When I first got my Ipad, I signed up for international cellular access. It was pretty spotty and sometimes didn't work at all. Then I discovered or realized that if there was wi-fi, I didn't need cellular coverage on my Ipad. I want to use it for Google Translate. Do the saunas have wi-fi? If not, do you then use your phone for Google Translate?

 

I don't have an international plan on my cell phone, but heard that it can be obtained for $10 a day, which seems high. In Thailand once I bought a cheap cell phone and used that for Thai calls. They either didn't have Google Translate then or the phone was not a smart phone.

You can pre-load Portuguese and many other languages for offline use within Google Translate, whether tablet or phone. Just tap the downward arrow and it will convert to a checkmark when loaded.

Also can do it for iPod touch, but you need the smartphone if you want to use Whatsapp in conjunction.

Some of the saunas have wifi, not all. 

Porting an iPad around town puts a big bling target on your back. I only bring mine to Brasil because the larger screen makes navigating airbnb easier. 

 

 

honestly i have an old iphone that i use with a local sim card to have data whatsapp etc. that way if the sauna doesnt have wifi im good. plus its an old phone so if i got stolen its not a problem.

Riobard has it right, the google translator can be fully downloaded locally onto your device so that it works without any internet connection. The only disadvantage of this setup is that google’s  suggestion when you type poorly is not available. 

But you still have Apple autocorrect, so you should be fine. 

Thanks for the info on downloading Google Translate. I didn't know that.

FYI:

The new AT&T International Plan is $10 unlimited cellular, data, texts and calls to and from the USA for $10 a day, only for the days that you use it. So, if you only use WiFi one day and no cellular  (keeping your phone on Airplane mode), then you won’t be charged $10 for that day.

Make sure that Google Translate will work offline on your phone before you travel and need to rely on it. For some strange reason, it won't work offline on my good android phone, but work offline on my cheaper android phone. Just a heads up. If anybody knows why it might not work on my good phone, please let me know!  

I find it can be occasionally glitchy on- or off-line. Actually, once it would not work in text mode but I printed the words and it functioned in camera mode.