Theo Markettos wrote:
It might be worth investigating providers who can do data, then use a Java
app on the phone to send texts - then it's just a few pennies per text plus
the data cost (which should be fairly small, even at extortionate-per-KB).

Trouble is, if she gets a local SIM her friends will be paying 20-30p per
text to send to Malaysia, and those won't be covered by inclusive text
packages. Though they could use Java apps too, it all gets a bit messy.

Another option might be an 'international' roaming SIM... if you get one
with a +44 number from, say, the Isle of Man, that might be covered under
her friends text packages. Texts would probably still be cheaper than 20p,
but still not very cheap.

I just checked 0044's global SIM and to text from Malaysia to UK is 43p.
Ouch! But maybe there are others.

Theo