When Wi-Fi is available put iPhone on airplane mode and make a FaceTime call to those who have an iPhone. If they do not have an iPhone you could use Skype or What's App.

We always purchase an International Data Plan fromVerizon to use when there is not a Wi-Fi connection available. We are going in July so I haven't called to get it yet, but last year, the International Data Plan was $40 per month for 100 Minutes of talk time, 500 (I think) text messages and 100 mg of data.

Text messages are different that iMessages. iMessages send in Blue and Text Messages send in Green. If they go thru in Blue they use data. If they go through in Green they use the Text Message allotment.

If you do not get the international Data Plan. Phone calls are expensive. They let you know via a text message when you connect when you land and also when you move between Dutch/French sides. Without the plan text messages received are $.05 each and text messages sent are $.50 each.

If you go over your allotment, Verizon will automatically add more for the same charges.

Here is the number to call for Verizon Global Support to purchase the International Data Plan 1 (908) 559-4899