PDF download Download Article
Learn more about international texting and fees
PDF download Download Article

With the internet and social media connecting us more than ever, many of us are faced with the challenge of reaching out to someone internationally. While sending a text to a friend or family member in another country is easier than calling them, depending on your phone plan, the cost for those text messages can start to add up. We’ve answered your questions about texting over a long distance so you can decide how many messages to send to your loved one.

What Counts as a Long-Distance Text?

Texts can be sent almost anywhere in the world, but some service providers may charges for international texts. If you text over WiFi, though, there shouldn't be a charge. You don't get charged for receiving long-distance texts if you don't respond.

Question 1 of 7:

Does texting count as long distance?

PDF download Download Article
  1. For most phone plans, you can send a text anywhere in your home country free of charge. If you’re texting someone in a different country, you may get charged extra depending on your phone plan. If you aren’t sure, contact your phone provider and ask them about the rates for international texting. [1]
    • In most phone plans, if you have an unlimited data plan, you can send texts anywhere in the world without getting charged extra.
  2. Advertisement
Question 2 of 7:

How far can a text message be delivered?

PDF download Download Article
  1. If you have a phone plan, you can send a text to anyone in any country. Unless they’re outside of cell range, the distance between you two shouldn’t matter.
    • If you don’t have an unlimited phone plan, sending texts outside of your network may cost you a roaming charge. Roaming charges usually kick in anytime your cell phone connects to a network that isn’t yours—for instance, if you have Verizon but your phone connects to a Sprint tower to send your message.
Question 3 of 7:

Can I text internationally for free?

PDF download Download Article
  1. Some phone plans cover international texting, while others charge you for it. If you do get charged, it will probably be around $0.25 per international text you send. [2]
    • For pictures and videos, it’s usually around $0.50 each message.
    • You can find the details of your phone plan on your carrier’s website.
  2. Advertisement
Question 4 of 7:

Do I get charged for receiving international texts?

PDF download Download Article
  1. In general, most phone plans only charge for outgoing messages, not incoming ones. If you get a text from someone in another country, you won’t be charged as long as you don’t reply to it. [3]
Question 5 of 7:

Does iMessage use long distance?

PDF download Download Article
  1. As long as you are connected to the internet, you can send an iMessage anywhere in the world. The receiver also has to be connected to WiFi to use iMessage, though. Keep in mind that the iMessage function is only for iOS users—if you have an Android, try downloading WhatsApp or Facebook Messenger to send messages via WiFi. [4]
    • If your iMessage isn’t enabled, go to Settings > Messages > iMessage, then switch the toggle to “On.”
    • You can also send an iMessage as an SMS or a normal text message if it’s not delivering. Simply tap and hold the message, then select “Send as text message.” Keep in mind that if your phone plan doesn’t cover international texting, you might be charged for sending an international text.
  2. Advertisement
Question 6 of 7:

Can I iMessage internationally for free?

PDF download Download Article
  1. Since you are sending messages via the internet, you can always use iMessage for free no matter which phone plan you have. In fact, you can even use iMessage to send texts even if you don’t have a phone plan. [5]
Question 7 of 7:

What happens if a text message is too long?

PDF download Download Article
  1. Some phone plans won’t let you send a text message that exceeds their maximum character count (the character count varies depending on your phone carrier). If that’s the case, your phone will probably show an error message, and you can split the message up yourself to send it in 2 parts. [6]
  2. Advertisement

Expert Q&A

Ask a Question
      Advertisement

      Tips

      Submit a Tip
      All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published
      Name
      Please provide your name and last initial
      Thanks for submitting a tip for review!
      Advertisement

      About This Article

      Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 66,598 times.

      Is this article up to date?

      Advertisement