Traveling abroad is an incredible experience, but worrying about staying connected can add unnecessary stress. You need to be reachable, especially for important text messages such as OTP (One-Time Password). But the fear of returning home to a massive phone bill from roaming keeps many travelers on edge.
Read further to understand the differences between various types of text messages, how they can impact your bill, and what the best solutions are to stay connected abroad without breaking the bank.
Understanding the difference between regular text messages and instant messages (WhatsApp, Messenger, iMessage, etc.)
To understand how receiving text messages abroad can impact your roaming charges, it is important to distinguish between two types of text messages we tend to send and receive today.
- Regular text messages (SMS, MMS, SMS OTP) require a connection to your carrier’s cellular network to be sent and received. This includes standard texts from friends, multimedia messages (MMS), and most importantly, verification codes (OTP) from banks or services. For iPhone users, these text messages appear as green in iMessage.
- Instant Messages (WhatsApp, Messenger, Telegram, etc.) are internet-based messages. They use the Internet (either mobile internet or Wi-Fi connection) to transmit information between devices. For iPhone users, in addition to popular instant messaging apps, these text messages are identified by their blue color in the iMessage app.
How to receive regular text messages abroad?
Good news! Receiving regular text messages is typically free, even when you are abroad. Most home providers do not charge for incoming text messages while you are traveling.
To keep receiving regular text messages triggering roaming fees, make sure to:
- Keep your line active: To receive a text, your phone must be connected to a cellular network. Do not use “Airplane Mode” or remove your SIM card.
- Turn off Data Roaming: Go to your phone settings and deactivate “Data Roaming” for your home SIM card or eSIM. This will keep your phone connected to a cellular network while preventing any accidental use of mobile data resulting in roaming charges.
We recommend reading our in-depth guide about what is data roaming, how it affects your bill and how to optimize your connectivity spend while traveling internationally.
How to receive OTP SMS abroad?
OTP (One-Time Password) SMS is also a regular text message and receiving it abroad is free. For many travelers, this is the single most important reason to need to keep receiving text messages. You’re trying to log into your bank or approve a purchase, and you’re stuck waiting for a code that never arrives.
Absence of cellular network connection is a common reason why you may not receive your OTP SMS. As with regular text messages, ensure your line is active, connected to a cellular network, and that Data Roaming is turned off in your settings to avoid using mobile data while roaming.
Other common reasons for OTP SMS reception failure abroad include:
- Provider Blocks: Your home provider may block roaming texts for security reasons if you haven’t enabled international roaming on your account.
- Local Network Filters: The local network you are roaming on might filter or delay messages from foreign services.
- Security Measures: Banks and services may block OTP delivery when they detect access from unusual locations. It is wise to notify your bank of your travel plans beforehand.
How to receive instant messages abroad without roaming?
Since apps like WhatsApp, Telegram, and Messenger require Internet connection, they will stop working the moment you switch off “Data Roaming”. To keep receiving instant messages, you will need to find an alternative source of internet:
- Public Wi-Fi: This is a free and easy option. However, it can be limiting and unsecure.
- Travel eSIM: Travel eSIM with a prepaid data plan is the most convenient and modern solution. You can keep using your device as you would at home at a reasonable price.
- Local SIM Card: Buying a local SIM card is a cost-effective solution. But if your phone only has one SIM slot, you will have to remove your home SIM. This means you will lose the ability to receive regular text messages and OTP SMS on your main number.
- Pocket Wi-Fi: This is a portable router that creates a hotspot connection. However, it may not always be the most affordable option, and it adds an extra device to carry and charge during the day.
Choose Orange Travel eSIM to stay connected abroad like at home
Orange Travel eSIM is a digital SIM, allowing you to activate a prepaid plan on an eSIM compatible phone without inserting a physical card. We cover over 200 destinations, including countries and regions, and offer prepaid plans with data-only or data/calls/texts for all budgets.
Orange Travel eSIM for Europe is one of our most popular options for travelers roaming from one European country to another. To keep receiving text messages at the top of the Eiifel Tower or while sunbathing on a beach of Mykonos:
- Purchase and Install Orange Travel eSIM: Choose your prepaid plan and install it via Orange Travel app or using a QR code.
- Configure Data: Set your Orange Travel eSIM as your primary line for Mobile Data in the settings.
- Configure Home Line Calls and Texts: Leave your home SIM ON, but make sure Data Roaming is OFF. This allows you to continue receiving calls and texts on your home number while avoiding accidental mobile data use that could result in roaming charges.
There are no roaming fees and no surprise costs. You get the data you paid for, and this setup allows your home number to stay active to safely receive all your important SMS and bank notifications.
And to choose the best plan to cover your connectivity needs, we recommend our guide to understand how much internet data you need
FAQ
Will I be charged for receiving texts while abroad?
In most cases, receiving a standard SMS is free. However, exceptions exist: you may be charged for receiving MMS which use data, or for premium texts from special services. Always keep data roaming off to avoid any unexpected roaming charges.
Can I receive OTP SMS or verification codes from my bank while overseas?
Yes, you can usually receive OTPs (One-Time Passwords) and verification codes as long as your home SIM is active and connected to a cellular network. However, some banks may block messages for security reasons, when you are outside of your usual geographical zone.
Do I need to enable Data Roaming to receive texts abroad?
It depends, if you need to receive regular text messages you do not need to enable Data Roaming to receive them. However, to receive instant messages on WhatsApp, Telegram or Messenger, you will need Internet connection using either mobile data or Wi-Fi networkd.
Conclusion
Staying connected overseas doesn’t have to be complicated or expensive. By simply turning off Data Roaming and keeping your line connected to cellular network, you can receive important texts and OTPs for free. For a complete experience, pairing this with an Orange Travel eSIM ensures you have affordable mobile internet data for all your apps, keeping you in touch with the world without the bill shock.
