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What is the cheapest American carrier to keep my phone number active for 2FA while living in Bangkok?

Mobile PlansUS Phone ServiceInternational RoamingPhone Number Porting2FA SolutionsExpat Life in ThailandAIS SIMeSIM TechnologyCheap Cellular Plans
May 8, 2024
6 months ago
Jason *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
Need some specific advice re cell phone plans.. Moving to BKK in July, will have phone paid off and unlocked.. Currently with ATT but their customer service is atrocious .. Will be using AIS while living in BKK.. I’ll have eSIM so can simply toggle back and forth between Asian phone # and American phone # when needing two-factor authentication for banks and the like.. that’s the only thing ill need my American phone # for.. My question is: Which American carrier can i switch to (away from ATT) to keep my American phone # active - with the cheapest plan that will work when needing 2FA ? Not interested in Google Voice or similar.. and not interested in paying $90 per month for an “international plan”, only the cheapest plan /carrier active enough to be able to receive 2FA ? Thanks in advance .

ETA updated with latest post at bottom of thread (if you select ‘All Comments’) on 7/29/24 .
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TLDR : Answer Summary
The discussion revolves around finding a low-cost American mobile carrier that allows receiving two-factor authentication (2FA) messages while living in Bangkok. An expat prefers not to use ATT due to its high fees and is seeking alternatives. Some recommended solutions include Mint Mobile for $15/month, US Mobile, Consumer Cellular for $35/month, and options like Google Fi and T-Mobile for slightly higher fees. Users mention combining US plans with Thai AIS SIM for local data and making sure their American number stays active for important banking communications.
Jason *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
Just a quick update.. Have been back in Thailand for a little over one week now.. before i left the US i upgraded to an iPhone 15 with eSIM only, switched to Mint Mobile from ATT.. got an AIS eSIM when i landed last week in Bangkok and now i just toggle back and forth from Thai # to USA # whenever i need a bank code.. Has been working like a charm (at least, so far 😬 ).. Im not saying that this is the ONLY solution; but for myself, not being super-tech savvy- it seemed the most uncomplicated and economical way to go, minus the phone upgrade, but i think you can accomplish the same thing with older models that are eSIM capable .
4 months ago
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Richard ***********
@Jason ******
 Thanks for the update. I switched from AT&T to Mint Mobile yesterday, and am leaving for Thailand tomorrow.
4 months ago
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Jason *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Richard **********
 No problem , safe travels !
4 months ago
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Richard ***********
@Jason ******
 I am finding that I have to activate the Mint Mobile international option to receive secured transfer code texts from B of A to validate money transfers. Do you have the same situation? ( not a big deal, as one day international options can be purchased for $5)
3 months ago
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Jason *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Richard **********
 Hmm, interesting.. That hasn’t been my experience … i purchased the Mint 10 day Intl pass for $20, a couple of days before i departed USA.. so it was active here in Thailand for approximately my first week, but since then it expired, I’ve been on my regular Mint unlimited plan and receiving 2FA/OTP codes just fine.. They did advise me though to set on my phone settings the Roaming to ‘off’ once the Intl plan expired, and to turn Wi-Fi Calling ‘on’.. maybe that has something to do with it (?) .. or perhaps someone who is more tech savvy than myself can chime in with an idea .
3 months ago
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Richard ***********
@Jason ******
 Thanks. Yea, my settings are same as you show. I also purchased 10 day int’l pass before leaving USA. Initial code came through from BofA fine, but when 10 day pass ended, codes did not come through. (Not sure if coincidence or not.) I purchased a one day pass, and code immediately came. If anyone has any other thoughts to this, please let me know.
3 months ago
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Richard ***********
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Richard ***********
Jason Cheek, did you make a decision on what you are going to do? (I am still struggling to find the best solution). Thanks!
6 months ago
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Jason *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Richard **********
 Yes, here is the response i posted to someone else: Lots of different options in this thread, but ultimately i think this is the one i will go with.. I’ll do the $15 per mo Mint plan, keep it set to wifi calling while in Asia, and use AIS as my primary carrier.. then just toggle back to the Mint/American phone # when needed.. Thanks !
6 months ago
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Moses *********
@Jason ******
Clarify for me what you hope the Mint Mobile number will do for you?
6 months ago
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Jason *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Moses ********
 For me, that combo of cost, ease of portability and other factors makes the most sense.. but others may feel differently, that’s fine too .
6 months ago
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Moses *********
@Jason ******
Yes but what specifically will your mint mobile account be good for when you are in Bangkok?
6 months ago
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Moses *********
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Richard ***********
@Jason ******
 Thanks!
6 months ago
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Richard ***********
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Robert ****
I currently live in Bangkok. I use mint mobile $15 per month plan.
6 months ago
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Gordon ********
Ooma works great
6 months ago
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John ********
Verizon
6 months ago
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Vitico ********
Do you have any trusted family members in America? You could just let them have your number or update your accounts to use their number and you message them and ask them what the secret code in the text message is when you need phone number authentication. Otherwise you are going to be blowing $50-$100 a month for nothing.
6 months ago
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Kdog **********
Take a VOIP
6 months ago
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Bob *********
All of my banks won't send 2FA messages via Google voice. The thing that worked best for me so far is 2 phones one with mint ($15 a month) or tello ($10 a month) that go over T-Mobile network in us, and allow wifi dialing for voice and txt messages while overseas. Put the US phone in airplane mode, turn on wifi and let the phone with the Thai sim run a WiFi hotspot for ya.
6 months ago
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Tony *********
I have local Bangkok phone and bank and use a free voice phone app for usa purposes.
6 months ago
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Glenn *****
You're moving to the airport?
6 months ago
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Jason *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Glenn ****
 Yes, i will be residing in Terminal 1 , come by sometime .
6 months ago
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Jason *******
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Giovanni ************
Try to get this with TMobile $30.00 a month all inclusive

