How much does it cost to receive a text message while in China?

Forum|Forum|3 months ago
June 15, 2026
5 replies
129 views

Not sending, just receiving a text message while in China. The information is not on the website or in the documentation. Thanks!

Gemma M

iD Mobile Employee

Hi @RezaZ,

Thanks for getting in touch.

If you're travelling in China and only want to receive text messages (such as verification codes), you'll need to make sure that:

Roaming is enabled on your iD Mobile account and in your phone's settings.
Your bill cap is set high enough to allow chargeable roaming services.

As China isn't an inclusive roaming destination, sending and receiving text messages there is chargeable. See how much it’ll cost to use minutes, texts or data when you’re in China, below:

Roaming	Pay monthly
Calls to UK*	£2.40
Calls to China*	£2.40
Calls received*	£2.40
Texts to China**	£0.60
Texts to UK**	£0.60
Picture message (MMS) sent**	£0.60
Internet and Data (per MB)***	£1.50

* Price per minute.

** Price per message / text.

*** Data is charged or deducted in one kilobyte (KB) increments and any part KB used will be rounded up to the nearest KB.

You can view the latest roaming charges here: https://www.idmobile.co.uk/help-and-support/roaming

Regards,

Gemma M

The iD Mobile Social Media Team

Did my comment help answer your question? If so, don't forget to mark the response as the Most Helpful Answer.

R

RezaZAuthor

New Contributor

Thank you very much, but this does not answer my question, which is how much does it cost to receive a text message when in China. I look forward to hearing back from you.

Owethu M

iD Mobile Employee

Hi @RezaZ,

Thank you for getting back to us.

I apologise that my previous response did not fully answer your question.

I can confirm that the cost to receive a text message while roaming in China is £0.60 per text message.

We apologise for any confusion caused.

Owethu

P

pangwei111

New Contributor

Hi, I got the advice that receiving text is free from live chat, so could you double confirm this?

Gemma M

iD Mobile Employee

Hi @pangwei111,

Thanks for checking.

I apologise for any confusion caused by the previous advice.

Receiving text messages while roaming is not free and is chargeable. Charges will apply in line with the roaming rates for the country you're visiting.

You can view the applicable roaming charges here: https://www.idmobile.co.uk/help-and-support/roaming

If you'd like us to clarify the charges for a specific country you're travelling to, please let us know which country you're in.

Regards,

Gemma M
The iD Mobile Social Media Team

Did my comment help answer your question? If so, don't forget to mark the response as the Most Helpful Answer.