What services can allocate a UK number for receiving SMS verification codes while abroad?

Aug 26, 2024
4 months ago
Tony *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
Hi everyone I know similar questions have been asked before and I have read as much as I can.

I am looking for a service that I can use for calling the UK and that service will allocate me a UK number that I can pass onto my banks in the UK. I have been locked out of 2 accounts (one recently changed their system without telling customers) and can't get in because I can't receive the SMS which I have an old UK number registered with them (which no longer works).

Ideally I am looking for services that you can add credit and you can carry forward your credit month to month without losing it so I don't have to pay any monthly fees just add credit when needed. I have read that Skype may be the answer but I'm interested in those that definitely allocate you a UK number, reliability and of course cheap and keeps your credit until it's used. I will rarely use it it's really only to get around the bank problems and to get the SMS pass codes.

By the way I am already expecting lots of problems and know that I have to call at least 2 of them. One apparently takes one hour to answer the phone. Once I can get access I'm shifting my money out of their accounts they have been very unhelpful πŸ™„πŸ€¬

Thank you in advance to all those answering and offering your advice πŸ™πŸΌπŸ‘πŸΌπŸ‡ΉπŸ‡­

UPDATE:

Well here is my update for those interested and anyone who may come across this searching for the same.

I ended up finding a fair few solutions all providing various options at various prices so it entirely depends on how you intend to use a provider. For me I'll always use free apps such as WhatsApp to make calls home so I only ever wanted to be able to call banks, possibly some businesses and receive bank OTP codes.

I have compiled a list of the best I found in case I eventually need a back up or to change service.

I found and decided on Vyke in the end (also suggested by someone else in this thread) but it wasn't without initial problems and frustration which was eventually resolved. The problem was that you need to actually have + symbol before the number (something that wasn't explained to me by technical support over an entire day of emails bouncing back and forth!). A lot of the time you see international numbers presented as 0044 or +44 and then the number just dropping the '0'. However the software's keypad doesn't easily present you with the + sign in fact when you press on it you get a ZERO. So I was constantly entering 0044, 044 and with or without the '0' because I couldn't get it to work. The keypad ONLY recognises the actual + symbol and it won't work when entering 0044 etc. The way to get the + symbol (which I only discovered after tech support finally sent me an example showing one of the numbers I was trying to call) was to press and hold down on the + symbol. It then put it into the number line. This was a simple error that took an entire day to resolve all because tech support were unable to give sensible instructions.

When I complained to them they tried to say it was common knowledge that this is how it works on Android phones. Well excuse me but how many of us need to phone home when we are more likely to use something like WhatsApp? I was relying on memory from years ago I can't remember the last time I needed to call home whilst away.

Another thing one person at tech support who I got lumbered with all day was to accuse me of dialling +66 when trying to call the UK. Even after telling her I never once entered +66 she still didn't believe me because the logs showed this..obviously another glitch that their software can show this! I found her attitude really annoying and frustrating but I had previously and since messaged others in tech support who were very good so I think it depends who you get like most companies. They did eventually say that they will try to include instructions in the FAQ's.

I did eventually do a test call and got through to my sister in the UK.

That all happened yesterday so today armed with the knowledge of how to put in the + symbol which I realised myself by experimenting I decided to call two of my banks that I had locked me out of my account.

I started with Virgin because I thought that they would be the worse and take the longest call (I was worried about running out of credit 555). They were surprisingly very good. The line was very clear and the staff I dealt with excellent. It took about 15 minutes to get through to someone (I expected an hour after reading something online). Everything was dealt with reasonably easy after going through security and they updated my number and allowed me to access my account whilst still online. During this process I needed to receive the dreaded OTP code and it came through immediately via the app. It doesn't show for long but I later realised they sit in the list of notifications so it's easy to see it later. I have to say I was relieved to see my money again and have access!

I then called the second bank First Direct. The line wasn't great but having called Virgin where it was crystal clear I put this down to First Direct rather than Vyke. Regardless it was good enough to get the job eventually done. First Direct were appalling speaking to me in a condescending way (you know those types that speak to you like you are a child!) and just about everything with them was a pain in the arse. I was on the phone to them for over one hour it took about 28 minutes just to go through security! I was so sick of them I got transferred to a manager (who was useless and just as annoying!) and then onto someone to close my account with them. Thankfully after gritting my teeth for more than an hour my account with them was closed and I had my money transferred to another account. You know that saying good riddance to bad rubbish well this is perfectly apt for First Direct. Interestingly and god knows how they have an excellent reputation for customer service on Trusted Pilot and MSE Martin Lewis recommends them for that reason. My experience has been entirely different and I will be slagging them off on Trusted Pilot when I get the chance.

