How can I use my iPhone in London without spending a fortune?

[flipavillez]

I want to use some apps like facebook, yelp (any more local tourist apps I can download) and check my email.

[Carrie S]

I have an O2 Pay as You Go sim. Because I bought the phone with an O2 sim, I get a free year's 3G / WiFi bolt on so get free internet surfing.

It might be worth getting an O2 pay as you go sim fitted as it will save you money on calls also. If you top up £20 you enter into a rewards draw where you can win free texts etc. You also get to choose a postcode from which you get free calls so it can be your hotel, local cafe etc.

You can buy bolt ons for £10 a month.
http://www.o2.co.uk/explore/tariffs/bolt.../o2webwifi

You'll need to reconfigure your settings but they will give you a booklet which will show you how to do it.

To get the sim card out of your iphone, use the end of a paperclip and stick it gently into the hole on top and the card holder will slide out.

If you want advice, go into any branch of O2 or Carphone Warehouse shops where they will be able to help you.

There are many places, however that do free wifi including every branch of McDonalds (cloud). You might want to download an app that lets you find all the free wifi spots in London which would be useful. Here is a link to information about one:

http://appshopper.com/travel/free-wifi-london

You might also find it worthwhile downloading the mini London A-Z. The iphone has a map but this one is easier to search and much better to read and easier than carrying a little paperback around in your back pocket (which frankly, just makes you stick out like a tourist). I use it a lot and I am a Londoner.

Another useful app is the National Rail App. It's £4.99 which can seem a lot but if you plan on travelling using the National rail network it is invaluable as it tells you live which platform your train is on, what time it is leaving, if it's delayed etc.

Around Me is another good app. It takes your location and lets you find bars / restaurants/ ATMs / banks etc. and tells you how far away you are and links to a map where they are. Good thing is that this app is free.

[taang]

There are several ways for tourists to get internet for their iPhones.

Four main ways (in order of recommendation):

1. Unlock your iPhone and buy a local sim card. Top up for internet.

2. Rent a local iPhone. For example, http://www.aziphone.com

3. Download a free wifi-finder app for where you’re going and try to pick up free wifi.

4. Call your mobile network to go on their travel roaming plan. Use data for emails mostly.

This one might work for those bold enough.

Rack up an inane amount of roaming charges upwards of $300 and then call your carrier afterwards. Be shocked and apologize. Ask it to be wiped out. I’ve heard stories of people having $600 being written off.

[zuiko]

as simple as unlock your phone and buy local number.