How to Send Text Messages Internationally

All cell phones can send a message to an international destination while the phone is in the home network area.

Text messaging involves sending a text or picture through a wireless network to a cell phone or email address. Delivery of the message is relatively quick, regardless of the destination. Sending a text message to an international destination requires two things. The first thing you have to do is to enable international service on your phone. Contact your wireless provider to open the option of international calling and messaging. The second is to send the message.

Instructions

1. Open a new text message.

2. Compose the message.

3. Address the message to the phone number. The phone number needs to be formatted with the country code. For example, sending a message to a phone number from the United Kingdom needs to be addressed starting with 011, followed by 44, then the phone number. 011 gets to the international towers, 44 to the United Kingdom, and the number gets the message routed to the recipient.

4. Click send.

Tips & Warnings

• You can send a text to email by addressing the text to an email address. Text to email is included in most wireless providers texting packages. It does not charge international rates if sending to an email address based out of another country.

• International text messages do not come out standard texting packages. You will be charged extra unless you sign up for an international messaging package through your wireless carrier.

References

• AT&T International Messaging
• How to Call Abroad