ok, I usually ask little kids here for help with technology because I stink. lol
I am deliberating about my options.
Can I insert a Spanish sim card into my iPhone (for emergency calls) and yet keep the iPhone on airplane in order to use it only with wifi, unless there is an emergency?
I was thinking to leave my iPhone here, carry my kindle (for wifi usage), and get a Spanish cheap flip phone with prepaid minutes in order to have a phone for emergencies....I'm assuming I can get such an inexpensive option in Spain. Does anyone know?
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Hahahaha, taking cheap flip phone and a Kindle instead of your iPhone.... frankly Leeann, you're pulling our legs, no??!!
If your "innocence" in consumer-tech is genuine, (I am sorry in this case), the appropriate place to get help would be Apple's hotline, their Genius bar; to google "Airplane mode" or, you've said it yourself, ask a kid in the 'hood.
(Says one peregrino aged well beyond 70, by the way)
PS: OK, maybe you are really "innocent" after all, so let me add this:
1. Can I use WiFi with the iPhone in airplane mode?
- Yes, it's possible to use Wi-Fi with the cellular radio off. To enter airplane mode:
- Touch Settings -> Airplane Mode ON
- This turns off all radio activity including cellular antennas and Wi-Fi. Now while staying in airplane mode you can turn on Wi-Fi only.
- Touch Settings -> Wi-Fi -> Wi-Fi ON
- Your iPhone will now use the Wi-Fi connection while keeping the EDGE and 3G radio off.
2. Making calls in WiFi mode, with airplane mode ON?
- Yes, download and use the Skype app (free) or, -in case your loved-ones also use iPhone and Mac's- simply use free FaceTime video-calling.
3. Only if you plan to make calls or get data during the day while walking, you might want to purchase a cheap local prepaid card to avoid expensive roaming charges.
Beware: For this, your phone must be unlocked (
ask your provider), this changes your phone-number too!
However, as will confirm all experienced peregrinos, you find ample WiFi (in Spanish pronounced "WEE-FEE") connections along the camino, in almost every cafe, bar, restaurant, albergue, etc., just ask and they'll give you user name and password. (Ask a kid or fellow peregrino how to enter those into your iPhone).
So you might want to just forget the local SIM card, in
REAL EMERGENCY on the way, you will not care about the extra roaming cost of using your original SIM.
4. Please leave all other gear like Kindle at home and don't buy that obsolete flip-phone...seriously! Enjoy your camino.