So in essence Vyke is good once you know how to use it. You can set up voicemail and decide if you are available or not. Calling out is good the quality of calls to my sister and Virgin were excellent. The SMS is instant so great for the OTP. Cost wise it's extremely cheap. I have paid $5.99 for 3 months (12 months is only $15) and call costs are around 1.5 p per minute to UK landlines 3p to mobiles. All said it's very cost effective and similar charges for anywhere in the world. Not sure why it's in $ as it's based in London. I put a $15 credit on to pay for the 3 months and some call credit and that converted to a little over Β£11. I still have just over $6 credit left after the 3 calls and it's unlikely I'll need to call anyone again for a long time so I just need to renew the contract in 3 months and next time pay for 12 months. I am pretty sure from my research this is the cheapest I found on the market.

If you call regularly others may work out better as I said I made a list if anyone wants it PM me.

Hope I haven't bored you all to death but hopefully the information will stop people wasting a day of their life 555

Good luck what ever you choose and thank you to everyone for your help and suggestions much appreciated.

πŸ™πŸΌπŸ‘πŸΌπŸ€žπŸΌ
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TLDR : Answer Summary
A community member sought advice on obtaining a UK number to receive SMS verification codes from banks while residing in Thailand. Initially exploring various services like Skype and Vyke, the user faced challenges with call connectivity and technical support. After trial and error, the user settled on Vyke for its cost-effectiveness and quality. Other users shared experiences with services like Giffgaff, dual SIM cards, and alternatives like ExpatFone, suggesting reliable ways to maintain connectivity and receive needed bank codes from abroad. Recommendations and personal troubleshooting led to a wider understanding of options available for expats.
Bent *************
WhatsApp or Line. Both are free.
Tony *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Bent ************
- you can't get SMS bank OTP codes which was the problem.

I have solved it now with Vyke which is excellent and works well for peanuts. Very impressed with it just had a few teething problems at the start because I didn't know what I was doing 555
Colin ********
I use VOTE, Β£5 a month with a US and, UK number. Can accept phone calls and text messages to your mobile
Tony *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Colin *******
- thank you so much will add to my list but found something I'm happy to start with much appreciated πŸ‘πŸΌ
Christopher ***********
How about a UK mobile number for Β£12 per ANNUM? Receive SMS and calls for free. Caller pays at UK rates. Outgoing SMS and calls very cheap. Never had an OTP blocked in the three years I’ve subscribed. Runs on top of your mobile data or WiFi connection.
************
Tony *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Christopher **********
- that's the one I signed up to today and I am having nothing but problems.

The support who reply quickly, I have unfortunately today got one of those that just repeats the same nonsense over and over claiming I'm entering the wrong numbers despite the fact I have sent them the numbers. The latest nonsense is that the numbers are invalid but as I've pointed out to them I also tried my sisters number to rule out the banks having blocking software and it cut off exactly the same way. I have an excellent WiFi connection by the way so it's extremely unlikely to be that.

If you have any advice regarding calling UK numbers I would be very happy to hear from you because I am getting nowhere with their support team πŸ™πŸΌ
Christopher ***********
@Tony ********
Sorry to hear this Tony. Never failed for me (both making and receiving calls and SMS). From UK banks to airlines to Amazon to my UK GP’s surgery to the UK blood transfusion service and energy companies I receive all SMS and voice calls/voice mails. I have had great success with Skype too. I didn’t have a Skype number so whoever I’ve called couldn’t ring me back. That was why I subscribed to Vyke. People in the UK honestly believe it’s only a local call.
Tony *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Christopher **********
- I think it's a technical issue at their end but it's frustrating when you get someone from tech support repeating nonsense and not listening to what you are saying. She was accusing me of entering +66 as if I don't know that the UK is +44. I have just sent them the call logs but told her to pass it onto a manager. Clearly something is wrong when I enter +44 and it changes to +66. It can't be anything to do with my Thai Sim because this works off WiFi and I deliberately switched off the sim before I started as I wanted to make sure it was impossible to be connecting to it. Maybe that caused a problem but they are yet to explain what the issue is.

