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Every time my wife and I travel to the US, when she gets back to Canada, she gets charged roaming for text messages and sometimes phone calls when her data roaming is never on outside of Canada and she only uses WiFi. Can you not send text messages (SMS) for free over Wifi outside of Canada? How can you send text messages without being charged roaming?   THX.

Text messages are ALWAYS sent via the cellular network. In other to send messages over wifi you'd need to use an instant messaging app such as iMessage, Whatsapp, or Facebook Messenger. Whoever you wish to message would allow need to be using the same app.


Thank you for your quick and concise response.  I will be more careful in the future when I travel outside of Canada. Take care.


Text messages are ALWAYS sent via the cellular network. In other to send messages over wifi you'd need to use an instant messaging app such as iMessage, Whatsapp, or Facebook Messenger. Whoever you wish to message would allow need to be using the same app.

More specifically “sending” text messages will always trigger roaming use. Receiving text messages should not...