withdrawals -- either a flat rate (typically $1 - $6) or a set percentage of your total withdrawal (usually 1 - 3 percent). Check with your bank before each trip abroad, as these fees can change often and without warning. To add insult to injury, you may also be charged a fee by the owner of the foreign ATM.

Because these small fees can add up quickly, you will probably want to withdraw larger amounts than you might normally do at home -- so be sure you have a safe, well-concealed place to keep your cash. When deciding how much to withdraw, try to choose an uneven amount (180 euros rather than 200, for instance) so you don't wind up with huge bills that you'll have trouble breaking.

5 Common Air Travel Mistakes

by Jeanette Foster

travel.aarp.org

Ensure extra time to make flight connections to avoid a common air travel mistake.

GETTY IMAGES

When it comes to air travel, so many things can go wrong. Sometimes we create the problems ourselves by doing such things as packing carelessly (resulting in extra luggage fees) or scheduling a too-tight connection (resulting in a missed flight). Below are some common air travel mistakes — and tips on how to avoid them.

1. Not allowing enough time for connections

It's a miserable feeling to be in transit on a delayed plane, knowing that when you land you will have missed the next flight and will have to scramble to make alternate arrangements — arrangements that might also warrant an overnight hotel stay.

How to avoid: Allow — or insist on, if the airline books it — at least 90 minutes between connecting flights; some experts recommend two hours.

2. Not doing your packing homework

Planning to fly with carry-on luggage only? Size limitations vary by airline and type of aircraft. And, yes, Hawaii should be beautiful in June, but will there be rain? What about the temperatures at night? Will you need a jacket or wrap?

How to avoid: Check the daily forecast in your destination and look on your airline's website for luggage information; while checking carry-on dimensions, look into what it will cost to check bags, including weight limitations and the fees for exceeding them.

3. Not preparing for your arrival

Do you know where your accommodations are in relation to the airport? Do you know what your transportation options are and what getting to your hotel will cost?

How to avoid: Determine your hotel's proximity to the airport. Is it a five-minute cab ride or a 50-minute endeavor? What's the going rate for cab fare? Are fares fixed or metered, or do you have to agree on a price with the driver before heading out? You should also find and price out at least one other mode of transportation to the hotel; shuttles are often available.

4. Not checking immigration requirements

There are still a good number of countries (Russia and Brazil, for instance) that require a visa for entry, and many countries require that your passport be valid for at least six months from the date of your entry. Still other countries require that there be a blank page in your passport for their stamps — in some instances, even the location of this page matters (for example, it might need to be the last page).

How to avoid: Well in advance of your trip, contact the embassy or consulate of your destination country and determine its immigration requirements.

5. Paying high credit card foreign transaction fees

With some cards, both the credit card company and the issuing bank charge foreign transaction fees. In addition, there are fees for having charges automatically converted to U.S. dollars at the point of purchase (called "dynamic currency conversion"). These fees add up quickly.

How to avoid: Read the small print on your credit card agreement to determine what fees are charged. If there are multiple fees or the percentages are high, shop around for a card with better terms. When charging items abroad, be sure to ask those you are paying to make charges in the local currency.

Best Time and Website for Buying Airline Tickets

clarkhoward.com

By Clark Howard

Every day I'm asked, "What's the best time to buy an airline ticket, and what's the best website to do it on?" I've got some new answers to share with you.

The Airline Reporting Corporation (ARC), which is like the back office of ticket selling for the nation's airlines, has monitored data continually over a 19-month period and found that the magic time to buy a ticket is generally 8 weeks before you travel.

Try booking an airline ticket on this day...

So the latest ARC study suggests the old advice of booking 42 days before your departure has shifted to 57 days before travel.

Meanwhile, there's always the question of what's the best day to buy an airline ticket? Conventional wisdom held that it was Tuesday. 

Not so anymore, says ARC. Their new recommendation is book on a Sunday as your first choice, followed by Saturday. Weekend airfare shopping is in! 

Now, this is a general rule; it's not true for every ticket. But overall, if you're looking for a cheap fare, why not give it a try?

Try following airlines on social media because that's where people are getting some of the lowest fares today. The airlines want to put out unpublished fares that will not be matched by others. Social media lets them attract a customer and not have to compete with each other. 

The best website for booking your ticket is...