Fingers crossed 🀞🏼 it can be resolved. I have just rebooted my phone to try again πŸ™„
Christopher ***********
@Tony ********
I find U.K. energy companies customer services to be atrocious too. Lack of experience, poor training and a desire to get you off their phone ASAP. Vyke is great for me. I’d never want to be without it. I’m sure you’ll be very happy once it’s running smoothly.
Tony *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Christopher **********
- all sorted Chris see my update to original post will be there shortly
Tony *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Christopher **********
- thank you for Chris..I have resolved the issue but I am too tired to explain been on it since 14.00 Thai time. Will message tomorrow when recovered 555 πŸ™„πŸ˜΄
Nick ************
Also if you register device as trusted it does not require pin with my bank. Awkward if you change device though.
Nick ************
Calling the UK on AIS using prefix
*****
44 with no + is very cheap. Maybe the best way to call your banks. Why not order a contract sim from uk and use that when you need to receive pin? That is what I do and it works well. Just make sure your uk number us registered as +44 something or it might not work. Dual sim phone allows you to keep thai sim fitted at same time for normal use. I use talkmobile at Β£11.75 a month. Might sound expensive but I get use of phone as soon as I land in UK and vv in Thailand.
Tony *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Nick ***********
- high Nick thanks for advice.

I don't want to pay much because I don't plan on returning to the UK again so I would see it as a waste of money. I am aware that I can get a Giff Gaff and I may have to do that and get my sister to send it over to me. I went with Vyke see below but having lots of problems so far would have been great if it had worked. There's a couple of others doing something similar I could try but just wasted nearly Β£12 today on Vyke are they going to be just as bad?

I heard Google Voice might be an option but I am not sure if you can receive text messages I need to look into it.

As for the
*****
44 any idea cost per minute because someone else paid 1000 baht doing something similar and only on phone for 1 hrs 10 minutes that's extremely expensive.

Any information and advice much appreciated πŸ™πŸΌπŸ‘πŸΌ
Nick ************
@Tony ********
cost if calls to UK landlines is about 5 baht per minute. To UK mobiles about 8 baht per minute. My UK sim wants Β£1.75 per minute! My only advice is to do all you can to avoid your UK bank thinking you live in Thailand. I made two monthly Swift transfers and my last account was closed. In addutionnyte bank messed one transfer up completely meaning I had to start 12 x monthly payments again.
Tony *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Nick ***********
- Hi Nick those costs aren't terrible, it takes Virgin Money about 1 hour to answer and if you assume you will be another hour about Β£14 for the one call.

I would use that method if absolutely desperate. I have since resolved the technical issue with Vyke and act managed to briefly phone my sister. It was all very simple and I pretty much found the answer myself it's a shame their numpty staff are so poorly trained that they are unable to give you the information you need. I have been working on it since 14.00 Thai time and it's only been sorted in the last hour πŸ™„

I am a little tired and frustrated and don't even have a cold beer in the fridge in fact I have nothing in the house πŸ˜’πŸ˜

It doesn't surprise me what you said about your bank a lot are at it. I found an interesting link about expat accounts the other day so I might start looking at that. Also thinking of not worrying about the interest I might lose and opt for a peaceful life and send most over here. I will never be going back not even in a box lol.

Big institutions love to make our lives complicated and difficult πŸ™„πŸ˜’
Nick ************
@Tony ********
I am afraid you are right.
Ally ************
If you want to avoid disclosing your overseas address to your bank.. or indeed other organisations you deal with in the UK.. take a look at ExpatFone which works through an app called Devyce.. for a fixed monthly fee you get a UK number with unlimited free calls and texts to UK mobiles and landline numbers (with a few exceptions).. it's app based so is effectively a VoIP service.. but the other party will never know it since it masks your location.. by giving a UK rather than overseas dial tone if somebody calls you.. and it presents your call exactly as it would if you were making the call within the UK.. so nobody gets to know where you are actually calling from.. you get free voicemail with immediate (single button) retrieval of messages.. and you can elect to port your UK mobile number over to it when you sign up.. if you want to retain your number.. and you can port it back out if you return to live in the UK one day and want to revert to a conventional network.. I've been using it for nearly a year now and it's solved all the issues of trying to maintain a UK mobile and use it overseas that plagued me.. especially as there have been reports that some UK banks are getting arsey about maintaining accounts for overseas customers.. or at least those that don't have large sums on deposit with them.. so provided you have a UK correspondence address registered with them.. such as a family members address.. then this service means they never need to know where you are actually living!
Tony *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Ally ***********
- thank you so much Ally I have come across it and it's nice to hear from someone using it giving it a thumbs up πŸ‘πŸΌ

I have actually found another service a little bit cheaper so I will start with that and this service can be a good back up plan. It's not expensive I think I saw Β£8.99 pm for what you get but I simply don't need to call the UK accept for these 2 banks causing me problems. If that changes and the service I've found let's me down I will definitely try this out especially as you have given it such a great review. Thank you so much for posting much appreciated πŸ‘πŸΌπŸ™πŸΌπŸ‘πŸΌ

