thailand
Ask question

What are the best ways to stay connected with friends in the US while living in Thailand?

communicationexpat lifestaying connectedmobile plans in ThailandSIM cardssmartphone usagesocial mediaVoIP services
Nov 21, 2019
5 years ago
Ernie ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
Moving there in Jan. looking for thoughts on best way to keep in touch with friends in the states. I have an iphone with sprint. should i keep sprint and add international? add a sim card to existing? buy a thai phone and plan with international? Utilize messenger? appreciate ideas and experience out there
1,940
views
2
likes
34
all likes
18
replies
0
images
16
users
TLDR : Answer Summary
When moving to Thailand, there are several effective ways to keep in touch with friends in the U.S. using WiFi-based apps like WhatsApp, Facebook Messenger, and Line, which are commonly used in Thailand. It's advisable to consider getting a local Thai SIM card, as U.S. carriers like Sprint may not provide good service in Thailand. Many recommend dropping Sprint in favor of a Thai plan, which can be very affordable (less than $20/month). Alternatively, Google Voice can be utilized as a regular phone number for calls and texts. Overall, utilizing internet services through reliable local SIMs appears to be the most cost-effective and efficient method.
Terary **********
I use google voice. You can get a free phone number. Call to the USA like normal. Friends can call you like normal. It's a regular 10 digit phone number.

There are a couple of minor glitches.

You will need to associate the google phone number with one your friends/parents phones. You and they will need to get text message and put it in the phone every 6 months or so.

Also you will want to do this before you leave the US - it's just easier.
5 years ago
Like
Reply
David *********
LINE app , you will need in Thai anyhow / Facebook messenger or Whatsapp , or WeChat , all of these work well , plenty of WiFi around .
5 years ago
Like
Reply
Wayne ********
write letters are u that dumb x
5 years ago
Like
Reply
Werner *******
There's no reason to have Sprint or any other US carrier if you live here. You can get a Thai sim card and pay less than $20/month for phone and internet service if you want. It's SOOOO much cheaper here. As for talking with friends back home, install Line or WhatsApp, then tell your friends to do the same. Line is the big app here, really, and if you meet new people here in Thailand, you'll likely be exchanging Line contacts...
5 years ago
Like
Reply
Robert **********
Google voice has to be assigned to a USA cell but my workaround was to assign it to MagicJack/MagicApp, a voip service. Didn’t satisfy the bank though
5 years ago
Like
Reply
Neil **********
Get rid of sprint I had sprint when o moved here big rip off! Get a SIM card here it’s easy! And easy to call the states use 006 then 1 800 then rest of phone number. And can use messenger f/b Viber many ways
5 years ago
Like
Reply
Ryan ***********
We used our iPhones from Verizon, canceled our plans and got a plan and SIM with TrueMove. 320B / month unlimited . Using WhatsApp and Fb Messenger for videos. Or Google Hangout. No problems! 😁
5 years ago
Like
Reply
Justin *********
And while you’re at it, a Charles Schwab bank account. No fees for atm usage and fair conversions.
5 years ago
Like
Reply
Robert **********
@Justin ****
 I got that (open from USA, they have a fit if you call/log in from overseas), but the best deal is capital one, if you live overseas. I have debit and credit cards, no foreign transaction fees and normal exchange rate. Make sure they ring up purchases in thai baht, ATMs still charge ฿200 (by thai banks). I have a thai bank account which I top up with TransferWise.
5 years ago
Like
Reply
Reply to
Robert **********
Reply
Justin *********
Get a google voice number, not so much for talking to people but it’s super helpful when filling out applications and verifying phone numbers and such.
5 years ago
Like
Reply
Keith *************
Buy a oppo phone cheap and good Thai friendly .
5 years ago
Like
Reply
Jason ********
Sprint and Verizon, At&T don't work here. Different frequency, or something like that. I keep my Tmobile phone active to receive texts needed for verifications to log in to online accounts. Also, as back up data service when I need it.
5 years ago
Like
Reply
Robert **********
@Jason *******
 sprint and Verizon work in CDMA, which is technologically different then GSM, used by T-Mobile, ATT, and all Thai carriers. However, iPhones have modems for both, so you can get a thai SIM card. Then you can have Google Maps, Facebook, etc, and use you line or Whatsapp. That being said, make sure your phone is unlocked. Especially many T-Mobile’s are locked. If you are staying in Thailand permanently, think carefully about giving up your USA cell phone account. I put mine on a Google Voice so I can get the texts from banks and credit cards, but recently they’ve started a thing where you have to have a real, American working cell phone, they verify with your carrier, not just have you enter the code.
5 years ago
Like
Reply
Reply to
Robert **********
Reply
Keith *********
Use facebk or "Line". Both have free mess. and free call/video call.
5 years ago
Like
Reply
Stéfan ********
Facebook/messenger and stick to the internet
5 years ago
Like
Reply
Roy ***********
I believe normal phone companies are not the best or cheapest way to communicate.