Now, where do you get best deal? A Wall Street Journal test reveals there is no one definitive website that will save you money every time. Whoever is cheapest one time may not be cheapest the next time. So shop and shop and shop on multiple websites to save the most money.


And remember, the best deal flows to the opportunist. When you see a screaming deal, buy it and then figure why you want to go to the city you've booked!

 

4 Gateway Cities For Cheap European Fares

If you are going to Europe, the question of when to book is important, but not nearly as much as the question of what city you depart from. I've long recommended buying one ticket to a key bargain city and then going overseas from that city.

The cheapest gateway cities to Europe include New York, Orlando's Sanford Field, Ft. Lauderdale, and San Francisco/Oakland.

If you're frustrated with European fares, start with those gateways and you may wind up saving a substantial amount. But remember, don't buy way early because you'll probably later regret it.

As just one example of a discounter that flies out of those cities, Norwegian Air Shuttle is flying New York to Oslo for about $500 RT (roundtrip); NY to London at $384 RT; NY to Copenhagen at $474 RT; and San Francisco to Oslo at $596 RT.

6 Tips to Plan a Beach Vacation on a Budget

money.usnews.com

When choosing a beach, find one off the beaten path to avoid the crowds and inflated hotel costs.

By Holly PerezJuly 10, 2014 | 8:58 a.m. EDT

• 
  
• 
  
• 
  

Dipping your toes into the warm sand with an umbrella drink in hand does not have to cost a fortune. Fun in the sun can be enjoyed on a budget. Here are a few ways to take in that ocean breeze without breaking the bank this summer: 

Budget now. There is still plenty of time to plan and budget for a summer trip. When planning a vacation, make sure to take into account all transportation expenses, including airfare or train tickets, gas for your car or rental car fees, and public transportation costs once you get to your destination. Don’t forget about those miscellaneous items such as shopping at seaside boutiques, dining out or entrance fees at boardwalk attractions. If you lead an active lifestyle, consider rental fees associated with surfboards or bicycles, or the cost of acquiring car equipment (roof racks or tows for boats and Jet Skis) if you're bringing your own gear.

Have a “staycation” beach vacation. You don’t have to travel far to enjoy a great beach vacation. There are a number of family-friendly and affordable beaches throughout the United States just waiting to be enjoyed. Pack a picnic lunch, curl up on a beach towel under the stars or take a day trip with the family. You’ll save on travel expenses while enjoying the beauty of nature in your own backyard. And if you don’t live near a beach, look for fun ways to bring the beach to you this summer! Host a tropical pool party potluck with all the summer treats such as watermelon, barbecued hot dogs and hamburgers, and ice cream. Complete the party with beach balls, surf music and plenty of lounge chairs.    

Avoid peak times. Major holidays and weekends are busy times for beach communities. Hotels charge peak season rates between Memorial Day and Labor Day. If possible, consider a weekday beach getaway, or plan a trip in September when rates are lower and many schools are back in session. Affordable prices aren’t the only upside. Depending on what coast you’re visiting, the weather and water are both still pleasantly warm, and the crowds are more manageable.

Choose a beach off the beaten path. Location is everything when it comes to a beach vacation, but that doesn’t mean you need to choose one with a national reputation. While Miami Beach, Myrtle Beach and Santa Monica are renowned for their luxurious stretches of sand, their popularity with summer travelers means they’re often significantly more expensive to visit than neighboring beach towns that are lesser known. Make sure you do your research, and see if a cheaper alternative adjacent to your dream beach exists – often it does!

Consider renting a condo or vacation home. A hotel isn’t the only option when traveling. In fact, it’s often not the best option when it comes to your budget or sanity. Vacation homes are typically more affordable when you rent them for the entire week, especially if you have a big family or large group. They also have the added benefit of a kitchen, so you can easily prepare meals without dining out. When renting vacation homes, consider finding one from a site with a large network of users like Airbnb or VRBO. Look for properties that are located near restaurants, activities and the beach so you’ll enjoy the convenience without having to rent a car.  

Plan ahead for your activities. When choosing affordable beach vacations for families or large groups, think about what everyone wants to do, and factor that into your budget. Young families will likely want to head to beaches that have lifeguards, convenient restrooms and calm waters. Teenagers will most likely want a little adventure like snorkeling or surfing. Ask ahead if there are any discounts on lessons or activities. Bring beach toys and inflatable rafts and plenty of sunscreen instead of buying the marked-up products at the gift shop.

