I’ve based myself in New Zealand for the past 22 months – give or take, that’s about 660 days.
The time just slips away. They say that happens the older you get, and while I don’t doubt this is true, I’m confident the happier you are someplace and the more content you are with your life, the quicker the hours, days and weeks disappear.
I originally left home in 2007 to explore the unknown; I wasn’t ready to settle down and had a deep desire to see more of this world we live in.
I wanted to drink in foreign cultures and foreign beers; I wanted to soak up the sun of far away places and learn from the challenges of being immersed into a life far away from home.
The journey to where I am today has been a roller coaster of highs and lows – undoubtedly, the moments of pure elation outnumber the challenges.
It’s impossible to count how many times in the last three or four years I’ve been moved to almost tears from the experiences of meeting new people and taking in the beauty of this little world we inhabit.
I’ve traveled the world by way of working holidays in an effort to gain a better understanding of the cultures of the countries I’ve traveled through. In between or during these working holidays, I’ve managed to backpack to some exceptionally special places. Without a doubt, there is so much more of this world I’m yearning to see – the rest of Southeast Asia, Eastern Europe, China, South & Central America and the list goes on.
Many of the posts in the archives of this blog encourage others to leave the comforts of home, pack a bag, and explore far away places. As the tagline of this blog says, Life’s a Journey; I believe the world begs to be explored, experienced and learned from.
I have a confession to make: I’m in Love.
Each day that passes here on the beautiful South Island of New Zealand reinforces my indescribable love of this area of the world. Weekly Daily, I’m reminded of how special this place is and I find this terribly frightening.
While I still have the desire to travel to new places, right now I’m beyond content with my life in New Zealand. Most of the time, at least. I do still get that itch that only those inflicted with the bite of the travel bug know. Reading about Adventurous Kate’s travels through Europe to TBU or the Mobile Lawyer’s adventure on the Ultimate Train Challenge still leave me with that taste for wanting to experience new things and face new challenges.
The problem is there is so much here I still want to do. I want to climb Mitre Peak. I want to compete in a multi-day adventure race. I want to go surfing in the Catlins. I want to ride my bike in a brevit. I want to get into backcountry snowboarding.
The list could very easily go on and take months years to complete. At what point do I throw in the towel and travel to somplace new?
I love my job, my quaint rented lakeside bach with lake and mountain views, my mates and the lifestyle that New Zealand brings on. The budding minimalist that was me in Thailand traveling with only a Macpac daypack is slowly beginning to acquire things – a bike, bike gear, a snowboarding. Potentially a kayak and climbing gear? A second bike?
At what point do I become a hypocrite who encourages others to leave home and travel the world while I stay in this comfortable bubble which I like to call paradise?
I’m not really sure.
I haven’t moved on permanently from being a backpacker. I continue to read travel blogs, add experiences to my bucket list and still yearn to see more of this world. And I will. This working holiday has simply continued on for longer than anticipated. I’m one of many who have come to Queenstown and stayed longer than expected – if you’ve traveled here, you’ll certainly understand why.
I love my life here and for the time being I’m content with that. There is certainly more of this world I want to see – but for now, that’ll have to wait for another day.
As a proud Iowan, I’m a lover of red meat; so, when I’m on the road backpacking, my biggest challenge is finding a steak that can compare with good, Iowa beef. Contributing author Lauren Fritsky has a different problem: finding vegetarian food while traveling the world. Check out these five tips for finding veg-friendly food on your next backpacking adventure.
“Do you have a vegetarian option?”
As someone who doesn’t eat red meat or pork and dates a straight-up vegetarian, I’ve heard a range of laughable responses to this question — everything from:
“Yes, we have fish” to “Just take the ham off.”
Sigh.
If you’re tired of dealing with similar confusion from servers who think that vegetarian means that if the meat’s white, it’s alright, try these tips for actually finding food you can eat on the road.
1. Find restaurants online
Creative Commons: C. G. P. Grey
Anyone who has stood on a street corner in Asia and watched a shop owner kill a live animal might seriously doubt that vegetarian cuisine is possible in all parts of the world. But it is! Sites like Happy Cow let you plug in your destination and eating preferences to find restaurants around the world.
