I plan on using Airalo with my iPhone when I head to Europe at the end of the week. My travel buddy has a iPhone and was planning to use Messages to communicate with her. However when I text her the arrow is always green when sending a text and I assume i am being charged. When I go to Europe I will not be able to text her because there is charge. Anyone know how to fix this?
Posted by
Duluth 🛶
6319 posts
WOZ, I'm assuming you have an Android phone, which is why the texts are green. Messages can be used for free because the communications are within the app, but only iPhones can use them. So I would suggest using an app that you both can use, like WhatsApp. This is an app that can be used not only to text with but also make phone calls using VoiP. You must have the app on your phone (it's free) and have each other as a contact.
It's very easy to use and in fact, most people in Europe use WhatsApp for texting. I've used it myself and still use it now to text with friends in Europe. Here's a link with more info but it really is easy to download on your phone and to use. https://www.whatsapp.com/
Posted by
Calgary
1652 posts
Mardee's advice re: What's App is good, however, you say that you both have iPhones, so iMessage should work as long as you have a wifi connection or data. So, maybe it's something to do with the settings on one or both of your phones.
Here are some troubleshooting steps. The first couple probably don't apply to you, but scroll down for tips on restarting iMessage or changing your phone's messaging settings:https://www.macworld.com/article/672629/imessage-not-working-how-to-fix-imessage-on-iphone-ipad-mac.html
Posted by
Michigan
315 posts
Sounds like you both have iPhones? Check your settings and make sure both phones have iMessage turned on. In Send/Receive, confirm that there is a blue check next to your phone number and/or email.
If all of that is OK, and you still are sending "green" messages, delete the conversation and start a new one (the text message version of a reboot lol). Make sure no one in the convo is using an Android phone, that automatically makes the group an SMS message.
Posted by
Duluth 🛶
6319 posts
However, you say that you both have iPhones, so iMessage should work as long as you have a wifi connection or data. So, maybe it's something to do with the settings on one or both of your phones.
Oy, I totally missed that! I need more coffee. :) WOZ, what they said. It's probably in your settings. But it's still not a bad idea to download WhatsApp - it's really good for texts and calls while in Europe if you want to chat with someone not on an iPhone.
Posted by
Land of La
8672 posts
WhatsApp is the way to go. When it first became available I used it to communicate from US to China
The owner of the flat I was renting in the UK was visiting her parents. Through out my week long stay we kept in touch.
These days use it often to chat and share photos with UK friends!
iphone user since forever.
Posted by
2331 posts
Never had any issues with iMessages Apple Device (s) to Apple Device (s) - try sending it to her email address - that should show up as BLUE.
Posted by
Vernon, Canada
32212 posts
I'm not sure what Airalo is? I'm also an iPhone user, and have both the Apple messaging app as well as Viber as that's what a couple of my contacts use. Both have always worked well when travelling.