What does an SMS abroad cost?

International rates vary widely, and the difference is bigger than people expect. Three things determine what you pay.

1. The country

Within Europe the rates are usually close together. Beyond it, the same message can cost several times as much. Check the rate per destination before you plan a campaign, not afterwards.

2. The route

To the same destination there are usually several routes with different prices and different reliability. The cheapest route does not always deliver, and a message that fails to arrive is more expensive than an expensive route.

3. Local rules

Some countries require registration of your sender name or only allow a local number. Without that registration your message is refused or delivered from an unknown number.

What to do in practice

Test every new destination with a few real numbers before you send thousands there. The delivery report per country is the only thing that gives you certainty in advance.