Veggies on the Road is another resource listing eateries across the globe that offer at least three vegetarian dishes. If you have some semblance of an itinerary, look up your next destination and print out the list of vegetarian and/or vegan restaurants these sites. Don’t forget to smile as you walk away from the cleaver-wielding shop owner to your plate of mock chicken with veggies.
2. Say it right
Creative Commons: mckaysavage
Some people are unsure of what vegetarian really means. The same goes in foreign lands where definitions for the practice may differ and language barriers can make it difficult to find what you want. This resource from the International Vegetarian Union supplies key phrases in many languages to help you find veggo on the road.
You can also use the Veggie Passport iPhone app to translate your food preferences into 33 languages.
So the next time you’re in the Czech Republic, you can confidently ask “Mate take nejaka vegetarianska jidla?”
3. Get aPPetizing
Creative Commons: mujitra
Speaking of apps, you’ll never go hungry looking for vegetarian or vegan food again if you have an iPhone. Apps like VegOut and VeganSteven let you find restaurants near you and even pull up the menus.
4. Don’t eat at local restaurants
Creative Commons: HeyRocker
Weird tip, huh?
If you’re having trouble eating meatless at the local restaurants, try hotel dining areas — even if you’re not staying there — and pubs.
Many people don’t think to try and dine at accommodations they haven’t booked into, but the public is free to eat at places like Marriot. Hotel menus often have a wider variety of options than some of the local eateries, including vegetarian, depending where you are in the world.
Pubs might also have bar menus full of non-meat fare. Even if you have to build your dinner by ordering a baked potato, side salad and hummus with bread, it’s better than nothing.
5. Eat what you want, where you want
Creative Commons: CarbonNYC
Did you know that Minnesota actually has a law allowing anyone on a restricted diet to take their own food into any restaurant and eat it right there? Individuals can also ask the wait staff to heat up their food in the oven or microwave.
It’s worth checking if areas you’re traveling to have similar laws.
Even if they don’t, other vegetarian travelers have had success asking restaurants to heat up or cook their tofu, rice or veggies. Sweetness will take you a long way here, so be polite and overly thankful if you’re accommodated. Convenience store microwaves are another option for heating up your homemade or store-bought vegetarian meal if you find an obliging clerk.
Depending on where your travels lead you, you might always have to stay on your toes to find vegetarian. But a little Internet and iPhone savvy plus some local know-how should keep you up to your elbows in tofu from Tampa to Tokyo.
What are your tips for finding vegetarian on the road?
Kia Ora. Thanks heaps for checking out my blog. After you read this post, please head on over to my latest project – Planit NZ. Planit NZ is my New Zealand travel guide and booking website. You can research all things travel in New Zealand on the website, and you can also book hop on, hop off backpacker bus passes, small group tours or activities. Booking any aspect of your trip through Planit NZ supports my work and is most appreciated.
The Land of the Long White Cloud is a destination well worn onto the backpacker trail. And for all the right reasons. An epic combination of stunning scenery, adventure sports, and friendly locals combine to make New Zealand one hell of a place to travel to.
Not only is New Zealand beautiful, New Zealand is easy to travel around. In fact, New Zealand is arguably one of the most backpacker or independent budget traveler friendly countries in the world.
You’ll be hard pressed to find a better spot to break into the world of long term travel.
New Zealand is addictive. Trust me. I originally came for a 12 month working holiday, yet nearly seven years later I’m still living in New Zealand.
Be it the quality of life, the miles and miles of untouched, remote and spectacular scenery, or the laid-back no-worries outlook on life, something about New Zealand will grab you and not let you leave.
So you’re considering a trip backpacking in New Zealand? Sweet as (as we say). While New Zealand is welcoming and easy to get around, you might have some questions about your trip here. Consider these:
15 Tips for Your First Experience Backpacking in New Zealand
1 ) Travel North to South
Almost daily I get emails from backpackers planning their trip to New Zealand. One of the most common questions I get is:
Should I start on the North Island or the South Island?
While the North Island is stunning (be sure to check out the Bay of Islands and definitely don’t miss the chilled out Coromandel Region), the South Island is where it’s at. As it will be the highlight of your trip, it’s the logical place to finish.
Southern Alps, South Island
The mountains are taller, the drives are more spectacular, the Great Walks are greater, and the beer is better so finish on New Zealand’s South Island.
2 ) Avoid the Chain Hostels
There is no shortage of budget accommodation throughout New Zealand. From hostels, to budget motels to holiday parks with self contained accommodation, you won’t have a problem finding a place to lay your head at night.
As New Zealand is frequented by thousands of young backpackers each year, the big chain hostels are present throughout the North and South Islands. Many of the major backpacking destinations have Nomads or Base Backpacker hostels that are filled with younger party hard backpackers.
While many of these are adequate – and some quite flash (I’m talking about you Nomads Queenstown) – there are heaps of character filled, independently owned hostels that will compliment your trip to this small island nation.
Adventure Capital of the World
Check out the BBH backpackers (Budget Backpacker Hostels) and get to know their quirky owners, settle down with a glass of New Zealand wine next to their wood burners, or listen to the sea from their gardens.
Also growing in popularity in New Zealand, like many places around the world, is AirBNB. I was in Oamaru recently had grabbed an entire home with sea views, walking distance to town, for about the same price as a basic motel. If you haven’t used AirBNB before, you can get $29 NZD free credit when signing up via this link.
3 ) Arriving to New Zealand
Chances are your flight to New Zealand will arrive in Auckland. A city that often gets a bad rap amongst travellers into the country. It’s not my favorite city in the world, but there are plenty of funky neighborhoods and stunning beaches nearby to explore. If you have a couple days, be sure to head over to Waiheke Island ($36 return). Or, if you’re looking for a day tour this Zip, Wine, Dine package is a perfect mix of adventure and New Zealand wine, and is a great way to experience the island.
The SkyBus Express will be your best choice for the quick, 45 minute trip to the Auckland CBD. Tickets are only $28 round trip and can be booked online so you’re set to go when you land.
Consider these Auckland budget travel tips for your first couple days in the city – and most importantly, don’t stay too long – there is too much to see outside of NZ’s largest city.
4 ) Consider Buying a Car or Campervan
New Zealand absolutely begs to be explored behind the steering wheel of your very own car or campervan.
You won’t realize how many of these converted, backpacker-filled vans flock New Zealand’s roads until you’re here yourself. If falling asleep to the sound of the surf and waking to the sunrise sounds appealing to you, then a campervan just might be the right mode of transportation for trip.
Traveling New Zealand by campervan gives you loads of flexibility, allows you to get off the beaten path, and you will ultimately save you heaps on accommodation costs.
Many backpackers in New Zealand buy a van when they arrive and sell it prior to their departure. Surprisingly, buying a campervan in New Zealand is a simple and straightforward process; however, do be aware that a certain amount of risk is involved and not all of the campvervans in New Zealand are good investment. I suggest you take your van to the VTNZ, and have them perform a pre-vehicle inspection on it. It’ll cost you $110, but might save you thousands if you buy a lemon. If you have anything less than 3 months, buying a van is a bad idea as you’ll waste too much time trying to buy / sell the van.
Freedom camping is possible in New Zealand, however over the past couple years this has become much more strictly regulated. Sadly, too many inconsiderate backpackers have created a bad name for all of us – disrespecting the countryside by leaving rubbish or worse behind. So, if you’re going to freedom camp, do it respectfully – more on this post here.
In areas where freedom camping is not allowing, the Department of Conservation runs basic campsites that are as little as $5/night.
Sponsored
5 ) If Not, take the Hop-on, Hop-Off Backpacker Bus
If you’re not comfortable driving on the left side on New Zealand’s roads, then your next best bet is going on a hop on, hop off backpacker bus tour.