****************************
Ally ************
@Tony ********
I'd be nterested to know what alternative service you have found.. just in case it becomes a viable option for me later on.. cheers.
Tony *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Ally ***********
- Hi Ally about to update my original post all the information will be in there, message again if you have any questions πŸ‘πŸΌ
Tony *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Ally ***********
- well I have some news for you but I am so tired I'll explain tomorrow...been on it all day 555
Tony *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Ally ***********
- sure I will post tomorrow evening once I have set it up πŸ‘πŸΌ
Lucy ******************
Meant to say data gets carried over each month and accumulates
Tony *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Lucy *****************
- thank you I'm looking for something no more than Β£5 pm because apart from the codes I don't need it. I might move more money elsewhere without these kind of problems. There are other companies that don't make you do 2 step verification so maybe that's the answer. One was an investment account offering best rates at the time but now I am paying for it big time πŸ™„
Lucy ******************
I have a Sky sim in my phone in Uk which costs me Β£13 a month , and all the data gets carried , when in Thailand I just keep it in a spare phone and check it daily
Lynnette *******
My friends use Nationwide bs for banking, and they have options to log in that don't require texts to verify. Just need WiFi.
Tony *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Lynnette ******
- thank you so much I'll consider them to be honest a lot of banks no problem it's just these clowns 🀑 I sadly chose. First Direct have excellent reviews God know how?
Lynnette *******
@Tony ********
I also use 2 different banks because some, like Lloyd, offer no means to verify when on holiday.
Tony *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Lynnette ******
- I have plenty of accounts it's just 2 of them are using the 2 step verification system and that requires a UK mobile number. Mine terminated when I left nearly a year ago. I should have acted sooner but I didn't expect them to be so difficult to get hold of. The only option presented to me is to call them from Thailand. I have read that it takes one hour to get through to Virgin and that's if they don't drop your call. These companies couldn't care less about their customers I'm seriously wondering if it's worth keeping my money in the UK at all. I left that country because I couldn't stand exactly this kind of thing. Once I get a solution I will be moving my money out of their accounts they can't be trusted.
Lynnette *******
@Tony ********
use Skype account, add credit and then dial as normal to a UK number. I use that a lot. And you can create a UK number I believe.
Tony *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Lynnette ******
- can't receive SMS OTP codes that's all I need the phone for
Lynnette *******
@Tony ********
Thats why I use nationwide for overseas travel. They use 3 options for verification.
Andy **********
Order a 1p mobile SIM card online, get it sent to a relatives address in the UK, get them to activate it, and send it in the post to Thailand, it's now Β£40 for one year, it's free to receive text messages in Thailand, what network are you using in Thailand?? I use the true network, if you dial "006" first, and then miss out the + add the "44" miss out the first "0" of the number your calling to the UK, it's very cheap, I've done it myself many times.
Tony *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Andy *********
- oh I am with AIS but I obviously don't want to use their network...how is the 1p mobile Sim working? At those rates I assume there is no roaming as I said little confused as to how this works? πŸ€”
Tony *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Andy *********
- thanks Andy sounds good. Is the Β£40 an annual fee sounds like it.

When you call the number do you have to temporarily disable your Thai number to make sure it connects to the Β£40 pa sim card. I am a bit confused 555
Andy **********
@Tony ********
yes it's a Β£40 annual once a year payment, everything is manageable with your 1p mobile online account, my phone is duel Sim, both UK and thai Sim cards are always active, when you dial the number as previously explained, choose to make the call from your Thai SIM, it seems with AIS you dial "003" to make calls, dial as previously explained, whenever possible make the call with your Thai SIM, try only to use the UK SIM to receive free messages, for banking purposes etc etc, only use the UK SIM when absolutely necessary, because the last time I made a call to a UK landline from Thailand, it was Β£1 a minute with UK sim, do a Google search "cheap international calls with AIS" can help you to understand better.
Tony *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Andy *********
- thanks so much for your explanations much appreciated. I think I have found something that suits me and doesn't involve having my sister involved but this is good to know as a back up if needed.

Many thanks again πŸ™πŸΌπŸ‘πŸΌ
Tony *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
Just an update regarding what I have found out so far

I.

Skype can't be used because SMS is only available to US numbers

2.

Yollo, Mytello, Keeping calling, Talk 360, Frynga are all just companies offering a platform base online or app offering international calling, no SMS which is what I need.

