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.

80% of my friends here in Switzerland use Whatsapp. It's fantastic.

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.

It's also a great way of sending photos held in your phone's gallery as attachments to messages

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