Answereda year ago
How Can I Keep My U.S. Cellphone Number When Moving to Thailand Without High Fees?
I've had my cellphone number for over 30 years and I would like to keep it once I move to Thailand. Can anyone tell me how I can maintain this number, without incurring ridiculous charges from my phone company here in the U.S.? Thanks in advance
Answer summary
The conversation revolves around the options available for expats looking to retain their U.S. cellphone number while relocating to Thailand. Participants share insights on various services such as Google Voice, Tello, and other mobile providers, outlining their pros and cons, especially concerning international usage and costs. Suggestions include porting to different carriers that accommodate international living, using VoIP services, or switching to eSIMs for flexible usage. Many emphasize the importance of maintaining access for two-factor authentication and banking needs.
128 repliesnewest first
Click comment and we will ask for your email, then OTP, then name.
Teddee ********
I use Tello. It's about $15/month plus a little pay as you go for international roaming. I use WhatsApp for pretty much all my calls/messages, so really only use the roaming for like OTP's and calling my bank, stuff like that. It's very affordable.
ฉันเป็นทางของประชาชน *********
T-Mobile international plan
Jim *******
Your bank account in Thai has to have your Thai phone number.
I wll simply shell out 30,000 THB, buy a new Thai iPhone from AIS and get my Thai phone number.
AIS, a tourist SIM phone number that I have, my bank account is with that phone number, can be used, transferred when you buy a iPhone from them.
Expensive it is but then a proof for whatever comes after.
I wll simply shell out 30,000 THB, buy a new Thai iPhone from AIS and get my Thai phone number.
AIS, a tourist SIM phone number that I have, my bank account is with that phone number, can be used, transferred when you buy a iPhone from them.
Expensive it is but then a proof for whatever comes after.
Monair ********
There is no easy way keep the number and pay for it. Has a man you should know jotting is free in this world. Everything for a price.
Frankie *******
I carry 2 phones in thailand.my American phone i use the wi fi at the local hotels n use my old phone with a 7-11 Sim card I purchase n get a thai local no.This way I still get my overseas messages n n the thai tel no to speak to the locals in thailand
Peter ********
tello app is amazing for 5 bucks
Pete **********
I can tell you what I did. I went to my provider and let them know I fulfilled my contract obligations and was closing my account but I was porting my number over to Google. They gave me a security code. I now utilize my former home us cell number as a web based phone now. . As long as i have wifi or on my network I can still utilize my us phone number for everything back home right from my Thailand based phone. Works anywhere I am in world. Over a year now. Free through Google.
Joe *****
@Pete *********
interesting. Is that using Google Voice or Google Fi?Pete **********
@Joe ****
Google voice
Eric *********
@Pete *********
Big fan of Google voice…I use it a lot for 2FA and calling back to the US.
Peter ******
Don't you need a Thai number in order to open a bank account ?
Richard ********
@Peter *****
Kaisikorn required me to have a Thai phone number.
Clare *******
Get a magic jack maybe
Paul **********
what i did was i got the cheapest plan from this cell carrier “red pocket” and its 11$ per month. that has let me keep my cell # and when im in thailand or wherever, you just add an e-sim from whatever data company is where you are. so i have 2 sims right now, 11$ for the american one and that keeps my #, and i have Saily data in thailand for 10$ also per month. when i go back to america to visit, i just use the red pocket service, no issues. good luck
Nick *******
Use Hushed app
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Robert *********
I use Google phone in extended stays abroad including Thailand. Works great
Loma ******
Port out to Google Voice, or Ultra mobile PAYG, $3/month. Or Google Fi.
Tom *******
Transfer your number to Tello. $9/month to maintain the number. I use a Thai simm while in Thailand, but swap simms once a month while in wifi to check for messages/voicemails. Works great
David **********
I do something similar when I visit Thailand fot 6 months....I change it to stand alone voice mail for $6 a month.
David **********
I then get the voice mail messages in my email including 2 factor messages.
John *********
I have AT&T. Was very important for me to have my exact same number for all of my USA contacts even though I live in Thailand. Basically, I pay $120 a month extra. I know that’s a lot, but I still can get all of my bank notices in my two factor authentication messages. It’s worth it to me.
