Yes, using iMessage internationally is free as long as your phone is connected to Wi-Fi. What is this? Since using your Wi-Fi on your phone will not incur any data charges, you can send as many iMessages as you want without worrying about your phone bill.
When connected to Wi-Fi, sending and receiving iMessages is free, regardless of where you are in the world. This makes it an excellent option for travelers who want to avoid unexpected charges. On the other hand, using iMessage with cellular data can incur additional costs, depending on your carrier and data plan.
Yes. You can send an iMessage to anyone anywhere in the world for free. There is no charge from Apple to use iMessage. You may pay data charges depending on your carrier.
With iMessage, you can text from anywhere for free, as long as you have a Wi-Fi connection and the person you're messaging also has an iPhone or Mac. If you want to be able to internationally text friends without iPhones for free, you'll need a free texting app.
iMessage is a free and secure messaging app that you can use on your iPhone, iPad, Apple Watch, or Mac laptop.
To send iMessages, you need a data plan, or you can send them over WiFi. If you use WiFi, there's no cost, but if you use your cellphone's data, it's deducted from your data plan. Sending pictures or videos over iMessage can use a lot of data very quickly. iMessage is located in the default messages app on your iPhone.
Will I be charged for activating my FaceTime/iMessage? Starting December 14, 2021, you will no longer be charged for FaceTime and iMessage activation. However, to keep enjoying these services seamlessly, your Apple device must have the latest iOS 15.2 version and Carrier Settings Update once available.
WiFi calling becomes even more useful when you're traveling internationally. You can use it to call and send text messages to U.S. numbers for free when you're in another country, saving you international long distance charges.
Check your Cellular Data options and turn off Data Roaming. In the Settings app, tap Cellular, or Cellular Data, or Mobile Data. Turn on Cellular Data, then tap Cellular Data Options. Turn off Data Roaming.
FaceTime
This free calling app for your iOS devices allows you to make voice and video calls. Except for a few countries, you may use Facetime with Wi-Fi or data to speak with anyone worldwide. To make a free international call, dial your friend's and family's phone number or Facetime ID.
It doesn't matter what application or software you use - what matters is if you are on a paid or free WiFi. There are no fees to use either iMessage or FaceTime no matter where you are - for any reason.
When using iMessage over WiFi, there are no additional charges from your carrier, and you can send messages to other iOS devices and Macs using iMessage without any additional cost. However, if you are not connected to WiFi and you use cellular data to send messages, your carrier may charge you for data usage.
Does iMessage use data? Yes, unless WiFi is available. An iMessage can be transformed into a regular SMS text message and delivered via a cellular network if it's not possible to use WiFi or mobile data – or the recipient doesn't have an Apple device. (Android phones can't receive iMessages).
No matter which country someone is in, you can send them iMessage for free of cost. As iMessage doesn't work like SMS, the only charges you have to incur are the data charges. So, as long as you aren't being exorbitantly charged for data or have access to Wi-Fi, you can safely send anyone an iMessage.
you send a SMS to an international number (usually a higher rate per SMS is charged to you, to account for international charges) you receive a SMS from a local number in the country you are visiting (most mobile providers do not charge for receiving SMS, but the person sending the SMS to you will be charged)
WhatsApp and iMessage Security and Privacy Compared
If your messages have blue bubbles, then that means they're protected by end-to-end encryption. Sending a message to an Android device with the Messages app uses SMS, which isn't encrypted at all. That means that anyone could hypothetically access those messages.
Turn on Aeroplane Mode for about 30 seconds. Then turn it off again and let your iPhone automatically select the best network. If you see No Service or SOS only in the status bar of your iPhone, open Settings and tap Mobile, or Mobile Data. Tap Mobile Data Options and make sure that Data Roaming is on.
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.
If you need to send messages outside Australia all you need to do is add the international country code to the start of the number. For example if you need to send to the UK add 44 to the start of the mobile number.
SMS messages still don't use data, and they're typically not affected by whether you're in your home network or roaming. However, MMS messages require data, and data can be expensive when you're roaming. Some carriers may block MMS messages while you're roaming to prevent unexpected charges.
Does WhatsApp charge for international calls? WhatsApp calls are free of charge. The amount of data deducted from your monthly internet data plan is the only real “cost.” This is not an issue if you have an unlimited data plan.
If you're using an iPhone, you need SMS messaging to activate your phone number with iMessage and FaceTime. Depending on your carrier, you might be charged for this SMS. Go to Settings > General > Date & Time and make sure that your time zone is set correctly.
If you do then iMessage and Facetime is absolutely free if the two of you are using wi-fi.
To use iMessage or FaceTime, you need to activate them on your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch.