Forum Discussion

perica's avatar
perica
SMARTY Pioneer
19-04-2023

Verification code via SMS from abroad

I can't receive verification code SMS from a bank from abroad.

Are there any specific settings that I need to adjust on my phone to receive the verification code SMS? (I did a basic setting for roaming in the EU, which Smarty suggested when I joined).

Thank you.

9 Replies

  • KalpanaV_766193's avatar
    KalpanaV_766193
    SMARTY Pioneer
    25-04-2024

    Just found that add to the Out of Plan amount activates the SMS service when abroad even though the SMS is free.!!! Can you believe that?

    • MSF's avatar
      MSF
      SMARTY Guru
      25-04-2024

      KalpanaV_766193  Are you suggesting that you were charged to receive an SMS while roaming outside of the UK? Or are you saying that you needed to add credit, but were not actually charged?

      In the Price Guide, I can find no mention of any charge to receive an SMS anywhere (charges do however apply to receiving calls while roaming outside EU).

      If this is the case, I recommend a web chat with Support Team so that they can check your account records.

  • KevinRu_1486869's avatar
    KevinRu_1486869
    SMARTY Enquirer
    01-05-2023

    I am having the same problem, any updates to this?

    • MSF's avatar
      MSF
      SMARTY Guru
      01-05-2023

      Hi KevinRu_1486869 . I am not sure if there will really be any updates because it seems to be working fine for some of us and not for others.

      I had no problem in receiving verification in EU last week.

      The suggestion that it depends upon who the bank use to generate the message may well be the correct one I think.

  • StephenW_474667's avatar
    StephenW_474667
    SMARTY Pioneer
    20-04-2023

    I have the same problem.  It was working fine until this week.  Now it takes around 24 hours to receive the confirmation sms.  Something has changed.

  • MSF's avatar
    MSF
    SMARTY Guru
    19-04-2023

    Is the bank using your number preceded by +44?

     I receive texts from UK banks etc while abroad with no problem.

    • perica's avatar
      perica
      SMARTY Pioneer
      20-04-2023

      Thanks. Yes they do use +44, so don't know why it doesn't go through.

      It might be more straightforward when bank and mobile operator originate from the same country. 

      Thanks.

      • Chalkychap's avatar
        Chalkychap
        SMARTY Trendsetter
        20-04-2023

        Often the banks et cetera use a specialist service provider to allow their banking computer systems to generate an SMS, and have that SMS sent to given mobile number. 

        Banks change suppliers from time to time, which sometimes results in SMS network routing issues that may or may not be fixed.

        Another possible issue might be the banks SMS specialist service provider, doesn't allow SMS messages to be sent to an overseas number.