Traveling & Texting: Is iMessage Free Overseas? Your Connectivity Guide
March 25, 2025 / 2 MINUTE READ
By Alice Lindeman
Wondering if iMessage comes with a price tag when you're traveling internationally? Read on to gain a deeper understanding of iMessage and how to leverage it effectively to stay in touch while exploring the world.
What Exactly is iMessage?
iMessage is Apple's proprietary messaging service. When you have access to Wi-Fi or cellular data, you can use it to seamlessly send and receive text messages within the standard Messages app. These messages will be delivered across all your linked Apple devices (iPhone, iPad, Mac, Apple Watch, etc.). You can easily identify iMessages by their distinctive blue bubbles.
Here are a few key points to remember about iMessage:
- iMessage functionality is exclusive to communication between users who also have iMessage enabled.
- If your message bubbles appear green, it indicates either the recipient does not have iMessage enabled, or your device currently lacks Wi-Fi or cellular data access.
- Messages sent via iMessage do not count towards your phone plan's standard SMS/MMS limits, although data rates may apply if you are using cellular data.
- You can typically see when someone is typing or if they have read your messages (unless their read receipts are turned off).
How to Ensure iMessage is Properly Configured
You'll want to follow these straightforward steps to confirm iMessage is set up on your iPhone:
- Go to Settings.
- Tap Messages.
- Toggle on iMessage.
Is iMessage Free When Traveling Internationally?
You're in luck! iMessage can indeed be used abroad. You will not incur additional charges for texting your friends if you send iMessages while connected to a Wi-Fi network.
However, connectivity can become tricky when you're out and about exploring. Finding free public Wi-Fi isn't always easy or reliable. This is precisely where eSIMs become incredibly useful. eSIMs, or embedded SIMs, are digital SIM cards that you can download, install, and activate directly from your smartphone. You have the flexibility to choose from a wide array of data plans designed to save you money while traveling, allowing you to bypass your home phone plan's expensive roaming fees.
Why Isn't iMessage Working After Installing an eSIM?
Sometimes, you might need to reconfigure or "reset" iMessage after installing a new eSIM. To use iMessage solely with a data connection (not your primary phone number), you may need to deselect your phone number and instead choose your email address as your iMessage sender/receiver ID.
You can follow these steps or read more detailed instructions [here]:
- Go to Settings.
- Tap Messages.
- Tap Send & Receive.
- Under "You Can Receive iMessages To and Reply From," select your email address and deselect your phone number.
You're now fully prepared for your international trip! By leveraging iMessage with readily available Wi-Fi or by strategically pairing it with an eSIM from RoAmigo, you can significantly save on expensive roaming fees and enjoy your travels worry-free.
Alice Lindeman is a Canadian content specialist who loves connecting with audiences through strategic storytelling.