[Travel] - Off to Switzerland

[LuvMusic]

In about 3 hours I'll be off to the the airport and jetting to Switzerland. I'm going to be there for about two weeks which will give me a perfect opportunity to test out TMo's international plan.

I'm going to post a mini travel log of my TMo experience on the other side of the pond, so, keep checking back if your interested.

Cheers!

 

[Carolina Media]

In about 3 hours I'll be off to the the airport and jetting to Switzerland. I'm going to be there for about two weeks which will give me a perfect opportunity to test out TMo's international plan.

I'm going to post a mini travel log of my TMo experience on the other side of the pond, so, keep checking back if your interested.

Cheers!

Post some speed tests.

 

[DirtyDee]

Post some speed tests.

Lol I am not interested in that ..just the connection sure if worst comes to worst you will go local prepaid

 

[LuvMusic]

OK, in Switzerland now, been here for about 24 hours.

When I landed, immediately got three texts from TMo reminding me I had unlimited texting, data and 20 cents a minute for voice.

Connections have been good, mostly 3g, some HSPA / HSPA+ Not like home but acceptable.

 

[chong67]

Did you shop for a local prepaid plan? It might be cheaper than Tmobile international roaming.

You using Tmobile because you want phone call from USA route to you while there?

 

[LuvMusic]

Did you shop for a local prepaid plan? It might be cheaper than Tmobile international roaming.

You using Tmobile because you want phone call from USA route to you while there?

I'm using my phone primarily for texts and light data/web usage, all of which are free with my TMo plan. As far as voice is concerned, I have my work issued international blackberry and access to free land lines, so, voice is not a major concern. Nobody calls me!

Direct answer is "No," haven't shopped local prepaid because I don't feel the need. Local prepaid for me won't be cheaper. No roaming charges, data and texting are free with my TMo plan.

 

[chong67]

I see. Local people have to call your USA number?

I don't think my prepaid plan has all these option.

 

[LuvMusic]

I see. Local people have to call your USA number?

I don't think my prepaid plan has all these option.

Yes, locals call my USA number, but, people here who would call me are in the office where I work when I'm here. Also makes it easier for the people in the USA because you would be surprised how many of them don't know how to make an international call.

 

[LuvMusic]

Back in the USA and I have to say my TMo international experience was pretty good. About 75% of the time I had 3G, HSPA or HSPA+. Other times 2G. Never did I experience "No Connection."

While there I did things like text the kids, catch-up on news and blogs when eating dinner alone (one of the downsides of frequent business travel), and also purchased and then downloaded some MP3 files from Amazon.

The speed was nowhere near what I get in the USA, however, it was usable and got the job done. With this international plan I see no reason to pursue SIM swapping.

Now......let's wait to see what happens when the bill comes in. I'm not expecting any surprises.

 

[DirtyDee]

Thank you for this even though I may never travel the world good to know I will never lose touch if I do

 

[LuvMusic]

Thank you for this even though I may never travel the world good to know I will never lose touch if I do

You never know....I didn't start globe trotting until I was in my '50's......'nuff said!

 

[chong67]

So before you go overseas, how/where do you plan this at T-Mobile to see if you can roam?

 

[LuvMusic]

So before you go overseas, how/where do you plan this at T-Mobile to see if you can roam?

Here is TMo's list of free roaming, data and texting countries:

T-Mobile’s 4G Network | Check Your Coverage | T-Mobile Blazing Fast 4G Coverage

Pretty impressive, covers all the places I go to!

 

[chong67]

I see the 2 countries I am going has unlimited data. Its not bad at all. Any data is better then no data.

I just don't know if I am getting 4G or 3G. I'll find out when I go next year.

 

[chong67]

I am wondering if you can use Tmo data oversea and use a local country SIM card for phone call?

 

[chong67]

I don't think oversea data roaming apply to prepaid. It says Simple Choice Plan.

 

[LuvMusic]

I am wondering if you can use Tmo data oversea and use a local country SIM card for phone call?

Probably, but, you'll be swapping SIMS all the time.

I don't think oversea data roaming apply to prepaid. It says Simple Choice Plan.

You're right....does not apply to prepaid.

 

[LuvMusic]

Just a quick update. Just returned from three weeks in Europe (again!); two weeks in Switzerland and one week in Paris, France.

Tmo's roaming plan is just awesome! When I crossed the border from Switzerland to France (on train) got the three texts from TMo telling me I have free texts, data and the 20 cents a minute for voice. FYI, I had pretty good data the entire train trip from Zurich to Paris.

Used Google maps to get around while in Paris and the data updates while walking were great.....didn't get lost and always knew where I was.

TMo's international free roaming is awesome.....I am impressed.

 

[chong67]

Just a quick update. Just returned from three weeks in Europe (again!); two weeks in Switzerland and one week in Paris, France.

Tmo's roaming plan is just awesome! When I crossed the border from Switzerland to France (on train) got the three texts from TMo telling me I have free texts, data and the 20 cents a minute for voice. FYI, I had pretty good data the entire train trip from Zurich to Paris.

Used Google maps to get around while in Paris and the data updates while walking were great.....didn't get lost and always knew where I was.

TMo's international free roaming is awesome.....I am impressed.

Are you getting 4G there?

 

[LuvMusic]

I can, but have to pay. HSPA+ and 3G are free and meet my needs.

 

[chong67]

I can, but have to pay. HSPA+ and 3G are free and meet my needs.

Even if you can get 2G, I would not want to use it. The battery life will be gone in 1 hr.

 

[LuvMusic]

Even if you can get 2G, I would not want to use it. The battery life will be gone in 1 hr.

I agree with you on 2G. I rarely saw 2G. I mostly use email and text when I'm out. Maps sometimes, depending on where I am. 3G and HSPA/HSPA+ is fine for these uses.

If I'm doing any serious "surfing" I'm on wifi.

 

[chong67]

I am flying to Malaysia and Singapore next week. I will transit thru Moscow. I will let you know my T-mobile experience.

One question, data and text is free. Does the text + photo attachment is included free?