I sent one text message to Southern Ireland and got billed for 6 text messages

[Feemar]

Why was I charged for 6 text messages to Southern Ireland when I only sent one? 

[MI5 · Accepted solution]

We couldn't possibly know @Feemar so you'd have to ask customer services http://www.o2.co.uk/contactus 

However, if sent from the UK on a UK phone it would be classed as an international text and you would be charged 35p on contract or 20p on PAYG per text (which is 160 characters).

[darrengf]

@Feemar

as already mentioned. One text message is 160 characters only, 

so if you say sent a massive text message with 500 characters then this would be classed as 4 text messages and not one.

people forget that sms stands for Short Message Service

So,great information here as well as sms over 160 was split into chunks of 153 characters.  So sending a sms with 161 would be split into 2 sms, with one showing at 153 and the 2nd sms with 8.

more info below. 

USA was original was set lower than 160 as well. I am talking many years ago.

but you sending a sms isn’t just straight forward.

Also welcome to the Forum

https://www.twilio.com/docs/glossary/what-sms-character-limit

[Bambino]

@Feemar If your text included any emojis that would bump it up too.

[EmilieT]

Hi @Feemar  Did @MI5, @darrengf and @Bambino's answers help you understand what happened? Please let us know if you need any further help!