How to text internationally on an iPhone
When it comes to how to text internationally on an iPhone, we need to address some confusion about the difference between a short message service (SMS) text and an iMessage. This difference is crucial because one costs money (in some cases, quite a lot), and the other is completely free as long as you have internet access. In this article, we’ll go over the difference between SMS messaging and using iMessage. We’ll also share some free messaging apps to reach friends and family back home while you travel.

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What does it mean to text internationally with an iPhone?
There’s a big ol’ difference between an SMS text (aka a text message) and an iMessage. SMS messages are connected to a phone number and can only be sent to another phone number. This means that if you want to send an international SMS from abroad without breaking the bank, you’ll need to use a local number — not the number you use at home. You can get a local number by getting a prepaid local SIM card that comes with some number of minutes for international calls and texts. If you don’t get a local SIM card, you’ll incur pesky charges from your carrier to send texts overseas. If you don’t mind going down this route, make sure to check with your carrier to see how much SMS texts would cost. Some carriers will send you a text when you land in your destination giving you a rundown of how much international roaming, calls, and texts cost. Same goes for international business roaming that companies opt for when their employees travel abroad for work.
iMessages, on the other hand, are sent using Wi-Fi or cellular data. While they can be connected to a phone number, they can also be linked to your Apple ID, so you’re still able to send them while abroad as long as you’re signed into your Apple ID. Unlike SMS texts, iMessages can only be sent from one iOS device to another iOS or macOS device (between Apple users, to put it more plainly). They cannot be sent to or from Android devices.
Here’s a quick tip for identifying whether you’ve sent or received an SMS vs. an iMessage on your iPhone: SMS texts are green, while iMessages are blue.


If you’re wondering if iMessage is free internationally, the answer is yes! You’ll just need to find free Wi-Fi or get a mobile data plan (lest you decide to turn on your international data roaming, which we do not recommend).
We’ll give you a breakdown of how to text someone back home while you’re abroad vs. how to text someone abroad from your home country.
Texting someone back home while you’re abroad
You can use your iPhone to send an international text message, but if you want an affordable way to send SMS texts while you’re abroad, you’ll need a local SIM card that comes with a local phone number. Be aware that you may receive a “wait … who is this???” text from friends and family at first, so be sure to clarify that you’re using a local number and you’re not an overseas scammer.
However, we don’t suggest getting a local SIM card because, in our humble opinion, it’s a waste of money.
We believe it’s better to purchase mobile data with an eSIM and then, using your mobile data, either exchange iMessages or use an alternative messaging app that is compatible with any smartphone. If you’re messaging friends, it’s likely you already communicate via multiple channels (Instagram, TikTok, or LinkedIn — if that’s your jam). However, we’ve created a list of apps specifically designed for exchanging messages from anywhere in the world — jump to the next section for this list.
Texting someone abroad from your home country
If you’re wondering how to text international numbers on an iPhone from your home country, you’ll have to consider what type of phone your virtual pen pal is using. If they have an iPhone, perfect! You can send and receive iMessages for free as long as your globe-trotting companion is connected to the internet. If they have a non-Apple device, your message will be sent as an SMS text and they might not receive it until they’re back home. If they do happen to receive your text, there’s even a chance that they’ll be charged by their carrier for it, which may lead to a less-than-kind reply from them. That being said, this scenario is rare. But don’t say that we didn’t warn you!
If you want to avoid unwanted carrier fees, try reaching your pal via DMs on your social media platform of choice or let them know in advance to download one of the messaging apps below.
Free apps to text internationally with an iPhone
So, is iPhone texting free internationally? Reaching friends and family back home is free as long as you have internet access and use one of the following free apps:
iMessage. You won’t need to download an app to use iMessage because this function already comes with your pre-installed messages app on your iPhone. However, you’ll only be able to send iMessages from Apple device to Apple device.
WhatsApp. A fan favorite across the globe, WhatsApp is used to send audio and text messages, make audio and video calls, join channels, create group chats, and send photos, videos, stickers, and GIFs. A key feature is its end-to-end encryption.
Messenger. Formerly known as Facebook Messenger, you can use this messaging app owned by Meta to message anyone with a Facebook account.
Signal. Another app celebrated for its end-to-end encryption, Signal’s appeal is in its privacy. You can send text and audio messages, make audio and video calls, create group chats, send photos and videos, and post stories.
If you’re keen on video calls and are wondering if FaceTime is free internationally, you’re in luck! Just like iMessage, FaceTime doesn’t need to be connected to your phone number as long as you’re logged in to your Apple ID. All you need is a stable internet connection, and you’re good to go.
How to text internationally with an iPhone while traveling
When it comes to international text messaging on an iPhone, you’ll have to decide whether you want to send SMS texts or use a free messaging service that relies on internet access.
Since 99.9% of folks prefer the free things in life, iMessage may be your best bet for messaging on your iPhone while you travel. If you want to use iMessage, you have to make sure the setting is toggled on.
