Texting abroad
Beats a message in a bottle
Text is a great way to keep in touch when you're gadding about other parts of the world. Especially because, while it'll cost you to receive calls abroad, it's always free to receive texts.
Can I send and receive text messages?
If you're heading to a popular holiday destination, you'll probably be able to text message on all networks.
But if you're going somewhere a bit more unusual, it's a good idea to check which networks support text before you go (don't forget to note them down).
When you arrive, make sure your phone is connected to one of these networks. You'll know which network you're on because you'll get a text message that tells you. Change to another network in your mobile settings if necessary.
If you plan on sending lots of texts while you're away, you may save if you buy a roaming text bundle.
What about texting people on foreign networks when I'm home?
You can text friends abroad, as long as they have a UK mobile, they're a customer of one of our overseas network partners, or a customer of one of the networks listed below.
| Country | Network |
|---|---|
| Nepal | NTC |
| New Zealand | Telecom New Zealand |
| Niger | Sahelcom |
| Nigeria | MTN Nigeria |
| Pakistan | Instaphone(Pakcom Ltd) |
| Paktel GSM | |
| Telenor Pakistan | |
| Ufone | |
| Warid Telecom | |
| Saipan | Guamcell Saipan |
| Saudi Arabia | PTC |
| Senegal | Sentel |
| Seychelles | SmartCom (Seychelles) |
| Sierra Leone | Africell Sierra Leone |
| Millicom Sierra Leone | |
| Sri Lanka | Hutchison Telecom Sri Lanka |
| Lanka Bell | |
| Suntel | |
| Sudan | KanarTel |
| Tanzania | Zanzibar Telecom |
| Thailand | Hutchison Thailand |
| Uruguay | AM Wireless Uruguay |
| USA | Acc Dobson Cellular (Dobson Cellular) |
| Airtouch-Paging (Verizon Paging) | |
| Cellular One (Dobson Net)(Dobson Cellular) | |
| Cingular Blue (AT&T Wireless) | |
| Clearnet (Telus Mobility) | |
| Sprint | |
| Telefonica Puerto Rico(Movistar) | |
| Verizon Wireless | |
| Vietnam | EVN Telecom |
| Hutchison Telecom Vietnam | |
| Mobifone Vietnam | |
| Yemen | Yemen Mobile (CDMA) |
| Zambia | MTN Zambia |
| Zamtel |
