iPhone5 & international service
 

Im planning to upgrade to the iPhone 5. While upgrading the phone I am considering changing from AT&T to Verizon. International service is important. Any comments/thoughts from current Verizon users?

If you plan on using VZ's international service, bring money.


Lots of it.

I'll second the "bring money." I have a Verizon iPhone 4S and I still use Skype to call back to the US. For me, the international calling ability is just a back-up if I was not hooked to wifi and I REALLY needed to call someone ASAP I could turn everything on and make the call. (Then send my next paycheck directly to Verizon.)

MG2

i have the 4.99 international plan. I only use it if absolutely required.... will cost you on average between 1.50 and 2.00 per minute.

Thank you everyone. I appreciate your thoughts.

If you plan on making lots of international calls, buy an unlocked phone and purchase sims at local convenience stores.

If you aren't set on the iPhone 5, you could find a deal on a used, unlocked phone. If you have an older iPhone that is out of contract, AT&T will unlock it for you for free. You can then use that phone for just international use by getting sim cards wherever you are.

Don't know if it applies to the new one, but Verizon offered an international unlock after 60 days under contract for the 4S.

How international is the iPhone 4S 'world phone?' | Macworld

But i've found Skype, Google Voice and MajicJack apps all work fine so I've never pursued it. If anything, i'd use international texts, then call when I got back to the room.

Ditto captainv...

I carry my 4S internationally and answer only if it's my wife or daughter -- they normally text me anyway while I'm on trips. I wait until I get back to the room and use my Magicjack. Best $39.95 techno gadget I got!

Of course, if I need a taxi or need to call crew scheduling then I make the call and "pay the man."

Pay the man? Nope, I expense the company.

The real question you should be asking is which one has the better international network and which one provides the best service at the home drome.

More info:
Apple's LTE move with iPhone 5 leaves Europe on the back burner | Macworld