All About International Text Messaging

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.

AT&T customers have access to international text messaging services. They can send messages to over 200 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.

Sprint offers international text messaging to over 180 countries at 20 cents per message sent or received with a compatible plan. They also have an unlimited international text messaging plan for only $10/month.

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 customers with a Talk & Text Plan or a Talk & Text & Web plan can send and receive unlimited text messages internationally for only $5/month ($10 for families). If they prefer they can choose instead a pay-per-use option that cost 20 cents per message. Picture and video messages are more.

T-Mobile also has an unlimited international talk & text plan that cost an additional $15/month and provides calling to 50 countries and text messaging to over 200 countries. Learn more about it here.

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 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 25 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 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.

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 (12/2011), Tracfone's website indicates they don't offer or allow international text messaging.

Introduction Photo Credit: smellyknee.
How to Send an International Text Message Photo Credit: richard moross.
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.