Send free SMS messages during your next International trip with Google Voice For Blackberry

Just because you travel internationally does not mean that you cannot keep in touch with your friends in the US by SMS for fear of high roaming charges. If you have a Blackberry or an Android phone with an international data plan and a Google voice account you can send SMS messages back and forth with your friends and family in the US at no cost. (Roaming data rates will apply if you do not have an international data plan on your phone)

Start by getting a Google Voice account. Currently this is by invitation only, however you can request an invitation from https://www.google.com/voice I am sure that you may also have a friend or two with Google voice accounts who can send you an invite.

Once you have set up your Google Voice account online, download the Google Voice app for your device. Currently the only devices with a stand-alone application are Blackberry and Andriod devices. Other phones can access Google Voice via web browser.

To download the app for Blackberry and Andriod, visit the following URL with your phone browser
m.google.com/voice

I am familiar with the Google Voice app on Blackberry, the application integrates with your address book. When you browse a contact, you have the option of sending them a regular SMS or sending them an SMS via Google Voice. The latter brings up the Google Voice application interface where you can type in and send your message. The SMS is sent via your data package and is visible to your phone carrier as just regular data usage. I do not understand all the technical aspects, but the sent SMS is not logged by your phone carrier as an SMS, thus no SMS roaming charge.

For receiving SMS messages you have the option to receive the message as an email or SMS message. Most carriers allow for free incoming SMS messages when roaming internationally but to be on the safe side you could opt in your Google Voice settings to receive SMS messages only by email.

If sending SMS messages to your friends living in the US while you travel abroad, be sure to let them know of your new Google Voice number so that they recognize your new number as you send them an SMS via Google Voice.

Using Google Voice integrated with your Blackberry or Andriod for SMS messages is a simple tip that can save you some money on your next international trip.