Send Free Text Messages Internationally Using WhatsApp

Short of sending a message via carrier pigeon, there aren't very many universal ways to send a message internationally. WhatsApp is one of the few free international messaging and calling apps available for smartphones; with WhatsApp, you can easily send and receive text messages from contacts all over the world.

Steps

Setting Up WhatsApp

  1. Open your phone's app store. If you're using an Android, this will be the Google Play store, whereas iOS users will use the App Store app.
  2. Type "WhatsApp" into your app store's search field. Tap "Search" when you're done; you should see the "WhatsApp" app at the top of the page.
  3. Tap the "Get" option next to WhatsApp. This will prompt the app to begin downloading to your phone.
    • On Android, this option will read "Install".
  4. Tap the "WhatsApp" app to open WhatsApp. You'll need to set up your app before you can use it to send a text.
  5. Allow WhatsApp access to your contacts. Tap "OK" to do so. This will take you to the Terms and Conditions of use page.
  6. Tap "Agree & Continue". This will take you to a phone number entry field.
  7. Enter your phone number. This is for verification purposes; WhatsApp will send you a text with a code.[1]
  8. Enter your code in the field provided. As long as you don't mistype, this will confirm your phone's identity and redirect you to the account creation page.
  9. Enter your name and a photo. While the photo is optional, adding one will help confirm your identity to other contacts.
    • You can also tap "Use Facebook Info" to use your Facebook picture and name.
  10. Tap "Next" to continue. You are now ready to send a message with WhatsApp!

Sending a Message with WhatsApp

  1. Tap the "Chats" tab at the bottom of the screen. This will bring up an empty page; after you talk to somebody, your chat history with them will appear here.
    • You can also tap your "Contacts" tab at the bottom of your screen to view your contacts from here.
  2. Tap the "New Message" icon. This is in the top right corner of your screen; tapping this will bring up a list of all your WhatsApp-enabled contacts.
    • WhatsApp automatically assimilates your phone's contacts, but you will only be able to message contacts who also have WhatsApp as well.
  3. Tap on a contact's name. This will select that contact for your instant message.
  4. Type your message in the field at the bottom of your screen. You should be able to use any keyboards or emoji you have installed on your phone.
    • You can also add a photo to your message by tapping the camera icon to the right of your chat field, then selecting a photo from your library.
  5. Tap "Send" to send text message. Your contact will receive it when they connect to wifi!

Tips

  • WhatsApp is free to download for Android, iOS, and Windows phones and tablets.

Warnings

  • If your recipient is overseas and has data (rather than wifi) enabled, opening any texts or messages can be very expensive.

Related Articles

Sources and Citations

  1. ↑ https://www.whatsapp.com/faq/en/general/21073018

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