Having your own Smart Phone Required?

[Hlitner]

After reading the latest information regarding France's new Health Pass rules (which seem to change with the phases of the moon) I thought this a very relevant topic.  Over the years we have noted strong resistance by some HAL posters to owning an expensive Smart Phone.  Lets face it, many HAL cruisers are older folks (I am only in my 70s so among the babies) and have long been resistant to having their own Smartphone for various reasons.  About 3 or 4 years ago I started posting (as one who does a lot of independent foreign travel) that Smartphones were moving from a nice option to a necessity for travelers.  With all the evolving COVID rules this has now become even "more so."  It looks like France (and possibly the entire EU) will now require a Smartphone that has the necessary QR Code indicating the person has met the COVID requirements (whatever they may be that particular day).  The new French Pass requirements (announced yesterday) seem to leave no wiggle room as you would need such a QR code to go anywhere or do just about anything in France.  And they hope that this will also meet the requirements of the other EU countries.  The other bummer is that this Health Pass will cost 36 Euros (per person).   We are watching developments on this issue since it is likely to change (many times).

 

Hank

[AKJonesy]

I am one of the holdouts.  Saying that, my husband does have a smart phone and they are super convenient and I love the technology.    With the rise of wifi practically everywhere, I have gotten by nicely for about 10 years now with my son's hand me down phones (1x per year).  He loads all of the apps, I have a telephone number through Google Voice and can talk over all kinds of apps even overseas and I don't pay for any kind of contract.  I don't do it because I can't afford a contract, but as a retiree I just have not needed it thus far.  It would be completely useless to me at home which is where I am except when I have to pop out for some groceries.  Even then, I don't need a phone.  Saying that, I would not depend on this device in an unknown environment like traveling alone overseas.  But, it has served me well, and since my husband is also my travel partner, his device serves the both of us with all of our travel documents, including boarding cards, etc.   Do I think I will get a smart phone?  It's hard to say.  I travel quite a bit and haven't needed it.  My last domestic trip I had to meet up with my son and I easily communicated with him letting him know where I was, etc.  Sure, I have to depend on wifi, and sometimes you can't get it.  On my last trip to England I had to meet up with my husband at Heathrow.  When I landed, I called him using my app over the wifi and told him where I was for pick up.  Had I not been able to access wifi, we pre-arranged my pick up based upon an arrival time.  Yes.  That is a bit more of a hassle.  But, as I said, domestically there is nothing to worry about.  I have flown all over the US and never had a problem using my hand me down wifi phone.  Overseas, traveling alone, I would not want to depend on it necessarily.  I can justify the cost of the phone.  Afterall, look at all of those years I never paid for a contract!  I'm not sure of the OPs intention of the post if it is to stir the pot or encourage use of a smart phone.  I can only tell you my experience.  Would I suggest what I have done to other people especially those who are a bit older.  No. 

[XBGuy]

I am as technology averse as the next guy.  However, I do, in fact, own a SmartPhone.  I agree that it is a convenience, but, so far, I do not consider it to be a necessity.  Frankly, my favorite feature is the pedometer.  It is so cool to see how many steps I've taken and how many flights I've climbed on my mid-day constitutionals.

 

I was reading in the newspaper, yesterday, that the various network providers are phasing out their 3G networks in order to add more 5G capability.  Obviously, there are still many whose mobile phone is only 3G capable.  Those older phones will be useless once 3G networks are eliminated.  Some of the network providers, not all, are offering 3G cell phone owners incentives to replace their old devices with new ones that are 4G or 5G capable.

 

Do they even make dumb cell phones anymore?  I really don't know.

[Vict0riann]

I have an iPhone, but I don't have a phone or data plan.  If there's free wifi, I use it, if there isn't, I usually have a backup - I photograph everything I might need and have it in my "library".  The European QR codes, and my BC QR code (for my vaccinations) are all there to show anyone who needs to see them.  I also have my BC QR code printed out and laminated in my wallet.   When we were on Eurodam recently, we needed to download a form on the ArriveCanada app, but the ship's internet just could not do it, even the Front Desk couldn't get it to go.  In Barcelona Airport it took all of 5 seconds to download.   

 

 

[sambamama]

There are smart phones you can buy that don't cost a fortune. And if you don't go with a big carrier, you can get a pretty cheap plan. You can get plans for as low as $15 a month, I think. And you don't need to buy a new phone every year. You don't need 4 cameras and unlimited storage. I think you will find it's cheaper to have a smart phone than you think, and they can be handy.

