Texting international numbers

[Aaron James]

Possibly a stupid question....

 

How likely are you to respond to a text from an international number? I always introduce myself via email first and then use text but some guys just don't reply. Is it a cost thing? Are international numbers blocked?

 

Any info gladly appreciated.

[mike carey]

How likely are you to respond to a text from an international number? I always introduce myself via email first and then use text but some guys just don't reply. Is it a cost thing? Are international numbers blocked?

The short answer to the question as to whether international numbers are blocked is, 'It depends'. It depends on the type of number you are using (PSTN or Google Voice or other) and the plan you have. I have texted to people in the US from my Australian mobile number, sometimes it works, sometimes not. I conducted all my count-down-to-meeting exchanges with an escort in LA from that phone on international roaming while in LA and it all worked (both ways). Other conversations with people in the US haven't worked. If in doubt experiment with texts from your phone while keeping in contact via other means. WhatsApp is a good alternative for texts (and for voice btw).

[Aaron James]

Cheers Mike

 

You're a true gent!

[+ VictorPowers]

Here are my qualms over international numbers. First, I'd like to meet said client domestically first. That may not even be possible for the potential client. Second, other than using WhatsApp it may be hard to keep in contact. Then there is the obvious time zone differences when you're communicating. In my experience, international potential clients lead to a dead end. The only exception would be if we happen to be visiting the same city and I'm hired "locally".

[mike carey]

Here are my qualms over international numbers. First, I'd like to meet said client domestically first. That may not even be possible for the potential client. Second, other than using WhatsApp it may be hard to keep in contact. Then there is the obvious time zone differences when you're communicating. In my experience, international potential clients lead to a dead end. The only exception would be if we happen to be visiting the same city and I'm hired "locally".

Victor, I may the exception, but I suspect not. If an international client is trying to contact you, they will be aware of time differences and the like, and will make allowances. You would be right to be worried if they just engaged you implying that they were nearby, but I would say where I am and when I was likely to be in the same zip code as you and progress from there. (Full disclosure, I'm an ocean away as we speak). There remains a technical question of whether texts work between your phone and theirs. That is a separate question from whether they are serious.

[Aaron James]

Sorry, I should have said I'm in the US now and using a European cell so the number might look like I'm overseas. I'm hiring locally!

[liubit]

IMO, WhatsApp works better than texts in international situations. You can also see if your message has been received and read, something impossible for texts.

[Aaron James]

Thanks chaps!