If my wife and I are in Mexico, are there charges if we phone or text each other

[sidestreetsweet]

If my wife and I are in Mexico, and we do not purchase an additional plan, are there charges if we phone or text each other

[Artemis · Accepted solution]

Yes there will be charges if you phone or text using the conventional cellular network. You may want to look at using a 3rd party messaging or voice application that allows you to connect through WiFi. Skype would be one of the more inexpensive alternatives.

[xl · Accepted solution]

Do you both have Blackberries?  Blackberry BBM is FREE.  You can send pictures and video too!  I often send "wish you were here" images to friends who choose to "sleep in" at the hotel to make them jealous.

Are your phones unlocked?  Another option is swap out the Telus SIM for something local.  For high usage travellers, a SIM card swap is cheaper than roaming plans.  It's great if you and your wife have different interests, but still want to keep in touch.  Pay attention to coverage.... cheap rates are useless to me if it does not work when I want it to, especially indoors.

[Artemis · Accepted solution]

Yes there will be charges if you phone or text using the conventional cellular network. You may want to look at using a 3rd party messaging or voice application that allows you to connect through WiFi. Skype would be one of the more inexpensive alternatives.

[xl · Accepted solution]

Do you both have Blackberries?  Blackberry BBM is FREE.  You can send pictures and video too!  I often send "wish you were here" images to friends who choose to "sleep in" at the hotel to make them jealous.

Are your phones unlocked?  Another option is swap out the Telus SIM for something local.  For high usage travellers, a SIM card swap is cheaper than roaming plans.  It's great if you and your wife have different interests, but still want to keep in touch.  Pay attention to coverage.... cheap rates are useless to me if it does not work when I want it to, especially indoors.

[WongTong]

BBM uses data just like suggested third party messaging apps. Make sure you are connected to wifi and to be on the safe side, you can disable mobile network, remove sim or turn airplane mode on from your phone settings. Skype, Whatsapp, iMessage and BBM are good alternatives for texting