imessage international

Hey guys, I recently got the iphone 5 and a new ipad too.
I've been using a macbook air for nearly two years, but with the iphone 5 and ipad I'm just now really trying to figure out all the benefits of Apple software.

So my question: I live in the U.S. and will be traveling to Europe for a few months. I plan to take my iphone 5 but disable the Verizon cellular data and use wi-fi when available, and maybe a local sim if I can find one that fits.

When I'm on wi-fi, can I use imessage to text for free with people back in the states who also have imessage? Do they have to be on wi-fi also, or just me?

Also, the same goes for facetime. Can I use wi-fi overseas to use facetime with someone in the states and do they need to be on wi-fi (I think not for verizon, right?)?

Thanks for any help you can give me. I've googled around but can't seem to piece together the answers to what I think are pretty simple questions.

stridemat said:

You can iMessage them for free and they do not have to be on wifi, only have an active data connection. The same can be said about FaceTime.

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Excellent -- thank you!