Beating the heat and enjoying the sand this summer doesn’t have to come with a giant price tag. A little due diligence before you don the swimsuits can go a long way to making your beach vacation an affordable getaway.

Airfarewatchdog.com's Tips on Getting the Best Airfare Deals

cntraveler.com

Written by: George Hobica and Paul Brady

August 18, 2014

Heathrow Airport

Self-proclaimed aviation geek George Hobica has been tracking the best deals for nearly a decade at the site he founded, Airfarewatchdog.com. Along the way, he's honed his packing strategy to a sharply measured science, flown supersonic more than once, and figured out the best way to make any flight more comfortable.

How Airfarewatchdog.com began

Back then, there were so many more airlines and so many fares that would change every day. It was just the wild west: There were so many airlines and they were all losing money and they were all retaliating against each other. So we picked up on this—a lot of people didn't even know about this because the sales only lasted for a day—and we needed to get this information out.

As consolidation progressed and airlines went out of business, these unadvertised fare wars became less prevalent. But it still happens and that's still the impetus of the site, to let people know about unadvertised sales and to let people know about these childish games that airlines play.

How the site is different from other airfare finders

We use real people to go through a list of routes—Did this go up or down? Is this lower than average? Is this good for travel every day of the week?—to determine what's a really, really good deal, and then we put it up on the site. We apply human intelligence to the way we select the fares—and very importantly we have Southwest Airlines, which you can only get if you use manual search.

The good old days of airfare finding

It used to be that there were so many sales it was hysterical. Today I only found a handful. And I feel sorry for people who have come to the game late: There's very little money in airfare now. I think Google Flights is probably the gorilla in the room. They have a lot of money and they're probably going to improve the whole of airfare search.

On recapturing the lost glamour of air travel

There are two ways. One is to get status. Christopher Elliott recently had a blog post saying that loyalty is ridiculous. Well, I've got news for you: If you fly a lot on one airline and are very loyal, eventually you get a lot of miles. You get status and you get upgraded for free. When you're sitting in first class or business class, it's not that bad.

The other way is, if you do have miles, just use them to upgrade to business class. Find the cheapest fare you can find and upgrade. Unfortunately, to enjoy flying you just have to fly in business or first. [Laughs] Or fly on JetBlue! If first and business were no longer an option for me, I'd just fly where JetBlue flies. It's my favorite domestic airline by far.

On the #carryonshame trend

I think it's up to the airlines to enforce the rules—which they're doing. It's not up to journalists to shame people. That becomes kind of like People of Walmart. I understand why people try to bring all their worldly goods onto a plane. They don't want stuff to get lost or stolen.

On packing light

I've been experimenting with how little I can bring on a trip no matter how long the trip is. In fact, I'm soon going to New York for three days then Bangkok for about ten days then I'm coming back and immediately going to Hawaii for about a week. I'm planning on bringing a shoulder bag. People can pack light; they just have to think about it.

On finding the best airfare bargains

People complain about airfares going up, up, up, and they have. But there are still a lot of great bargains out there. I don't care which airfare alerts you sign up for—of course, I do—but sign up for at least a couple. And when you see a good deal, don't sit on your thumbs. Put it on a 24-hour hold while you decide if you really want to go. One of the best things that the DOT has done is that hold. People so often say, "I might book that!" and then it's gone. Airfare alerts really are the best way because there is no magic day to find a good airfare.

As told to Paul Brady.

12 Tips to Make International Travel Easier

travelandleisure.com

By Scott Mayerowit

Being in a strange place can be invigorating and eye-opening. Some of my favorite travel memories include an early-morning run along the Danube River in Budapest, touring the temples of Angkor Wat, and having late-night drinks and steak in Uruguay.

There have also been plenty of business trips where the only sites I saw were those visible from my hotel room window, because I was too busy running from one meeting to another.

Regardless of what type of trip you’re on, there are several steps you can take to ease an overseas journey. Here are 12 of my favorite international travel tips:

Hotel business cards. The first thing I do when arriving at a hotel overseas is take a business card from the front desk. That way, if I ever get lost, I have the name and address of the hotel in the local language. Large populations around the world speak English, but having something in a local language that I can show locals and taxi drivers is an extra bit of insurance.

