iPhone in Europe: Comparing AT&T, Verizon and T-Mobile’s plans
Make sure you are connected to Wi-Fi before sharing those photos! Ola
Note: This article is part of a series on Using an American iPhone in Europe… without Going Broke.
If you’re trying to decide between AT&T, Verizon and T-Mobile as carriers for your iPhone or other unlocked smartphone, consider the differences in their rate plans for using these devices in Europe.
Here’s a quick breakdown of the differences. (Rates updated in April 2015.)
AT&T, Verizon and T-Mobile: iPhone Abroad Comparison
| Services | AT&T | Verizon | T-Mobile |
| Phone calls (placing and receiving) | No plan: $1.50 / minutePassport plans: From $.35 to $1 per minute | No plan or $25 bundle: $1.29/min$40 bundle: 100 minutes included ($.25 overage) | “Simple Choice” plan: $.20 /minuteOther plans: $1.49 /minute |
| Text messaging | No plan: $.50 text message, $1.50 photo/video textPassport plans: Unlimited | No plan or $25 bundle: $.50 to send; $.05 to receive$40 bundle: 100 sent messages included (unlimited received) | “Simple Choice” plan: Free unlimited.Other plans: $.50 to send, normal plan allotment for receiving |
| Data plans | No plan: $19.97/MB (!)Passport plans: 120 MB – 800 MB included | No plan:$20.48/MB (!)$25 or $40 bundles: 100 MB included | “Simple Choice” plan: Free unlimited.Other plans: $15 /MB |
| Wi-Fi | FREE | FREE | FREE |
| Rate info | More info | More info | More info |
This chart is an overview of the differences in plans offered by Verizon, AT&T and T-Mobile for American customers using their smartphones in Europe.
For much for on this subject, read our articles below:
Our Guide to using an American smartphone in Europe
Using an American iPhone in Europe… without Going Broke
How to buy a SIM card in Europe for your phone
About the author
Shame on you for posting 2015 rates and not updating the article in w022. Nearly every bit of this is now wrong and refers to plans no longer available!
Tom, for 1 month while traveling in Europe it has been a nightmare getting my I Phone 6 plus and or Mac Air to use wi-fi. It tries to but the apps and email and browsers always say I actually do not have a wi-fi connection.
Today at Kings Cross in London Macdonalds told me I must have a UK cell number to use their wi-fi.
Mac Pro only works today because the train service allowed me access to their service.
What has changed since 2013? Why can’t us from the US or Canada use wi-fi in Europe anymore?
Wi-Fi worked better for my I Phone 4 s then in Germany, Prague, Croatia. Switzerland and Frankfurt in 2013.
Thanks for your comment.
Nade.
Any updated info on how to watch American TV whilst in Europe? Whenever I Google it, the entire procedure seems to be for techno geeks only. I don’t even understand the instructions. Any quick, easy, BASIC (non-techno-geek) and inexpensive info and/or tips would be appreciated. Thanks!
PS thanks, too, for the info on AT&T v. Verizon. Yes, I’ve had the “surprise” AT&T bills; but usually after only an hour or 2 of complaining, negotiating & whining to AT&T’s Customer Service, I’ve been able to reduce the amount due considerably. My “home” (cell) AT&T service is lousy @ best & I have been considering switching…
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