Answereda year ago
What are the best phone plans to retain a U.S. number while living in Thailand?
I apologize as I'm sure this question has been asked but any advice as to the best phone plan to keep U.S. number would be appreciated. TIA
Answer summary
Several users shared their experiences and recommendations for maintaining a U.S. phone number while living in Thailand. Google Fi and T-Mobile were frequently mentioned as effective options, with T-Mobile allowing for good connectivity across Southeast Asia. Users suggested using a dual SIM setup or eSIM to switch between a U.S. and a Thai number. VoIP services like Google Voice were also noted for handling authentication concerns. Alternatives like Mint Mobile and Tello offered affordable plans for those looking to keep their U.S. number active.
89 repliesnewest first
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Jackie *********
Get a dual sim Kept uk number on plan and Thai no pay as you go. Simple’s
Ed *****
Use mint Sim, and ais esim. Just switch between two Sim, to be primary depending on current location for data. Allows to receive otp authentication between countries.
Steve **********
OP@Ed ****
thank you
James *******
Google Voice. It is free. I use for 12 years
Gerald ********
I am not certain if this the solution, but what I do i use a phone with two SIM slots or eSIM compatibility. Keep the US sim i one slot and buy a Thai sim in the other, so if you get a call from the US it will still come to you via the US sim and the Thai sim for all you local needs calls and data. just make sure that the US sim is not set as the main sim and its not data enableld or roaming switched on
Brian *********
I ported my US phone to Google Voice.
$20 to port, free thereafter.
I believe you need to be in the US to do this. 👌
$20 to port, free thereafter.
I believe you need to be in the US to do this. 👌
James *********
I gave up TMobile for an E-sim with USMobile. So far, so good!
Joshua *******************
T-Mobile
John ********
Correct! Asked a Zillion times
Rich ************
I bought a Samsung with a Thai number and used my US phone with internet and received all my text messages, US phone companies charge way too much. Buy an extra phone
Sean **********
I am on T Mobile. $40 a month. I can use it and use it to contact my bank( Free texting but 25 cent calls)but bought an AIS package for less than $100 a year.
Janelle *****
Google fi
Richard ********
I use US Mobile. Cheap and I get free Wifi calls and texts from the US (as long as I'm near a Wifi source of course).
Bill *********
If you turn off data roaming just use Wi-Fi and you’re good .
Bill *********
AT&T has international day pass so does other carriers have international plans .
Axel ******
If you have a phone with 2 SIM card slots, you can put your US SIM in slot 1, and your Thai SIM in slot 2. Toogle between both or have both active at the same time.
Mike **********
If you have AT&T USA service
You can use WI-FI feature on your USA phone and have full access.
Just haven't be on a WI-FI router
Fairly easy
You can use WI-FI feature on your USA phone and have full access.
Just haven't be on a WI-FI router
Fairly easy
Benny ******
I use Magic Jack for my USA landline at home. It comes with the Magic App for your phone and that gives you a USA number for calls and texts when you have data or Wi-Fi. It's handy for taking care of business back home.
Greg *********
I use Visible. It’s $25/month and I have it in my IPhone as an eSIM along with my Thai number, which I use most of the time.
John ******
I think the issue is that people wants to maintain their US number, it is required for banking and verification purposes. You can use the US number on WhatsApp with WiFi but you can’t call 800 numbers back in the states.
And I guess you could use an eSIM for the international part.
And I guess you could use an eSIM for the international part.
Kenny *****
I use a combination of Google voice and local AIS. works for me 2 yrs already and its free for US text service for Google voice.
Mark ********
T-Mobil
Paul ******************
Magic Jack Magic App
Martin *********
I have Trac phone for my bank. The phone is set for Wi-Fi calling and I only use it to get confirmation texts from my bank. Only $100 per year.
Bob **********
T Mobile has a good plan for getting texts and Mint mobile works great gotta get em at home unless you have an e sim option
Pierre ********
Have you considered porting your US phone number to a VoIP app ?
I’ve done it for my Canadian phone number. Way much cheaper, same number and you can receive calls and SMS.
I’ve done it for my Canadian phone number. Way much cheaper, same number and you can receive calls and SMS.
Michelle *********
@Pierre *******
can you receive 2 step verifications from bank with it?Pierre ********
but there are workarounds for these sometimes (emails or other devices for MFA)
Pierre ********
@Michelle ********
ah! That’s a good question as it is indeed a problem for 2 steps authentication. Some works, my bank works but it also do it via email.
