Yes, iMessage is free to use abroad when you're on Wi-Fi or mobile data. Apple doesn't charge for iMessages, and they don't count against your text allowance, even when you message someone in another country. But it can still cost you money. On your home plan's mobile data, your carrier can charge roaming fees for the data iMessage uses. If an iMessage can't be delivered, your iPhone may send it as a regular text, and texts sent from abroad can be expensive. This guide explains when iMessage is free internationally, when it isn't, and how to keep your bill at zero.
Is iMessage free internationally?
Here's the short version:
- On Wi-Fi: iMessage is free, in any country. Your carrier doesn't charge you for messages sent over Wi-Fi.
- On mobile data: iMessage itself is free, but the data isn't. Apple says "cellular data rates might apply" (Apple: iMessage, RCS and SMS/MMS). With a local or travel eSIM, that's just the data you already paid for. With data roaming on your home plan, it can be expensive.
- As a text message: if iMessage isn't available, your iPhone can send the message as an SMS. Your carrier charges that like any text sent from abroad.
So iMessage is free as long as it really goes through iMessage and you're not paying roaming fees for the data.
iMessage vs SMS: blue and green bubbles
The color of the bubble tells you how a message was sent, and whether it can cost money abroad.
- Blue bubbles are iMessages. They go between Apple devices over Wi-Fi or mobile data and are end-to-end encrypted. They don't count against your SMS, MMS or RCS allowance (Apple: iMessage overview).
- Green bubbles are SMS, MMS or RCS. These go through your carrier and use your text-messaging plan. RCS is a carrier service, and your carrier must support it on iPhone (Apple: iMessage, RCS and SMS/MMS).
When you travel, blue bubbles are the ones you can send for free. Green bubbles follow your carrier's roaming rules. Want to know more about how texts and data work together? Read does texting use data. For a closer look at the two message types, see the difference between SMS and MMS.
Does iMessage work internationally?
Yes. iMessage works in any country where you have an internet connection, on Wi-Fi or mobile data. It doesn't matter where you or the other person are.
- iMessage to an international number costs nothing extra, as long as that person also uses iMessage. There's no international text fee, because the message goes over the internet, not through your carrier's SMS network.
- iPhone to iPhone texting internationally is free in the same way, if both of you have iMessage turned on and a connection.
- Your number stays the same. Friends at home see your messages coming from your usual number or email address, wherever you are.
To check your setup, go to Settings > Apps > Messages and make sure iMessage is on. Then tap Send & Receive and check your phone number and Apple Account under "You can receive iMessages to and reply from" (Apple: Set up Messages on iPhone).
When iMessage costs money abroad
There are four ways iMessage can lead to charges when you travel.
1. Data roaming on your home plan
If you're not on Wi-Fi, iMessage uses mobile data. On your home plan abroad, that's roaming data, and your carrier sets the price. For example, Verizon charges pay-as-you-go rates per text and per MB of data if you travel without a travel plan, and its TravelPass is charged for each day you use your phone abroad (Verizon: International travel). Other carriers have their own rules, so check yours before you go.
2. "Send as Text Message"
If an iMessage can't be delivered, you can tap the red exclamation point and choose Send as Text Message. Apple warns that "messaging rates may apply". There's also a setting that does this automatically when iMessage isn't available: Settings > Apps > Messages > Send as Text Message (Apple: If you can't send or receive messages). If you turn it off before your trip, your iPhone won't try to send an SMS on its own when iMessage fails.
3. Messages to Android phones
iMessage only works between Apple devices. Messages to and from Android phones go as RCS or SMS/MMS, through your carrier. Abroad, your carrier's roaming rates for texts apply. To message Android friends for free, use an app like WhatsApp over Wi-Fi or data. Our guide on texting with eSIM data explains your options.
If you need to text local numbers in Europe by SMS, for example a restaurant, a host or a tour guide, a plan with its own number helps. This Bouygues Telecom eSIM comes with a French +33 number, calls and SMS within Europe, and data.
4. Turning on iMessage abroad
To activate iMessage or FaceTime with your phone number, your iPhone sends an SMS. Apple says your network provider may charge for it (Apple: If you can't turn on iMessage or FaceTime). So make sure iMessage is on and working before you leave home.