 

 

[Heartgrove]

I agree that in today's world, a smartphone is almost a necessity. When we were returning to the US from Iceland this Summer, The Ministry of Health did our COVID tests to reenter the USA and text the results to us. We then downloaded the attachment and saved it as a file. All we had to do at the airport was to pull up the file on the phone for the gate agent to verify our results.

 

We are looking forward to using the updated HAL Navigator on our upcoming cruise. It already has been useful, even before the cruise with all of the information available. The older version was mainly useable for keeping track of the daily events.

[kazu]

I have been able to load QR codes and the navigator app on my Ipad.

I do take my phone with me (for emergency calls to to reach a guide) but admit I am not adept at it.  I am also concerned about getting nailed with charges.

 

I am seriously considering getting an Iphone as it’s set up similar to the Ipad and would be much easier for me to adapt to but the price is horrendous.

 

And sadly, rates in Canada are not cheap with major carriers.  My contract is long past so I will be doing some serious research before I buy and / or switch companies.

[sambamama]

I think Mint has unlimited data and texting  for $30 a month. You can buy an unlocked phone for $300 or less. I just turn my phone off or put it in airplane mode unless I can get free wifi. You can use apps so you can call or text for free internationally. Even me, who isn't techy, has managed. And Android phones aren't hard to learn how to use, are cheaper, and their screens are more resistant to breakage. I realize iPhones are way superior in most every other way 

[cbr663]

Here in Canada you don't need a smart phone for a QR code.  You can simply print it off and show it when asked.  As long as it is scannable, that is all that is required.  My parents don't have smart phones and I down loaded their vaccine QR codes for them and they had them laminated for ease of use.

 

No doubt that a smart phone makes things easier.  I have our vaccine QR codes downloaded to our iPhones.  The QR codes are stored in the Health App and in the Wallet app.  Once in the Wallet app the QR codes are easily accessible from our Apple Watches.  No need to take our the smart phone at all.

 

 

[leerathje]

Hank, I live in British Columbia, Canada and we require QR codes confirming double COVID vaccination for entry to many places. Restaurants with sit-down service, gyms, rinks, rec centres, bars and pubs. Airplanes, trains, concerts and sporting events. Movie theatres and casinos.  All require a QR code provided by the government.  Most have it saved on their cell pone. The great thing is with our system (not sure on others) is that you don't need a QR code on your cell phone, you can print it out and carry it in your wallet.

 

I work for our local provincial politician, and we are printing them and laminating them for free for those that don't have a phone. 

 

That being said, I do believe that people will eventually be forced, some kicking and screaming, into the 21st century.  But until that happens, people will have devices like IPads. Hopefully these little things will help people get through until they are ready.

 

L.

 

 

[igraf]

2 hours ago, Vict0riann said:

I have an iPhone, but I don't have a phone or data plan.  If there's free wifi, I use it, if there isn't, I usually have a backup - I photograph everything I might need and have it in my "library".  The European QR codes, and my BC QR code (for my vaccinations) are all there to show anyone who needs to see them.  I also have my BC QR code printed out and laminated in my wallet.   When we were on Eurodam recently, we needed to download a form on the ArriveCanada app, but the ship's internet just could not do it, even the Front Desk couldn't get it to go.  In Barcelona Airport it took all of 5 seconds to download.   

 

 

 

It is true that one can do a lot with a smartphone without a paid service.  Still, it is nice to be able to make or receive a call, navigate (with traffic reports) while driving a rental car or get a quick answer to a question.  There are several good options at around $15 per month.  I managed to set my wife up with unlimited voice and unlimited data with Verizon Visible for $25 per month, including taxes and fees.

 

igraf

 

 

[Mary229]

 The DH is a bit of a dinosaur but after using my phone for navigation on cross country trips he is ready.  I am glad, I no longer will have to get to the airport and say here is my boarding pass and here is my husband's which drives me crazy for so many reasons.

 

 I am on Mint Mobile yearly plan, $15 a month, unlimited talk and text and 4 gb which is plenty.  It has an international roaming option with a preloaded budget starting at $5.  I will put him on Ting which is $10 unlimited talk and text monthly and $5 monthly for data only in months he uses it.  Ting is a bit easier to manage overseas.  I have used Ting often and it is available anywhere TMobile is available as they use that network.  In a typical 30 day international trip I will pay an additional $40 for international service when I am running my business.  If I am not running my business it is half of that easily.  This is charged by usage.  Right now you can get a iPhone 8 for $199, unlocked with no contract.  I expect that price to drop later this month.  My iPhone 7 still does everything I need it to do and it still upgradeable to the latest iOS.

