International Text Messaging
Whether you have loved ones who move away, friends in far off places, or business in other countries, international text messaging is a need for millions of people. With roaming charges, international texting, just like international calling can be expensive.
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.
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. However, their site indicates you can only send and received while on the Alltel Network. See details here. Sprint International Text Messaging
Sprint offers international text messaging at 20 cents per message sent or received with a compatible plan.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 search for International Text Messaging rates on 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.
This information can change frequently, to assure the most recent information about international text messaging rates check 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. International charges can change over time, so checking the page listed here is the only assurance of the most up-to-date and accurate information.
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
Some prepaid services also offer international text messaging. For instance, Boost Mobile offers the service for a cost of 10 cents per SMS message when sending on their unlimited plan. Under their service there is no charge to receive an international SMS message. Otherwise, as a prepaid customer, Boost charges for international text messages based on the location, you can find a list of the rates for each country, by visiting this page.
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. No contract is required.
Virgin Mobile also offers international text messaging as well, you can find their current rates on this FAQ page.
At the time this is being written, (September 2009)Tracfone's website indicates they don't offer or allow international text messaging.
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. No contract is required.
Virgin Mobile also offers international text messaging as well, you can find their current rates on this FAQ page.
At the time this is being written, (September 2009)Tracfone's website indicates they don't offer or allow international text messaging.
Quadband or World Phones
Elegance Dual SIM Quadband Cell Phone
Amazon Price: (as of 11/25/2009) 
Motorola V190 Unlocked GSM Cell Phone - Quad-Band, WAP 2.0, Mini USB (Carrier Branded)
Amazon Price: (as of 11/25/2009)
Nokia N81 2gb Unlocked GSM Quad-band Cell Phone
Amazon Price: (as of 11/25/2009)
EG200/Q7 Quadband GSM Cell Phone Watch with 2MP Camera, Video, MP3/MP4 Player, FM Radio, and more. 1.3 inch color LCD Touch Screen
Amazon Price: (as of 11/25/2009)
Cell Phone Cases: Don't Leave Home Without One
BlackBerry Rubberized Skin for BlackBerry 8300 Curve (Black)
Amazon Price: $3.49 (as of 11/25/2009)
Nite Ize crocs o-dial Universal Cell Phone Case
Amazon Price: $7.27 (as of 11/25/2009)
Cellet Small Soft Cell Phone Universal Holster / Pouch / Case with Swivel belt clip
Amazon Price: $9.99 (as of 11/25/2009)
![Solid Black Rubberized Snap-On Cover Hard Case Cell Phone Protector for LG Xenon GR500 [Beyond Cell Packaging]](http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51tCfdrJ-uL._SL75_.jpg)
Solid Black Rubberized Snap-On Cover Hard Case Cell Phone Protector for LG Xenon GR500 [Beyond Cell Packaging]
Amazon Price: $0.01 (as of 11/25/2009)
Black Rubberized Snap-On Cover Hard Case Cell Phone Protector + LCD Screen Protector + Rapid Car Charger for LG enV 3 VX9200
Amazon Price: $2.63 (as of 11/25/2009)
Beyond Text Messaging: Books on International Travel and World Issues
Waterproof Costa Rica Map
Amazon Price: (as of 11/25/2009)
CDC Health Information for International Travel 2010
Amazon Price: $24.82 (as of 11/25/2009)
Colombia Map by ITMB (International Travel Country Maps: Columbia)
Amazon Price: (as of 11/25/2009)
International Travel Health Guide
Amazon Price: $21.57 (as of 11/25/2009)
Belize Map by ITMB (International Travel Maps)
Amazon Price: $9.85 (as of 11/25/2009)
International Text Messaging in the News
- Prepaid Wireless Carrier Page Plus Cellular Expands International ...
- The international text messaging rate for messages originating in the U.S. remains at 20 cents per message. Page Plus Cellular in Oct. 2009 launched its Talk n Text 1200 plan, which provides 1200 voice minutes, 1200 text or picture ...
- Email Marketing Software, Services & Solutions from ExactTarget
- ExactTarget's international text messaging capabilities enable marketers to power integrated text messaging campaigns across the U.S., UK, Australia, France, Germany, Spain, Norway, Finland, Sweden, Denmark and New Zealand. ...
- DJROHAN The Indian Hacker [Indian Boforce] » Blog Archive » Free ...
- ... across the globe but most of them fall short of their claims allowing free SMS's to selected operators only, but new free online SMS service KuripoTxt worked as advertised allowing absolutely free international text-messaging. ...
- Error 1880 (?) / international text messaging - biteSMS
- Error 1880 (?) / international text messaging. Subscribe to Error 1880 (?) / international text messaging 0 post(s), 1 voice. Oct 17, 2009 1:32am. Avatar purgatory 1 post. I have a little problem concerning text-messaging abroad, ...
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- brokestudent brokestudent Nov 15, 2009 @ 9:26 am
- Does anyone know of a way I can text France for free? I live in southern ontario and my bf is in France for the school year. He just got a phone there. I am with solo and they haven't been very helpful in this matter.
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Reply
- nikelover nikelover Nov 14, 2009 @ 12:58 am
- This is great information on international texting. If you have friends in different countries, this is a pretty good resource.
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Reply
- A girl from ontario,canada A girl from ontario,canada Oct 18, 2009 @ 1:10 am | in reply to Rheanna Hiscock from alberta
- Hi Rheanna, I have a friend in Australia also. It doesnt matter that you have unlimited texting on your regular phone plan. It would still be best to get an international texting plan added to your phone. They are very inexpensive. The way you text is, first you need the international code which is 011 for Australia and the country code is 61. So you dial that in front of the number that you have and then text your message like usual and send...ie: 011-612-4178-2519
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Reply
- Rheanna Hiscock from alberta Rheanna Hiscock from alberta Sep 30, 2009 @ 12:40 pm
- I hav a friend in australia, im with solo mobile, with a prepaid plan, unlimited text messaging included. I have no clue how id do this...can anyone help me figureout exactly using an example aussi phone number?
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Reply
- LaraineRose LaraineRose Sep 18, 2009 @ 11:44 pm
- A very informative lens! We don't text message yet but if/when we do I will definitely come back to read this again. Thank you for your recent visit to my new lenses. You are truly a friend. 5*s and favored.
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Introduction Photo Credit: smellyknee.
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.
This site is listed at LensMasterWorld.com.
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.
This site is listed at LensMasterWorld.com.
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