How to use iMessage abroad without extra charges
A few minutes of setup before you fly keeps iMessage free on your whole trip.
Use Wi-Fi whenever you can
Hotel, cafe and airport Wi-Fi all work for iMessage. You can even keep Airplane Mode on and turn Wi-Fi back on in Control Center, so your phone can't use cellular networks (Apple: Choose iPhone settings for travel). On public networks, read our tips on whether hotel Wi-Fi is safe.
Turn off data roaming on your home line
Go to Settings > Cellular > Cellular Data Options and turn off Data Roaming. If you have two lines, tap your home line first. Apple's own advice: turn off Data Roaming to avoid roaming charges, and to stay connected, get an international plan from your carrier or add a travel eSIM (Apple: View or change cellular data settings). More details in our guide to the correct roaming settings for an eSIM.
Use a travel eSIM for mobile data
Wi-Fi isn't everywhere. With a travel eSIM, iMessage keeps working on the street, in a taxi or on a train, and you pay a fixed price for your data instead of roaming fees. A data-only eSIM is enough for iMessage, WhatsApp and FaceTime. Your phone must support eSIM: here's how to check eSIM compatibility.
Headed to Europe, Mexico or Canada? Here are data-only plans for these trips. Pick the one that matches where you're going.
Data-only plans for Europe, Mexico and Canada · See all Europe eSIMs · Going somewhere else? Find your destination
Keep your home number for iMessage
You don't have to give up your number. With Dual SIM, your home line stays on next to the travel eSIM:
- Go to Settings > Cellular > Cellular Data and choose the travel eSIM. Only one line can use cellular data at a time.
- Turn off Allow Cellular Data Switching, so your home line can't take over the data.
- In Settings > Apps > Messages > Send & Receive, keep your home number selected for iMessage.
Your iMessages keep showing your usual number, and they use the travel eSIM's data (Apple: Use Dual SIM with an eSIM). Calls and SMS on your home line are still billed by your carrier.
Save data with Low Data Mode
On a limited plan, go to Settings > Cellular > Cellular Data Options > Data Mode and choose Low Data Mode. It pauses automatic updates and background tasks when you're not on Wi-Fi. You can also turn off cellular data for single apps in Settings > Cellular.
Is FaceTime free abroad too?
FaceTime works the same way. It's free over Wi-Fi, and on mobile data Apple says "data rates may apply" (Apple: Use FaceTime on your iPhone or iPad). Video calls use a lot more data than messages, so use Wi-Fi when you can, or pick a plan with enough data. FaceTime isn't available in every country or region. For normal phone calls without roaming fees, see Wi-Fi calling and how to make phone calls with a data-only eSIM. Paying with your phone abroad too? See whether Apple Pay works internationally.
FAQs
Does iMessage cost money?
No. Apple doesn't charge for iMessage. You only pay for the data it uses on mobile data, and for messages sent as SMS when iMessage isn't available.
Is iMessage free internationally with Wi-Fi?
Yes. On Wi-Fi, iMessage is free in any country, to any iMessage user, including people with international numbers.
Is iMessage free internationally without Wi-Fi?
It works on mobile data, but the data can cost money. On your home plan, roaming fees may apply. With a travel eSIM, iMessage uses the data you already paid for.
Does iMessage use data?
Yes. Without Wi-Fi, iMessage uses mobile data. Text messages use very little. Photos and videos use more.
Does sending photos on iMessage cost money?
Not on Wi-Fi. On mobile data, photos use more data than text, so roaming fees add up faster. A photo sent as a green bubble goes as MMS or RCS, and your carrier's rates apply.
Can you iMessage international numbers for free?
Yes, if the other person uses iMessage. The message goes over the internet, so there's no international text fee. If they don't use iMessage, it's sent as a text and your carrier's international rates apply.
Is iPhone to iPhone texting free internationally?
Yes, as long as the messages are blue bubbles (iMessage) and you're on Wi-Fi or a data plan without roaming fees.
Can I use iMessage with a travel eSIM?
Yes. A data-only travel eSIM gives iMessage the connection it needs. Keep your home line on with Dual SIM and your messages still show your usual number.
