sending iMessage to an international iPhone cell phone number

[mlody]

I have a quick question about using iMessage with an iPhone user that has a cell phone registered in a different country

I understand that in order to call a number outside the US, I need to dial 011+country code +city code and phone number.

This is the same case to initiate a text message.

Would this also be the same case to initiate an iMessage, or FaceTime Audio/Video Call?

I am not talking about using iCloud e-mail address and using that e-mail address but the actual cell phone number? Since all the iPhones register a cell phone number automatically with the Apple servers how does Apple know how to route the iMessage or FaceTime between iPhones that reside in different countries?

I appreciate any info.

 

[dkh587]

I messaged someone in Europe once(I'm in South Carolina), and it automatically changed to iMessage once I put in their phone number. I don't know how they do it, but "it just works"

 

[Ripcrod]

I live in Germany & I normally use iMessage to my friend in Philippines.

What I know is that both the members has to enable iMessage on their mobile phone.

I think me have activated my mobile number and not on Apple account

I cannot speak for technology behind this as I have no idea but what I know is that I am never charged.

The only charge if I use via LTE/3G is the data cost

 

[desertman]

I believe that you only can send iMessages to people in other countries when they have an email address associated with their iMessages account.

That is at least the case for me:

I just started a message to a German iPhone number and the color remained green which means it is a normal text message. I then started a message to the same person but used her German email address - and the color changed to blue which means that it is an iMessage.

 

[mlody]

I tried to use iMessage with some of my friends and once I inputed their number into a contact list (including city/country codes), I was able to successfully start iMessage conversations - it worked great; no delays etc. The delivery and read status was also available. I am very happy with the service.

Thank you all for the info.