It doesn’t work with Apple, Wise and Amazon for instance
Kevin **********
The only problem is if you have a US number and phone plan only, Roaming becomes expensive with Google maps if you decide to drive. To the tune of $100+ a month.
Bruce **********
@Kevin *********
If you download Google maps for your region then you won't have to use data. It works with gps.Kevin **********
@Bruce *********
Thanks, that's likely what issue wasKevin **********
@Bruce *********
Do I need a Thai sim card for that. Which is no big deal. Everyone uses FB messenger to converse and text to, from and in ThailandKevin **********
@Bruce *********
Im confused. I have Google maps already. I'm in my car so there is no WIFI. I'm being charged expensive roaming charges because I'm outside my network's coverage area.Bruce **********
@Kevin *********
you don't need any sim card for maps' just download the maps before you arrive or just use WiFi to download the maps 🙂
Bernard **************
Good question.
Can I get a new number via an eSim in my unlocked phone then associate that number to my Google Voice number?
Which carrier should I use to get the new eSim number in Thailand?
Can I get a new number via an eSim in my unlocked phone then associate that number to my Google Voice number?
Which carrier should I use to get the new eSim number in Thailand?
Mark ********
I am currently using Tello..
Here is the process.
1, turn off other sim cark
2. Turn on V,PN
3 make your call
I have called my banks and credit card company this way..
I also get text messages to stateside number..
A little cumbersome but it works well.
Here is the process.
1, turn off other sim cark
2. Turn on V,PN
3 make your call
I have called my banks and credit card company this way..
I also get text messages to stateside number..
A little cumbersome but it works well.
Danny *******
I have Verizon and just use it on WiFi for calls home and text messages. Cost nothing.
Jack *****
@Danny ******
do you still have a monthly bill with Verizon??Danny *******
@Jack ****
yesKarl *********
@Danny ******
could I do the same with t-mobile?Woody *********
@Karl ********
yes, I have done this.Danny *******
@Karl ********
Don’t know, you’d need to check your plan but Wi-Fi calling is not uncommon.Karl *********
William ***********
For $89 you can get a US eSIM number, 365 days of service, works in 140 countries from Airalo. Just renew the $89 yearly. Uses the AIS system when in Thailand.
Woody *********
@William **********
one correction, eSIM is not VoIP. eSIM from your US carrier will work fine and no issues with banking, cc, etcWilliam ***********
@Woody ********
yes Airalo is an eSIM. $89 for a year of service is much less expensive than a US carrier will charge.
Vinson *******
@William **********
I believe that he actually is looking for a way to get 2 step authentication from his North American Banks , Credit card providers and al other services that require authentication including govt websites This cannot be done with Airalo ( which I have used ) or any other eSim
You need to use the sim from home , banks use this as the first line of fraud prevention
Their software detects VOIP and other types of internet and refuses to send any authentication codes to them.
SKYPE was the only thing to work sometimes , but not with more sophisticated systems
SKYPE is no longer in business ,it shut down May 2,2025
Mark ********
Mint is now owned by t-mobile
Jay *******
Anyone have experience with mint mobile?
Benny ******
@Jay ******
Mint is great for me in the US. Right now they have a full year plan for 240 and that's unlimited everything. I take the mint SIM card out in Thailand and use a Thai sim card . Mint offers roaming but that can be pricey. I prefer to just use Wi-Fi and a Thai sim card in Thailand.Rich ************
@Benny *****
you using a Thai sim. I bought a new phone with a two month plan for $89 US. Kept my iPhone using on internetBenny ******
@Rich ***********
Smart moveJay *******
@Benny *****
that's my plan, just need to keep my US number active. ThxBenny ******
@Jay ******
If you switch to Magic Jack you may be able to carry that number with you. You'll then get an app to use that number on for calling and texting but I would verify if you can keep the number active that way
Jay *******
Verizon or T mobile
Steve ********
I keep my number with T-Mobile. Basic plan for $75 a month. I rarely use it, but when I do, it’s cheap.
Bob **********
@Steve *******
Mint Mobile is like $175 a yearSteve **********
OP@Steve *******
i have tmobile and read they disconnect after 2 months if abroad, I use a Thai physical Sim for wifi and required Thai telephone number (banking). No issues with tmobile ?Steve ********
@Steve *********
no issues at all. They are all over SE Asia. My plan has 5gb data and messaging and then if I need to use it to make a call, it’s 25* a minute. I don’t use it though. I use *****
on my Thai sim. I usually buy 60 minutes call time every 90 days. Very inexpensive.