Been using it 5 years

Unlimited WiFi & text overseas

Calls .25 per minute
6 months ago
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Giovanni ************
6 months ago
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Giovanni ************
6 months ago
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Giovanni ************
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Naomi *******
Not sure of mentioned by anyone else here (haven’t read through) but I am in similar situation than you and have been happy with USCellular. I can put it on snooze for $3/month or activate for pay as you go as low as $5 depending on what I need. And when I want unlimited data/calls it’s $25/month.
6 months ago
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Dan ***********
$20/mo Google Fi. Works fine for me in Thailand.
***************************************
6 months ago
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Dave **********
Use Magic Jack and ID Me.
6 months ago
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Julius *********
I have a Google number (free). When I want to call the U.S. I cut cell off and have web to use Google number. Also, that number has Text and voice message. I give that number out for when I’m home in Thailand, to my bank, Insurance, relatives…. They call me at the Google number, leave a message or Text and I reply with the Google number the next day.
6 months ago
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Tony *******
Xfinity
6 months ago
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Frank *******
mint mobil
6 months ago
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Erik ******
I ported my US number out to Tossable Digits. Voice mails and SMS messages come as emails, I can reply through their website as if from my US number.
6 months ago
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Steven ********
Use prepaid carriers US Mobile or Mint Mobile and turn on WiFi calling. You need to turn it while in the US. Plan will run you $5-$15 a month.

I use my US phone number as if I were in the US. Still receive SMS and calls like normal. No need for any apps

Don't notice much a difference in service when I'm back in US either but I'm in a populated area
6 months ago
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Maurice *********
Use number barn and port your phone number out. Sign up for the plan to get voicemail and text messages forwarded to a google voice account. This way you can keep your number and not have to pay the obscene fees with ATT.
6 months ago
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Rick ******
You might try Mint Mobile. There very cheap and can call international. I would advise you keep your ATT plan for a couple of months then switch.
6 months ago
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Rick ******
Get Thai sim and just swap sim cards for a month or two.
6 months ago
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Rick ******
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Mark ****
I use US Mobile. It allowed me to get a number that has the same area code as my virtual mailbox. Porting was done in a few minutes.

I also got a Google Voice number. Have to use it via a VPN as it’s a US only service.

I found Google voice isn’t accepted for 2FA from only one of my banks. Others have mentioned a few 2FA issues using GV. Good luck
6 months ago
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Jay ****
Whatsapp, Google number, I use Straight Talk to keep my usa number active. $45 a month prepaid.
6 months ago
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Ryan *******
Download the app called textnow and register a number in the USA. You can call from Thailand to USA through the app like it's a local call. Just need internet or wifi and it's good. Use it to call grandma and the bank in Canada etc.
6 months ago
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Joann ********************
I have AT&T. I have a very cheap plan and no insurance on my phone. I keep it turned off most of the time. They have a 10.00 a day calls and text. I respond to texts and make some business calls about twice a month when I know I will be needing a verification code.
6 months ago
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Moses *********
What do you have against Google voice?

