topic Re: Texting when abroad in Roaming

Texting when abroad

S1monJohn — Tue, 27 Jan 2026 20:17:30 GMT

I'm currently in Australia for a couple of weeks, I have my cellular data switched off and my roaming, but I have recieved a couple of Texts. Would these have been recieved using WiFi?

I don't want to get any charges, and trying to use app is useless as it wants to use a 2 part authentication which is a Text.

Also, why is there no way to get in touchh with EE without texting or calling?

It's very frustrating trying to communicate with EE when you're in another country, couldn't find an email address.

Re: Texting when abroad

XRaySpeX — Tue, 27 Jan 2026 20:34:08 GMT

@S1monJohn : No, texts never come over WiFi. They come over the normal mobile network & they are free to receive worldwide.

EE provide no email contact.

Re: Texting when abroad

Chris_B — Tue, 27 Jan 2026 20:42:58 GMT

@S1monJohn Cellular data is just data and calls/texts don’t use data so you’re still connected to the network provider you’ve just got no data. Ie you can not send/receive emails or any app that needs a data connection to work. If you don’t want to incur charges for calls/texts use airplane mode on your device and just use WiFi.

Re: Texting when abroad

bristolian — Tue, 27 Jan 2026 21:03:53 GMT

@S1monJohn wrote:
I'm currently in Australia for a couple of weeks, I have my cellular data switched off and my roaming, but I have recieved a couple of Texts. Would these have been recieved using WiFi?

Roaming means using your phone on foreign networks. If your phone connects to any Australian networks, which is necessary to send or receive text messages, or make/receive any calls, you are roaming.

Receiving text messages is free globally. I think you've probably disabled data roaming, which is a common device setting but has no impact on voice-call-roaming or text-message-roaming.

Incidentally, EE doesn't allow data roaming unless you have an add-on covering its cost - which usually means having an add-on enabling access to your UK allowances whilst roaming. The end result, is that the phone setting to disable it is immaterial.

As an aside, EE offer flat-rate roaming in Australia for £25/week now - that means access to your UK call, text & data allowances including your incoming calls being zero-rated. In the likely overall cost of your trip, it may be worth considering the relative value.