Steve **********
@St***
definitely do not disconnect. I have lived outside of the states since feb 2016 with the same TMobile number and plan and have never had an issue.
Abey *********
eSIM is the answer.
Woody *********
@Abey ********
electronic sim. As long as you have a phone tat accepts, you are goodKarl *********
@Abey ********
what is esim?Steve **********
I can 2nd T-Mobile. I keep the eSIM from them and AIS in my phone always. When I go back to the states I don’t have to worry about it. When I get here same same. I just switch who is primary. Well worth it for me.
Karl *********
@Steve *********
could you be more specific on how that works? I also have T-Mobile and will be traveling their permanently soon.Steve **********
@Ka**
sure. Before you leave go to TMObile and have then give you and eSIM. It will be set as your primary. When you get to Thailand get the eSIM of your choice. They both will be active but you designate which is primary. That way you aren’t calling Thai numbers with your US sim. However, if someone calls or texts the US number while the Thai number is primary you still get the text or call. Switching back and forth is very easy with a click in your settings app. They can show you at either provider.
Bill *********
TMobile... been using it back and forth between USA and Thailand, actually all of SE Asia, for 2 years and it's working great.
Woody *********
@Bill ********
I lived in Thailand for several months with TMobile, data is slow but useful to have. I spend 300 baht a month for an AIS plan that provides me all the high speed data I need.Kevin **********
@Bill ********
so do you drive or use any roaming apps like Google maps?Karl *********
@Bill ********
could you be more specific because I also have T-Mobile and want to use it permanently in Thailand.
Robert *********
@Karl ********
You cannot use it permanently. I don’t know how long they let you use it before they cut you off. It was a great convenience on my recent trip of two months. 
James ******
If you want to use it for a month or two, you just talk to your phone company and they make a deal. If you want to do that for a long time you’re thinking wrong.
Jon ********
Port it to Tello mobile. $10 a month for unlimited calling and sms
David **********
Google Fi. Been using it for over 3 years, very affordable and works great.
Jidel ******************
@David *********
I've been on Google Fi now for over a year. Works great and I pay a lot less.Woody *********
@David *********
For short term travel, yes. Long term stay, no. It is against their terms, I have tried them on two different occasions and they canceled me due to using data beyond their agreement. Maybe you are a lucky one, but in last few years they have been stricter.David **********
@Woody ********
You need a dual sim phone so you don't use their data.
Wayne *******
You want to use your USA cell number in Thailand?
Dan *****
@Wayne ******
try mobile service company Tello. You can chose a basic plan less than $10.00 per month to keep your US number, normally you have unlimited text messages free from US. It’s good for security authentication. When you back to US, update instantly to unlimited plan for $25.00 per month.Steve **********
OP@Dan ****
thank you, I read somewhere with Tello receiving texts from us sketchy, but I suppose I can just flip to another carrier if trouble. Thanks again.
Ben *******
@Steve *********
I use Tello. The cheapest plan with. Like $5 per month. I use it for bank text authorizations and the occasional texts from friends. Also WiFi calling and messaging is included and unlimited, which is very convenient. I have a Thai number for Thai things and a US number for US things. It makes sense
Greg *********
@Wayne ******
I get my codes to access my U.S. bank accounts on my U.S. number, that’s why I keep it.
Kev ********
@Greg ********
use 2 phones….
Charlie *********
@Greg ********
yea I have had issues with the banks verification texts to my us number, make sure you're email is associated with your accounts. I get around the text verification code by choosing it be sent by emailWayne *******
@Greg ********
His phone plan in Thailand has no bearing on his USA number does it? Im of the understanding he is coming to Thailand and wants to keep his USA number (ie not buy a Thai SIM) but wants to know how to do that once in Thailand? Am I correct so far? If so, shouldn't that be done in the states with his provider before he leaves?Im not saying Im right, Im just going on what Id expect to do if it was me. I just buy a Thai SIM for 600 a month unlimited data, calls n texts etc
Only reason I commented was for the OP to avoid getting to Thailand and finding out he should have done it before he left.
Steve **********
OP@Wayne ******
yes, I occasionally receive texts from the us
Phil ******
@Steve *********
cannot receive by Thai number?Wayne *******
@Steve *********
I thought that needed to be done by your provider in the USA?Activity
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