Charged for receiving texts abroad (out of Europe)?

[Malo]

Hello all,

I was recently charged for receving text when I was abroad, out of Europe. 

I have 2 sims with O2. 1. business contract and 2. pay monthly contract.

I enquired at O2 shop, who told me that the only way we do not get charged is to keep our phone in Airoplane Mode, and use only when have Wifi connection, when not in Europe.

Does anyone have similar experience?

Does other networks do the same?

Thanks

[chrisymon]

certain countries you are in will charge for receiving texts. Options is like advised turn on aeroplane mode. Or if you require services active you could try using o2 travel 4.99 a day 120 texts 120 mins calls and unlimited  cap data.

And if you going to be making international calls from the uk which will charge ask about international bolt on via our customer services.

[MI5]

Thought can check any relevant costs on the international travel pages here http://international.o2.co.uk/internationaltariffs/travelling_abroad but usually free to receive a text anywhere.

[Cleoriff]

@Malo

Just out of interest, what country were you in when you were charged?

Welcome to the forum by the way

[jonsie]

It's free to receive texts abroad. I have travelled extensively in Asia and the Americas and never been charged for a text. If it's a mms and you download it then data charges apply.

[Malo]

I had been to Egypt,,, yes I thought receiving texts is free.

[jonsie]

Look in My O2to see exactly what the charges are for.

[Cleoriff]

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@jonsie wrote:

It's free to receive texts abroad. I have travelled extensively in Asia and the Americas and never been charged for a text. If it's a mms and you download it then data charges apply.

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@jonsieI was thinking the same. In fact, I have been and checked 9 random counties listed above on the link posted by @MI5 and they all say this...

"and it's always free to receive a text"

[MI5]

That's what I'd always believed too. Just wasn't sure if there was some random country somewhere that you could be charged in or on a satellite system for example?

[Bambino]

@Malo Easiest way to avoid charges in the future is to use WhatsApp over WiFi, but both parties need to have the app.