International SMS
Learn how to send SMS messages internationally with WhatSnap, including requirements, costs, and best practices for cross-country messaging.
Learn how WhatSnap SMS works for sending messages from one country to another, and best practices for international messaging.
Will WhatSnap SMS work in my country?
Yes, WhatSnap SMS works in any country as long as you meet the basic requirements.
How WhatSnap SMS Works
WhatSnap simply works as a gateway between your Android phone and GoHighLevel to send messages.
As long as you have:
✅ Valid phone plan with SMS capability
✅ Android device meeting required specifications
✅ Stable internet connection
Then WhatSnap SMS will work in your country.
Country Compatibility
WhatSnap SMS has been successfully used in:
🇺🇸 United States
🇦🇺 Australia
🇬🇧 United Kingdom
🇳🇿 New Zealand
🇨🇦 Canada
🇿🇦 South Africa
🇦🇪 UAE
🇫🇷 France
And many more countries worldwide
See: SIM Plan Recommendations by Country
Can I send SMS messages from one country to another?
Yes, as long as your phone plan allows for international SMS.
Requirements for International SMS
Carrier Support:
Your SIM plan must include international SMS capability
Check with your carrier about international messaging support
Verify which countries are included in your plan
Cost Considerations:
⚠️ Additional fees and charges may apply for SMS sent to overseas numbers
International SMS rates are typically higher than domestic
Check your phone plan inclusions before sending internationally
Cost Alert: International SMS can be significantly more expensive than domestic messaging. Always verify your plan's international rates before running campaigns.
Carrier Type Matters
Direct Carriers (Recommended for International):
Better reliability for international SMS
Higher capacity for overseas messaging
More consistent delivery rates
Examples: Verizon, AT&T, Vodafone, Telstra
Resellers/MVNOs (Lower Reliability):
Often have lower capacity for international messages
Can be less reliable for overseas delivery
May have more restrictions on international use
Generally cheaper but with trade-offs
Using eSIM for International Numbers
Send Messages with Local Numbers from Anywhere
You can purchase an eSIM from another country and use it to text with a local number while physically being in your home country.
Example:
You live in Australia
You purchase a US eSIM
You text US contacts with a local US number
All while holding your phone in Australia
Requirements:
✅ eSIM-compatible Android device
✅ eSIM plan from target country
✅ WiFi or mobile data connection
✅ RCS must be enabled for eSIM over WiFi
Benefits of eSIM for International
Cost Savings:
Avoid international SMS fees
Messages treated as domestic by carrier
Predictable monthly costs
Better Deliverability:
Local numbers have higher trust with recipients
Better response rates
Reduced spam flags
Flexibility:
Switch between multiple country numbers
No physical SIM swapping needed
Remote setup and activation
Learn More:
Best Practices for International SMS
1. Test Before Scaling
Before running campaigns:
Send 5-10 test messages internationally
Verify delivery and response
Check if messages arrive with correct formatting
Confirm costs match expectations
2. Consider Time Zones
Critical for international messaging:
Research recipient's local time zone
Schedule messages during business hours (9 AM - 7 PM recipient time)
Use GHL workflow delays to time messages appropriately
Avoid late night or early morning sends
3. Monitor Costs
Track international SMS expenses:
Set up spending alerts with carrier
Review monthly bills for international charges
Consider switching to eSIM if costs are high
Use WhatsApp for international when possible (no SMS fees)
4. Carrier Restrictions
Some carriers restrict international SMS:
Check your carrier's fair use policy
Some plans explicitly prohibit or limit international business use
Contact carrier to confirm international CRM usage is allowed
Have backup plan if international gets restricted
Alternative: Use WhatsApp for International
Why WhatsApp is Better for International Communication
No SMS Fees:
WhatsApp uses data, not SMS
Works over WiFi or mobile data
No per-message international charges
Unlimited international messaging
Better Features:
Read receipts
Typing indicators
Voice and video calls
Rich media support
Group messaging
Higher Adoption:
WhatsApp is the #1 messaging app globally
Higher response rates internationally than SMS
More familiar to international contacts
How to Use WhatSnap for WhatsApp:
WhatSnap supports WhatsApp alongside SMS
Connect WhatsApp via QR code (same as SMS setup)
Send WhatsApp messages through GoHighLevel
No international fees
Cost Comparison: International SMS vs. Alternatives
International SMS
$0.10-0.50+ per message
Small volume, SMS-only recipients
eSIM with Local Number
$10-30/month (unlimited)
Regular international messaging, local presence
WhatsApp via WhatSnap
Free (data usage only)
High volume international, global reach
Twilio International SMS
$0.015-0.20+ per message
Transactional, receipt verification
Recommendation: For regular international communication, use eSIM (for SMS) or WhatsApp (via WhatSnap) to avoid expensive per-message international SMS fees.
Troubleshooting International SMS
Messages Not Delivering Internationally
Common causes:
⚠️ Carrier doesn't support international SMS → Contact carrier
⚠️ Plan doesn't include international → Upgrade plan or add international package
⚠️ Recipient country not supported → Check carrier's international coverage
⚠️ Number format incorrect → Use E.164 format (+country code + number)
High International SMS Costs
Solutions:
Switch to eSIM from recipient's country
Use WhatsApp instead of SMS (no international fees)
Limit international SMS to high-value conversations only
Use Twilio for transactional messages (better rates than carrier international)
Delayed International Message Delivery
Why this happens:
International SMS routes through multiple carriers
Can take 1-5 minutes (vs. seconds for domestic)
Some countries have slower SMS infrastructure
Solutions:
Build delays into workflows (expect 2-5 min delivery)
Don't send time-sensitive codes via international SMS
Use WhatsApp for real-time international communication
Summary
WhatSnap SMS works internationally if:
✅ Your carrier plan supports it
✅ You're aware of international SMS costs
✅ You follow best practices for time zones and testing
Better alternatives for regular international use:
💡 eSIM from recipient's country - Local number, no international fees
💡 WhatsApp via WhatSnap - Free, feature-rich, higher engagement
Related Guides:
Questions about international SMS? Contact support at support@whatsnap.ai for country-specific recommendations.
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