iphone israelI pledged not to take my iPhone to Israel. Well, now AT&T has posted their international iPhone rate plans. It appears for me to use my iPhone in Israel, I have these rates to worry about:

- $2.49 per minute for voice
- $.0195/KB for data
- $0.50 per text message sent

What worries me the most is the data portion. I think I would pay $100 to know that I can use my iPhone to check email the week or so Ill be in Israel. But I don't know how many KB I use or would use.

I called AT&T and they told me about the Data Global Plans for iPhones which can give me 20MB Data Global Plan gives you 20MB. But it isn't covered in Israel, so it doesn't apply to me. AT&T got wise after a ton of issues with users who traveled overseas. They created a iPhone Tips for International Roamers.

How iPhone Users Can Minimize International Data Charges:

  • Utilize WiFi, available in many international hotels, airports, and restaurants to browse the web or check email.
  • Keep Data Roaming "OFF": Be sure to download the Version 1.1.1 upgrade to iPhone. This software update will enable the ability to turn on/off data roaming when traveling outside the U.S. By default, this setting will be in the "OFF" position. The path is: Settings > General > Network > Data Roaming.
  • Turn off your phone's "auto check" function, and check email manually when needed, using WiFi.
  • Reset the usage tracker to zero when you arrive overseas and monitor your data usage.
  • Consider purchasing an international service plan that includes discounted international data usage.  AT&T now offers two discount international data packages. The 20 MB package is $24.99; the 50 MB package is $59.99.  See att.com/wirelessinternational for details and international roaming rates.

My plan?

Go with a place like Travel Cell and just use a cell phone from them. What about email? Hope for free Wifi spots. :) I got wifi in my hotel...