international text messaging

My cousins and I group-text pretty much every day, and I'd hate to lose that once I move. Are there any mobile plans that offer free international text messaging? Are there apps that would let us group-text for free?

My BF and I use Skype, not just for calls but for messaging one another. If I message him, he hears the beep through Skype.

WhatsApp, Viber, Facebook Messenger.

WhatsApp,

I use WhatsApp to text my sister-in-law in Spain. There are so many options out there nowadays, I wouldn't worry about it.

One sister has an iphone, so I text her a lot, as iphone to iphone is easy peasy!  However, two other sisters have Samsungs, so we use Viber and Skype, depending on our moods.    Technology makes life so easy to stay in touch these days! 

I use kik to keep in touch with international friends. But if you're limited to regular sms texting, T-Mobile offers unlimited international texting for like $10 per month. I don't know about UK plans though.

Also if you are texting from the US, AT&T has plans for texting. If you are on an AT&T Mobile Share Value plan, texting international is free as part of the plan.

Hubby uses the Google Voice app to text. It uses data, just as with any time of being online on his phone, but texts are free whether domestic or international. Although we have unlimited texting within the US, he uses it for nearly all this texting, unless he is sending a picture. That is the only drawback, but he can use it on both his phone and laptop.

Thanks for all this help. I still don't have a cell phone (long, incredibly frustrating story) but I think I'll use WhatsApp when I finally get it sorted.

And here I thought I was the last person alive without a cell phone ... I use an App on my IPOD called "textnow" (but I DID set it up while I was still in the states ... It gives you a normal US number (area code and 7 digits) I can send and receive texts from every one in the US at NO charge ... You can also purchase credits to make phone calls (but I haven't done that) only thing is, I don't think you can do a group text ... I use the Facebook message app for that .... Also now with the FB Mssg app you can do calls ... I talk to my Mom in Vegas almost everyday for FREE!!!


Sent from my iPod touch using Tapatalk

Facebook messenger in lieu of texting and FaceTime and/or Skype for video conferencing.

I've been using WhatsApp and it's perfect!

Nothing to add that others haven't already said.... I'm a Googler myself and use Google Hangout for both messages and video calls.  I've also been with Three for about 10 years and they have started a program where your plan essentially goes with you, so when back in the US it's free texts and calls according to your normal plan.  On top of that you take your data plan with you.  It was fantastic when I was back in the states.  I had been getting US sim cards to use when I was there and it was a real pain keeping in touch with the UK.  If you make calls within the US you can use Skype or something and it's about 2p/minute.  Good luck!