3 Messages
Conflicting response from 611 - Cost to RECEIVE a text message while abroad/roaming
Hello-
I was under the impression that to receive an incoming text message, while abroad using roaming service, without an international plan, does not incur an additional charge. That is also stated in the following forum post- https://forums.att.com/conversations/wireless-billing/am-i-charged-if-my-phone-rings-or-i-get-a-text-overseas/64376c1702bc65553342941f : "International roaming rates apply for messages sent, but your domestic messaging rate applies to messages received while outside the U.S."
However today I called ATT via 611 assistance to confirm this, and the representative gave me conflicting information - they said that I could be charged high fees just if I receive a text message, while abroad using roaming. Not cellular data, not sending a text message, not answering a call or making a call, but if *receiving an incoming text message* while abroad, roaming, without an international plan.
Can you clarify what is accurate in this situation?
Thank you very much!
formerlyknownas
ACE - Sage
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118.4K Messages
1 month ago
I see no conflict...based on your post info
If you don't turn off data roaming data will run in the background. Data roaming is $2.05 per megabyte which is over $2,000 for a gig of data. Your phone can restrict data by making sure that data roaming is off on your phone. I'm sure this is their concern.
(you do have the option of turning data entirely off either on the line in the AT&T account, or on the phone itself.)
If you get a call, not answering should avoid charges, but might not. If you do incur charges for calls not answered, you can dispute those with AT&T. A call that gets sent to voicemail would it most be a single charge for one minute of service. Easily detected as being forwarded to voicemail. Whether you get charged or not for a minute seems to depend on what country you're in. It may be a bug that no longer occurs.
If you use iMessage or RCS, these use data, and may trigger charges. Turning off these features would use regular SMS.
So theoretically no charges for sms if you do everything correctly. It is entirely possible successfully traveled abroad with data roaming off and cellular enabled and have received SMS without being charged. I'm sure the second response you received from cs was based on the fact that most people don't do everything correct. At&T likes to advise people to use international Day pass as a safety net. It's entirely up to you if you feel capable of controlling the phone.
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ATTHelp
Community Support
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232.9K Messages
1 month ago
Hi @emurphy1521, we understand your concern and, we're here to help you.
The Community Forums are a public support option where other users, and AT&T, will try and assist with high level support needs. This means we won’t be able to look into account specific concerns. To get the help you need for your unique issue, please review our Contact us page : https://www.att.com/support/contact-us/ and choose the best option to reach out to us. You can call, chat, or reach out via social media, and we can review your specific issue and provide you support. If you feel your issue isn’t account specific, and can be answered generally, please let us know, and we’ll be happy to help.
Thank you for contacting AT&T Community & Forums,
Susan, AT&T Community Specialist
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