How to Send Text Messages to a US Number from the UK?

You can text from the United Kingdom to the United States of America by using a traditional carrier method or by using messaging apps like Messenger, WhatsApp, and so on.

Traditional texting is a reliable method to send a message directly to a US mobile number, using your mobile carrier’s international SMS service. In fact, it allows you to text someone in the USA just as you would domestically, but you must include the correct international dialing format.

Here is how you can text from the UK to the US using your mobile carrier:

1. Open your messaging app.
2. Enter the recipient’s phone number following the international format.
3. Compose your message.
4. Send the message.

For example, if the local US number is (123) 456-7890, you would enter it as +1 123 456 7890 before sending the message. Here, +1 is the country code of the USA, which is compulsory to add if you’re calling or texting an American number from overseas.

One of the easiest and most cost-effective ways to text someone in America from the UK is by using messaging apps. You can send messages over Wi-Fi or mobile data rather than through traditional SMS networks. Meaning, you can communicate across borders without worrying about international texting fees or number formatting.

Most popular messaging apps, such as WhatsApp, Facebook Messenger, and Viber, work seamlessly between the UK and the USA. You can send photos, videos, voice notes, documents, and even make voice or video calls without extra charges.

Here’s how to text from the UK to the USA using messaging apps:

1. Download and install a messaging app of your choice.
2. Create your account.
3. Search for the name of the person you are trying to connect with or the contact name/phone number in the app.
4. Write your message and wait for the reply.

While texting from the UK to the USA, use the correct format and check international charges or bundles to manage costs. Plus, keep texts short, ensure both parties use the same messaging app with a good data/Wi-Fi connection, and be mindful of time zone differences.

• Correct International Phone Number Format: Always use the proper international phone number format when texting a US number. Begin with the country code of the USA, “+1”, followed by the 10-digit local number.
• Cost and Carrier Charges: International SMS fees vary between UK carriers. For instance, the cost of each SMS to the US costs 70p ($0.88), 35p ($0.45), and 0.55p (0.7$) for Vodafone, Three, and O2, respectively. Since these charges usually fall outside standard texting allowances, it's important to confirm costs with your carrier beforehand. Also, if you text US numbers frequently, consider international bundles or add-ons to reduce expenses.
• Delivery and Compatibility: Message delivery can depend on the type of US number you're texting. Plus, some carriers restrict messages to virtual numbers, premium-rate services, or shortcodes. Additionally, unsupported characters or long message formats may cause delivery issues, so keep your text simple and short.
• Recipient Must Have the Same App: If you're using apps like WhatsApp or Messenger, both you and the recipient must have the same platform installed. As long as both devices support the app, messaging becomes seamless and cost-free.
• Data Usage or Wi-Fi Connection: Messaging apps rely on either Wi-Fi or mobile data. Using Wi-Fi is ideal as it avoids extra costs, while mobile data uses your data pack. So, ensure a stable connection to send messages without delays or failures.
• Time Zone Differences: The USA spans several time zones, which can affect when your message is received. So, being aware of this helps you avoid sending texts at inconvenient hours, especially in professional situations.

Texting from the UK to the USA is now easier than ever, whether you use your mobile carrier’s international SMS service or modern messaging apps. While traditional texting is simple, it often comes with higher fees and requires the correct international format. Likewise, even if messaging apps offer a cost-effective way to communicate across borders, both the sender and recipient must be using the same app.

A smarter and more reliable option is using a virtual phone number. It cuts calling costs while helping you avoid the limitations of in-app texting. It also boosts message delivery rates, keeps your personal number private, and gives you a local US presence even while you're in the UK.