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Sending SMS while roaming in Turkey and Russia

  • December 6, 2025
  • 5 replies
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RichardWatt7
Helpful Contributor

Hello,

My wife and I are both iD customers and she is travelling to see family in Russia soon and passing through Turkey (she’ll be there for a day at most on this journey).

She would like to send text messages to me while in Turkey (where she could use her smartphone) and then in Russia (where she will be using an older Nokia phone) because although we can get a “Roaming Beyond” add-on for Turkey, but this is not an option for Russia.

So we are wondering how best to go about this please as I find the information on the website confusing?

Many thanks,

RichardWatt7

Best answer by Decembersangel72

Hi ​@RichardWatt7 

These are the roaming charges with regards to use in Russia (Click on ‘Roaming Charges’ and then select Russia in the drop down menu):-
https://www.idmobile.co.uk/help-and-advice/international-and-roaming-charges#roaming-charges-pane

Ensure that your wifes bill cap is set to a £ to cover any texts sent:-



I have also found this information with regards to sending a text message via the internet using a Nokia phone:-

Sending a text message (SMS) over an internet connection (rather than a mobile network signal) on a Nokia phone depends entirely on the phone model (traditional "feature phone" or modern Android) and the apps it supports.

 

For Modern Nokia (Android) Phones
 
If you have a recent Nokia smartphone running Android, you can use apps that send messages over Wi-Fi or mobile data: 
 
  • RCS (Rich Communication Services): If both you and the recipient have RCS chats enabled in the Google Messages app, your messages will be sent over Wi-Fi or mobile data by default.
  • Third-party messaging apps: You can install apps like WhatsApp, Facebook Messenger, or Telegram from the Google Play Store. These apps use your internet connection to send messages and calls, provided both parties use the same app. 
 
For Classic/Feature Nokia Phones
 
For classic Nokia phones running proprietary operating systems (like the Nokia 3310 (2017) or older models), standard SMS messages inherently use the cellular network, not the internet connection. 
 
However, some newer feature phones (such as the Nokia 8110 4G or 2720 Flip) run on a web-based operating system called KaiOS and support specific internet-based apps. 
 
  • WhatsApp: Certain KaiOS Nokia phones allow you to download and use WhatsApp via the app store, which lets you send messages over Wi-Fi.
  • Built-in IM apps: Older Symbian Nokia phones had "IM for Nokia" or "Chat" apps that supported services like Google Talk or Windows Live Messenger for internet-based chat. 
 
General Steps for Internet Messaging
  1. Connect to the Internet: Ensure your Nokia phone is connected to a Wi-Fi network or has mobile data turned on and configured.
  2. Use an App: Open a supported internet messaging application (e.g., WhatsApp, Google Messages with RCS, or an old IM client). Standard SMS/MMS apps on feature phones will use the cellular network unless specifically using a WiFi Calling/SMS feature (which requires carrier support).
  3. Send Message: Write your message within the app and send it as you normally would. The app will route the message via your internet connection. 
Note: Regular SMS messages, even on internet-enabled phones, use SMS protocols that depend on a cellular signal and a SIM card. Using a messaging app or a carrier's "Wi-Fi Calling/SMS" feature is the only way to send a "text over an internet connection". 




You don’t say what Nokia phone that will be used so I can’t narrow down the information with regards to your question.
The only way to truely test this is for the data to be turned off on the phone and only connected to to a wifi signal.


If you go via the Whatsapp route:-
 

You can use WhatsApp to text the UK from Russia as long as you have an internet connection (Wi-Fi or mobile data), but recent Russian restrictions have targeted audio/video calls, and text messages might also face throttling or instability, requiring a good VPN (like
 