Works well for me
6 months ago
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Richard ***********
@Moses ********
 my bank is Bank of America, and i have heard of many cases where BofA will not accept using Google Voice for sending 2FA texts.
6 months ago
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Moses *********
May be. My recollection is that B of A requires a VPN. I use B of A among others and can't remember if I have had a problem. Do you know if B of A REQUIRES 2FA?
6 months ago
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Moses *********
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Terary **********
I use google voice and piggy-back my number on a friend's phone... A couple times a year I have to ask my friend to verify their number (GV sends me a code, they enter it in their phone, or something like that).
6 months ago
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Larry *******
I’ve been using Skype for about $100 per year. It has always worked well. For an extra $39 you can keep your US number as your phone number
6 months ago
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Christopher ***********
@Larry ******
 You are fortunate. Skype’s website now states that they don’t support identification verification (OTP’s).
6 months ago
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Larry *******
@Christopher **********
 Why is that necessary
6 months ago
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Christopher ***********
@Larry ******
 I use ‘VYKE’. A VOIP service similar to SKYPE. The difference is you can rent mobile numbers and Vyke allows you to receive OTP’s. Are you saying you receive your OTP’s by alternative method?
6 months ago
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Larry *******
@Christopher **********
 I’m not sure what an OTP is
6 months ago
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Christopher ***********
@Larry ******
 Sorry, misunderstood. OP (Jason) is asking about services that will allow him to receive 2FA (two factor authentication). Also known as OTP (one time passcodes). These are sent by SMS (short message service) also called ‘texts’. Many American financial services are wary of sending them via VOIP services because they are less secure than ‘real’ mobile phone numbers.
6 months ago
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Christopher ***********
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Bill **********
Google Voice plus AIS is my winning combination! (bought a year of AIS unlimited data last September for $100/year, pay them $5/month for the very few phone calls I make)
6 months ago
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Andy *********
We 'were' on total wireless through walmart, had it for years. Recently, changed, and it's Verizon 'something' - I forget. But the total wireless plan was $25/month, ours is still same price. have wifi calling, makes it nice while in Thailand.
6 months ago
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Jim *********
I switched my T-Mobile number to Google Voice when I moved to Thailand. $20 1 time fee to port the number, and no monthly fee. I receive my 2 factor bank messages via the Google Voice app on my iPhone. Works great. I am also with AIS here.
6 months ago
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Richard ***********
@Jim ********
 Have read of many issues of 2FA from Bank of America using Google Voice.
6 months ago
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Richard ***********
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Lawrence ********
What phone?

Setup a free Google Voice account, port your number over to the account. Will work on Wi-Fi only, but you can receive calls to the old number, SMS, 2FA. Try it out with a free number first if you like. You can select one when signing up.

************************
6 months ago
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Wylie *******
Is there a reason you don't want to use Google voice? I realize it won't for some banks, but it works for all my banks, credit cards, etc two factor authentications. I only ran into one credit card that wouldn't let me set up online banking with it. It was a new card I was applying for so I just canceled it and went with another company.
6 months ago
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Cathryn *********
I have used a free app called text now for more than a decade. They gave me a US number (but you can port a number, too) and I use it to receive calls and texts from US numbers. Works great. I do telemed visits from the other side of the planet!
6 months ago
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Ed *****
Mint mobile $15 a month
6 months ago
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Ed *****
Loma Topo I just kept the mint service $15 since it provides me the us otp requirement, and added local thai ais esim for thai data plan. Make sure us phone is unlocked.
6 months ago
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Jason *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Ed ****
 Ive heard good things about Mint.. does it work in Thailand to get bank codes and similar ?
6 months ago
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Ed *****
@Jason ******
 yes it works fine. But you will have to enable disable Sims to receive messages if using just one phone. I got 2 mint sim card, to have a backup
6 months ago
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Robert ****
@Ed ****
 I have a pixel 7 phone that allows 2 sims to be active at the same time.
6 months ago
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Ed *****
@Robert ***
 not sure if you can receive messages at the same time? I have mint sim, plus ais esim. But unable to receive messages from both sources
6 months ago
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Robert ****
@Ed ****
 I have both esims loaded on my phone. Both work simultaneouly. AIS for my local internet roaming and Mint for all my secure OTP texts. I have my phone set to wifi calling for the Mint esim.
6 months ago
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Jason *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Robert ***
 Lots of different options in this thread, but ultimately i think this is the one i will go with.. I’ll do the $15 per mo Mint plan, keep it set to wifi calling while in Asia, and use AIS as my primary carrier.. then just toggle back to the Mint/American phone # when needed.. Thanks !
6 months ago
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Jason *******
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Jody ********
Jason Cheek...not sure of your age, but I am on T-Mobile 55 Magenta Plus. Works well for me so far (just moved to CM 9 days ago.
6 months ago
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Josh *********
MVNO (USA) = $5-$10/month for "US originating" calls and SMS. Check if possible through WiFi calling if it works for you. Normally no roaming charge.
6 months ago
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Edward *********
I use ultramobile for the same purpose for $10 month (paid yearly), you do need to add a little to activate roaming, but if you don't make any calls it just sits there.