A hop-on, hop-off bus pass is the perfect balance between a fully-guided, small group tour and a self-guided trip that sees you creating your own itinerary and driving yourself around NZ. These buses run on set routes around the country, and that allows you to pick a pass that goes to the places YOU want to see most. You can organize your own activities or accommodation, but the driver-guide on board the bus can help you out if you wish. They’re an awesome way to meet other travellers, and a great way to get to some lesser known destinations in New Zealand.
I recommend Stray, and you can see their most popular passes on Planit NZ. I can offer an exclusive Stray discount code of 5% if you book your New Zealand trip through Planit NZ. Contact me to find out more.
6 ) Get a 2Degrees Sim Card
If you’re traveling with an unlocked cell phone, you’ll be able to pick up a sim card when you get into New Zealand. While there are a couple different providers to choose from, your best bet is undoubtedly 2Degrees.
They offer cheap, international calls back home to Mom & Dad as well as cheap calls throughout New Zealand – for $19 you can get unlimited calls, unlimited texts and 1GB of data.
7 ) 3…2…1 Bungy! Do it.
Taupo Bungy
New Zealand is an adrenaline junkies’ paradise. If you can dream it, chances are you can do it in New Zealand.
AJ Hackett established the world’s first permanent, commercial bungy jumping operation in Queenstown in 1982. Today, there are three in Queenstown alone for you to choose from (K Bridge, Nevis Highwire Bungy, & The Ledge Bungy). You can also bungy on the North Island at the fantastic Taupo Bungy.
It’s a terrifying experience – arguably, one of the most difficult things you’ll ever have to do, yet it’s an absolute rush and a must for your trip to New Zealand.
There is such a wide variety of things to do, landscapes to see, and experiences to be had, that you’ll not know how you can fit it all in.
To be honest, you probably can’t. Unless you’re committing two or three months to New Zealand, it’s impossible to see it all in one go. The biggest mistake you can make when coming to New Zealand is attempting to do too much in too little time.
The Humbolts Mountains
You’ll enjoy your experience backpacking in New Zealand heaps more if you have time to relax and spend a little longer in those untouched little corners of New Zealand you’ll inevitably find.
9 ) Experience a Great Walk
A road trip around New Zealand will reveal a country considerably untouched by the human hand. Sure, tourism is big business in many of New Zealand’s destinations, yet a huge part of the country is as remote and untouched as it is stunning.
Almost 30% of land in New Zealand is publicly owned and much of this has been converted to National Parks.
There are a series of multi-day Great Walks throughout New Zealand and you should experience at least part of one on your trip here. Check out the Routeburn Track near Queenstown, the Abel Tasman Coastal Track near Nelson, or one of the other seven Great Walks.
10 ) Try WWOOFing
If you’ll be staying in New Zealand for more than a couple months, you might want to consider WWOOFING (Willing Workers On Organic Farms) for part of your trip.
Wwoofing is a host system where you can exchange a couple hours of work each day on an organic farm in return for free food and accommodation.
It’s a fantastic way to save some money, meet interesting local Kiwis, and get a feel for a different aspect of life in New Zealand. The majority of people swing through New Zealand, see the sites, jump off bridges and miss the small and out of the way places that make New Zealand so unique.
While most of these tips aren’t experience focused, walking on a glacier is one that undoubtedly deserves to make it on the list. New Zealand is filled with wonders, and you’ll find two on the West Coast of the South Island – the Franz Josef & Fox Glaciers.
These ancient pieces of ice start in the Southern Alps and stretch all the way to coastal, temperate rainforest only miles away from the sea at 300 metres above sea level.
Walking on one is an iconic New Zealand experience and one that you should have while you’re here.
Over recent years, the glacier has been retreating further up the valley. Previously you could go on a guided tour of the glacier, and would access it via foot up the valley. As it’s retreated over the years, now the only way to get on it is via a quick helicopter trip from the Franz Josef township. It’s consequently a bit more expensive, but is an epic experience nonetheless. You can book here on Planit NZ at the best price.
