Using an mobile internationally whilst on airplane mode constantly

doingitanyway

Hello,

I am planning on taking my mobile on an international trip. I plan to switch it to airplane mode to avoid international roaming. At my destination I will have wifi so will use that to check texts in case I need to contact anyone. Will I be able to do this and still avoid roaming charges. (I have added credit to my account for any unforeseen usage)

Will I be able to text whilst in airplane mode. I know that I will need to pay for the texts but can I do it whilst using wifi but on airplane mode?

Thank you to anyone who knows if this is possible.

TadleyBaggie

Don't bother with airplane mode, just turn data roaming off in settings. Then WiFi and texts should just work as normal.

Soot2006

If you have wifi text and calling then as long as wifi is enabled, they work fine in airplane mode.

DullGreyGuy

Soot2006 said:

If you have wifi text and calling then as long as wifi is enabled, they work fine in airplane mode.

There is WiFi SMS?

Obviously you have the likes of iMessages, WhatsApp etc which are like texts via wifi but never seen an option to send SMS across wifi if you are messaging someone using a different platform than you. 

As others said, you can simply turn roaming off in the Data which would prevent use of 3/4/5G etc but could still mean calls and texts coming in/going out that could incur roaming charges depending on your tariff 

flaneurs_lobster

Soot2006 said:

If you have wifi text and calling then as long as wifi is enabled, they work fine in airplane mode.

Wi-fi calling (and texting) doesn't work when outside the UK using a UK sim (although I think it may work for a particular carrier in the US but I've forgotten the details). 

Neil49

Airplane mode turns off everything to do with external communication including text messages.

As mentioned above, you should just turn off data and restrict your phone to calls and texts. Receiving text messages is free. Sending them will cost you. If you receive a phone call while abroad that will also cost you (as will checking voicemail). 

Ideally, login to local WiFi and use WhatsApp or similar for calls and messages. 

doingitanyway

Thank you @Neil49 @Taglebagle and everyone who took the time to post. I now know how best to manage my phone whilst away 

DullGreyGuy

Neil49 said:

Airplane mode turns off everything to do with external communication including text messages.

No, WiFi and bluetooth remains on and so not all external communication

victor2

DullGreyGuy said:

Neil49 said:

Airplane mode turns off everything to do with external communication including text messages.

No, WiFi and bluetooth remains on and so not all external communication

Airplane mode turns off WiFi on my smartphone.

DullGreyGuy

victor2 said:

DullGreyGuy said:

Neil49 said:

Airplane mode turns off everything to do with external communication including text messages.

No, WiFi and bluetooth remains on and so not all external communication

Airplane mode turns off WiFi on my smartphone.

That must be a pain given that airlines are increasingly having wifi onboard but you have to keep it in airplane mode... speeds only really suitable for light browsing etc but useful enough to double check the weather before landing or communicate to those meeting you if you are running later etc.

Archie_Duke

DullGreyGuy said:

Neil49 said:

Airplane mode turns off everything to do with external communication including text messages.

No, WiFi and bluetooth remains on and so not all external communication

Bluetooth, Mobile data & Wi-Fi are all turned off in ‘Aeroplane’ mode on my smartphone (OnePlus 6T | Android 11). 

Wi-Fi goes off but Bluetooth stays on in ‘Airplane’ mode on my iPad (no Data Sim, so can’t be sure about iOS).