Will you get charged for texting someone from another country on WiFi?

Wi-Fi Calling and International Texting: Understanding the Costs

With the advent of Wi-Fi calling, staying connected while traveling abroad has become more accessible. However, understanding the potential costs associated with texting someone from another country on Wi-Fi can be confusing. This article aims to clarify how Wi-Fi calling affects international text messaging charges.

Wi-Fi Calling with International Roaming Deactivated

When you use Wi-Fi calling with international roaming deactivated, your text messages behave identically to domestic messages. Your carrier will not charge you any additional fees for sending or receiving texts, regardless of the recipient’s location. This is because Wi-Fi calling essentially routes your text messages through a local Wi-Fi network instead of a cellular network, eliminating the need for international roaming charges.

Example:

If you have a domestic text plan that allows for unlimited texts, you can send and receive unlimited texts from another country using Wi-Fi calling as long as you are connected to a Wi-Fi network. No additional charges will be applied to your bill.

Wi-Fi Calling with International Roaming Activated

If you enable international roaming on your device, your text messages may incur additional charges. This is because international roaming activates your device’s cellular network connection, which is necessary for sending and receiving texts in areas that do not have Wi-Fi coverage.

The cost of international text messages with roaming varies depending on your carrier and the specific country you are visiting. It is recommended to check with your carrier’s website or customer service for the applicable rates before activating international roaming.

Conclusion

Using Wi-Fi calling with international roaming deactivated ensures that your text messages remain free of any additional charges, regardless of the recipient’s location. However, if you need to send or receive texts in areas without Wi-Fi coverage, activating international roaming may incur additional charges. It is important to be aware of these potential costs and make informed decisions before using your device abroad.