The West Coast itself is a unique and fascinating area of New Zealand, so be sure to spend at least a couple days exploring the rugged coastline from Karamea all the way to Haast.
12 ) Hitchhiking in New Zealand
If you decide to buy a campervan, rent a vehicle, or get around by bus, you’ll be shocked at the number of hitchikers you see in New Zealand. It’s quite common and a very budget-friendly way to see New Zealand.
Clearly, care should be taken – you shouldn’t hitchhike at night and you’re probably better off with a mate (might as well minimize your risk), yet it’s a bloody exciting way to see the country.
Lindis Pass
New Zealanders are a friendly lot and you’re bound to have some interesting chats once you do get picked up.
If you decided to give it a go, you’re best off on the outskirts of a town, and make sure there is room for the driver to pull over; if there isn’t, you won’t get picked up – it’s as simple as that. A smile never hurts and a sign saying where you want to go will probably speed up your chances of getting a lift.
13 ) Beware of New Zealand Internet
As any travel blogger, Facebook addict, or general internet using backpacker that has come to New Zealand knows, the state of the internet here is dreadful.
It’s often slow, more often expensive, always charged by data usage (Skyping is difficult), and almost never included with your stay in a hostel.
Slowly, more and more cafes are offering free internet yet without a doubt New Zealand is far behind the rest of the world. Your best bet for finding free WiFi is at the local library with the other backpackers who have figured the system out. Sadly, even though this post has been updated since 2011, the internet in New Zealand is still bloody dreadful.
14 ) Go Mountain Biking
Mountain biking in New Zealand is unsurpassed by few places in the world and Kiwis love their bikes about as much as they love “The Rugby.”
Wherever you are, you’re bound to find some single track trails (just ask at the bike shop in town, there is bound to be one), yet Rotorua on the North Island is arguably the mountain biking capital of New Zealand.
Hire a bike and spend the day exploring the miles (and miles) of single track trails in the Whakarewarewa Forest – chances are, you’ll want to go back for day two.
In a country where budget activities are few and far between, mountain biking is a fantastic way to spend a day and see the countryside (plus, you’ll burn off the calories from all those budget-saving meat pies you’ve been eating).
15 ) Get Off the Beaten Path
In a country the size of the state of Colorado, you have 4 million people, 40 million sheep and every possible landscape you could imagine.
There is so much to be seen that no guidebook (or blog post) will ever point you in all the right directions. Use this to your advantage, and seek out your own untouched areas of Aotearoa.
A highlight of your trip to the Land of the Long White Cloud should be getting off the beaten path and finding your own special corner of this idyllic part of the world.
So take it slow, make some wrong turns, start conversations with the locals, and get to know New Zealand for what it is – one of the most beautiful places in the world.
Have you been backpacking in New Zealand? Leave your tips in the comments section below.
Found this post useful? Awesome! Don’t leave, check out the posts below:
This is a guest post by Ryan Martin – contact me if you’re interested in writing for Backpackingmatt.com.
Imagine road tripping with your best friends along the world-famous Eastern Coast of Australia. You have the open road, fresh Aussie mountain air, and endless deserted white sand beaches Throw a surfboard on the rack and I don’t think you’ll ever leave.
I ultimately left Australia; yet is sure wasn’t easy.
For a couple months in 2010, I traveled the entire eastern coast of Australia with two of my English mates. Throughout this trip, I came across some unbelievable vistas. Sit back and enjoy:
7 of the Most Spectacular Views in Australia
1) Twelve Apostles
Tweleve Apostles
To get to the 12 Apostles, you’ll need to take the Great Ocean Road, Australia’s equivalent to Highway 101 in America. The views along the drive are gorgeous, but nothing compares to the Twelve Apostles.
The huge rocks that jut out of the ocean seem almost unnatural. And as you walk along the cliff edge, look down to see the backs of birds gliding in the wind. It’s a true natural gem. If you surf, bring a board to catch some waves along the drive.
2) Sydney
Sydney Opera House
While most people have seen a photo of the Sydney Opera House, it still doesn’t prepare you for seeing it with your own eyes. The Opera House is one the most idyllic monuments in Australia, so it’s a must for anyone backpacking in Australia.
