ChatSim

Enjoy constant communication while traveling abroad with ChatSim. The ChatSim sim card allows you to use messenger apps already on your phone to text individuals all over the world without the extra cost that comes with international texting on your current cell service provider.

Texting apps that work with ChatSim include LINE, Imo, Facebook Messenger, BBM, WhatsApp, QQ, WeChat, Telegram, Hike, Kakao Talk and more. In addition to normal texting, you’ll also be able to send photos, videos, voice messages and more, just like normal. There’s even a feature that allows you to complete voice calls.

The ChatSim yearly fee is only €10, which includes unlimited text messaging in 150 countries. For multimedia and voice calls, you can choose from various plans. For an additional €10, you’ll get 2,000 ChatSim credits, which will accommodate 200 photos, 40 videos or 80 minutes of calling. For €25, you’ll get 5,000 credits for 500 photos, 100 videos and 200 minutes of calling. The largest multimedia plan is €50 per year and includes 10,000 credits for 1,000 photos, 200 videos and 400 minutes of calling. For most travelers, the two smallest plans will easily accommodate all of their travel and more, particularly if you keep your calls to a minimum. However, if you ever decide you need to up your multimedia plan, you can easily do so, as well as check up on how much multimedia you’ve been using. Unfortunately, one of the most popular text message features that most don’t even think about using counts as multimedia — in other words, every time you use an emoji in a text, it counts as a photo.

Unfortunately, currently ChatSim doesn’t support the most popular texting platforms for U.S. users — iMessage, Skype and Yahoo. If you’re willing to use a different platform, though, it can be an easy and affordable option.