Jim ********
Tello.com
Alain ***************
I don’t know much about US carriers. I’m swiss and need my number mostly for receiving texts from banks and Government. I changed from post paid monthly expensive bill to prepaid before i left. Then i switvhed this number to eSim as i had a physical thai sim already. Do wordt case I could lose the 20 bucks on this prepaid. Ask your provider if and how much they charge for incoming calls or texts abroad. And turn off Voice mail before you leave. Every Few months i have to send a text to either myself or someone else to not lose the number. My swiss provider cancel it after too much inactivity
Christian **********
I'll second those who suggest porting your number to Google Voice. There are occasions when institutions won't send to VoIP numbers so be mindful and make advance arrangements. Google Voice costs nothing to maintain and can be used where wherever you have WiFi or data.
Gerg **********
I just kept my U.S. number and pay $25 a month with Visible for it so I can use it to access bank accounts with security codes sent to that number when I’m using banking apps from the U.S. I also have a Thai number that is in my iPhone 15. They are both eSIMs (no physical SIM card) so I can switch back and forth between numbers easily in my phone when needed. When I visit the states I can use my U.S. number normally. I normally just use Facebook messenger to text and video chat with family back home. Works great for me.
Charles ********
OP@Gerg *********
I didn't think about that until now. Sounds like this is what I'll do. Thanks a bunch
Steven *********
Switch to Tello if in US. Can port number and choose plan from $5 for basic to get 2 factor verification and$25 for unlimited. Porting goes quickly. I do not know what other countries the porting works with but must happen while in home country
Douglas *********
Let go
Charles ********
OP@Douglas ********
i can't🤷🏽
Alek *********
For what? Use internet call....
Jay *******
I moved my number to mint mobile to keep my number. $15 a month
Charles ********
OP@Jay ******
but can you make and receive calls overseas like you do in your home country?Jay *******
@Charles *******
like every other carrier you would have to buy a roaming package. I use it to keep my US phone number active so I can use my banking apps back home.
Cedric ******
I still have Spectrum for $50 a month over here
Charles ********
OP@Cedric *****
do you have the same number as you did at home?
Mel ******
Maybe try porting to phone2
Bernard **********
I keep mine last year because it is a business line it was like 500 a month canadians
Charles ********
OP@Bernard *********
whew. Expensive
Charles **********
You must port your number while still in the USA, I plan to do it in a few weeks. I think it cost $20
Thomas *******
@Charles *********
I ported my T-Mobile to Tello while I was at home in Thailand last week.Charles **********
@Thomas ******
why telo? Do you live in thailand now? I've heard of telo, does it work with your bank?Charles **********
Thomas *******
@Charles *********
it's the Thrift Savings Plan that I was part of as a US government employee. Very similar to a 401k for the private sector.Charles **********
@Thomas ******
what is TSP ?Thomas *******
@Charles *********
Yes, I live in Thailand now. I ported to Tello because after 90 days in Thailand T-mobile will cut you off if you're living here and they won't tell you when they do. Tello has worked with my US credit union credit card so far. It's only been a month, but from everything I have read, it's the way to go. I need 2fa so it's the way to go as far as I have seen. It also saves me $80 a month compared to what T-mobile charged up to the point of them canceling me. I only use my US number for TSP authentication. TSP won't do email authentication without a huge runaround.
Breeze *******
Port your number to spectrum mobile. Then, for $40 a month, you can have a plan that will allow you to use your number almost everywhere in the world, and it will give you 10 gigs of data per month when overseas and 40 gigs per month when in the US. Another alternative is to Port your number to a Google phone number.
Jack ********
Tello
Martyn *******
I have a fone with two SIM slots, one for UK one for Thailand. Just adjust the settings for your location, simples
Charles ********
OP@Martyn ******
thanks. I'll look into that.
Paulette ******
F
Diane *******************
@Kim *******
this sounds interesting.
Williams *******
You mean mobile
Charles ********
OP@Williams ******
yes
Roland *******
Esim
Charles ********
OP@Roland ******
can I keep my same number and friends and family call me?Roland *******
@Charles *******
. I use messenger for free phone calls and downloaded the app Yolla to place calls for local business such as Banks . Really nice app older people don't use messenger and you can call them in a jiffy. The app Yolla uses your contacts list for easy work. Good luck to you 🤞
Robert *******
Agree with recommendations to go with Tello. Port for free, $5.00 a month and get 2FA that really works including voice over WiFi anywhere. I previously used Google voice but had issues with Chase fraud who detected Google voice and that was that.
Charles ********
OP@Robert ******
what was the issue?
Mark ********
I’ve used T-mobile in Thailand for eight years. Around $57 a month and the same number I had for 25 years. Free texting.
Jim ********
@Mark *******
tello.com does the same thing $7 a month. Just port your number.