[rkacruiser]

1 hour ago, sambamama said:

Even me, who isn't techy, has managed. And Android phones aren't hard to learn how to use, are cheaper, and their screens are more resistant to breakage.

 

Thanks for your post.  I have been told that Android phones are easier to use than the iPhones particularly for those of us who are not as tech literate as others. 

 

3 hours ago, XBGuy said:

I was reading in the newspaper, yesterday, that the various network providers are phasing out their 3G networks in order to add more 5G capability.  Obviously, there are still many whose mobile phone is only 3G capable.  Those older phones will be useless once 3G networks are eliminated.  Some of the network providers, not all, are offering 3G cell phone owners incentives to replace their old devices with new ones that are 4G or 5G capable.

 

The elimination of 3G service is my current tech concern.  My carrier, Consumer Cellular, has been warning about this for several months.  

 

Skeptical me, however, wonders how much of this is attempting to convince a poorly informed public to buy a product and how much is the elimination of 3 G service is really going to take place.  There have been "threats" in Ohio that the phone companies are going to do away with landlines.  Well, it hasn't happened and I don't think it ever will.  

 

I suppose if I do decide to replace my 3G flip phone, it would make better sense to do so by buying a smartphone and not a 4G flip phone.  

[dmcfad2]

Just a side note on the use of smartphones and where things are heading. I am attending a concert tonight at the new Raiders stadium in Las Vegas. This venue is a totally cashless venue. Everything is ApplePay or credit card or debit card. Tickets to the event have to be downloaded to your smartphone and are scanned at the door. The scan bar on the mobile ticket is constantly renewing, so one can not even take a picture of the mobile ticket because a picture won’t work at the door. Parking is prepaid and you are given a QR code that must be scanned in order to enter the parking lot. This is a first for me and I have been spending the last few days figuring out how it all works. What happens if you don’t have a smartphone? I don’t know. It’s a good question. The times, they are a-changing.

[Vict0riann]

1 hour ago, igraf said:

 

It is true that one can do a lot with a smartphone without a paid service.  Still, it is nice to be able to make or receive a call, navigate (with traffic reports) while driving a rental car or get a quick answer to a question.  There are several good options at around $15 per month.  I managed to set my wife up with unlimited voice and unlimited data with Verizon Visible for $25 per month, including taxes and fees.

 

igraf

 

 

 

I have maps.me on my iphone, which lets me navigate without internet.  I think it uses GPS to locate me, and shows me where I am on the map, so I can figure out the rest myself.  It's a great app. (Of course you have to download the maps ahead of time.)

[LuAnn]

3 hours ago, kazu said:

I have been able to load QR codes and the navigator app on my Ipad.

I do take my phone with me (for emergency calls to to reach a guide) but admit I am not adept at it.  I am also concerned about getting nailed with charges.

 

I am seriously considering getting an Iphone as it’s set up similar to the Ipad and would be much easier for me to adapt to but the price is horrendous.

 

And sadly, rates in Canada are not cheap with major carriers.  My contract is long past so I will be doing some serious research before I buy and / or switch companies.

Not sure you have this in Canada but I use Tracphone. They have older models of I Phones available..I bought mine at Best Buy. I just buy 365 days of coverage once a year and that provides the amount of text/date and calls that I need. You might see if something like that would work for you.

[kazu]

32 minutes ago, LuAnn said:

Not sure you have this in Canada but I use Tracphone. They have older models of I Phones available..I bought mine at Best Buy. I just buy 365 days of coverage once a year and that provides the amount of text/date and calls that I need. You might see if something like that would work for you.

 

Thanks that’s very kind of you 👍 

I’ve never heard of it so I suspect it may not be here but I am going to go looking.  Much appreciated.

