I need to modify text that is created in illustrator, and exported as an AI file. I know this can be problematic in Inkscape. I have tried converting to path, and grouping and editing notes, however of course all you can do is alter or delete the characters. You can’t actually change the letters to be something different as the font is not imported. 
 

Is there a setting or format I can ask the designer to save the illustrator files in, that allows me to open the file in Inkscape and modify the text to show different letters in the same font?

I'd try saving as SVG in Illustrator.

I'd also ask the designer to send the fonts that are used.

Thanks, the files are sent to me as both AI and SVG. I can open the SVG and edit nodes however cannot change the font to different letters. Was hoping there is a way I can open an Illustrator file and edit text in Inkscape, as if I was working in Illustrator.

The best option is the SVG. I'd tell the designer to keep the text as text, not paths/curves.

Please share example files.

Thanks, good advice. I will speak with my designer and will also get a sample to upload. Thanks for your help. 

@tylerdurden, here are a couple of example files both in SVG. I have also included AI for one of them (I don't have the AI for the other)

The reason the text is backwards is they are cookie stamps, so the text needs to be reversed for pressing into fondant to create the impression the right way around. What I am wanting to do is be able to change for example a number in the 'made in' file, or the child's name in the communion stamp.

For whatever reason, all the text has been converted to paths, even in the Ai file.

The easiest way to revise these, is to delete the name or date paths and type new text into the designs.

Thanks, was hoping to avoid having to retype text if possible however think I am pushing my luck here. Will try that thanks :)