Download Article
Explore this Article
IN THIS ARTICLE
1Does texting count as long distance?
2How far can a text message be delivered?
3Can I text internationally for free?
4Do I get charged for receiving international texts?
5Does iMessage use long distance?
6Can I iMessage internationally for free?
7What happens if a text message is too long?
+Show 4 more...
-Show less...
Other Sections
Tips and Warnings
Related Articles
References
Co-authored byJohn Keeganand Hannah Madden
Last Updated: January 25, 2024References
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.
Question 1 of 7:
Does texting count as long distance?
Download Article
Only if you’re sending texts to another country. 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.
Advertisem*nt
Question 2 of 7:
How far can a text message be delivered?
Download Article
Texts can be sent anywhere around the world. 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?
Download Article
It depends on the phone plan you have. 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.
Advertisem*nt
Question 4 of 7:
Do I get charged for receiving international texts?
Download Article
Question 5 of 7:
Does iMessage use long distance?
Download Article
No, iMessage uses WiFi. 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.
Advertisem*nt
Question 6 of 7:
Can I iMessage internationally for free?
Download Article
Question 7 of 7:
What happens if a text message is too long?
Download Article
You might get an error message. 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]
Advertisem*nt
Expert Q&A
Ask a Question
200 characters left
Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered.
Advertisem*nt
Tips
If you’re ever confused about your phone plan, call your cell phone carrier.
Thanks
Helpful0Not Helpful0
Submit a Tip
All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published
Submit
Thanks for submitting a tip for review!
Advertisem*nt
About This Article
![What's Considered Long-Distance Texting? How to Figure Out if You'll Be Charged Extra (18) What's Considered Long-Distance Texting? How to Figure Out if You'll Be Charged Extra (18)](https://i0.wp.com/www.wikihow.com/images/thumb/e/e1/John_Keegan2.png/-crop-100-100-100px-John_Keegan2.png)
Co-authored by:
John Keegan
Dating Coach
This article was co-authored by John Keegan and by wikiHow staff writer, Hannah Madden. John Keegan is a Dating Coach and motivational speaker based in New York City. With over 10 years of professional experience, he runs The Awakened Lifestyle, where he uses his expertise in dating, attraction, and social dynamics to help people find love. He teaches and holds dating workshops internationally, from Los Angeles to London and from Rio de Janeiro to Prague. His work has been featured in the New York Times, Humans of New York, and Men's Health. This article has been viewed 55,165 times.
How helpful is this?
Co-authors: 4
Updated: January 25, 2024
Views:55,165
Categories: Texting
In other languages
French
Spanish
- Send fan mail to authors
Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 55,165 times.