[daisybertie]

DH and I are total dinosaurs when it comes to tech and data stuff. We were quite happy with our pre paid flip phones, but eventually had to cave in and buy a smart phone. Not too smart, but smart enough to let us book in to shops, cafes, banks etc using the QR code system here on the far south coast of Australia. We do have a laminated personal QR code but the business has to have a separate reader to use this, so the phone is a must. The day the codes became compulsory I had an upsetting encounter with the ‘front man’ outside a popular restaurant in town. He had already reduced one elderly lady to tears as she couldn’t get her phone to read the QR code. He then argued with us that he did not have to provide an alternative method of booking in. And then announced that it wasn’t ‘that difficult’ as if we were being deliberately stupid! Needless to say we no longer go to that particular establishment and let everyone know why. But we did decide we had to get a smart phone. Very basic one but have learnt how to use WhatsApp which is great, and with the pre paid system we use we get a lot of free data so can check the news or the weather when out and about. Won’t do banking or paying with the phone, that’s too much to deal with. 
Beautiful day here, after a few very wet days.

Best wishes to all.

[sambamama]

In the US, the major carriers (and the minor ones, or at least most of them tag off them) are getting rid of 3g. So make sure you get a 4g phone! You can get an unlocked one for $100, or get one through a major carrier for free or low cost. The androids are pretty easy to use. There is usually help right on the phone. Google and YouTube are your friend as is your carrier. Minor problems usually get sorted out by a a restart just like your computer. 

[HELENPSL]

I was thinking of buying a Samsung phone which has the Android operating system.  But I do everything else on my IPad.  Since they are 2 different operating systems they will not sync.  Right now my IPhone and IPad are synced so I have all the same info on both devices.  Otherwise I would also have had to buy a new Samsung tablet.

Helen

[Cruising Is Bliss]

7 hours ago, rkacruiser said:

Skeptical me, however, wonders how much of this is attempting to convince a poorly informed public to buy a product and how much is the elimination of 3 G service is really going to take place.  There have been "threats" in Ohio that the phone companies are going to do away with landlines.  Well, it hasn't happened and I don't think it ever will.

 

 

It's real. All the 3G frequencies are being repurposed to accommodate 5G. Cellphone carriers have all announced the dates they're discontinuing 3G service. Even Amazon got hit by this. The 1st & 2nd generation Kindles were 3G only, no wifi, so Amazon is giving free Kindles to people still using those old Kindles.

[Mary229]

6 hours ago, HELENPSL said:

I was thinking of buying a Samsung phone which has the Android operating system.

I was given a free Samsung and gave it back.  If you are a dedicated Apple user you won't like Samsung.  Plus Apple is developing more and more privacy features - I like that.

 

iPhone 8s are under $200 now and 7s under $100.  My 7 is 5G but I would not recommend a 7.  It is a good phone but it will be unsupported in a year or two at best.  The 6 is now being removed from support.

 

You can still use an unsupported phone for basic phone calls, texts and internet.  What does happen when a phone becomes unsupported is it no longer has security updates and financial and other security apps may disallow their usage and that may affect downloading boarding passes and other QR codes

 

Time line iPhone 6 - 2014, iPhone 7 2016,  iPhone 8 2017, iPhone 12 2020 and now the 13

Edited November 7, 2021 by Mary229

[kazu]

1 hour ago, Mary229 said:

I was given a free Samsung and gave it back.  If you are a dedicated Apple user you won't like Samsung.  Plus Apple is developing more and more privacy features - I like that.

 

I will second this.  I am not comfortable at all on my Samsung phone.  I find it cumbersome.  I can move like lightening on my Ipad 😉 

 

[bobpell]

I am a dinosaur. For years I had a flip phone for emergencies and paid Rogers in Canada $13.50 a month

Alas I bit the bullet last week, joined Zoomers and signed up for a Moto8 g smart phone at $40.00 Canadian a month

I figure I will figure up how to work it properly when I am eighty!!...currently 71

I am enticing my 10 year old grandson over with the promise of chocolate cookies so he can speed up my ability to operate this new toy!!

I figure I will be comfortable just when it will become obsolete

Losing hair

Bob

[Hlitner]

15 hours ago, LuAnn said:

Not sure you have this in Canada but I use Tracphone. They have older models of I Phones available..I bought mine at Best Buy. I just buy 365 days of coverage once a year and that provides the amount of text/date and calls that I need. You might see if something like that would work for you.

Folks should be careful if buying some discounted services.  A few of them do not have any option to be used outside the USA or sometimes North America.   One reason I recommend T-Mobile to many cruisers/travelers is because nearly all their plans include free coverage in over 200 countries with a small fee for making phone calls when overseas (generally 25 cents a minute).   The downside is that their data usually defaults to only 2G overseas although there is a pretty inexpensive option to boost that to LTE.  Most other phone plans have various options to get overseas service but it can be quite expensive.  

 

Hank