Visiting Europe: Ques on AT&T phone covg

[UrsTx]

Hi everyone - DH and I are headed to Italy and France this weekend. I've added "international coverage" to my AT&T phone plan for the trip.

QUESTION: Has anyone used this coverage and how was your phone bill afterward?

We don't plan to use our phones for a lot of calls but will text and use data (maps, checking in for tours/hotels/flights) a lot. I'm worried our $170+ average phone bill may be $1000+ just based on horror stories I've read online by other travelers.

Any tips are appreciated.

 

[Resonance.Of.Life]

Is your phone unlocked? I'd advise on using local pay as you go sim cards if it is not. I have previously had AT&T and even with adding on the international plan it is VERY limited in what data you can use and I still had a substantial bill when I came back from Europe. I've since switched to Tmobile which has international data and calling plans included in my monthly bill and have used it many times out of the country with no issues.

 

[jaaron]

We live in the UK, but I have two at college in the US- both on AT&T. When they come here, we have them put on something-- I think it's called passport(?) that gives them a whole lot of data for not much money. The first time one came home, we hadn't done it and the bill was enormous, but when I called about it, they made it retroactive. You can get the phone unlocked, but it's a bit of a process with AT&T- I'm not sure it would happen in time for your trip.

Have a great time!

 

[UrsTx]

Is your phone unlocked? I'd advise on using local pay as you go sim cards if it is not. I have previously had AT&T and even with adding on the international plan it is VERY limited in what data you can use and I still had a substantial bill when I came back from Europe. I've since switched to Tmobile which has international data and calling plans included in my monthly bill and have used it many times out of the country with no issues.

Thank you. My phone is not unlocked but I may consider a disposable phone. AT&T is not looking very promising.

 

[UrsTx]

We live in the UK, but I have two at college in the US- both on AT&T. When they come here, we have them put on something-- I think it's called passport(?) that gives them a whole lot of data for not much money. The first time one came home, we hadn't done it and the bill was enormous, but when I called about it, they made it retroactive. You can get the phone unlocked, but it's a bit of a process with AT&T- I'm not sure it would happen in time for your trip.

Have a great time!

Thank you for the info! I'm checking out passport now.