International Text Messaging
This page is here to help you in comparing plans in the US and to identify a few services which can help further reduce the cost.
Use the expandable Table of Contents below to find things quickly.
How to Send an International Text Message
International text messaging is quick and easy. The process is very similar to sending a domestic text message. Generally speaking the customer should dial:011 + country code + wireless number
Country codes can be found on the sites listed below by cellular carrier.
International text messaging allows you to send messages directly through your cellular provider or through other services which may offer more affordable options. See the list of resources below.
Calling Codes, Time Zones, and More
Try Country Calling Codes if you're looking for a quick reference for time zones or country calling codes.
International Text Messaging Services
- ipipi.com
- This service has been around for several years. Users pay approximately 10 cents per message to send text messages to a mobile phone or PC.
- Peekamo.com
- Can be used with any text capable cell phone or data enabled PC. Texting is free with ads included on messages.
- Text4free.net
- A site that provides free SMS messaging from your computer.
- Gizmo SMS
- Send free SMS messages to over fifty countries via the web. Receivers are often charged for incoming messages.
- Jaxtr
- This services states that it is a free service and that users can call family and friends overseas for the same cost as local calls. In addition, users of the service can text message through their website to over 155 countries for free.
- Textdrop.net
- Another option for free texting online to international locations.
Translation Help!
Try Transclick.com or Tranexp.com for help in translating foreign language text messages in real time.
AT&T International Text Messaging
AT&T customers have access to international text messaging services. They can send messages to over 140 countries and are able to send text, picture and video messages from the domestic calling area. Text messages are charged at 25 cents per message sent and 15 cents per message received. (received messages can also be deducted from the customer's plan allowance) The charge for sent text messages while traveling outside of the US is 50 cents per message. Received messages while traveling are merely deducted from the plan allowance.Picture and video messages are charged at 50 cents per sent message and 25 cents per received message.
For those who use international text messaging more frequently, AT&T does offer an International Long Distance Texting plan that can result in a 50% savings over the standard rate.
For more information see this page. Country codes can be found via links on this page.
Alltel International Text Messaging
Alltel offers international text messaging at the same rates as domestic messaging. The per message fee for text messages is 15 cents and picture messages 25 cents. Packages are also available, for as little as $5.99/month for 300 messages. See details here.See the country code list here.
Sprint International Text Messaging
Sprint offers international text messaging for it's customers for 15 cents per message.They can send messages only to subscribers of an international carrier and cannot send or receive text messages when in an international location at this time.
For more information see this page. Country codes can also be found via links on this page.
T-Mobile International Text Messaging
T-Mobile customers can activate "WorldClass" service for no charge. This international text messaging service allows them to text, picture, video, and instant message while traveling throughout the world.After checking to be sure that their cell phone supports the frequencies used at their destination, they should be able to send text messages for 35 cents per message or receive messages for 15 cents per message on average. These international roaming rates apply when texting internationally while within the US as well.
International text messages sent between the US and Canada are deducted from the customers monthly allowance within their plan. In addition, all received messages subtract from their plan allowance.
For more information, see this page. Country codes can be found via links on this page.
US Cellular International Text Messaging
US Cellular allows customers to text message up to 100 other countries from the domestic calling area. The pricing for international text messaging is the same as for their domestic messaging.The pay-as-you-go plan is charged at 20 cents per sent message. Incoming messages are free and unlimited. Packages are also available for as low as $4.95/month for 250 messages (unlimited incoming).
Learn more or find out which countries are included by visiting this page.
Verizon International Text Messaging
Verizon charges 25 cents for outgoing international messages and 20 cents for incoming international messages.International messages do not count against any monthly text messaging allowance within a customer's plan.
Verizon customers can send international text messages to over 70 countries while within the Verizon national coverage area.
See here for more information. Country codes can also be found via links on this page.
International Text Messaging with Prepaid Services
MetroPCS offers their TextTalk Global as part of their $45 and $50 unlimited plans; no additional charge. The service is also available with their $35 and $40 plans for an additional $3/month.
These services are prepaid and require no contract.
