Can I use my iPad Abroad? The quick answer is yes, but there are certainly a lot of things to account for. Particularly if you travel to other parts of the world where you have to worry about things like a different voltage or even internet restrictions. For a lot of people iPads have become a must in their carry on bag. Even if they are just taking a short weekend trip locally. If you’re going to take a longer trip abroad for starters an iPad can be a perfect way to pass the time on the long flight. Once you land in your destination what are you really going to be able to do with it? Well, that actually depends a lot on where it is that you land!
These days we’ve gotten so used to always being connected to the internet that sometimes we don’t think about the fact that certain apps that you use are not going to be available without wifi coverage. So, the first thing that you have to think about when you travel is how you’re going to get an internet connection on your device to be able to get the most out of it. In fact, this is an issue that you’ll have to deal with from the moment that you get on a plane or a boat to another country. In this article we’re not only going to answer the question of “Can I use my iPad abroad?” we’ll give you tips and tricks on how to do it. While even letting you know when it may be a good idea to not force the issue and keep the device stored away.
- What We Suggest You Know About Your iPad
- Can I Use My iPad Abroad? – Getting Coverage On An Airplane
- Is Local Wi-Fi Safe?
- Countries With Internet Restrictions
- Voltage Issues How To Deal With Them
- Getting A SIM Card For Your iPad – Should You Do It?
What We Suggest You Know About Your iPad
Is there a major difference between taking an older iPad abroad or a newer version so to speak? Yes, and no, essentially the same issues that you’ll have for example with an older iPad at home are the same ones that you’ll have abroad. For example, certain iPads won’t get the updated version of apps. So gradually you’ll lose the ability to run these apps on older versions. One aspect though that could change the whole dynamic of how can I use my iPad abroad, would be the device’s capability to hold a SIM card or an eSIM. Older versions may also require a type of SIM card that isn’t as widely available at a particular point. The worst case scenario here would mean that you won’t be able to get internet coverage outside of wifi range.
Basically what you need to know is whether or not the iPad has SIM capabilities. If it does, you’ll need to know what type of SIM card it needs. This is just if you want to get cellular coverage if you will. If you’re just fine with running your apps on a wifi connection because you’re going to be using your iPad mainly indoors there’s not that much that you need to worry about on that front. Another basic need to know is what type of charger your iPad uses. We’re talking about both ends. The end that connects to the iPad itself and the one that goes into the wall. We’ll get to more on that here in a bit.
Can I Use My iPad Abroad? – Getting Coverage On An Airplane
The easiest way to go about this is to literally follow instructions from the cabin crew. A lot of flights are going to have wifi coverage abroad. This is something that will typically be discussed by the crew at the beginning of a flight. We suggest that you pay attention to the safety speech that they give out at the beginning of each flight. There are a couple of things that you can learn from that speech by the way. If there’s no reference to wi-fi it’s probably not going to be available. You can though ask one of the crew members what the policy is on the flight. A lot of times wifi coverage is going to come at an extra cost. You’ll be able to connect to the airplane network in a similar fashion that you do to some hotel wifi coverages.
Some wireless services providers, particularly Verizon do have coverage on air planes that can be accessed “easily”. If you have a Verizon SIM card on your iPad you may be able to get access to internet coverage while on a plane. Be warned though, the rates for coverage are usually expensive. Plus, they really can’t guarantee that you’ll have great high speed coverage throughout your whole flight. So take all that into account the next time that you find yourself airborne. The future does look bright though for the quality of airline wifi no doubt. The price of the coverage though is probably going to remain high for years to come!
Is Local Wi-Fi Safe?
We have to say that we’ve witnessed growing concerns for the safety of the network that you’re on. There’s a before and after moment with Hilary Clinton’s email scandal and network security. Certain folks have grown overly concerned with how they are watching, or what type of personal data you’re leaking while on a network. We don’t think those people are paranoid by any means. Particularly if you know that certain devices that you use have very sensitive personal information. For example, if you have credit card details saved on your Google browser you’re not exactly going to want people learning your email password. To be able to be extra safe use a VPN. We’re sure that you’ve heard of those. If you haven’t you can literally watch any Youtube video and they’ll have a VPN as a sponsor more often than not.
