Receiving international SMS

[kamileon]

So my problem is Im in the United Arab Emirates on business.  While here I cannot use my VZW phone, its all GSM networks here and my Galaxy Nexus is CDMA, so I have a phone I purchased from the local cell phone company.  When I send a text message to my wife (also on VZW) she does not get them, however when she sends them to me I do get them.  Figuring it was an issue here with the local carrier I called them and they said the messages are being sent, its an issue with the receiving carrier.  Also read tons of similar posts with others having the same issue no answers.  So does anyone have a solution to this?  Anyone from VZW reading this have an answer?

[budone]

How are you sending the message? ten digit only? Also you may have premium texts blocked on your account at home as texts from overseas will cost per text received

[kamileon]

I am sending the messages with the proper country code and exit code, the same way I use to call home, and I know that works because I am able to talk to people.  And I dont have premium texts/messaging blocked, I checked that already.  Besides that doesnt apply to regular texts, only premium services like weather alerts and what not.

[budone]

Are you able to hit reply to one of her texts and have your reply make it back??? If not, I would suspect then the issue is on VZW side

[Guaporamirez]

I am having the same issue, my friend lives in Dubai and she receives my messages but I can't get hers, she can call me just fine and I can call her so it's not an issue with proper formating of the number. I've called twice to Verizon and they tell me that they can't see an issue and that it may be the local carrier (etisalat). I tested this theory and had her text another friend at his ATT number and he got the messages just fine after reading many posts on the web it appears that it is Verizon and not the other carriers. As of yet they have not given me a satisfactory explanation as to why this is happening.

[kamileon]

This is exactly my issue, as Im on Etisalat as well.  Ive called verizon several times now about this hoping maybe someone different can give me an answer.  The last guy I spoke with transferred me to global tech support.  Global tech support told me the issue was between them and Etisalat, that they did not have a contract/agreement with Etisalat for messaging.  Verizon does list the United Arab Emirates on there international page as a participating country.  So because there are only 2 cell phone providers here, Etisalat and DU, Im going to switch to the other provider, DU, and see if it works.  Perhaps you should tell your friend in Dubai to do the same thing.  My phone, as all phones here, is sim unlocked and a prepaid sim is very cheap just to try out.  I will post my results here.

[vzw_customer_support]

Hi Guaporamirez! I know it's important to stay in touch w/friends from another country! I want you to be able to both send and receive messages from your friend in Dubai. I have supplied a link from our international support page, to make sure you are entering the digits correctly. This link also shows the cost. Keep in mind this is when sending while in the US. http://bit.ly/SwCdpF Please try this and let me know how it works out for you!

Thanks in advance,

Christina B
VZW Support
Follow us on Twitter @VZWSupport

[Guaporamirez]

Christina,

Thanks for the reply, I have given up on trying to use my verizon phone to communicate with friends overseas as your system is riddled with problems. Based on other people I have spoken to and the forums the problem is with Verizon. I had my friends change SIM cards with one of the only two carriers in UAE, change phones, update, reprogram all to no avail. I have reprogrammed, reset, wiped and reinstalled the OS on my iPhone and still I can't receive messages from the UAE. I have even spoken to the carriers in the UAE and they told me that it is normal for people who have Verizon as a carrier to not receive messages. I hope you guys correct this soon for the sake of your customers.

v/r

Oskar Ramirez

[vzw_customer_support]

Hello from the US Kamileon!

I love how convinient text messages are so we need to get this working for you right away! It is possible that your wifes line needs to have the International Dialing capability added to her line.  I know she can send to you, but she's not receiving, so it sounds strange, but that would be the first thing I would check. 

Also, review this chart for messaging:
http://businessportals.verizonwireless.com/international/Text_Messaging/view_all_countries.html

There's only 2 providers who are able to message successfully. Hopefully one of them is the one you're using.

Keep in mind we have 24/7 Global support available. They can be reached by dialing 001-908-559-4899. 


If you cannot place a call from your VZW device, please call Global Support toll-free from any landline phone using these instructions.

Dial the toll-free access code for the country you are in. UAE Dial Access Code: 0-800-111  

After the tone, enter your Verizon Wireless calling card number and PIN. (Calling Card Number: 9085594899 PIN: 2392)

After the tone enter 0-908-559-4899.

The VZW Global Roaming Hotline will then prompt you to enter your 10-digit mobile number.

I hope this is helpful! Let us know if you have any other questions.

Thanks!

MelissaM_VZW
Follow us on Twitter @vzwsupport

[Guaporamirez]

Did you ever get this fixed?

[rotefuesse]

I just switched from AT&T to Verizon with my company phone. Better reception. But a lot of downsides....

No Internet when on a call... Really. I need this for business constantly.

Now I found out that I can't receive text messages from austria when they are not sent from orange or another provider I never heard of.

You don't have the two largest wireless providers from austria on your list!!!! A1/Vodafone and T-mobile.  Seriously? This is ridiculous.

I do need this functionality. I also must receive text messages from an automated banking service in austria. I even don't know what provider this computer systems uses. 

This feature did function with every other provider here in the US. It can't be that complicated.