To turn on iMessage: Go to “Settings,” then “Messages,” then “iMessage.”
To use iMessage abroad, you also need to make sure that the person you’re messaging has an internet connection and has their iMessage toggled on. Otherwise, your message will be sent as an international SMS text, and one of you (likely the sender) will be charged. Top tip: Pay attention to the color of the message bubble. If it’s a blue bubble, it’s an iMessage. If it’s a green bubble, it’s an SMS text.
The good news is that using iPhones internationally is easy by design. But if you want to send messages for free, you’ll need access to the internet. Here are our suggestions for getting internet access abroad.
Use public Wi-Fi
Whether you’re sending iMessages or using a messaging app like WhatsApp, you can get the internet connection you need by connecting to public Wi-Fi. That being said, we have a word of warning.
Public Wi-Fi might be tempting. It’s free, and depending on what city you’re in, it may be widely available. We get it! The best things in life are free. But what’s that other saying about “the more free stuff you pursue, the more you pay with your life?” Okay, it’s not that dramatic. But the cybersecurity risks that come with using unsecure public Wi-Fi are very real and can indeed be dramatic. Would you really want to get a notification from your bank while you’re abroad that some fraudster has racked up charges on your credit card bill? Unfortunately, this isn’t an impossible scenario, because hackers can impersonate public Wi-Fi networks to tempt us budget travelers into connecting and then, bam — your data has been leaked.
For all these worrisome reasons, we typically do not recommend using public Wi-Fi. However, if you absolutely need to, we suggest using a VPN to thwart these aforementioned cybersecurity threats.
Use a prepaid local or international SIM card
Another way of getting cellular data to send messages is by purchasing an international SIM card for your iPhone. Local SIM cards come with a local phone number and, usually, a limited number of international minutes for texting and calling. However, some plans only cover domestic calls and texts. If you plan on sending SMS texts to your contacts back home, it’s crucial to double-check that you’ll have access to international texting before purchasing a SIM card.
Though prepaid SIM cards are likely a cheaper alternative to paying your carrier’s rates for sending text messages, we suggest opting for messaging apps. That way, you’ll only need internet access to stay in touch with loved ones while you travel.
If you’re looking for affordable mobile data, we have a solution that’s even more convenient than a physical SIM card.
Use an eSIM
The best way to get affordable mobile data for using iMessage internationally or other free messaging apps is by purchasing an eSIM. An eSIM works the same way as the little SIM card in your phone does — minus the physical card. Instead, you download an eSIM app, choose a data plan that works for you, and install the eSIM on your iPhone.
Why choose an eSIM over a physical SIM? Because it’s way more convenient — everything is done from the comfort of your phone. You won’t have to search for a SIM card in a store or order one online. You also won’t have to go through the hassle of removing your “home” SIM and delicately inserting your “travel” SIM into your phone. Swapping physical SIM cards in and out of your phone increases your chances of losing, damaging, or having your SIM card stolen. If any of these three things happen, you could face issues ranging from patchy cell service to having your personal data compromised by hackers.
Oh, did we mention that eSIMs tend to be cheaper than traditional SIM cards too? For instance, you can get an eSIM from Saily for as little as US$3.99.
Save yourself time and money by downloading an eSIM app. That way, you’ll have speedy cellular data to use free messaging services while you travel.
Text messages vs. iMessage vs. Free messaging apps: The bottom line
The difference between SMS texting and using iMessage is that one costs money and the other is free, as long as you’re connected to the internet. Your cell carrier will charge you for SMS texts sent from abroad. If you’re wondering “can I text iPhone to iPhone internationally for free?” you’re probably thinking about iMessages, which only rely on Wi-Fi or mobile data. Remember the color rule: green message bubble = SMS, blue message bubble = iMessage. However, iMessages can only be sent from Apple device to Apple device.
If you want to send SMS texts while you’re traveling internationally and avoid your carrier’s fees, you’ll need to get a local SIM card with a local phone number.
If you want to use iMessage internationally or other free messaging apps like WhatsApp or Signal, all you’ll need is internet access. You can use free public Wi-Fi, but it isn’t always available, and it may be spotty or slow (which can be a problem because then your iMessages will send as text messages and you’ll be charged by your carrier). Not to mention, connecting to public Wi-Fi comes with a slew of cybersecurity risks.
We suggest getting an eSIM for speedy mobile data abroad. eSIM plans are cheap and convenient, and you’ll be able to use iMessage internationally or your messaging app of choice to stay in touch with loved ones back home. Avoid carrier charges for sending SMS texts and download an eSIM app instead!
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Sabina launched an embarrassing travel blog at the age of 18 to document her insatiable hunger for deep cultural immersion, new flora and fauna, and … food! She relies on her phone at all times while she travels. Between her bird ID app, light meter app for her broken film camera, and good ol’ Instagram, an eSIM gives her speedy mobile data to power her adventures.