I have just found out that it is possible to text from my Iphone to another Iphone while traveling in France (both locally and internationally) by switching my phone to "airplane mode" and then using wireless internet. Has anyone used this to text in France without incurring text charges from your phone servicer? I understand that it only works Iphone to Iphone. Also, I am told (by my tech-savvy son-in-law) that I can put Skype on my cell phone for about $3 a month and call anyone, on any type of phone, anywhere without any charges. Has anyone used this while travelling in France? Obviously I am not really "up" on all of this technology and I would LOVE to hear input from people who have used this so that I can be assured that it will work while I am in France for 3 weeks this June. Thank you!!
Posted by
Vernon, Canada
32201 posts
Lori, I never bother with texts using Wi-Fi, as I find it too "limiting" to only be able to use it in Wi-Fi areas. I prefer just using the cell network as usual whether for in-country or international use, as sent texts are only 69¢ each and received texts are FREE. Good luck!
Posted by
Bloomington, IL, USA
9363 posts
Yes, it will work just fine. Calling via Skype is one of the options we often suggest. Just put the minimum amount of money that you can on Skype. It costs so little that you might not use it up in three weeks. And there are a number of apps that allow you to text over wifi to any phone, not just iPhones. Or are you talking about using Facetime between iPhones? You can do that, too.
Posted by
Fontainebleau, France
893 posts
Yes, you can use apps to text another iPhone, and you can use Skype to make calls. However, you must have a Wifi connection to use those. For example, if you and your traveling companion separated in a museum, you wouldn't be able to text them to meet up unless the museum had wifi that you could connect to. Also, some hotels don't allow you to use Skype while connected to their wifi because it uses too much bandwith. As long as you understand the limitations, these can be useful tools for communicating with people back home.
Posted by
NYC
922 posts
Two popular apps for texting over WiFi are WhatsApp Messenger ($0.99) and Viber (Free). The people you want to communicate with must also have the app installed on their device.
Posted by
Northamptonshire, England
32736 posts
To send a text message between iPhones is indeed both free and the character limit doesn't apply either. On iPhones messages sent between iPhones turn blue instead of green. Skype isn't free except between two Skype enabled devices - when it is. To call any landline or cell phone which isn't running Skype does cost a small amount. I never use a monthly pay plan because I feed it €10 when I need to. €10 keeps me going for a year or two. If you do have pay-as-you-go credit you need to make a call or text every 6 months to keep it alive. Don't worry, they remind you. I find the iPhone Skype app is far superior to the PC product which I started out with.
Posted by
OP
San Juan Capistrano, CA, USA
98 posts
Thank you all for your replies. I will figure out what works best for me and will be the most cost effective. I really appreciate the information! Merci beaucoup!
Posted by
Bloomington, IL, USA
9363 posts
HeyWire allows texting to any cellphone, not just those with apps. It is also free.
Posted by
Spokane, WA
470 posts
Agree with Nancy on HeyWire. My daughter and I used it in France last summer with no problems. She has an Iphone and I have a droid and we were both able to text people even if they did not have the app on their phone. It does require WiFi, which wasn't an issue, and we could also send texts to both her sons ipods. It's free to install and free to use.