Texting Germany from the UK on O2: 2024 Rates & Cheaper Alternatives

Sending a text from the UK to Germany on O2 costs 50p–65p per message depending on your plan—unless you use a workaround.

O2 Standard International SMS Rates (2024)

How to Slash the Cost

1. Use data apps (free over Wi-Fi/data): WhatsApp, Signal, Telegram, iMessage, Messenger, Viber. Both parties need the app.
2. O2 Travel Bolt-Ons: £1.99/day (Europe) or £6/month for unlimited calls/texts/data in EU/EEA. Germany included.
3. Wi-Fi Calling: If enabled, texts over Wi-Fi count as domestic (check plan).
4. eSIM/local SIM: For stays >1 week, German prepaid (Aldi Talk, Lidl Connect, Telekom) ~€10 for 10GB + unlimited DE texts.

Critical Caveats

• MMS (photos/group texts): Often £0.65–£1.50 even on "unlimited SMS" plans. Use apps.
• Receiving: Free on all UK networks.
• Brexit: UK networks no longer bound by EU "roam like at home." O2 voluntarily retains EU roaming (fair use: 25GB/mo). Confirm before travel.
• Short codes/premium: Never work internationally.

Bottom Line

Don't pay 50p/text. Install WhatsApp/Signal. If you must use SMS, add O2's £6/month Europe bolt-on. For a 2-week trip, a German eSIM (Airalo, Holafly, local) costs ~£10 and gives you data + local number.