Cell phone apps in Canada

[chalet05]

I am so far behind on the forum!!

If you have a smartphone with apps that automatically update, you do not want to turn your phone on in Canada!! I have no idea what this is going to cost, but I didn't even think about it given I am new to the Droid.

[Sandersmr]

When I was in Nova Scotia, I used my phone all the time - it was the way my friend and I were able to contact one another. I don't remember the charges being that bad. But I'm also grandfathered under the old Verizon unlimited plan.

[JudyJB]

Call your cellphone provider on their no-charge number and ask about adding a plan for Canada. If you add a plan, it can be a lot cheaper than just dialing and roaming.

Good point that before we go into Canada, we need to turn off the auto update settings. Can you do this with your phone in the on setting but with no connection? I can do that with my old Treo but am completely lost on the newer phones.

Ditto for heading to Mexico and any other place out of the country. A trick Europeans use is to temporarily replace the phone's SIM card with a local SIM card, but unfortunately, most US phones are sold "locked."

I do have an unlocked UK cell phone I am willing to loan out, by the way, if anyone goes there. All it costs to use is to purchase a new SIM card for 5-10 GBPs. I paid a whopping $20 for this cheap phone 4 years ago, by the way, and have already loaned it out once and used it on two trips myself.

Buying a cheap Canadian phone with limited minutes is another choice for calling in Canada. Try Walmart or any discount store.

[chalet05]

I was only offered calling plan for Canada, which I had but no data plan -I was 'warned' how data would be charged.

Yes, you can change auto settings without a connection.

[Bethers]

I was only offered calling plan for Canada, which I had but no data plan -I was 'warned' how data would be charged.

Yes, you can change auto settings without a connection.

All I had to do was turn my data off for in Canada - turned it back on as soon as I was back in Alaska.

Three years ago - I needed my data for business so turned it on in Canada - it did cost me, but was necessary that time. This time I planned better. I turned down the calling plan for Canada - knew I wouldn't use it enough to make it worthwhile - they make tons of money on that plan. Instead, I didn't make any calls - but it was available at their regular international charges if I needed it. I didn't - so therefore saved that cost, as well.