I am going to Canada next month on a road trip for 21 days- not pre booking hotels, just freedom to wander where-ever at will between inward and outward flights.

I have been thinking of getting an ipad, now I feel it will be invaluable to check I am heading toward a hotel come end of day or getting near to a fuel stop etc.

I am looking at the ipad 3, 32gb WiFi and 4g. I do have Orange monthly contract for my mobile, but am open on any better carrier? Does anyone know who is my best option to use for basically UK, but to cover me for Canada? I really am a back to basics on this, I know I can run the ipad in wifi hotspots abroad (same as with a laptop I assume), but know little about the 4g side when on the road. Help please?

Why not buy the new iPad once you arrive in Canada? That way I'm sure they can advise you better on their own territory!

Just an idea?

Check if you can get an PAYG/prepaid iPad MicroSIM in Canada. If such a thing is available it would be far cheaper then paying roaming data charges from a UK network.

Thanks for the info and ideas. Buying one out there could save me about £100 on UK prices - so long as I can get one of day 1 of the trip! I really don't want to get stung paying roaming charges UK either. I may look into a Canadian forum and see what the 'locals' think based on both the info above.

Thanks again.

When you're back in the UK just get a different MicroSIM from any UK network.

where about in canada are you landing ? There does not seem to be many issues with stock at the moment as ipad 3 is not selling out like ipad2 did at launch. You should be able to purchase online and collect in person as well at some stores.

I'm landing in Calgary, driving to Victoria via Edmonton and anywhere else that appears interesting. I have 3 weeks to please myself!

I will be hunting online to see what I can find over the next week or so - if nothing crops up I will get one to take with me and as suggested get a prepay sim over there.