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What are the best options for keeping my US phone number while living in Thailand for over a year?

Visa Expats Thailand Phone Plans International SIM Cards Google Voice Cell Phone Tricks Cost-saving Strategies

Aug 30, 2025

3 days ago

Kyle *********

ORIGINAL POSTER

I just got my DTV approved (woo hoo) 

Looking into cell phone tricks.. 

Thinking about parking my USA number to Google voice $10mo? 

Then just getting a new sim out in Thailand? 

I’ll be out there for over 1 year.

What’s the trick to save your number and not pay a lot monthly? 

(I also don’t have an unlocked phone so my alternative is buying an unlocked phone and dial sim I think? But paying AT&T international plan is pricy.)

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TLDR : Answer Summary

The discussion revolves around options for expats in Thailand to maintain their US phone number while keeping costs low. Suggestions include using Google Voice for $10/month to 'park' the US number, obtaining a new SIM card in Thailand, and exploring alternative providers like US Mobile or other international plans. Several users shared their experiences with different carriers and services that allow continued access to US numbers while living abroad.

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Odia *********

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2 days ago

Lance ******

At some point I saw someone mention a cell service that kept your number and worked about anywhere for like 70 bucks a month unlimited. I work on my phone, so I’d love to find it again. Worth the price because I can write it off and not worry about.

2 days ago

Anonymous ******************

Could someone explain the “parking a number”?

2 days ago

Reed **********

If your American or have a us number you can access you can get the voice number for free as well

2 days ago

Rhys ******

I use a provider in Australia with good roaming options that I use to call clients from abroad from my Aussie number. Then a local eSIM. For data. Works a treat and top up as needed which rolls over

2 days ago

David ***********

I tried Tello at first but it doesn’t (or didn’t) support visual voicemail on iPhone. I pay about $10/mo on US Mobile and it’s flawless. Uses WiFi or my Thai cellular plan overseas.

3 days ago

Neil *****

I used a voip service for my UK number, porting my existing UK number over to them. This allows me to make and receive UK phone calls at no cost as well as receive and make texts. I pay around £8-9 for this.

I just install their app.

This means it also frees up my sim slot and my eSIM on my phone.

I use a physical Thai sim out here and my eSIM if I need data in another country.

3 days ago

Dana *******

All good information! 💪🏽

3 days ago

Bryan *****

I’ve had very good service with Mint Mobile on a iPhone 10/SE. I have been in Thailand 🇹🇭 and various other SEA countries for the last three years. No issues. However for whatever reasons it was problematic with my Android phone.

3 days ago

Don *******

Downgrade your package. I’m still paying extortion of 40 usd per month for my plan

3 days ago

Reply to

Don *******

How Can I Keep My U.S. Cellphone Number When Moving to Thailand Without High Fees?

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