Sriv****
Just transfer it to Google voice if you are in the USA. You won't have any monthly charges and you will still be able to use this on your phone to get text messages and even make calls over Wi-Fi
Charles ********
OP@Sriv****
so maybe I could get a thai sim card for data, then use Google voice for calls?Sriv****
@Charles *******
yes you can do that
Sriv****
@Jamie ********
For the most part yes. There are some institutions however that recognize this is a VoIP number and they won't accept it but those are few and far between.
Greg *********
************
Greg *********
Fongo allows you to keep your existing number
Charles ********
OP@Greg ********
I'll check it out. Thanks
Dave *********
Tello is what we’re going to do in a few weeks. It lets you keep your number then you switch to a pay-as-you-go plan for $6/mo or something.
We’re avoiding Google Voice because we need this for 2FA for banks and government websites.
We’re avoiding Google Voice because we need this for 2FA for banks and government websites.
Charles ********
OP@Dave ********
what is 2FA?
James *******
@Dave ********
why cant Google voice confirm 2FA?Dave *********
@James ******
so it CAN confirm, but depends on your bank or the company you’re transacting with.Dave *********
@James ******
I’m not a tech guy but I believe it’s something about virtual phone numbers vs “real” phone numbers. Virtual numbers can be spoofed and hacked so many financial institutions won’t allow those numbers for 2FA.
Philip ********
Yeah, just reduce your plan. I have AT&T. I’ve had my same number for years. I dropped down to a $30 month pay as you go. It allows Wi-Fi calling so when I’m in Thailand, as long as I have Wi-Fi, I can call anywhere and since it’s a normal AT&T number second part authentication is no issue.
Charles ********
OP@Philip *******
i would rather have a need to be able to call at anytime, not just the times where wifi is available and not to pay for an American plan monthly when im not living there but if there's no other choices, I'll do it. ThanksJim ********
@Philip *******
tello.com is the $7 month for the same thing. Just port your number.
Robert *********
Have a Thai phone and a us in a very reduced plan
Charles ********
OP@Robert ********
I just don't want to pay 2 phone plansAlison ******
Check out Google Fi-
Charles ********
OP@Alison *****
I will. Thanks
Mike *******
Alison ******
@Mike ******
guess I got lucky- was there for a year… and no problem.Alison ******
@Mike ******
hmmmm- was in thailand a year last year- did not have a problem. I did use WhatsApp- but wanted to my same us number- and Google fi worked for me.Mike *******
@Alison *****
well it says in there contract that if lets say your from the U.S and your out of the country forMore than 90days that it will end after 90days. It says it in there Google fi policy so thats why i said that and others that have used it had the same experience. I guess you got lucky or doing something different
Alison ******
Wanted to keep my number
Alison ******
I keep a us address- you can live in thailand also.
James **********
@Alison *****
I have been told that if you drop your US address Google Fi will kick you off.
Robert **********
I forwarded mine to Google Drive before I left the United States seven years ago. It still works. It seems like you can’t get a drive unless you’re in the United States to store it though. When people call it, they get a message that says say your name, and then it puts them through and ask if you want to receive a call from John, etc.
Charles ********
OP@Robert *********
and do you incur any charges from this?
Alex ********
Honestly I had the same question. Same cellphone number for 24 years. I have Verizon here in the U.S and I think about this often since I'll get investing in SIM cards
Charles ********
OP@Alex *******
I got a sim card when I went to thailand 4 months ago but once I got home and put my sim card back in my phone, I didn't get info about missed calls texts or anything
Felicia ******
@Alex *******
I also live in the states and currently have Verizon. I recently learned Verizon offers a unlimited international plan for about $100 a month. It’s a bit pricey compared to the local plans.Alex ********
@Felicia *****
this only applies to travel. I went to Verizon recently and this isn't long-term as I wanted to change to this plan. I asked a lot of questions and the short answer is 3 months max. If you keep using this plan while traveling and bouncing around countries, they can suspend it for misuse. This is mostly for business and people that need to travel to multiple countries multiple times a year but you still need to have your plan stable and mostly in the States where at least 7 months out of the year. You can ask them yourself. Be careful If you specifically got this plan just for that. You can't just use this for 6+ months straight or somethingFelicia ******
Thanks
@Alex *******
for the info. Of course, they didn’t tell me that.. perhaps because I am only staying 4 months to scout. I thought this was a short and long term solution.
Nick ********
My US T-Mobile number works perfectly in Thailand for calling and texting to and from USA and does Line, FB, and Instagram too, without buying a sim. I think they have a Thailand internal calling plan too.
