# International SMS

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](https://whatsnap.gitbook.io/whatsnap-docs/account-management/sms/sms-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](https://whatsnap.gitbook.io/whatsnap-docs/account-management/sms/sms-specifications#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

{% hint style="warning" %}
**Cost Alert**: International SMS can be significantly more expensive than domestic messaging. Always verify your plan's international rates before running campaigns.
{% endhint %}

### 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

{% hint style="info" %}
**Pro Tip**: If sending and receiving SMS internationally is important to your business, invest in a SIM plan directly from a major carrier rather than a reseller. It's typically more expensive but provides better deliverability.
{% endhint %}

***

## 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:**

* [eSIM Compatibility Guide](https://whatsnap.gitbook.io/whatsnap-docs/faq/sms/esim-compatibility)
* [Getting a US eSIM from Outside the US](https://whatsnap.gitbook.io/whatsnap-docs/faq/sms/getting-us-esim)
* [eSIM International Setup](https://whatsnap.gitbook.io/whatsnap-docs/faq/sms/esim-international-setup)
* [RCS Settings for eSIM](https://whatsnap.gitbook.io/whatsnap-docs/faq/sms/rcs-settings)

***

## 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

See: [WhatSnap WhatsApp Guide](https://whatsnap.gitbook.io/whatsnap-docs/whatsnap)

***

## Cost Comparison: International SMS vs. Alternatives

| Method                       | Cost Structure           | Best For                                        |
| ---------------------------- | ------------------------ | ----------------------------------------------- |
| **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             |

{% hint style="success" %}
**Recommendation**: For regular international communication, use **eSIM** (for SMS) or **WhatsApp** (via WhatSnap) to avoid expensive per-message international SMS fees.
{% endhint %}

***

## Troubleshooting International SMS

### Messages Not Delivering Internationally

**Common causes:**

1. ⚠️ Carrier doesn't support international SMS → Contact carrier
2. ⚠️ Plan doesn't include international → Upgrade plan or add international package
3. ⚠️ Recipient country not supported → Check carrier's international coverage
4. ⚠️ Number format incorrect → Use E.164 format (+country code + number)

### High International SMS Costs

**Solutions:**

* Switch to [eSIM from recipient's country](https://whatsnap.gitbook.io/whatsnap-docs/faq/sms/esim-international-setup)
* Use [WhatsApp instead of SMS](https://whatsnap.gitbook.io/whatsnap-docs/whatsnap) (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:**

* [eSIM Compatibility](https://whatsnap.gitbook.io/whatsnap-docs/faq/sms/esim-compatibility)
* [Getting a US eSIM](https://whatsnap.gitbook.io/whatsnap-docs/faq/sms/getting-us-esim)
* [RCS Settings for eSIM](https://whatsnap.gitbook.io/whatsnap-docs/faq/sms/rcs-settings)
* [SIM Plan Selection](https://whatsnap.gitbook.io/whatsnap-docs/account-management/sms/sms-specifications)

***

**Questions about international SMS?** Contact support at <support@whatsnap.ai> for country-specific recommendations.
