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Question

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

  • June 15, 2026
  • 3 replies
  • 32 views

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

3 replies

Gemma M
iD Mobile Employee
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  • iD Mobile Employee
  • June 16, 2026

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


  • Author
  • New Contributor
  • June 16, 2026

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
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  • iD Mobile Employee
  • June 17, 2026

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