05-17-2016 08:54 AM
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  1. iMore Question's Avatar
    iMore Question
    didn't know how to word my question exactly... but i live in USA and my boyfriend is moving to Canada. i guess what we want to know if we will be charged once he gets a cell provider from over there. can we still text via iMessage for free? i have an understanding that imessage is based on internet. so if we're both on wifi and we text will we still be charged? i note again: he's gonna be getting a new phone and number from over there.. if someone could please explain what they know we'd really appreciate it
    05-16-2016 03:47 AM
  2. Branta's Avatar
    Branta
    iMessage tries to work over data and falls back to SMS if either party doesn't have data service when the message is sent. Ok... the fallback option is in settings to turn on or off. As far as data goes it will use both WiFi and cellular with WiFi as the first choice when available. If you and BF are both on wifi or home network there should be no extra charges - and if not the charges would only hit the one who is roaming on cellular. My guess only, until he has a Canadian service set up then roaming data is likely to be cheaper than international SMS while roaming in his US plan. Check the charges for yourself to be sure and avoid sending photos (big data load) when either party is roaming on cellular.
  3. Branta's Avatar
    Branta
    Retired Network Moderator
    iMessage tries to work over data and falls back to SMS if either party doesn't have data service when the message is sent. Ok... the fallback option is in settings to turn on or off. As far as data goes it will use both WiFi and cellular with WiFi as the first choice when available. If you and BF are both on wifi or home network there should be no extra charges - and if not the charges would only hit the one who is roaming on cellular. My guess only, until he has a Canadian service set up then roaming data is likely to be cheaper than international SMS while roaming in his US plan. Check the charges for yourself to be sure and avoid sending photos (big data load) when either party is roaming on cellular.
    05-16-2016 04:26 AM
  4. Ledsteplin's Avatar
    Ledsteplin
    Q&A Team
    Ambassador
    Yes, it's free as long as you're both on iPhone. And no data charges as long as your on WiFi.
    libra89 likes this.
    05-16-2016 07:38 AM
  5. phreddyl's Avatar
    phreddyl
    You could also use whatsapp. That's pretty popular for international use.
    libra89 likes this.
    05-16-2016 07:52 AM
  6. libra89's Avatar
    libra89
    Originally Posted by phreddyl
    You could also use whatsapp. That's pretty popular for international use.
    And also multi-platform!
    05-17-2016 08:54 AM
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