Messages to and from the states

[danb]

Hi. I am in China and finding that I want to text message folks back in the states. I am using a local sim card for my local calls. I am trying to figure out how to send messages on my ATT&T phone ( or my computer) that is in the airplane mode. I would like to send and receive message to folks that don't have We chat and QQ. Friends and coworkers. In the states I use Facebook messenger and I guess the other one is AT&T messenger. I can access the internet on my ATT&T via Wi-fi. That doesn't see to help me out. Any suggestions. Danb

 

PS. AT&T is offering me an international plan for 40 dollars a month. Free text message and a think $1.00 a minute for calls:

 

Dan : The AT&T Passport includes unlimited text messages, rate of $1.00/minute, unlimited Wifi and 200mb of data (Overage: $0.25/mb). With a one-time fee of $40.00, it will apply for up to 30 days. Dan : We also have a higher data bucket that are Dan : The AT&T Passport SILVER includes unlimited text messages, preferred rate of $0.50/minute, unlimited Wifi and 300mb of data (Overage: $0.20/mb). With a one-time fee of $60.00, it will apply for up to 30 days.

 

[Randy W]

use email

 

Skype or other web-based SMS service may also work.

[dnoblett]

iPhone to iPhone works over wifi, no need for cell service using imessenger which is the SMS/Apple messenger, can tell if it is running over web or just SMS by color of the bubbles, blue is web, green is SMS, but it will not send or receive SMS over WIFI.

 

I think google messenger offers a WIFI to SMS service.

Hangouts by Google, Inc.

https://appsto.re/us/KUVwM.i

https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.google.android.talk&hl=en

[danb]

I have an Android so I cant go the iphone route. Several people I am trying to messenger use Facebook ( w/and messenger) and Google e-mail. These don't seem to work in China. Blocked I think. To use the ATT&T option, I think 40 dollars is a bit expensive for fun but for business I may have to look at it as a business expense. I may get a 25 % discount on that $ 40. I will contact them now and ask. I will also look into the other options that you all mentioned. My knowledge about different type of messengers and SMS is limited. I used what works for me. In the pass most of it had to do with talking/chating with China and I found that QQ worked well for us. Thanks for your suggestions. Danb

 

Just went to AT&T and saw this message/info:

 

Pro tip:

Messaging services like iMessageTM or HangoutsTM use data and don't count as unlimited text messages. Be sure to check your device settings.

Edited December 16, 2016 by danb (see edit history)

[Greg.D.]

Skype (free app, not blocked in China) foes voice, vid and messaging. When on wifi it will be free. And, it can send an SMS to a phone number.

[Randy W]

yes, you will need to figure out what works for YOU, and whoever you communicate with.

 

When I needed to get a passcode from the BofA to set up services such as wire transfers, none of the web-based services were adequate for the SMS communication I would need. I had to get a SafePass card from them, which generates the six digit code I need on the fly.

[danb]

I am still working on getting things to work. I have safe pass but I haven't used that in a few years. It did work for me. I am having some problems with getting on the internet with this house's wifi. Sometimes it work and sometimes it don't. Getting a "no internet, secured" message.when it don't work. I usually have to shut things down and wait for a while and it will eventually work. This particular problem may have been aggravated by a helpful relative ,(non english speaking relative ) installing some Chinese software on my PC.

I am using a vpn. The one that I got last year. I am currently looking at the skype option. Small glitch . It is looking for my gmail address. I don't use that often and haven't used my password in years. I have one written down. I will see if that will work. I will try to access my google accounts thru the vpn. Hope that will work. Wish me luck. Danb

[danb]

Well I made some progress. I signed up for Skype. I paid Skype $10. I made a call that did not go thru. I sent a SMS. I am waiting for a reply. Used these instructions to do the SMS. At least I am making some progress...I think. Danb

 

To send a text message to a Skype contact's mobile or landline number:

1. Sign in to Skype.
2. Locate the person you want to contact by going to the People tab, finding an existing conversation in Recent, or by using the search feature.
3. After selecting a contact, tap the plus icon .
4. Select Send via SMS.
5. Enter your message.

[Greg.D.]

Well, if I remember right, to call another skype account (free) you need their consent to add you to their contacts.

 

Sounds like you tried to make call to a real number (like millions do every day), you can just put in the country code and the rest. This should go through. Not sure why yours failed.

 

We use it fairly regularly from the US to China when needing to call a bank or other business-related offices. I used to use it often from China when FaceTime, for example, was not compatible.

 

By the way, that $10 will last you years,

[danb]

Well, if I remember right, to call another skype account (free) you need their consent to add you to their contacts.

 

Sounds like you tried to make call to a real number (like millions do every day), you can just put in the country code and the rest. This should go through. Not sure why yours failed.

 

 

Actually I think I have mispoke what happen on the the phone called. I think the phone rang. It just the other end did not pick-up. Strangely because I could swear that my friend's phone is attached to his left hand. I mostly called so that I could have his phone number on my screen so that I could send a text message to him. I haven't gotten a reply back from him yet. I am still learning what Skype is and what it can do for me. As I type my messaging endeavors it helps me figure out what I think I am trying to do. Basically I was hoping to send messages to folks' mobile phones back in the states and maybe in the future to send text messages from the states to the China. For instance I was thinking that I could send myself a message from my computer and that I would receive it on my mobile phone in my AT&T messenger box. Is that right or would it go to my Skype box? I am sure it would not go to QQ, right. Still learning. Danb

Edited December 17, 2016 by Randy W (see edit history)

[Randy W]

 

Well, if I remember right, to call another skype account (free) you need their consent to add you to their contacts.

 

Sounds like you tried to make call to a real number (like millions do every day), you can just put in the country code and the rest. This should go through. Not sure why yours failed.

 

 

Actually I think I have mispoke what happen on the the phone called. I think the phone rang. It just the other end did not pick-up. Strangely because I could swear that my friend's phone is attached to his left hand. I mostly called so that I could have his phone number on my screen so that I could send a text message to him. I haven't gotten a reply back from him yet. I am still learning what Skype is and what it can do for me. As I type my messaging endeavors it helps me figure out what I think I am trying to do. Basically I was hoping to send messages to folks' mobile phones back in the states and maybe in the future to send text messages from the states to the China. For instance I was thinking that I could send myself a message from my computer and that I would receive it on my mobile phone in my AT&T messenger box. Is that right or would it go to my Skype box? I am sure it would not go to QQ, right. Still learning. Danb

 

 

 

Skype will ring even before it makes connection to the network at your end. Then the ring tone will CHANGE as it goes through. Listen for that.

 

That confused me for three days after a got to a hotel in the U.S. where I had to first sign in to their in-house network on my phone's browser, BEFORE I could connect with a Skype call. I thought the call wasn't going through when it turned out it wasn't even getting out of my phone.

Edited December 17, 2016 by Randy W (see edit history)