Thomas *******
@Nick *******
just out of curiosity, how long will you stay here? Before I moved over in June, I asked how long I could keep my account active (T-Mobile) and they told me that after 90 days they would shut it down with no warning. I ported my number to Tello and I haven't had any problems, granted I just recently did it here in Thailand.Charles ********
OP@Nick *******
and you don't have to pay for an international plan like At&t charges $10 a day for?
Frank *******
@Nick *******
but doesn't it cost a lot, to get it to work in Thailand, if I get my Mint Mobile to work overseas it costs $20 for every 10 days, Mint Mobil was bought by T-Mobile and uses the T-Mobile networkJim ********
Cost way too much. Tello.com cost $7/month to keep your US number and AIS is ฿2200 for 12 months.
Bill *********
@Nick *******
Same here. T-Mobile works great in Thailand and equally well as I travel to nearby countries. As important, when I go back to the USA for a visit my phone acts as like I had never left.
James ***********
Keep it and see if you can change it to a e-sim. And if they support wifi calling you can call and answer without additional charges.
Braulio *********
Helplessly
Pavel ******
Tello !!! 7$ per month real cell phone .
Charles ********
OP@Pavel *****
I'll check this out. ThanksThomas *******
@Pavel *****
just ported my US number to Tello. No complaints so far.
Mike ********
@Christopher *****
agree. Only $20 to port and then text and call using data. Has to be done before you leaveTony *********
I think there are some apps that allow you to keep and port over your number. I think if you attempt to get it onto any Thai sim card you will lose it.
I have a UK number not old like your one but Im sure you can port over numbers. I use Vyke but there are others and I'm sure I've seen American ones too. I have a list on a note I'll check tomorrow but you should be able to find these type of companies by Googling 🙏🏼
I have a UK number not old like your one but Im sure you can port over numbers. I use Vyke but there are others and I'm sure I've seen American ones too. I have a list on a note I'll check tomorrow but you should be able to find these type of companies by Googling 🙏🏼
Charles ********
OP@Tony ********
thank youTony *********
2.
Mytello*
Quoted as 1p per minute
3.
Viber (buy credit)
4.
Keep calling app
Quoted as less than 1p a minute
5.
Yolla from app store - supposedly cheap rates
6.
Talk 360 from app store- supposedly cheap rates
Talk 360 is what I’ve been using for a couple of years. 4p a minute to any number
7.
Frynga
Search for Frynga will cost 0.03 a minute
Mytello*
Quoted as 1p per minute
3.
Viber (buy credit)
4.
Keep calling app
Quoted as less than 1p a minute
5.
Yolla from app store - supposedly cheap rates
6.
Talk 360 from app store- supposedly cheap rates
Talk 360 is what I’ve been using for a couple of years. 4p a minute to any number
7.
Frynga
Search for Frynga will cost 0.03 a minute
David **********
@Tony ********
Viber lets you call toll free 800 numbers for frerTony *********
@David *********
- OK no worries... I'm sure a delivery driver used it the other day to call me.. I'll check my call log 555David **********
@Tony ********
have not tried Thai numbers..i just use it for 800 numbers since skype went awayTony *********
@David *********
- I have just signed up to this but haven't really used it yet.Can you call Thai numbers for free? I don't call home just easier to use an app.
Christopher ***********
@Tony ********
Vyke offers virtual mobile numbers for; USA, UK, Israel, Canada, Austria, Australia, Finland and Mexico. Can port your existing number if you wish.Tony *********
@Christopher **********
- I thought that was the case... there's a lot of these type of companies so he shouldn't have a problem
Christopher ******
Port it to google voice
Charles ********
OP@Christopher *****
thank you
Tom ********
@Christopher *****
thisAlex ********
@Christopher *****
is this what you do? How's the process? I've never done itChristopher ******
John *******
Wow, must have been one of the first cellphones
Hannah ********
@John ******
I’ve had mine for 19 years….John *******
@Hannah *******
19 years isn’t 30. 30 would be 1995. That is really early.Dan *****
@John ******
try using Tello mobile company. I selected a plan $7.00 per month with 2GB, 300 minutes and unlimited messages. You can choose even cheaper plan. That is a great deal since you may need your US number for banking authorization code.John *******
@Dan ****
I use T-MobileJohn *******
@Dan ****
- I don’t need to port anything. My T-Mobile phone and us number works here and across the region. Also have a Thai sim (dual sim) so have local number tooDan *****
@John ******
I use T-Mobile too. I just ported my number from T-Mobile to Tello. By the way, Tello uses T-Mobile services in US. When you back to US, you can change to unlimited plan instantly.
Dario *********
@John ******
no hay seriedad. Me hiciste reírActivity
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