Buying a tablet for shows: cellular or not?

[Lillian13]

I want to get a tablet, like an iPad mini, to use at shows. I’ve only ever used my iPhone. Can I get away with not getting cellular capability and use my phone as a hotspot if needed? I do shows everywhere from hotels to parks. I’m using the contactless chip reader 99% of the time. 

[ryanwanner]

If your phone supports being a hotspot, this is all you'll need. You can get just a wifi capable iPad and be ok.

Watch your data rates, though! My cell carrier is quite ... generous... with fees if you go over the data plan. Square doesn't really suck down that much data per transaction, though, so unless you're high volume (or end up playing on the 'net while waiting for your next sale...) you should be ok.