Forget SMS, ChatSim offers unlimited free chatting to mobile users as they travel the world

Described as the world's first "instant messaging mobile operator", ChatSim aims to take the pain out of travelling with a mobile phone. Roaming charges can quickly mount up for travellers who lose track of the number of texts they send, and in order to avoid high data fees, you might find yourself seeking out Wi-Fi connections to make use of the likes of WhatsApp instead.

But there is an alternative. ChatSim lets you stay in touch without worrying about the cost. Buy a SIM card for just $25, £16 or €20, and you can send an unlimited number of messages -- over Wi-Fi or 4G... whatever connection you have available -- without incurring any additional charges. Sounds good? It gets better.

This is not a SIM card that is limited to use in just a handful of countries. With partnerships in more than 150 countries and over 250 providers, the chances are that if you go there, ChatSim can be used there. This is a SIM card that's all about staying in touch without breaking the bank, and while you can only send text and emoji based messages through your favorites IM app -- WhatsApp, Telegram, Facebook Messenger, WeChat, LINE, QQ to name but a few -- there are no limits on the number that can be sent.

ChatSim says:

No longer do holiday-makers have to wait until they find a WiFi hotspot when they land on foreign turf, or worry about not being able to get in touch with loved ones for fear of the cost. By simply swapping in a SIM which instantly connects to a local operator, they can message friends and family, using any of the compatible chat apps already on their phone, including WhatsApp, Messenger and WeChat.

But of course, you may want to take things a step further, and this is where you will have to pay a little extra. If you want to send photos or videos, or make voice calls, you can purchase extra credits in the form of a "multimedia recharge".

Find out more at ChatSim.com.