texting from abroad..?

[looobylooo]

hi,
this might be a daft question, if so, sorry!
but, can you text home to a uk mobile phone number, as normal, whilst holidaying in florida, or is it more involved than that?
thanks

[Twirls]

I guess so providing your mobile is enabled for overseas use

[237SJ]

When I`m overseas (with a UK mobile phone) and I text another UK phone, I just dial as usual. I usually go through my address book but if I actually dialled the number I wouldn`t put the +44 in. It`s usually done automatically by the service provider.

[chrissa1]

As above but it costs more or eats into your free minutes more than when you're in the UK.

[Answerprancer]

In my experience, yes you can but it costs more than normal (on Orange PAYG at least).

[Buenchico]

Many (generally cheaper) mobile phones are only 'dual band'. You'll need a 'quad band' (or possibly 'tri-band' phone in the USA).

Some phone companies also require that you activate your phone for overseas use (by calling the company) before you travel.

Simply selecting a number from your address book (without adding any additional codes) should work, because the system should pick up that your phone is registered to the UK.

Remember that the cost of texting might be considerably dearer from overseas. (If you can't find the prices on your service provider's website, just tell us which company you're with and whether the phone is PAYG or on a contract).

Chris

[looobylooo]

ok, thanks alot.
the reason why i ask is, a friend of mine was expecting to hear from someone whos over in orlando holidaying at the min, but they havent heard a dicky bird from them since they left the uk last week.
so we were trying to think of the possible reasons that could be behind it.
(theyd be using a uk works mobile, and personal use is ok within reason)

[237SJ]

You need tri-band from the States. It will be slightly more to text. If you are going to get into a text conversation it is far cheaper to buy a phone card and use it to speak to someone via their landline.

[Answerprancer]

When I first touched down in the US and the plane switched its giant hairdryers off, I switched my phone on and was greeted with "Welcome to the USA from A T and T !" The networks flicked around a bit from county to county, sometimes it was A T and T other times Cingular etc.

[looobylooo]

cheers all for answering!
all your replies have been most helpful, thank you.
(sooo, maybe its been because theyve not been able to text her then, rather than theyve not wanted to text her..)