Last week I switched from AT&T to Verizon with my private phones also, because I did not know about this.

Can you please add the two biggest wireless provider of austria to your list?

Thank you!

[vzw_customer_support]

Good afternoon rotefuesse.

First, I'd like to welcome you to Verizon Wireless. We're excited to have you. You're able to browse the web while on a call if connected to WiFi, otherwise, as you've noticed, you won't be able to do both.  As for texts, what error code do people sending texts get when attempting to send to your phone? Are you able to send texts to an Austria number? You're able to add International Long Distance Value Plan for $3.99 a month, which will benefit you if making calls. However, with text messages, its $.25 to send text, $.20 to receive. For picture messages, its $.50 to send. $.25 to receive, as Austria is not included in our Nationwide plans.

Do you know if you have International Dialing Feature on your phone?

Thank you,
Vanessa_VZW
Please follow us on twitter @VZWSupport

[jim_slim]

I am having the same issue.  I recently changed from T-Mobile (that I had been for 9 years) over to Verizon, and with T-Mobile I never had a SMS messaging issue texting my friend in Dubai.  Now after switching to Verizon I cannot receive any text messages from Dubai.  I can send and they can receive with no problems but them replying or sending I DO NOT get them.  I have called support many times to get this resolved and they have said it is an issue with the provider in Dubai (Etisalat).  Now after reading this forum I've come to the conclusion that its not them but its Verizon issue.

P.S I do have international messaging.  Please fix this issue Verizon.

[vzw_customer_support]

Hello jim_slim,

I'm very sorry to hear about the trouble you're having with your international messages from Dubai. I definitely want to make sure that this is resolved for you. Just to be clear, you can send a message to Dubai your friend in Dubai replies to your message it cannot be received? Which plan are you on currently? Are any other lines or numbers on your account having the same problem?

Please keep us posted with the details.

RuthW_VZW
Follow us on twitter @VZWSupport

[jim_slim]

Hello,

Thank you for replying to this issue. I have called Verizon support on this issue multiple times and they have confirmed that I do have the correct plan for me to be able to receive SMS messages from my friend in Dubai. With my plan I am the only user. After reading the forum many are having the same issue with Verizon. Currently we are using Yahoo Messenger for text, but still the SMS is not working. Like I've said in the past my friend in Dubai can receive my SMS but when they reply I DO NOT receive, and on there end it shows that it goes through with no kick back error message.

I was on T-Mobile for 9 years and never had an issue with SMS sending or receiving from Dubai, but last month when I switched over to Verizon that is when the issue arouse. Please fix.

thanks,

Jim

[vzw_customer_support]

jim_slim, we want to ensure that you stay connected to your friend in Dubai! It sound like you're sending text messages correctly. However, let's make sure that your friend is using the correct format to send you text messages in the United States. Additionally, it's also important that your friend has the accessibility to send those messages, as well. Has your friend had a chance to contact thier wireless carrier?

Here's the dialing pattern to send text messages to the U.S. http://vz.to/1aGvDAs I hope that this information is helpful to you.

LasinaH_VZW
Follow us on Twitter @VZWSupport

[jim_slim]

Your taking me down a road I have been on. All what you're asking have been answered with other Verizon support personnel.

[vzw_customer_support]

Thanks, jim_slim. Please forgive us for asking for the same information. We would love to be able to provide additional details to the network team to make sure you get these international messages from Dubai. Do you ever text anyone else internationally? If so, do you encounter the same concerns?

TamaraH_VZW
Follow us on Twitter @VZWSupport

[jdeleon3]

Reading this discussion, it looks like there's been a long  standing issue between Dubai's Etisalat carrier and Verizon.  I've had zero luck sending text messages.  My phone (Galaxy Note 4) will say that it is sent, but it is never received.  Likewise, when she sends a message to me, it tells her that it was sent successfully, yet I never receive.  It's also interesting to note that when I try to send a Multimedia Message, I get Failed (atleast I get the correct feedback here).

To answer a few questions up front:

* Yes, I have International Messaging on my plan through the MORE EVERYTHING plan.  I even added an International calling plan to my account to see if that was the issue.

* Yes, I am sure the number is formatted correctly, as I am able to call the number no issues.

* Yes, I am sure that she is able to send text messages to the US...she sends them to her friend all the time (different carrier).

Does anyone know if this issue is actively being worked on, or has ANYONE ever had success sending a message?  When I call 611, they essentially say check with Etisalat rather than own up to the fact that although UAE is on supported country list, they're not really currently supported...

[event3horizon]

Forget it.  It's futile to try to resolve this with verzion because all they blame, conveniently, is the OTHER SIDE when they cannot realize their networks are broken.   "They can only guarantee I can send messages,"  Is what the verizon support person said to me.  ONE WAY STREET? What kind of "communication" company are you?   I CANNOT RECEIVE TEXTS FROM MACEDONIA!  Multiple operators were attempted.  Even from T-Mobile.  Nothing!

You know what the solution is?  AT&T .  Switch over now.  You have unlimited international text that sends AND receives from every operator.  Family members have it. Luckily this is a business plan from employer I'm struggling with.