Although turning off cellular data and data roaming will prevent your phone from using data, these won't necessarily stop phone calls and SMS messaging. To completely avoid these costs when traveling abroad, be sure to set your phone to AIRPLANE MODE.
Turn off data roaming.
Turning off roaming on your phone prevents it from connecting to data networks. You won't be able to read your emails unless you connect to WiFi but you'll still be able to talk and text.
What happens if I turn off data roaming? If you turn off data roaming, you won't be charged any roaming fees—but you also won't be able to use your phone data, calling, or texting if you leave your carrier's mobile network.
You will be able to receive texts in any country that has an available mobile network for where you are (it doesn't need to be afelix approved Roaming country), but you won't be able to send a text message.
If you do not have cellular data, are not connected to Wi-Fi, and have iMessage turned on, normal text messages will not be able to send or receive.
Offline messaging is a new trend in secure communication. The off-grid messenger apps, also known as mesh messengers, don't need access to public infrastructure like cell phone towers or internet to send messages from one phone to another. Instead, they rely on Bluetooth or direct Wi-Fi connection.
To send a message as iMessage or MMS, you need a cellular data or Wi-Fi connection. To send an SMS message, you need cellular network connection. If you turn on Wi-Fi Calling, you can send SMS messages over Wi-Fi.
Our International Roaming service allows you to use your compatible device to make/receive calls, use data services and send/receive SMS and/or MMS overseas and have the charges billed to your Telstra account.
How to text an international number? You can send an international SMS to a phone by using your carrier data roaming plan. The cost varies from one carrier to another. You are charged twice, when you send and when you receive international messages, so take that into account when you send texts the “old-school” way.
Can I receive SMS text on Wi-Fi? Yes, you can receive SMS text on Wi-Fi. To do this, you will need to have an active Wi-Fi connection and ensure that your SMS messaging app is set to allow messages to be downloaded over Wi-Fi. Once these two conditions are met, you should be able to receive SMS text messages as normal.
Solution 1 of 4: Data roaming is turned off
You can limit your data usage when abroad by turning off data roaming. You'll then not be able to access the internet using the mobile network when abroad. You can still use Wi-Fi even though data roaming is turned off.
The downside is that data roaming often comes with significant charges, especially when abroad. If you're traveling, and don't realize that you have data roaming turned on, you may find yourself with quite a hefty bill. That's not to say you should always leave data roaming off.
Turn off mobile data
If you want to avoid high roaming charges, make sure you turn your mobile data off on all devices before you arrive at your destination. You will still be able to make and receive calls (and be aware that charges will apply for these), but you'll need to connect to Wi-Fi to use any online apps.
Using a messaging app is another way to receive SMS messages without a service. Messaging apps are available for both Android and iOS devices and allow users to send and receive messages without having to pay for a service plan.
Use Wi-Fi. One of the easiest ways to avoid international roaming charges is to connect to Wi-Fi networks. Most hotels, cafes, and restaurants offer free Wi-Fi. You can also purchase a portable Wi-Fi device or use a local SIM card that includes data usage.
Do I get charged for receiving international texts? No, as long as you don't reply. In general, most phone plans only charge for outgoing messages, not incoming ones. If you get a text from someone in another country, you won't be charged as long as you don't reply to it.
Receiving text messages is free worldwide, regardless of country.
Things to know: You must ensure that your international roaming settings are enabled. You can do this in the My Telstra app. It can take between 15 minutes to 2 hours to activate and you'll receive a notification once this is active.
SMS/MMS need a cellular data connection (they don't go using only a wifi network connection). iMessages need a cellular data connection or a wifi network connection.
You can only iMessage over WiFi or Cellular data if you dont have either available you will only be able to send and receive SMS. Go to settings>General>Cellular Data and check if it is "On".
Fix problems connecting to Messages
On your phone, turn your Wi-Fi off and back on. Make sure your phone and computer are connected to the internet with a strong signal. If you have connection problems, restart your phone. Make sure your phone has background data turned on for the Messages app.
When cellular data is off, apps will use only Wi-Fi for data. To see the cellular data usage for individual System Services, go to Settings > Cellular or Settings > Mobile Data. Then tap System Services, in the list under Cellular Data. Cellular data can't be turned on or off for individual System Services.
You can limit your data usage when abroad by turning off data roaming. You'll then not be able to access the internet using the mobile network when abroad. You can still use Wi-Fi even though data roaming is turned off.
Roaming allows you to make calls, send texts, and use wireless data even when you're outside of your network's boundaries. The downside, of course, is that roaming data usually comes with extra charges to your account.