Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What does the Globaltext service cost?
A: We charge CDN 10c per outgoing message and CDN 10c for incoming messages to your Globaltext account.
Q: Do I need to enter a contract with Globaltext?
A: No. You Pay as You Go. You purchase credits online in CDN $12.95 or CDN $24.95 bundles. For the CDN $12.95 package you will receive 86 international text messages.
For the CDN $24.95 package you will receive 172 international text messages. Special rates apply to NGO and International Relief organization staff. Please contact us.
Q: I don’t have a credit card. How do I pay?
A: You can make a direct Internet deposit into our account through Royal Bank. Or you may go to any Royal Bank Branch to deposit directly into our account. We also accept Money Orders. For further information check Member Area and click on Account Balance. You must email us when you have made your direct deposit, giving your full name and the amount you deposited. Remember to deposit either CDN $12.95 or CDN $24.95.
Q: What if I have run out of credits in my Globaltext account?
A: The person entered in your account “Settings” selected to look after your account while you are away, will receive an email advising them that your account has run out of credits. They may add new credits by accessing “Account Balance” in the “Member Area” of your Globaltext account.
Q: What happens to any credits left in my account?
A: We suggest that you use all your credits before closing your account.
Q: How do I know what my balance is?
A: Click on “Account Balance” in the Member Area.
Q: How does Globaltext work?
A: Our system is a PC to cell phone - cell phone to PC application much like
e-mail. Your account can be used to “Stay in Contact” with your overseas friends or when you travel. Through our service travelers are able to send text messages to their own password-protected web-based account. Anyone, anywhere in the world to whom the traveler has given his/her Globaltext username and password, may log into the account and view/respond to the messages in a format similar to e-mail. Our service delivers the recipient’s online response directly to the traveler’s cell phone as a text message. We also provide an e-mail notification to the account holder/administrator each time a new message arrives into the Globaltext account.
Q: Who can look after my account while I am away?
A: We strongly recommend assigning a family member, co-worker or friend to monitor your Globaltext account during your absence. This person ensures that your cell phone information is kept current and accurate in your account, serves as a local contact for Globaltext and can also “Top Up” your account while you are away. (Remember to change the “Settings” in your account to reflect the telephone number and email address of the person looking after your account while you are away.)
Q: Do I need a cell phone to use Globaltext?
A: No. You don’t need a cell phone to use our service. You use any internet-connected PC to send messages to the cell phone of those you care about. The traveler (your overseas friend) replies (by text message) directly to your messages. All messages to and from the traveler and his/her recipients are received and logged in your online password-protected Globaltext account.
Q: Do I need a cell phone if I am the traveler?
A: Yes. Depending upon your destination(s), you will require a dual, tri- or
quad band unlocked cell phone. Most cell phones today are “locked” to a given service provider. You will need to unlock your cell phone or purchase an unlocked phone prior to traveling so as to avoid punitive “roaming” fees. Unlocking allows you to use the cellular services of a local service provider at each of your destinations. Visit our Store for great pricing on unlocked name brand cell phones.
Q: I have an unlocked cell phone. What is the next step?
A: You require a “Pay As You Go” SIM card. These are readily available in the International Arrival Hall at most airports. Check our Globaltext connectivity schedule to make sure that you know which Service Provider’s SIM card you need to purchase, or contact us. For travelers to Africa we supply SIM cards and Airtime. Visit our Store.
Q: I have my SIM card and cell number. What do I do next?
A: When you have your SIM card, ensure that the phone number is entered into your Globaltext Address Book prior to your departure.
Q: I will only get my SIM card on arrival.
A: When you have received your cell phone number, text message your account “Username” (example - Jennifer) to +45609910234 with the exception of travelers to Kenya who must send to +447781480289. Do not add (011); enter the number exactly as displayed, and click “Send”. Each time you acquire a new cell phone number, it is imperative that you follow this procedure. Your number will be automatically updated in your Address Book and your Globaltext account will receive your messages. Obsolete or incorrectly entered cell numbers result in lost messages.
Q: How do I send a message from my online Globaltext account?
A: Enter your "Address" Book. Select a recipient, or multiple recipients, and click on “Send Message to selected”. Only the phone numbers of the recipients will appear in the banner of your message box – not the names.
Q: Can I send a direct message to a person not in my Address Book?
A: Yes. Select “Send Message” and enter the recipient’s phone number only. Do not enter a name. Make sure you have included the country code. If you are sending to multiple recipients, seperate the numbers with a comma - (e.g. for Kenya - country code 254 – it would appear as 2545551235,2543211234 etc).
Q: Can I share my account?
A: Yes. You will need to provide the other users with your Globaltext Username and Password.
Q: How do I change my password?
A: Click on “Settings” in the Member Area and change your password in the Password area. Remember to click on “Save” after you have made any changes.
Q: How long will my Globaltext account remain open?
A: Your account will remain open for 90 days after your last usage
Q: I have opened my account what next?
A: Enter the "Address" Book icon. Click on "New Entry". Then enter your family and friends names and telephone numbers. Start with the country code. Do not add (011).
Q: How do I instigate a message?
A: Write your text message (SMS) and send it to +45609910234.Kenyan travelers send to +447781480289. Your message will be received by your Globaltext account, provided you have opened an account and have entered your number in your address book.
Q: I have a question not listed.
A: If you have a question not listed under this section, please send an email to info@globaltext.ca for further assistance.
Q: Why are my messages not being replied to?
A: -The recipient's phone may be turned off.
-The recipient may be out of area.
-Their message box may be full.
-They may be out of credits. You can add credits to your African recipients' phones. Click on African Airtime
Q: What is a SIM card?
A: A SIM card is a small computer chip, which is easily inserted into the back of the phone, typically under the battery. The SIM stores your Phone Number and Address Book. In North America, SIM cards are provided by GSM providers such as AT&T, Fido, T-Mobile etc. SIM cards are readily available in the International Arrival Halls at airports. Remember to check our Globaltext connectivity schedule to make sure that you know which Service Provider’s SIM card you need to purchase on arrival.
Q: Is it possible to unlock my current cell phone for use abroad?
A: Most cell phones can be unlocked by entering a code into the keypad of the cell phone. You can search online for a company that can provide the code for your make and model of phone at a reasonable one-time fee.
However, in doing so, you could create warranty issues with the provider of your phone. Visit our "Store" for great pricing on unlocked name-brand cell phones.
Q: My text messages are not being delivered to my Globaltext account.
A: Check the number you entered in your Address Book. For correct format, click on "Correct Number Format".