3.

Currently looking into Google voice but from what I have read so far also doubtful you can get SMS does anyone know?

4.

It seems that any e-sims have to be activated in home country in the same way a physical Sim has to be ruling all those options out.

I could get a physical Sim sent to my sister and activated and sent to me so if anyone has a good deal let me know. I understand Giff Gaff is one option how many others are there?

4.

I have found only one possibility so far having spent all day on it...waiting for a reply to my email and questions. It's not that expensive so could provide a short term solution until I get a physical sim sent out to me if they prove to be low cost and hassle free.

Have at least another full day on this tomorrow so will update further for those that might be interested. In the meantime keep any suggestions coming much appreciated πŸ™πŸΌπŸ‘πŸΌπŸ‡ΉπŸ‡­
Mark *****
GiffGaff they will send you a SIM card here to Thailand free of charge.

Once you have your SIM card, you can register and activate on-line, just top-up Β£10 and away you go
Tony *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Mark ****
- do you know what the rates are for calling international?
Mark *****
@To**
, I use Skype for international calls.. only use Giffgaff for SMS login codes from my UK banks
Jeffrey ************
I've kept my UK Vodafone contract going for over 5 years. Dual sim phone so Thai number also for Thai OTP's.
Tony *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Jeffrey ***********
- I did think about paying the Β£10 pm to be honest but I was pissed off with the company. I knew I had to do something but they were long term investments and I have just left it to the last minute. I may have found a solution but still working on my options πŸ‘πŸΌπŸ™πŸΌ
Christopher *************
@Tony ********
I use EE sim card on a dual sim phone
Stephen ********
I got a sim from giffgaff for exactly that purpose. Great service and value
Terry **********
Tony *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Stephen *******
- did you get it prior to leaving?

I understand all sims physical and virtual (e-sims) have to be activated in the UK first. I could try that and get it sent to my sister who can activate it and then send it on. What plan are you on and what are the running costs?
Stephen ********
@Tony ********
oh and my phone here takes 2 sims so it's always 'on' as secondary sim. Very easy
Tony *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Stephen *******
- do you know what it's called like the sim name is it meant for expats? I am still thinking of getting one. I have now resolved my problems with Vyke but it might be a useful back up. I have just brought a new phone so I can leave it in the old one. I will see how it goes with Vyke hopefully won't need something else as well πŸ™πŸΌ
Stephen ********
@Tony ********
it's just the bog standard giffgaff sim. Uk number
Tony *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Stephen *******
- thank you I'll look at it online soon πŸ‘πŸΌ
Stephen ********
@Tony ********
I had it sent to a uk address but the first use was here. Maybe they changed the process now. I think I paid Β£10 which seems to last for ever. They remind me to use it for an outgoing sms every 6 months to keep it active! Otherwise only incoming sms from banks etc.
Michael ********
What are the two bank accounts that you have been locked out of.

I know Barclays no longer allow you to have an account if moving abroad so I will be closing mine and just using my Nationwide account.
Tony *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Michael *******
- Virgin Money and First Direct.

First Direct changed their system just didn't tell the customers. Have contacted both using online chat both refuse to do anything both refused to call me. I have to call them at great cost but that's the point of my point to get something sorted before I call them. I will be closing both accounts as soon as I get access to my money but I have a feeling that they are going to make it as difficult as possible. It's disgusting the way some banks operate these days and the government let's them get away with it. We all know the banking Ombudsman is a useless mouthpiece πŸ™„
John **********
I use Skype for outgoing calls to the UK but I also maintain a uk monthly sim plan which means I don't have to pay for incoming calls and people in the UK can call me without problems
Tony *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@John *********
- thank you. I looked into Skype today as I saw it highly recommended on another similar post.

Unfortunately Skype doesn't currently allow SMS unless you have a US number (not surprising as its a Microsoft product). I guess you get your codes because you still have your UK Sim?
John **********
@Tony ********
to be honest I don't need to get codes. I keep the sim so people can call me and I don't need to worry about charges. I don't think Skype is suitable for you, many places won't send codes to IP numbers
Tony *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@John *********
- yes I think I may have found what I'm looking for so fingers crossed 🀞🏼
Mark ********
I use Whattsapp with my bank. I can call them and they me if need be. Its free. You just need an internet connecction.
Tony *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Mark *******
- but you can't get the access codes that's my problem. I may try it though to see if they can change their system to send codes via email? I think I read Line works to.

Do you just put in the number using international code dropping the '0' and get through?

I will make sure my SIM is disabled before I try though lol
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