How it Works
  1. Internet is Key: WhatsApp uses your internet connection, not your phone carrier's SMS service, so it's similar to using it at home.
  2. International Format: Ensure you save UK numbers with the international code, like +44 7....
  3. Cost: Messages and calls are free over Wi-Fi; mobile data will use your plan's allowance (or roaming charges if applicable). 
Recent Russian Restrictions
  • Call Restrictions: In mid-2025, Russia partially restricted audio and video calls on WhatsApp, citing security and data laws.
  • Potential Text Issues: While text messages (and voice/video messages) generally still work, they might experience slowdowns or intermittent blocks as authorities aim for full control or bans.
  • VPN Necessity: A Virtual Private Network (VPN) with obfuscation (like NordVPN) is often needed to bypass these restrictions and ensure consistent service, notes this 01net.com article. 
To Ensure You Can Text
  • Use a VPN: Set up a reputable VPN before entering Russia for stable access to all WhatsApp features.
  • Rely on Text: Focus on text, voice messages, and file sharing, which are less affected than live calls.
  • Consider Alternatives: Have backup options like Telegram (though also restricted) or email, suggests Moscow Private Tours and Quora users. 


If your wife wishes to use an alternative app to communicate then an internet search e.g. how to use (insert app name) in Russia to contact the UK, will give you the relevant information.


I hope that there is something useful to you in my answer!

Good luck x



 

    5 replies

    Decembersangel72
    Gold Contributor
    Forum|alt.badge.img+16

    Hi ​@RichardWatt7 

    These are the roaming charges with regards to use in Russia (Click on ‘Roaming Charges’ and then select Russia in the drop down menu):-
    https://www.idmobile.co.uk/help-and-advice/international-and-roaming-charges#roaming-charges-pane

    Ensure that your wifes bill cap is set to a £ to cover any texts sent:-



    I have also found this information with regards to sending a text message via the internet using a Nokia phone:-

    Sending a text message (SMS) over an internet connection (rather than a mobile network signal) on a Nokia phone depends entirely on the phone model (traditional "feature phone" or modern Android) and the apps it supports.

     

    For Modern Nokia (Android) Phones
     
    If you have a recent Nokia smartphone running Android, you can use apps that send messages over Wi-Fi or mobile data: 
     
    • RCS (Rich Communication Services): If both you and the recipient have RCS chats enabled in the Google Messages app, your messages will be sent over Wi-Fi or mobile data by default.
    • Third-party messaging apps: You can install apps like WhatsApp, Facebook Messenger, or Telegram from the Google Play Store. These apps use your internet connection to send messages and calls, provided both parties use the same app. 
     
    For Classic/Feature Nokia Phones
     
    For classic Nokia phones running proprietary operating systems (like the Nokia 3310 (2017) or older models), standard SMS messages inherently use the cellular network, not the internet connection. 
     
    However, some newer feature phones (such as the Nokia 8110 4G or 2720 Flip) run on a web-based operating system called KaiOS and support specific internet-based apps. 
     
    • WhatsApp: Certain KaiOS Nokia phones allow you to download and use WhatsApp via the app store, which lets you send messages over Wi-Fi.
    • Built-in IM apps: Older Symbian Nokia phones had "IM for Nokia" or "Chat" apps that supported services like Google Talk or Windows Live Messenger for internet-based chat. 
     
    General Steps for Internet Messaging
    1. Connect to the Internet: Ensure your Nokia phone is connected to a Wi-Fi network or has mobile data turned on and configured.
    2. Use an App: Open a supported internet messaging application (e.g., WhatsApp, Google Messages with RCS, or an old IM client). Standard SMS/MMS apps on feature phones will use the cellular network unless specifically using a WiFi Calling/SMS feature (which requires carrier support).
    3. Send Message: Write your message within the app and send it as you normally would. The app will route the message via your internet connection. 
    Note: Regular SMS messages, even on internet-enabled phones, use SMS protocols that depend on a cellular signal and a SIM card. Using a messaging app or a carrier's "Wi-Fi Calling/SMS" feature is the only way to send a "text over an internet connection". 




    You don’t say what Nokia phone that will be used so I can’t narrow down the information with regards to your question.
    The only way to truely test this is for the data to be turned off on the phone and only connected to to a wifi signal.