*******************************************************
6 months ago
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Greg *********
I used AIS and just made calls with wattsapp. Got my daughter's to download it and installed on my mother's.Phone. We do video calls every other week
6 months ago
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Jason *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Greg ********
 Yes i used WhatsApp and Line a ton when living in Asia before- but banks and other financial institutions wont send codes thru either.. some wont do codes thru email either, hence why i need to keep my American phone # active .
6 months ago
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Todd **********
@Jason ******
 why can’t you use your laptop?? Screw ATT and there outrageous fees
6 months ago
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Greg *********
@Todd *********
 good point, you don't need a phone service, only internet
6 months ago
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Greg *********
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Greg *********
@Jason ******
 yes that is the worst part. Keep your phone active in US for that purpose
6 months ago
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Greg *********
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Deena **********
See which one works for you :
******************************************************
6 months ago
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Jan ******
I use Consumer Cellular for $35 per month in America. Have WhatsApp for long distance. No contract. Unlimited call and text.
6 months ago
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Marty *********
I have AIS and the AT&T international plan for the same reason, US banking. I actually don’t need the ATT number for two factor authorization. My bank confirms my ID with a security USB. Still I keep the ATT number for any possible interaction with the bank. Keeping that wire transfer connection open is essential.

I turn off my ATT number most of the time. I turn it on when I think I need it. $10 additional for 24 hours.

I haven’t had the courage to test alternative phone numbers like voice over internet plans.
6 months ago
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Todd **********
@Marty ********
So you pay the $107 a month plus the $90 international plan with ATT
6 months ago
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Marty *********
@Todd *********
 I pay $80/month. If I turn on the ATT line here in Thailand I get charged an additional $10 for the next 24 hours. I got this international plan in 2015 so I don’t know what plans they offer now. I’m not saying $80 is cheap but I like my bank account more.
6 months ago
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Marty *********
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Greg ******
I have a ATT as well and bought a sim while last trip for about two months. One word of caution, if your ATT sim is active, and even if you have cellular turned off, SMS messages will still trigger the international plan. Shouldn’t, but it will.
6 months ago
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Wayne ********
@Greg *****
 I believe you’re correct but what I have found out is that most AT&T unlimited plans include unlimited international texting. 
6 months ago
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John ********
@Greg *****
 Also “allow Wi-Fi calling” will trigger the fees.
6 months ago
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John ********
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Tony **********
Google Fi (not voice) unlimited data worldwide is $65/month but need to be in USA for 60 days (read requirements). I've been using Fi for years. In USA they ride on top of TMobile (used to switch between a few carriers but they've all consolidated (bought by) to TMobile).

Doubt I would use it once I moved here. Probably just use a virtual service like Google voice.
6 months ago
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Tony **********
John N Kwan you can access Google voice messages from anywhere. It's a website. You can't get forwarding to a foreign number, but you can access voice mail and txt messages from anywhere.
6 months ago
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John *********
@Tony *********
 google voice doesn’t work in Thailand. It works in the USA but I don’t need it there.
6 months ago
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John *********
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Richard ***********
following. have the exact same situation/question.

Thanks!
6 months ago
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Richard ***********
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