If you wanna catch a show, great. Just be prepared to put a second mortgage on your home to do so.
3) Blue Mountains
Blue Mountains
Unanimously voted as a World Heritage site, the Blue Mountains are a great place to camp, watch the sunset, or just take in some amazing views.
The series of cliffs and gorges are blanketed in Eucalyptus. These Eucalyptus give off gases that quite literally give a blue hue to the horizon.
4) Byron Bay
Byron Bay
Byron Bay is an absolute backpacker’s haven.
Party at Cheeky Monkey, lounge on the beach, shop, or surf in the waves. Byron Bay has got it all. Just be prepared to get sucked in. I’m one of many who lost a few days of my life to Byron Bay.
5) Indian Head, Fraser Island
Fraser Island
Unfortunately, they don’t let you bomb around the world’s largest sand island in your own rented 4×4 anymore. Instead, you have to be escorted by a guide in a caravan. Luckily for me, I was in one of the last groups able to explore the island on our own.
On the far end of the island is Indian Head, where you can look down and see the shadows of sharks swimming below. In the evenings, sunset over the horizon is nothing short of spectacular as you camp next to wondering dingos.
6) Whitsunday Islands
Whitsunday Islands – Australia Travel Photos
The Whitsundays are home to the world’s whitest and finest sand. In fact, it’s the sand that made the lens for the Hubble Telescope. The contrast between the azure waters and ghost white sand is mesmerizing.
The sand is so fine, you can even use it to clean your teeth. Just be sure not to swallow.
7) Great Barrier Reef
Great Barrier Reef
I’ve never seen water so blue as that in the Northeast of Australia. It sometimes hard to distinguish the blue of the water to the blue of the sky. As the world’s largest living organism, the Great Barrier Reef does not disappoint.
Some of these views are compounded in beauty when you throw in a gorgeous pink and orange sunset; others are just plain amazing in their own right.
Don’t take my word for it. Get on a plane and check them out yourself.
I promise you won’t regret it.
About the Author: Ryan has been backpacking around the world since 2005 and has recently launched FollowMeEverywhere.com to combine his love of travel with work. If you like his stuff, feel free to subscribe, and if you know anyone looking for a travel writer, travel photographer, or travel guide, let him know. Follow him on Twitter: @RyanMartin07
There are heaps of benefits to this, but first and foremost it helps you keep on top of your emails and in touch with your Twitter followers; along with Google Maps and traveler friendly apps, the iPhone is an essential tool for any backpacker or budget traveler.
Since moving to New Zealand and unlocking my iPhone, I’ve used it hassle free in four different countries:
In each of these countries, it was as simple as picking up a Sim Card at a convenience store, popping it in my iPhone, and adding some credit. With budget friendly data packages, staying connected even in areas without WiFi was not a problem.
I wrongly assumed that after moving temporarily back to the States I’d be able to easily use my unlocked iPhone. My first mistake? I ignored this recent report that named AT&T the worst wireless service provider in the United States.
Creative Commons: Mrbill
What follows is my best attempt at reliving the worst customer service experience I’ve ever been a part of.
I stopped by an AT&T Authorized Retailer in Waco, Texas. After explaining my needs – to use data on my unlocked iPhone 3G – the agent recommended I purchase a GoPhone Sim Card. For $19.99, I could purchase 200 MB of data. Sweet. Maybe this will be easy.
After leaving the store, I powered up the iPhone to find AT&T service, five bars, and the 3G icon. All was on track … until I realized the internet didn’t actually work.
I decided to call AT&T’s customer care.
The initial verdict was an unlocked iPhone wouldn’t work with AT&T’s prepaid GoPhone Data Plan. Interesting, as it worked without a single problem in four different countries.
I explained to the first representative that if data wouldn’t work on the phone, I had no interest in continuing service with AT&T.
“Yes, I understand I can still use voice and text, however without data, I’m not interested in your service. I wouldn’t have signed up and given you $40 had the first AT&T employee given me correct information.”
