Cheaper way to text my relatives in the Philippines

[PinayWife]

As a nurse in Cali. Just moved here last year. i want to communicate with

my relatives in the Philippines. So,I thank God for

the man who invented mobile phones! Communication is possible even if

I'm thousands of miles away from home. However this high rate of

international text message really bothers me.. Can someone advise me of a

much cheaper way to send text message to the Philippines? Thank U

[LovelyOverload]

I had no idea that it cost to text internationaly. You might try yahoo or msn instant msg from your phone or blackberry instant messaging-to my knowledge is free when you have a bb data plan as long you aren't roaming, however; I could be wrong about this. But it seems like every cell phone company is going to charge you about the same amount.. ;( Hope this helps!

[SummitRN, BSN, RN]

For US carriers, you can text for free from the computer (at least no cost for you to send, domestic rates for them to receive if not on a plan). Either use a website (like Send a Text Message for verizon) or email for example [email protected] for a verizon phone.

Check for some websites. You can probably then use your phone browser to text via web, or your computer if you don't have a smart phone.

[wishiwereanurse, BSN, RN]

what I do is.. I have a globe or smart sim card that is already activated for international roaming.. the number is philippine-based, so anyone from the the philippines who will send you a text message will only be charged for a peso (or they can text you all they want if they have unlimited texting)...

then I use an at&t go-phone sim card and pay the unlimited talk and text for $60 a month, and I reply back to them using this at&t...for unlimited times...I dunno about other cellphone plans if they have cheaper rates for texting...

for both sim cards you have to use a cellphone that is gsm and unlocked...

and you need to tell all your friends and relatives not to reply on your US number or else they will be charged 15 pesos per text...

[Kyrshamarks, BSN, RN]

My wife does not text anyone back in the philippines but she calls them all the time. We buy calling cards at the local corner strore. For 5 dollars she gets around 2-3 hours of talk time to a mobile phone in Manila and Baguio. We get cards that say for Mexico but they will call anywhere. We get off brand cards because you actually get more minutes than name brand cards.

P.S. one word also on communicating....facebook

[luvthegsp]

you could move back...the texts would be cheaper

[ez2000]

i think your topic is a bit off but nevertheless...you can sign up with chikka text. it is free and when they text you back...it will only cost p2.50 if they reply to the same message you sent.

[KB24]

My advice would be to get a Blackberry and use BlackBerry Messenger. BBM uses data instead of text when you send a message and you can send a message to anyone in the world.