whatsapp for free texing in Europe?
http://www.whatsapp.com/
We downloaded it yesterday so hope it works. Has anyone else used this? We have four friends in Germany when we are going so we thought this would be a good way to communicate with them and each other. I have a plan with AT&T for texting but it is 50 cents to send and five to receive in Europe. This is suppose to be free. |
we use it all the time. you must put their number into your contact list with the + intl code and then free text whoever else has it when you have wifi connection. both parties need to have whatsapp. there is a microphone symbol for vocal text now, too, which is cool. you send a free voice message and can chat back and forth that way .
however, you need to learn how to disable your data plan or it will also kick in and you will get a large bill. Learn how to turn off all plans and only use free wifi. |
It is free, and most people I know who have smartphones have Whatsapp.
The caveat is that you need internet/data connectivity, either thru WiFi or 3G/4G (mobile networks). So unless you want to limit the time to receive and send messages thru Whatsapp when you are in a (hopefully free) WiFi hotspot, you need some kind of data plan (either by your US provider or thru a local SIM card) to stay connected when you are not within reach of WiFi. |
thank you for all the info. I am checking with my provider. We are turning off data.
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80% of my friends here in Switzerland use Whatsapp. It's fantastic.
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Almost everyone I know uses Whatsapp (even my mom who's in her late 70s); its a great way to keep in touch with kids who are studying elsewhere; free, and easy to use.
Use Wifi - or maybe you can get a local sim with internet. That's what we do when we're in the UK. You can make a group on Whatsapp, and communicate with all members of the group at the same time. Very easy! |
Just make sure that your friends will know if you go for the "WiFi-only" option. The real purpose of Whatsapp is to replace SMS, i.e. real-time delivery and reception of messages. If you just need to exchange information when you are online once in a while there is no real advantage of Whatsapp vs. a regular e-mail.
Or tell them to send you a "real" SMS in case something urgent happens, i.e. them being late to meet you somewhere or similar. |
ok, great info. We just want to be able to text where we are and to meet up at certain places. I am hoping with t- mobile not charging for all over the world that more providers will get on board but until then this will work.
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It's also a great way of sending photos held in your phone's gallery as attachments to messages
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