Trying to retrieve voice mails while traveling internationally?

[CFI A&P]

Here's the situation, been doing a decent amount of flying to out of the country lately and I would like to be able to listen to my voice mails using the hotel internet connection. Trying to avoid international rates, so I only make calls with Facetime or use iMessage.

Just trying to listen to the messages. Or a service that will transcribe them so I can read and determine if they are urgent. I've missed flying opportunities in the past because I wasn't able to listen to and return a call until I returned to the States, which is sometimes five days or so.

Using an iPhone 5, AT&T for cell provider & hotel internet. Any suggestions on apps, programs or anything else is appreciated.

 

[BobDDuck]

Do visual voicemails not come through a data (WiFi) connection in iOS?

 

[derg]

Do visual voicemails not come through a data (WiFi) connection in iOS?

Yes

 

[GX]

Google Voice.

Available from the convenience of your handheld, laptop, ipad, ipod, wifi, or data connection. Call forwarding to international numbers too. Even in the most po-dunkiest places on Earth. Ask me how I know.

When Google is more reliable than Sat-Com, it's a head scratcher.

 

[BobDDuck]

Yes

Yes as in "no they don't"? Well that's silly.

And in that case, conditional forwarding (meaning it forwards after x rings without an answer) to a Google voice number.

 

[derg]

Google Voice.

"HELLO TED MARKED FORMED CYBORG IT IS FOURTY OF CLOCK CALL MEEP PACK BY DYE"

Yeeeeeeeeah, that'll be greeeeeat.

 

[GX]

"HELLO TED MARKED FORMED CYBORG IT IS FOURTY OF CLOCK CALL MEEP PACK BY DYE"

Yeeeeeeeeah, that'll be greeeeeat.

It's slightly better than that. You can listen to it, also. Beggar? Meet chooser.

 

[derg]

Yes as in "no they don't"? Well that's silly.

And in that case, conditional forwarding (meaning it forwards after x rings without an answer) to a Google voice number.

I have international data, but when I'm on Wifi, the iPhone will retrieve voicemails through it.

 

[BobDDuck]

I have international data, but when I'm on Wifi, the iPhone will retrieve voicemails through it.

Well there ya go then. The OP doesn't need to do anything except connect to the WiFi.

And... That's one less thing I can mock apple users about.

 

[derg]

Well there ya go then. The OP doesn't need to do anything except connect to the WiFi.

And... That's one less thing I can mock apple users about.

We are wounded and dismayed, Duck!

 

[CFI A&P]

Thanks for the tip about Google Voice, I have a trip tomorrow so I will try it out. Looks like there is a fee associated with it, for all services or just making phone calls?

Previously, while abroad the phone would only display a red dot over phone icon and display "Visual voicemail is not available at this time". That was with Airplane mode enabled, WiFi enabled, cellular data & data roaming off.

 

[GX]

Thanks for the tip about Google Voice, I have a trip tomorrow so I will try it out. Looks like there is a fee associated with it, for all services or just making phone calls?

Previously, while abroad the phone would only display a red dot over phone icon and display "Visual voicemail is not available at this time". That was with Airplane mode enabled, WiFi enabled, cellular data & data roaming off.

Only with the calls. VM is free. Forwarding is free.

 

[Stomp16]

I have T-Mobile and they allow free calling and texting via wifi no matter where you are on the planet. I have taken my phone thru Canada, Europe and the Caribbean and used it just fine via wifi with no extra charges.

 

[Rudabega]

I used magic jack when I went to Aruba, called my cell number, pressed * and put in my password. Sounds like a tin can but it works.

 

[hammerhat]

Only with the calls.

Only for outgoing calls originating or terminating outside of the US. Outgoing calls within U.S. are still free. All incoming calls are free regardless of your and callers location.

 

[hammerhat]

I have T-Mobile and they allow free calling and texting via wifi no matter where you are on the planet. I have taken my phone thru Canada, Europe and the Caribbean and used it just fine via wifi with no extra charges.

Interesting. Can you receive texts via WiFi?

 

[GX]

Interesting. Can you receive texts via WiFi?

Yep. It's how I texted while playing in the sandbox.

Available through both the browser and the app.

 

[Boskru]

I used skype when overseas for that very reason. You can get a skype number for 3 months for only $18 dollars. Then I just went online and had verizon forward my US number to my skype number. Boom....you can check your vmails internationally.

 

[Adler]

I either imessage people or use Google Voice through Talkatone. (google voice you cannot call over wifi with no service turned on, but Talkatone bypasses it).

On verizon, I just call myself and hit # when it goes to voicemail. Then enter your pin, and it will play.

 

[CoffeeIcePapers]

I use Google Voice.