Is iMessage free internationally?

What is an iMessage?

iMessage is Apple’s messaging platform, which was created specifically for iOS devices. It’s smoothly integrated into the same Messaging app you use for text messages – so smooth, in fact, that you may be communicating through iMessage without even realizing it. 

Have you ever noticed that the iMessage app sometimes sends your texts in blue bubbles? That’s an iMessage. If you’re eagle-eyed, you may have also seen a tiny disclaimer at the top of the screen saying “iMessage” (but no judgment if you haven’t).

iMessage uses your Apple ID and lets you choose to receive messages through your phone number, email address, or both. If you integrate iMessages into your iCloud, you can also save copies of your iMessages – handy for fact-checking and backing up arguments.

What's the difference between an iMessage and a text message?

iMessage outshines regular text messages by being absolutely free. No matter what you send – a text, GIF, or emoji – your mobile carrier won't charge you for the message. That's because iMessages are sent over the internet, and as long as you have a stable internet connection, you're good to go. 

The one thing you should keep in mind is that iMessages feed on your data, so you might want to have a reliable and generous data plan. It's another story with text messages – they are tied to your phone number and are subject to mobile carrier charges. 

So far, iMessage may sound like another take on online messaging apps, and you’re not far off. On the other hand, both text messages and iMessages can be sent from the same Messages app on iOS, allowing you to switch between the two without giving it a thought. There's also a catch: You can only send iMessages if the receiver uses an iPhone and has enabled iMessage functionality.

Can you send iMessages internationally?

Yes, absolutely! iMessage is great for texting internationally on an iPhone. All you need is a stable internet connection and a little persuasion to get your friends to enable iMessage functionality on their iPhones if they haven't done it yet. Just don't be too pushy – iMessaging only works on iOS devices.

As with all online messaging apps, a stable internet connection is key to smooth texting. However, if you typically hunt for free Wi-Fi, keeping up with your iMessages may get tricky (and risky). Public networks are rarely stable, and your iMessages might never get sent. Public Wi-Fi is also brimming with hackers trying to get into your network and snatch your sensitive data. 

Your best bet is to send iMessages using your mobile data.

Enabling iMessages

Texting from home or texting from abroad is exactly the same when you use iMessage – only some data charges apply. The only thing you need to do to send iMessages internationally is to enable them. 

1. Connect to your Apple ID. Sending an iMessage without connecting to an Apple ID is like going to the airport without your passport – you won't get very far. Checking if your iMessaging is linked to your Apple ID is pretty easy. Just go to your iPhone's "Settings," tap on "Messages," and then on "Send and receive." You'll see two options under the "You can receive iMessages to and reply from" section – your phone number and email address. Make sure to enable your email address, which is tied to your Apple ID. 

2. Toggle the iMessage functionality. You can see the toggle right above the "Send and receive" option in the "Messages" section of your iPhone's "Settings." This toggle should always be turned on if you want to send and receive iMessages internationally.

After enabling iMessages all is done, a stable internet connection becomes your golden ticket to successful iMessaging.

Stable connection for uninterrupted iMessaging

Now, all you need is a stable internet connection. When it comes to staying connected abroad, you have a few options.

International data plans from your phone carrier

Once you enable data roaming on your iPhone, you can use the internet abroad as if you're in your home country. This option is convenient – but may cost your life savings. Using cellular providers' data plans internationally is known to be a costly business. Also, if you forget to turn on roaming before getting on a plane, you may be in for an internet detox – some providers don't allow enabling roaming once you are out of your cellular network.

Public Wi-Fi

Public Wi-Fi is rarely the faithful friend you hope it would be. It's brimming with hackers trying to intercept your connection and is rarely stable. Imagine sending iMessages only to realize that your Wi-Fi crumbled and your messages got sent as costly international text messages.

eSIM

A digital SIM card, an eSIM, is a game-changer for a reliable internet connection abroad! It lets you activate different cellular and data plans without switching between physical SIM cards. It's embedded into most modern mobile phones and can make it much easier to stay connected while traveling. 

Before heading to your destination, simply check the offers of the many eSIM providers on the market. Once you get the eSIM plan that works best for you (and your budget), activate it just before hopping on your flight, train, ferry, car, or other mode of transport. You can also check out Saily: It offers five different data plans for seven to 30 days, with gigabytes ranging from one to 20.

When you reach your destination, you'll be connected to the local network carrier and have an internet connection that is as smooth as it can be in that particular location. Make sure to choose a reliable eSIM provider.

Advantages of sending iMessages internationally

The main advantage of using iMessages is that they're entirely free, regardless of whether you're texting someone in your home country or sending a message to your friends abroad. The experience is identical to that of sending regular messages with no international messaging charges applied. An iMessage will use up some of your cellular data – but typically only a few KBs.

If you're traveling, you're in for another treat: You don't need to have a phone number to send an iMessage. iMessages are always tied to your Apple ID, which includes your email address. Using only your email address, you can send iMessages through the network. This is especially useful when you choose an eSIM data plan that doesn't give you a phone number. 

And keep in mind that iMessages mean not only texts – you can send voice messages, files, photos, videos, and even music. You can also pin essential notes, play games, share your location, and even use FaceTime internationally at no charge.

Is it risky to use iMessage internationally?

As long as you rely on your mobile data and don’t use public Wi-Fi, iMessaging internationally is relatively safe because your messages are encrypted. iMessage uses end-to-end encryption to protect content sent between its users. But you have to remember: Whatever travels through the internet is susceptible to hacking. 

Here’s where a virtual private network (VPN) comes in handy. A VPN creates a secure, encrypted tunnel between your device and the VPN server so that your iMessages can travel safely and without costing you a penny. Once you enable a VPN on your iPhone, the chances of network interception significantly drop.