    If you go via the Whatsapp route:-
     

    You can use WhatsApp to text the UK from Russia as long as you have an internet connection (Wi-Fi or mobile data), but recent Russian restrictions have targeted audio/video calls, and text messages might also face throttling or instability, requiring a good VPN (like
     
    How it Works
    1. Internet is Key: WhatsApp uses your internet connection, not your phone carrier's SMS service, so it's similar to using it at home.
    2. International Format: Ensure you save UK numbers with the international code, like +44 7....
    3. Cost: Messages and calls are free over Wi-Fi; mobile data will use your plan's allowance (or roaming charges if applicable). 
    Recent Russian Restrictions
    • Call Restrictions: In mid-2025, Russia partially restricted audio and video calls on WhatsApp, citing security and data laws.
    • Potential Text Issues: While text messages (and voice/video messages) generally still work, they might experience slowdowns or intermittent blocks as authorities aim for full control or bans.
    • VPN Necessity: A Virtual Private Network (VPN) with obfuscation (like NordVPN) is often needed to bypass these restrictions and ensure consistent service, notes this 01net.com article. 
    To Ensure You Can Text
    • Use a VPN: Set up a reputable VPN before entering Russia for stable access to all WhatsApp features.
    • Rely on Text: Focus on text, voice messages, and file sharing, which are less affected than live calls.
    • Consider Alternatives: Have backup options like Telegram (though also restricted) or email, suggests Moscow Private Tours and Quora users. 


    If your wife wishes to use an alternative app to communicate then an internet search e.g. how to use (insert app name) in Russia to contact the UK, will give you the relevant information.


    I hope that there is something useful to you in my answer!

    Good luck x



     

    Did my comment help answer your question? If so, don't forget to mark the response as the Most Helpful Answer.
    RichardWatt7
    RichardWatt7
    Helpful Contributor
    • RichardWatt7
    • Author
    • Helpful Contributor
    • December 7, 2025

    ​@Decembersangel72 Thank you for that - I think that will help. I don’t know the exact model of Nokia phone my wife will use in Russia, it’s definitely not a smartphone, probably something like a 3300- or 3500-series. I can ask her later and update the thread if that helps.

    RichardWatt7
    Helpful Contributor
    • RichardWatt7
    • Author
    • Helpful Contributor
    • December 7, 2025

    ​@Decembersangel72 We were also wondering what the earliest generation of mobile network can be used with an iD Mobile SIM: I think it’s 3G, but my wife doesn’t know the exact model of phone she’ll be using her SIM in while over  there.

    JoeKing
    Silver Contributor
    Forum|alt.badge.img+11
    • JoeKing
    • Silver Contributor
    • December 8, 2025

    ​@Decembersangel72 We were also wondering what the earliest generation of mobile network can be used with an iD Mobile SIM: I think it’s 3G, but my wife doesn’t know the exact model of phone she’ll be using her SIM in while over  there.

     IDMobile has phased out the use of 3G on their network and most of the other networks in UK. You best bet is to use a device of 4G at least support make sure that the device is network unlocked SIM FREE, You should be good to go some device may not be supported by IDMobile officially. 

     

    Joe

    Android OS 15 - Nothing Phone 2, (Samsung Galaxy S 20 Ultra 5G Android 13) Here to help, I do have a life. 😉
    Decembersangel72
    Gold Contributor
    Forum|alt.badge.img+16

    Hi ​@RichardWatt7 

    As ​@JoeKing has stated, if you use the iD Mobile network connection then the phone will need to access 4G (as 3G is no longer supported by them).

    App-Based Messaging: The only way to send messages over a WiFi signal with a 3G-only phone would be by using an internet-based messaging app (like WhatsApp or Facebook Messenger), but this requires the phone to support such apps, which is unlikely for basic Nokia 3G models.

     

    Neither the Nokia 3300 nor the Nokia 3500 classic supports WhatsApp. These are feature phones that run on older, proprietary operating systems (Series 30+ for newer 3310 models, S40 for the 3500 classic) that do not support the WhatsApp application.
    WhatsApp works on many Android devices. This includes: Android phones with Android 5.0 and newer

    So, unfortunately the phone your wife wishes to use may not be able to use any Wifi based messaging services. The only way to test this is to see if you can download Whatsapp (or whatever wifi app you wish to use) and then you can then try using it via a wifi connection to see if it works and if so it will then be OK when in Russia.

    To check properly, you will have to do an internet search i.e. Can the Nokia XXXXX (insert model) download and use XXXXX (insert app to be use i.e. Whatsapp)

    Good Luck x

     

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

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