The six-month passport rule. The expiration date on your passport is actually a bit deceiving. The U.S. lets you use your passport up to the date inside the cover. However, several countries will deny travelers entry if the passport expires in less than six months. Why? If for some unexpected reason you get stuck overseas longer than planned, that country wants to ensure that you have a valid passport to eventually travel back to the United States. To avoid any problems, I always renew my passport during a downtime in travel, about nine months prior to the expiration date.

Getting cash. The way to get cash is usually an ATM, but many U.S. banks charge steep fees for using an ATM that is out of network. You can take out a large amount of cash at the airport ATM so you pay that fee only once, but it’s never advisable to carry large sums of cash. Plus, you risk having too much local currency left over at the end of your trip. Charles Schwab and Fidelity both offer checking accounts that have no minimum balance requirements and reimburse you for all ATM fees, including those from overseas.

Credit cards. The best exchange rates are often found using your credit card. However, many credit cards will tack on a foreign transaction fee, sometimes as high as 3 percent. It’s a pointless fee that no traveler should ever pay. The Chase Sapphire Preferred card and Platinum American Express are two of the cards that don’t levy this fee. Also, never have a hotel or restaurant convert a charge into dollars first. It’s a bad deal.

Fraud alerts. Notify your credit card company’s fraud department of what countries you will be visiting and on what dates. This way, they won’t think your card is stolen and shut it off just when you need it the most. Be mindful of any countries you might be changing planes in; you might need to make a charge during your layover, especially if there’s a delay.

Credit card chips. U.S. credit cards rely on magnetic strips on the back that are swiped at vendors. In Europe, cards have a chip embedded in them which—when paired with a PIN—are used for purchases. It’s a much more secure way of charging goods, but hasn’t been adopted in the States. Most vendors overseas can still swipe your card. But train ticket machines, gas stations, and other machines where we pay without interacting with a person often reject cards that are swiped. Getting a chip and PIN card from a U.S. bank is hard. But many credit cards are now coming with chip and signature technology.

Medicine. I always carry an eye mask and earplugs in my medicine bag because you never know what your hotel room is going to be like. But I also carry Advil, NyQuil, Imodium A-D, Tums, and a handful of other key medications. Yes, even the most historic European neighborhood has a drugstore. But do you want to be running around Germany late at night, trying to translate “diarrhea”? If you’re heading to third-world countries, stocking up on the right drugs is even more important. Many travelers fill a prescription in advance for the antibiotic ciprofloxacin and bring it with them just in case.

Travel alerts. It’s a good idea to check the State Department’s travel warnings and alerts. It’s also smart to print out the address and contact information of the local embassy.

Foreign airline sites. If you are on a tight budget—and don’t have to book through your company’s travel department—look at overseas airlines’ sites in their home countries. I recently booked a ticket from southern Italy to northern Italy on Alitalia. The airline’s U.S. site wanted twice the price of the Italian site. I’m not fluent in Italian, but Google Chrome translated every page for me. I paid in euros, using a credit card with no foreign transaction fees.

Data roaming. Set up your cell phone to avoid international data roaming. Many business travelers have an international calling and data plan. But infrequent travelers don’t. The biggest costs can come from transmitting data overseas. I was in a remote part of southern San Diego last summer, and my cell phone provider sent me a text alert welcoming me to Mexico. Apparently, I had jumped onto a cell tower in Tijuana. I immediately shut off my data roaming, turning it back on only once I was out of that area.

Google Maps. I have a great sense of direction and rarely need a map. I know others aren’t as lucky, though, and have come to rely on their cell phones to get around. If you don’t add a data plan to your phone while abroad, you can still jury-rig a crude version. Using the Wi-Fi in your hotel, plot out a few routes you plan to walk that day. Then take a screenshot of those maps. You can later find the photo, zoom in, and follow the path. It’s not ideal, but it’s a work-around.

Unwanted local currency. I figure out on my last night how much cash I will need and then set aside the leftover money. At checkout the next morning, I take that cash and ask the hotel to apply it to my bill and then pay the remaining balance with my no-foreign-transaction-fee credit card.

10 Rules for Renting a Vacation Home

womansday.com

By Arricca Elin SanSone

Renting a vacation house is a family-friendly option for any budget. “With a whole house you get more amenities, such as a full kitchen, and more privacy than a hotel room,” says Alexis de Belloy, vice president of HomeAway.com. The biggest perk? A house rental is often 30 to 50 percent less expensive than a hotel.

