Is Google Voice a good option for making international calls back to the USA while living in Thailand?

Jul 21, 2024
5 months ago
Ora *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
Hello I am in processing of moving back to bkk . If anyone know the google voice is good option for free international call back to USA ? Or Skype ? I need to remain US phone base in order to contact US bank . I will also don’t want to cancel US phone service yet.
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TLDR : Answer Summary
The conversation discusses options for making free or low-cost calls from Thailand to the USA. Users recommend using Google Voice for keeping a US number and making calls. They highlight that Google Voice requires periodic verification using an existing US number. Others suggest alternatives like Skype, especially for its reliability with banks, and mention Rebtel and Yolla as cost-effective calling apps. Additionally, LINE is mentioned as a free option for calling family if they also use the app.
Robert *****
Sign up for free LINE DOT COM ….I call my USA family In the US and New Zealand for free. Everyone I know in Thailand has LINE on there phone.
Jason ********
I pay $6.50 per month for a Skype phone number. Works perfectly for texts and calls. You can choose your area code as well when you choose your number.
Ora *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Jason *******
I have Skype already set up but how do you choose the area code
Jason ********
@Ora ******
When you go through the process of buying a number, it will give you the option. It's been a long time so I don't remember exactly...
Eric **********
I use Skype for my Fidelity account and my bank back home. Flawless.Works with Social Security and IRS site too.
Brian *******
Use Yolla....works well.

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Max *************
Use Rebtel instead. A very cheap and easy way to call abroad,in your case the US. Download the app,register and top-up $5. It will last a long time. I have used Rebtel for years.

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Terary **********
I use google voice. GV Requires you verify the number a couple times a year. A couple of times a year I have a friend in the US enter a text code that is sent to my phone. Hence, your GV will need to be associated with a active working number with a person to do the verification.
Donald ***********
Yes, I have used Google voice to keep my US phone number while living in Thailand for more than 2 years.
Ora *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Donald **********
is it free ?
Donald ***********
@Ora ******
I think Google Voice is very close to free. I combine it with Google Fi, a phone service in the US. I pay about 600 baht per month to Google Fi.
Kenny *****
Yes setup google voice by porting yr cell phone to it.

I have been using gg voice since last year. Its a good thing to have for the 2ndary text and voice security confirmation from banks.
Ora *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Kenny ****
I just signed up G V and get phone number . I want to make sure it is no cost . How do you make a call out from GV ?
Kenny *****
@Ora ******
yes no cost unless you want to port yr current # to ggv, porting charges is US$20.
Kenny *****
@Ora ******
need to download ggv from playstore, sign in with yr google account and it should work from yr cell phone.
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