Avoiding Roaming SMS Charges When Traveling Abroad (Verizon))

[88keys]

Should disabling "Auto Retrieve SMS" be good enough to avoid the Roaming SMS surcharge when abroad? Or should I call Verizon to have them disable text messaging.

I'd like to be able to send a text if I really need to, but I don't want to get charged .50 for every time I receive a text.



Moved from OT.

Anandtech Administrator
KeithTalent

 

[Ns1]

you sure vzw charges for incoming texts? ATT doesn't.

 

[88keys]

When roaming they do. I asked.

Edit. I thought about posting this in this forum but I didn't think it was appropriate because it's more about mobile service plans and charges and not so much about gadgets.

 

[rumpleforeskin]

Does your carrier offer an app so you can call/text over wifi?
If so you could leave the mobile network off and pick your texts at hotspots.

Here is an example of the kind of app available with my network provider
http://www.three.co.uk/Discover/Three_inTouch

 

[notposting]

Is it essential you keep your phone number on the trip? Or just a few friends/family likely to contact you?

Pretty much any recent phone (LTE) is SIM unlocked and has all the global bands, so you could just pop a foreign SIM in and use that for much lower rates. If you only had a few people to notify of a number to use it wouldn't be a big deal.