Messages+ on wifi only? (in Japan)
WARUMONO0216
Newbie

Hello,

I'm going to be in Japan for November, and I want to use my own Samsung Galaxy S7 while there. I have not yet decided whether to rent a pocket wifi unit or use a local sim card (if anyone has personal experience with either and wants to chime in that would be great!!)

If I use wifi only and turn data off completely, I should not be charged at all by Verizon, correct?

Can I still use Messages+ for texting to the US on wifi and not be charged anything for data? Data will be turned off regardless but I want to be really, REALLY sure and not get hit up with a crazy bill.

(Also while I'm here, does anyone know if ALL S7s from Verizon would be unlocked to swap sim cards? Or do I have to do something special? I purchased my device straight-out so I own it)

Thank you for your time!

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Re: Messages+ on wifi only? (in Japan)
Acrillix
Specialist - Level 2

WARUMONO0216

Japan sounds great! Lucky for you, Messages+ does function on WiFi. As long as your phone number or line of service is in an active state, you can receive messages on that application for free on WiFi.

Travelling to Japan and getting an International SIM Card can be a good idea. Check out this here.

Remember with VZW you do not get VZW service (they do not have cell sites in Japan). Do not make the mistake of expecting your S7 to function the same way (4G LTE Advanced Speeds and Reliability). You are limited to the networks over there.

If you use VZW billing system and keep your US number, you will have two choices for international billing.

International Travel 100MB/MIN/MSG $40: You get 100 total (incoming/outgoing) minutes, 100 OUTGOING messages, unlimited INCOMING messages, and 100MB of data. If you go over this, you would be charged $0.25/min $0.25/msg and $25/100MB

For example if you got to 100.03MB you would be charged $25. You now can go up to 200MB TOTAL before being charged an additional $25.

International Travel 250MB/MIN/MSG $85: You get (just like above) 250 minutes, 250 outgoing messages, unlimited incoming messages and 250MB of data. Same idea, $0.25/min $0.25/msg and $25/100MB.

For example if you got to 250.03MB you would be charged $25. You can now go up to 350MB before seeing another charge.

VZW does implement a $500 restriction for data. Once you have occured $500 of charges you must call into the Global Support Team to accept the charges before the block will be removed.

There are no usage alerts. You WILL NOT receive a 50%, 75%, or 90% alert!

Your Samsung Galaxy S7 4G LTE device is a 4G phone and is therefore unlocked. However, keep in mind that compatibility could become an issue.

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Re: Messages+ on wifi only? (in Japan)
Acrillix
Specialist - Level 2

WARUMONO0216

Japan sounds great! Lucky for you, Messages+ does function on WiFi. As long as your phone number or line of service is in an active state, you can receive messages on that application for free on WiFi.

Travelling to Japan and getting an International SIM Card can be a good idea. Check out this here.

Remember with VZW you do not get VZW service (they do not have cell sites in Japan). Do not make the mistake of expecting your S7 to function the same way (4G LTE Advanced Speeds and Reliability). You are limited to the networks over there.

If you use VZW billing system and keep your US number, you will have two choices for international billing.

International Travel 100MB/MIN/MSG $40: You get 100 total (incoming/outgoing) minutes, 100 OUTGOING messages, unlimited INCOMING messages, and 100MB of data. If you go over this, you would be charged $0.25/min $0.25/msg and $25/100MB

For example if you got to 100.03MB you would be charged $25. You now can go up to 200MB TOTAL before being charged an additional $25.

International Travel 250MB/MIN/MSG $85: You get (just like above) 250 minutes, 250 outgoing messages, unlimited incoming messages and 250MB of data. Same idea, $0.25/min $0.25/msg and $25/100MB.

For example if you got to 250.03MB you would be charged $25. You can now go up to 350MB before seeing another charge.

VZW does implement a $500 restriction for data. Once you have occured $500 of charges you must call into the Global Support Team to accept the charges before the block will be removed.

There are no usage alerts. You WILL NOT receive a 50%, 75%, or 90% alert!

Your Samsung Galaxy S7 4G LTE device is a 4G phone and is therefore unlocked. However, keep in mind that compatibility could become an issue.

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Re: Messages+ on wifi only? (in Japan)
WARUMONO0216
Newbie

Thanks for all the information!

I decided to rent pocket wifi rather than messing around with a SIM card. It's only going to cost me about $90 for the entire month, and it's on a 4G network with (basically) unlimited data and no daily limits / speed throttle. Sorry to Verizon, but that's WAY better cost-wise than using any of their international services.

I don't plan on using the phone for voice calls at all anyhow, and there's always Skype. My main concern was if I could use Messages+ for free on wifi. If I can, then I'm all set!

Thanks again  Smiley Happy

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Re: Messages+ on wifi only? (in Japan)
Weth
Legend

Your S7 supports wifi calling, which is even better than Message+. You can call and text for free. 

Set up wifi calling now.

When you get to Japan, put the phone in airplane mode and turn on wifi (Bluetooth too if you need it).  Now when you are connected to wifi, you will connect to Verizon and see VZW Wi-Fi where Verizon status usually is. 

When this is on, and you are connected to wifi, and you are assure airplane mode is on for the cellular radio, this is just like your phone is in the US.

Not only can you text with message+, you can also text with the native text app, and you can make calls to the US for no charge.  You dial like you are at home.  Calls to Japan would be long distance charge from the US.

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Re: Messages+ on wifi only? (in Japan)
vzw_customer_support
Customer Service Rep

Sounds like a great trip to go on, Warumono0216. Just to give you an update on what has happened recently you may not be able to take your phone on the plane to Japan. Due to the recent Note 7 recall and battery dangers the FAA is not allowing any Samsung devices to board the planes. We understand that you have a S7 and not a Note 7, but I would verify this before taking your phone with you. Besides that if you are able to take your phone you can use WiFi as your direct source for messaging as long as data is completely turned off. We also have international plans that can offer you enough to use while on your trip. Take a look here http://vz.to/2bAwEEd.


JasperM_VZW
Follow us on Twitter @VZWSupport
If my response answered your question please click the �Correct Answer� button under my response. This ensures others can benefit from our conversation. Thanks in advance for your help with this!!

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Re: Messages+ on wifi only? (in Japan)
Weth
Legend

jasperm_vzw​ do you have reference for the FAA not allowing any Samsung phones on planes?  I have not heard that anywhere else. 

Re: Messages+ on wifi only? (in Japan)
WARUMONO0216
Newbie

I also cannot find any information about ALL Samsung devices. The DOT site specifies the Galaxy Note 7 (and I can completely understand that!) - DOT Bans All Samsung Galaxy Note7 Phones from Airplanes | Department of Transportation

I am e-mailing them to be sure. It would be a big problem if I cannot travel with my phone at all!

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Re: Messages+ on wifi only? (in Japan)
Weth
Legend

Try the wifi calling -  you will like it! 

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