Quadband or World Phones
LG KP500i Unlocked GSM Cell Phone - Quad-Band, 240 x 300 Display, WAP 2.0, MicroSD Card Slot, FM Radio
Amazon Price: $206.95 (as of 07/10/2009) 
Sony Ericsson T700I Unlocked GSM Cell Phone - Quad-Band, 3.2 Megapixel Camera, Bluetooth, USB, WAP 2.0, Silver
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Blackberry 8707V Unlocked GSM PDA Cell Phone - Quad-Band, 3G, Bluetooth, QWERTY Keyboard
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Motorola RAZR2 V9 Unlocked GSM Cell Phone - 3G, Quad-Band, 2 Megapixel Camera, Micro USB, Music Player, Clamshell Design, Black
Amazon Price: $210.75 (as of 07/10/2009)
Motorola V188 GSM QuadBand Cell Phone (Unlocked)
Amazon Price: (as of 07/10/2009)
Cell Phone Cases: Don't Leave Home Without One
Horizontal Leather Pouch For Palm Centro or LG Rumor LX260/LX-260 Cell Phone Case Cover with Belt Clip Magnetic Closing
Amazon Price: $2.35 (as of 07/10/2009)
Dooney & Bourke Clear Cell Phone Case NEW w/Tag
Amazon Price: (as of 07/10/2009)
Genuine Leather Cell Phone Case & Wallet with Wristlet & Shoulder Strap (Black)
Amazon Price: $16.95 (as of 07/10/2009)
Cellet Small Soft Cell Phone Universal Holster / Pouch / Case with Swivel belt clip
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Dooney & Bourke Authentic Pouch for Cell Phones & PDA's Plaid
Amazon Price: $8.00 (as of 07/10/2009)
Beyond Text Messaging: Books on International Travel and World Issues
CDC Health Information for International Travel 2010
Amazon Price: $26.95 (as of 07/10/2009)
Moscow City Map by ITMB (International Travel City Maps: Moscow)
Amazon Price: $9.95 (as of 07/10/2009)
Work Worldwide: International Career Strategies for the Adventurous Job Seeker
Amazon Price: (as of 07/10/2009)
Ecuador Map by ITMB
Amazon Price: $12.95 (as of 07/10/2009)
China Map by ITMB
Amazon Price: (as of 07/10/2009)
International Text Messaging in the News
- international text messaging - Windows Mobile Forums
- does anyone know of a free app that would allow us to send free international text messages? if it matters i have a q9c. thanks and all help would be.
- Windows Vista Xp Mobile SMS Software
- International text messaging software comfortably runs on all widows operating system like windows vista, XP, 2003 etc. Bulk SMS sending utility provides user friendly graphical user interface and compatible with all Windows based ...
- IPIPI - International Text Messaging Services
- I don't know exactly what does IPIPI means, but in my country, PIPI means cheek, so if we combined into a sentence that should become I cheek :). Well,
- International Text Messaging on Sprint
- I switched to Sprint a couple of years ago from T-Mobile and lost the ability to text a friend in Australia as a result. I'm hoping in the two years that have passed, Sprint has caught up with other carriers in international texting, ...
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International Text Messaging: Did You Find What You Needed? Let Us Know!
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Cliff wrote
in reply to joey Yes, you have to pay an additional fee per message for both sending and receiving text messages to/from someone outside of the U.S.
Posted July 02, 2009
joey wrote
so if your friend is on vacation in europe and you have an unlimited texting plan does it still cost money for AT&T customers? even if both of the numbers are U.S. numbers?
Posted June 23, 2009
brookethom wrote...
shipping international co. ensures safe and smart shipping all over the world. Shipping to Iraq
Posted June 10, 2009
CWA wrote
I need to text to Ghana; do you know of any free sms service?
Posted June 06, 2009
WhitneyWells wrote...
Good information, very useful. My wife is planning on spending some time in Peru next year as a missionary and this information will come in handy.
Posted June 03, 2009
How to Send an International Text Message Photo Credit: richard moross.
Alltel Photo Credit: whatsername.
At&T Photo Credit: conspiracyofhappiness.
Sprint Photo Credit: odalaigh.
T-Mobile Photo Credit: antkriz.
US Cellular Photo Credit: d'n'c.
Verizon Photo Credit: jimmyharris.
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