With good internet, which is all around, Messenger and Whatsapp are fine. I use Skype also to make a few calls. I am not sure if Messenger and Whatsapp can call landlines, that is why I use Skype. Very cheap, I am too lazy to look for an alternative.
5 years ago
Like
Reply
Shauno *******
Use Facebook messenger or WhatsApp use wifi
5 years ago
Like
Reply
Matthew *******
Messenger

WiFi everywhere you go
5 years ago
Like
Reply
Reply to
Matthew *******
Reply
Thai Visa Advice and Everything Else
... members · 60% approval rate
The Thai Visa Advice And Everything Else group allows for a broad range of discussions on life in Thailand, beyond just visa inquiries.
Join the Group
Thai Visa Advice and Everything Else
View the Conversation
Thai Visa Advice and Everything Else
What are the best phone service options for expats in Thailand?
61 comments
2 months ago
How can expats in Thailand keep their US number just for 2-factor authentication?
119 comments
3 months ago
Can I use Google Voice for 2-Factor Authentication while living in Thailand?
130 comments
3 months ago
What are the best mobile phone SIM and Internet packages for expats in Thailand for short stays?
13 comments
3 months ago
Is Google Voice a good option for making international calls back to the USA while living in Thailand?
15 comments
4 months ago
What are the best mobile phone plans in Thailand for making international calls to Australia?
36 comments
4 months ago
What is the best SIM configuration for expats in Thailand: e-SIM, physical SIM, or both?
36 comments
6 months ago
What is the cheapest American carrier to keep my phone number active for 2FA while living in Bangkok?
84 comments
6 months ago
What are the best phone service options for expats visiting Thailand for two weeks?
18 comments
8 months ago
How can I keep my American phone number while minimizing monthly costs in Thailand?
64 comments
8 months ago
What are the best apps or methods to receive US SMS and calls while living in Thailand?
51 comments
a year ago
What is the easiest way to call the US from Thailand?
40 comments
a year ago
What are the best SIM card options for a two-month stay in Thailand?
15 comments
a year ago
What are the best options for Canadians to manage their phone numbers while living in Thailand?
9 comments
2 years ago
What is the best cellular plan for staying in Thailand for 1-2 months?
11 comments
2 years ago
What Should I Do About Cell Service When Moving to Thailand From the US?
27 comments
2 years ago
What are the best SIM card options for phone service in America for expats traveling from Thailand?
5 comments
2 years ago
What are the best mobile options and SIM card plans for short-term stays in Thailand?
10 comments
2 years ago
What calling apps can I use in Thailand to receive calls like TextMe?
13 comments
3 years ago
What are the best ways to call the USA from Thailand?
21 comments
3 years ago
What is the best Thai SIM card for expats on holiday that offers good data for apps like WhatsApp?
25 comments
3 years ago
What are the best digital phone options for maintaining a US number while in Thailand?
61 comments
4 years ago
How does Google Fi work in Thailand for US travelers?
18 comments
4 years ago
How can I keep my T-Mobile number and find a good plan while in Thailand?
53 comments
4 years ago
How can I get a local Thai cell phone number while living in the US to receive international calls and texts?
20 comments
4 years ago
Data protection policyTerms and conditionsDisclaimerPrivacy policyRefund policy
The asq:thailand community, consisting of multiple Q/A groups with over 100,000 members, powers this platform. It is not an official government resource. Our members actively contribute to this resource, and while we strive for accuracy, we cannot guarantee its complete reliability. Assistance to travelers is provided as a community service.