 Add in the money you'll save by cooking for yourselves and having a private garage or driveway to park in, and it's a deal you shouldn't pass up. Plus, all that extra space will provide families with plenty of room to spread out and stay out of one another's hair—making for a very relaxing vacation. Whether you’re looking for beach, mountaintop or big-city accommodations, here’s everything you need to know before you rent.

1. Rent from a trustworthy source.

Check out established vacation home rental sites such as HomeAway.com,VRBO.com, VacationRentals.com and TripAdvisor.com, which offer homes rented directly through homeowners or professional property managers. Real estate companies in the area where you’re planning to vacation are another great resource; many located in large vacation rental markets offer seasonal rentals. You can also check a destination’s tourism website for links to realtors.

2. Start planning early. 

Many rental homes are booked months in advance, so it’s a good idea to pin down your dates as soon as possible to score the best location and amenities. Though “it’s really never too late to book, as you will find last-minute openings in many locations, the homes that families have visited before and loved or that have positive traveler reviews tend to book up quickly,” says Hank Hudepohl, director of vacation rentals for TripAdvisor. If you’re booking late, you can ask if there are any special deals. Some owners will offer discounts rather than let the home remain empty; you’ll typically have more leverage the closer it is to the arrival date. Photo: Shutterstock

3. Don’t be shy about asking questions. 

“Be as specific as possible,” says de Belloy. “For example, if the listing says the house is ‘close to beach,’ ask what that means. Do you cross the street or is it a mile away? Do you need a beach pass? Are there beach towels and chairs you can use?” Ask if linens are included; in some parts of the country they’re not a standard part of the rental. Find out how close you are to restaurants, grocery stores and drugstores. What’s the layout of bedrooms and how big are the beds? Do you need to bring your own crib? Is it OK to bring your dog (most rentals don’t accept cats), and is there a fee? Does the house have air conditioning? Finding out as much as you can beforehand will prevent unpleasant surprises once you arrive. Photo: Kindler, Andreas / Getty images

4. Ask for more photos. 

Most websites offer a few images of the exterior and interior, but it’s fine to ask for more. Request specific shots that show all bedrooms and bathrooms, the kitchen, seating areas and, if you're concerned about privacy, how close the home is to other houses. Focus on what’s important to you; if you want to spend lots of time outdoors, ask for photos of the yard and deck areas.Photo: iStockphoto

5. Look for traveler reviews. 

On many sites such as HomeAway.com and TripAdvisor.com, travelers who have rented a specific home can post reviews about their experiences (the rental period is verified by the website so not just anyone can write a review). “Traveler reviews are a good way to get additional feedback about a home and the overall rental experience,” says de Belloy. Owners are allowed to respond, but they can’t take down negative reviews, so you’ll get real renters’ perspectives. Photo: Stuart O'Sullivan / Getty Images

6. Do your own research. 

Look at lots of different properties so you can compare features and locations, then make a short list of your favorites. Talk to the home owner or property manager; they’re great resources for recommendations on restaurants, nearby attractions and day trips to help you decide if the home fits your needs. Finally, be sure to get the exact address before booking; you can check it out on a site such as Google Maps, which often has street and bird’s-eye views to give you another look at the house and its surroundings, says Hudepohl.

7. Understand the terms before committing. 

Most vacation rentals are rented by the week from Saturday to Saturday. But occasionally you’ll find weekend or daily rentals available in big cities, says Hudepohl. Also, some rental properties are discounted if you stay for more than one week. When you're ready to reserve the house, usually, you’ll place a deposit to hold the dates, then pay the balance 30 to 60 days before arrival. Refundable security deposits may also be required in case you damage the property; they range from $300 to $500. Most owners accept checks or PayPal for payment, with an increasing number now accepting credit cards. Cleaning fees (typically around $100 to $150 per stay), pet fees and local sales tax may also apply. Photo: Shutterstock

8. Ask for a rental agreement. 

“The contract should spell out specific details such as how much money is required to hold the reservation as well as how much the security deposit is and when and how it will be returned,” says de Belloy. You’ll also want to get a copy of the pet policy, if applicable, and the cancellation policy so you’ll know what to expect if you have to change your plans. Many owners offer a refund minus a small cancellation fee; some offer a full refund if they can find other renters for your original booking dates. Photo: Epoxydude / Getty Images

9. Consider insurance policies. 

Some websites, such as HomeAway.com and VRBO.com, offer property damage polices. Owners can choose to offer you the policy, which you purchase through the rental website for a small fee instead of having to put down a security deposit. The cost depends on total rental fee but runs approximately $50 on a $2,000 rental. There’s also a rental guarantee policy, starting at $39, which reimburses you if anything goes awry with the rental itself, such as the house is inadvertently double-booked or the owner wrongfully withholds your security deposit.