Are there places though where you can be more relaxed knowing that you’re in a safe connection? It’s hard to say, really. Hotels though usually have a safer connection than maybe the local cafe that also offers free wifi. A lot of city squares and important venues are also getting into that trend of offering free wifi. We have an article on how to locate these spots! These networks though certainly can’t be considered “safe wifi spots”. Again though, get a VPN if you want to be extra safe.
Countries With Internet Restrictions
Not every single country that you travel to is going to allow people there to enjoy some of the same freedoms that your home country might. This is certainly something that you’ll want to account for before you make a trip. Particularly if you were hoping to catch up on a particular Netflix series while on your trip doing some school work or anything like that. For one remember that streaming services can, and actually do have different catalogs depending on the country that you’re in. You can actually bypass that with a VPN to make the system think that you’re still back at home. However, there are some countries where even a VPN won’t be enough.
The list of countries that feature internet restrictions includes Cuba, China, Russia, and certain countries within the United Arab Emirates. North Korea certainly tops the list, but are you really going to visit there? You can, but it’s a bit hard to do. Anyway, even certain countries that don’t have heavy restrictions may limit or block access to particular sites. However, most of these issues are solvable through a VPN. We’re talking about this because if you’re asking can I use my iPad abroad? The answer in many of these countries is going to be yes. You should though expect some limitations on that usage.
Can I Use My iPad Abroad? : Voltage Issues How To Deal With Them
This may be one of the most important topics when deciphering, “Can I Use my iPad abroad”. You have to account for the fact that the country that you travel to may not use the same voltage in their local electricity. Therefore you may have major compatibility issues with the power plugs and sockets wherever it is that you’re traveling. As a general rule we could say that if your trip doesn’t involve crossing an ocean you’re pretty much going to be fine. Still, make sure to Google what type of electric current is used in the country that you’re traveling to. You can get an adaptor to plug in your devices to the local current. However, the cheap ones that are on sale even on the plane may not be the best option.
We’re not electricians here, but we’ll try to explain this as plainly as can be. You’re not only going to require a device to make sure that you can plug in your iPad charger to the wall safely. You need to make sure that the device converts the current accordingly. That is the bigger issue that has burned up a ton of devices that travelers have taken abroad. It may be a better idea to buy a high quality voltage converter, or even a local iPad charger. That can seem like a ton of cash. If you’re a frequent traveler though, having a charger that you can plug in directly may be the best way to go about things.
Getting A SIM Card For Your iPad – Should You Do It?
Some people have found that getting a SIM card for their iPad works wonders for them. Since they can for example use the full capabilities of the device when they’re on the road. While other people just limit themselves to connecting their device to the wifi network that is available. We would say that it can certainly make sense to get a data only SIM on your iPad when you travel. You’d have to, though, make sure that the SIM card was provided by a local network. Also, you’d have to know that the SIM card was data only. There’s a list of compatibility issues to consider before you buy. It has to be the card that fits your iPad and things like that.
We would say that this is an option that can make total sense if you’re planning on doing a more outdoorsy type of travel experience. With that said, know that you may not be able to get great coverage in rural areas. Even if you have a SIM card from a local network. If you want to consider this option you have to find out if the local wireless service provider offers data only SIM cards that fit your iPad model. Ideally, you’ll also take a glance at the coverage map to know whether or not you’ll have decent service in the particular spots that you want to visit.
Can I Use My iPad Abroad – Conclusion
You’re going to be able to use your iPad abroad virtually in any country that you want. If anything it is important to be mindful of the restrictions that may be in place in certain countries. Just so that when you get there you don’t get surprised that you can’t Facetime with family or things of that nature. Another important factor is the whole electrical current situation. If you’re crossing the pond or the Panama canal in either direction you may want to look into getting a charger or a voltage converter. As we mentioned before, getting a charger can without a doubt be a better idea overall. Particularly if you’re going to be spending a considerable amount of time in the country.
When it comes to internet safety some of the same rules apply when thinking about using your phone. A VPN actually can be a great ally if you’re going to be traveling with an iPad. As we mentioned, it can be literally the only way to keep watching maybe that series that you thought about finishing on the trip. Ultimately the answer to the question, “Can I use my iPad abroad?”, is heavily going to depend on where you travel. Make sure to keep that in mind! That way you can go into the trip with realistic expectations. Maybe even deciding that it isn’t worth it to bring the iPad along at all!