what are my best options for texting someone in the EU?

grumbler

d123 wrote: »

Having said that, there is no reference to texts on their website now, only calls, and half the links weren’t clickable for me.

If you mean Tesco, then there is a reference: "Send international texts for FREE" - https://www.tescointernationalcalling.com/calling-app/

pt123456789

ballyblack wrote: »

assuming they have Swedish number then 'Tesco calling' App offer free text international

Just need to have £5 on it which expires after 6 months

https


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I did try to reply to your post but it failed, I think because I am not allowed to post or quote links. basically, I had a look at the page you posted. and their service while good doesn't mention anything about texting on that page. I see there is something on their faq about it though. so what is the difference between this and whatsapp? also, if I am out and about and not in a place with good wifi or my mobile data has run out (it often runs out quite fast) then presumably I won't get a notification of a message until I find somewhere I can connect to wifi for free? whereas if I had an sms service theoretically I could send and receive messages without any delays?

pt123456789

grumbler wrote: »

Another option is a dual-SIM phone and a Swedish SIM roaming in UK (or a UK SIM roaming in Sweden).

Well, at least until Brexit.

I hadn't thought about this, that is actually a really good idea, if it works and I can figure out how to do it lol. I think on o2 I can roam europe and use big bundle ok to send messages back to the uk. but the exception is that I can't use that big bundle to text or call the eu when at home? I think it's basically roaming only? I am really not very good at understanding all this stuff and had to ask for some help understanding o2's conditions. but in theory, if it works like that then it might work the other way around and I can possibly get a swedish sim card. will look into it.

grumbler

pt123456789 wrote: »

ing on that page. I see there is something on their faq about it though. so what is the difference between this and whatsapp?

I guess it's that the other side doesn't need whatsapp and even data connection - and receives normal SMSes.

also, if I am out and about and not in a place with good wifi or my mobile data has run out (it often runs out quite fast) then presumably I won't get a notification of a message until I find somewhere I can connect to wifi for free?

Again, I guess this app is for sending texts, not for receiving them.

[Deleted User]

pt123456789 wrote: »

I can possibly get a swedish sim card. will look into it.

I doubt the Swedish SIM would work for very long though
All the companies limit how long you can roam for without the SIM card being used on the home network.

Frozen_up_north

pt123456789 wrote: »

I hadn't thought about this, that is actually a really good idea, if it works and I can figure out how to do it lol. I think on o2 I can roam europe and use big bundle ok to send messages back to the uk. but the exception is that I can't use that big bundle to text or call the eu when at home? I think it's basically roaming only? I am really not very good at understanding all this stuff and had to ask for some help understanding o2's conditions. but in theory, if it works like that then it might work the other way around and I can possibly get a swedish sim card. will look into it.

Dual SIM phones work fine and are popular with some ex-pats. A friend uses one in Spain with a local SIM and an O2 PAYG. However there are two points to watch:

1. Some dual SIM phones are 2G only in one of the slots, which can limit their usefulness.

2. SIMs are only intended to be used in their own countries, with occasional trips overseas. Being used for extended periods of roaming overseas can result in the service being cut off. Some get away with a long period of roaming, but the T&Cs typically mention more use at home vs roaming over typically a 3 month period.

pt123456789

sounds like I might need to reconsider that option then. so, looking at the tesco app in a bit more detail I found this;
tescointernationalcallingdotcom/call-rates/#/Sweden
(I can't post or quote links! ,www and change dot to . and it goes to the page)
says sms "free" but then says £5 top up gives you sms "2000"(texts). I am confused, I don't understand how I only get 2000 texts if its saying they are free to sweden above. there is probably some really simple logic to it that I am failing to understand here.

[Deleted User]

Tesco expect you to buy a minimum credit of £5 which lasts for 6 months.
The SMS are free but it looks like they may limit the number of texts. If you change the amount to £10 or £20 , the number of SMS doesn't change from 2000. That is a casual interpretation of the 2000 figure.
You would need to Contact Tesco Mobile and ask them to clarify as the site doesn't.

pt123456789

gsmlnx wrote: »

Tesco expect you to buy a minimum credit of £5 which lasts for 6 months.
The SMS are free but it looks like they may limit the number of texts. If you change the amount to £10 or £20 , the number of SMS doesn't change from 2000. That is a casual interpretation of the 2000 figure.
You would need to Contact Tesco Mobile and ask them to clarify as the site doesn't.

thanks, sounds like a good idea, will send them an email.

pt123456789

Emailed them, wanted clarification on as many of the points raised. here is what I wrote and the reply I got.

my email

Hi

I am interested in your international calling app. but I am confused about the charges.
I am looking to text a person in sweden. I have an o2 payg sim card which is a big bundle 1000 texts 250 mins 500mb of data. If I use the tesco app to text what do I get charged? how many texts can I send with a payment of £10. how are the replies to the texts received? are they received through the app or through my regular phones sms service? do I need to have credit on my payg o2 sim to use the service? are there any hidden charges for sending texts?

the reply

Dear Customer,



Thank you for your email regarding the Tesco International Calling Card.



If you use our Tesco International Calling APP to text the text messages are completely free as long as you do it through the APP itself.



Once again thank you for your email. If you have any further questions or feedback regarding this experience or any other questions please do not hesitate to contact us either by phone or email. You can also visit our website for our latest call rates, frequently asked questions and much more at tescointernationalcalling dot com.

I think I might just try this out with a fiver and see how it goes.