I explained I wanted a refund, and the Customer Service agent then transferred me to the Payments & Processing department – according to the customer service agent, they would be able to process my refund.
Creative Commons: Badruddeen
After being transferred to Payments & Processing and explaining my situation again (shouldn’t this be noted on my account?), the Payments & Processing agent explained they couldn’t perform the refund, I’d have to talk to Customer Service or the original store directly.
At this point, I asked to speak the supervisor.
I explained the situation to the supervisor before being told I’d have to talk to Customer Service.
I was transferred to Customer Service and began to explain the situation surrounding my case. Before I could finish, I was told that this was out of the hands of customer service, and I’d have to talk to someone in Payments & Processing (Apparently Agent #1 & Supervisor #2 didn’tt know what they’re talking about).
This agent assured me she would explain my situation to someone in Payments & Processing that could help and placed me on hold.
I was transferredto Payments & Processing. They had no idea why I was calling. Now loosing my patience, I asked to be transferred immediately back to customer service.
I was transferred to Customer Service and again explained my situation (why isn’t this noted on my account?). I asked for a supervisor who informed me I’d have to go to the store directly to process the refund.
Accepting that this was the case, I politely asked that the supervisor call the store and explain my situation so there were no confusions when I went back.
“I’m sorry sir, we’re unable to make outbound calls.”
AT&T – a bloody phone company – unable to make calls.
After one hour and thirty minutes on the phone, four different transfers, three different supervisors, and four different answers, I still had no data and no refund.
Creative Commons: Sharongoesnom
I arrived 24 hours later at the same store to find the same agent behind the desk. “The data on my iPhone isn’t working,” I explained, “and customer service has requested I come here for the refund.”
“I’m sorry sir,” this lovely lady in her Texas accent explained, “Customer Service should known that all GoPhone Sim sales are final. We can’t give you a refund.”
My blood began to boil. I dialed 611 to reach another Customer Service agent. I explained my situation (Really, why isn’t this noted on my account?) and again immediately asked for a supervisor.
The first thing out of his mouth?
“Sir, the store isn’t going to be able process the refund – you shouldn’t have been asked to go back in.”
More misinformation.
Ironically, it was this fourth supervisor (William) who ultimately pointed me in the right direction. He explained there might be some way to change the iPhone’s internal settings, but I’d have to be on a WiFi network. William offered to research the situation and call me back (though he never did).
I subsequently figured out the fix on my own.
I’m absolutely shocked at the pathetic level of customer service I received. It all barrels down to misinformation – from the moment I walked into the store until the moment I finally was connected with William, almost every member of AT&T’s customer service offered incorrect advice. What kind of company operates off of grossly uniformed employees?
One I’ll never do business with again.
If you’re backpacking or traveling around America and trying to get service on your unlocked iPhone, these are the steps you’ll need to make it happen. Whatever you do, don’t call AT&T’s customer service department.
How to Access Prepaid Data on Your Unlocked iPhone in the US
Creative Commons: Andy on Flickr
Step 1: Connect to a WiFi Network
Step 2: Go to unlockit.co.nz & select continue
Step 3: Select “Custom APN”
Step 4: Select Your Carrier – “US – AT&T” (or any other US carrier offering prepaid data)
Step 5: Select “Create Profile.” This will generate your custom APN profile and download it to your phone.
Step 6: Select “Install” and then “Replace” in the subsequent dialog
Your iPhone is now ready for a Prepaid Data plan.
Have you used an unlocked iPhone in the United States? Who was your service provider? Have you been a customer of AT&T & experience subpar customer service? Leave your experiences in the comments section below.
Kia Ora - I'm Matt. Adventurer, Instagrammer and New Zealand travel planning expert living in Queenstown, NZ. Founder of Planit NZ - New Zealand's largest travel planning & booking website.
Hello! I’m Matt. Thanks for checking out my blog. Be sure to follow me on Instagram for loads more New Zealand travel inspiration. Comment on one of my photos so I know you came from here!
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