How to text internationally?

My best friend recently moved to Saudi Arabia, and it would be great if we could SMS or text each other, but how? My phone plan costs too much. I have an iPhone & I'm willing to pay a decent amount in order to be able to get responses from her too.

There's an awesome app in the market i don't know if it would be available in the apple dince i have an android but its called "viber" i personally love it! You both can download it its free you can text talk and send pictures its awesome try that out because it may be expensive to switch your plan!

Why don't u both use WhatsApp. This is compatible with IPhone, Droid and BB. But you'll have to get a data plan for this.

Another option is: "Rebtel" that has international texting apps for Android phones, Windows Phone, your PC, and will even work on non-smartphones so you can send cheap SMS from anywhere on almost any device. All you have to do is enter your phone number with Rebtel, then the numbers of your friends and family. Rebtel will create local numbers for each one

I've also heard of VOYPI. It says that its free but haven't used. You can try this also.

You can use voxer, both need to install it on your phone. Actually if they have an iphone then imsgs are already free… You will know because the color has a different tint when it recognizes it as imsg.