10. Plan ahead for unexpected circumstances. 

You’ll usually be greeted by the owner or property manager to receive the key. But make sure you have a contact number, too, for the remainder of your stay. “You want to know who can assist you if the kitchen sink clogs or you lock yourself out,” says Hudepohl. When you arrive, walk around and look at the property. If something is wrong, such as a broken window, call the owner or property manager immediately. Most owners are quick to respond because they want you to have the best possible vacation experience so you’ll book again next year. Photo: iStockphoto

Tips About Traveling Internationally With Your iPhone

idownloadblog.com

By Sébastien Page, Apr 23, 2009

This morning I received an email from one of our readers, asking me how the iPhone works when traveling internationally.

If I travel to Costa Rica can I use my iPhone there? Do I have to get a special SIM card – or is it like when you go to Europe and it just “works” without doing anything? Also, is it free to e-mail pics using Wi-fi if I am connected there? Gracias!

You don’t need a special SIM card to use your iPhone outside of the US. Straight off the plane, your iPhone will work anywhere there is coverage, since AT&T has partnerships with carriers in pretty much every country. Your iPhone will automatically pick up the local carrier and you will be able to receive/make calls, and send text messages. Same for data (Edge or 3G). It will work as well without you having to do anything, assuming that you have Edge or 3G service where you are.

The Costs Of Phone Calls And Text Messages Outside The US

Now be really careful because making calls from outside the US is very expensive. Even more expensive is the use of the data for Internet connection. Depending on where you are in the world, a one minute phone call can cost you between $1 and $5. Text messages are a little more affordable and it will only cost you $0.50 to send a text message. Received text messages are deducted from your monthly domestic data plan.

AT&T has a nice little tool that lets you see how much it will cost you to make calls depending on what countries you’re visiting. I suggest you have a look at it.

Unfortunately, I couldn’t find pricing about international data roaming but I know for sure it is very expensive…

What To Do To Avoid Being Charged Extra

To make sure you don’t go over budget, you have several options:

First thing you can do is to put your iPhone in airplane mode. This is not the recommended option as it will pretty much turn your iPhone into an iPod Touch. You will not be able to make/receive calls and you will have no access to the internet whatsoever. This is a solution recommended for people who are paranoid about their iPhone usage abroad and want to make sure they will not spend a dime on extra charges.

My recommendation is to turn off data roaming in your iPhone settings (Settings>General>Network>Data Roaming). It is Off by default but you want to check to make sure you don’t get a $4,286 bill next month. Turning data roaming off will pretty much shut down your internet access via Edge and 3G. You will still be able to get internet through wifi if you have it in your hotel for example. My iPhone being jailbroken, I use a great application called BossPrefs that lets me choose individually what I want to turn off.

If you don’t want to make calls from abroad and you just want to check your emails and update your Facebook status from time to time, the best thing to do is to look for wifi. Most hotels and airports offer wireless Internet and using your iPhone over wifi won’t cost you anything at all. If you have Skype or Fring installed on your iPhone, then use those apps over wifi to make international calls. This is clearly the best way to make cheap calls from abroad.

AT&T International Data And Voice Packages

If you’re going to need an international data plan, the best solution is to call AT&T at 800-331-0500 and get an International Data Package which will significantly reduce the cost of using data abroad. The 20 MB package is $24.99 per month, the 50 MB package is $59.99 per month, 100 MB package is $119.99 per month, and the 200 MB package is $199.99 per month. If you’re going to use any of these packages, make sure you reset your iPhone data tracker to 0 (Settings>General>Usage>Reset). This will enable you to track your estimated data usage. More information about International Data Packages can be found here.

If you know you will need to make calls from abroad, again, the best solution is to call AT&T at 800-331-0500 and to get the AT&T World Traveler package. This package is only $5.99/month extra and works in over 200 countries. This add-on will get you discounted roaming rates in over 85 of those countries. Click here to see a list of calling rates by country.

I think we took everything into consideration. If in doubt, please call AT&T to talk to a rep and have a clear idea of what you’re getting into when using your iPhone abroad.