How to send SMS messages while abroad
Recent events across Europe have once again highlighted the need to be able to contact people at home when we’re travelling abroad. While those were man-made emergencies, sometimes mother nature can create disasters that also leave those at home wondering about our safety.
When the earthquake in Nepal hit last spring, two of the families in my area had relatives climbing one of the mountains in the area (not Everest). The families desperately waited for news on whether their loved ones were affected since they were out on their trip when it happened. It took several days, but they eventually heard from them (they were all safe). Believe it or not, there’s actually 3G coverage in parts of Nepal.
Send messages from anywhere
Thankfully though, you don’t need 3G, or 4G, or any G to send SMS messages back to the UK while you’re travelling. It used to be you needed a mobile phone to send text messages, but over the last 15 years or so the advent of cloud computing has enabled companies to offer many services online. SMS providers are just one of those services, but arguably one of the most in demand given the growth of mobile. Now, all you need is a Wi-Fi connection, a device that supports a browser and an account with a web-based SMS provider to send text messages to the UK from abroad.
The way it works is much like email. You log into a website where you can send SMS messages from your web browser. Each SMS provider has it’s own interface, but generally speaking you have all the elements you do with email: address book, inbox, and sent folder. You’ll usually find even more than those simple features, but those are the core of an online SMS service.
If you’re using NetMessenger, the fastsms web-based program for SMS messaging, you’ll find it as easy to use as email too (not all providers are easy to use!). You simply type in the number of the UK phone you want to text, type your message and hit send. Your friends or family will get the text on their mobile just as if you sent it from your phone.
To receive replies though, you’ll need to get a virtual mobile number (VMN). These are numbers that look just like UK mobile numbers, but they aren’t tied to a physical device (like your number is assigned to your phone via the SIM card inside). This allows anyone to send an SMS message to your VMN, and you can read it online wherever you are. You can also have it forwarded to an email address if you choose. But if you simply need a way to let your loved ones know you’re ok, you don’t need a VMN. Just know that they can’t reply to you without one.
The costs for sending messages with NetMessenger is incredibly low. Much lower than you’ll find on most network international roaming plans. But some networks in the UK include most countries in the EU in their calling plans. Others charge a premium international fee. Beyond Europe though, you’ll certainly be paying a huge fee for small amount of minutes and even less data.
Of course, you could just use email or social media to keep in touch with your family. But you’ll no doubt have some family members that don’t use either (although nearly everyone has a mobile phone that can receive SMS), and if it is an emergency then being able to get a message directly into the palm of their hand within seconds might just be appreciated.
You could also use our list triggering feature to send a message to all your friends and family at once without the need for an internet connection.
Finding Wi-Fi abroad
To avoid those high international rates, you’ll need to find Wi-Fi where you are. In most places you’ll be able to find Wi-Fi – even remote places like Nepal. In more populated areas, public Wi-Fi can be found easily or purchased from hotels where you might be staying. If you take your smartphone or tablet with you, you can also search for any number of apps that let you know where free Wi-Fi is available. Just be cautious using free networks as they are often insecure.
If you travel a lot, are concerned about security, or just want to have Wi-Fi everywhere – not just in your hotel – you can find networks of hotspots (Wi-Fi locations). There are companies that specialise in creating Wi-Fi networks around the world. They then open up that network to anyone who signs up for their service. Boingo and iPass are two, each with over 1 million hotspots globally and require monthly fees to join the network. If you’d rather just get connected during your travel, there are companies that will rent a Wi-Fi hotspot device you take with you (which then connects to their network), usually for a flat daily rate. When you get home you return it and there are no further charges.
So it’s easy to stay in touch wherever you go. You can assure your loved ones that you’re safe and sound by using a web-based SMS service like NetMessenger. You don’t have to wait until the next time you’re travelling though. Sign up for a free account today, take NetMessenger for a test drive and be ready for your next trip.
Related Articles
How Travel Agents Can Compete with Online Booking Sites by Using SMS Messaging
The lure of quick, easy and cheap travel arrangements online has revolutionised the way people find and book travel. Travel agents offer so much more than search, click and book, but still find themselves facing competition from online booking. But none of the major online booking sites can offer the personalised service an agent does.
5 Ways Guest Houses Can Benefit from SMS Marketing
Travel Agents Should use SMS Messaging During the Off Season
Now that the peak travel season is over, how can travel agents stay top of mind in their customers? If you look around, you’ll notice everyone seems to have a mobile. That means SMS is the perfect way to reach them and make sure you’re not forgotten.
SMS Marketing for Travel Agents – the Key to a Sold Out Summer Season
How SMS Marketing can help guarantee a sold out summer season for independent travel agents and tour operators. In this article we explore how small and medium-sized independent companies in the travel and tourism sector can take advantage of the opportunities offered by SMS marketing to ensure a sold out summer season.
Hotels Use SMS Messaging to Head Off Bad Reviews
Online travel and review sites are great for travellers. They are good for hotels too, but they offer a double edged sword. User reviews are unfiltered – that is the travellers can say whatever they like both good and bad. And managing a bad review can be difficult, but how can SMS help?
Proof SMS Messaging Gets Results: Business Growth
Can something as simple as adding SMS messaging propel your business to higher levels than you thought possible? That’s what happened to these two companies. Read the last blog in the Results series to see what happened, and how you can start growing your business too.
SMS Marketing Ideas for Campsite and Touring Park Operators
Right now it is peak season for camping and caravan sites; it's the middle of summer and the school holidays have begun. Even the great British weather has been relatively kind this year so far. With what is the busiest time of the year for camping and caravanning parks, marketing strategies are often not priority, especially for the many small owner run businesses within the industry and those who are reliant on returning customers. SMS text message marketing, however, can benefit campsite and touring park operators by offering a simple, cost effective and time efficient way to reach both existing and new customers to promote your business by direct contact to their mobile phone. Read on for eight proven text message marketing and promotional ideas to help fill those final pitches.
Hоw Cоасh Tоur Companies Can Use SMS Mаrkеtіng
Travel Agencies Love SMS Messaging
For travel agencies, SMS messaging allows you to connect with travellers on a one-to-one, or one-to-many basis, yet still be personal. How can that be? People guard their mobile numbers and only share them with the people or businesses they really want to hear from. It's their personal number after all, and they won't hand it out to just anyone.