Wondering how to keep your mobile number? If you’re moving overseas and trying to figure out how to keep your USA mobile phone number while moving abroad so that you can keep using that same number on return trips to the USA or when you return back for good, Google Voice is the way.
It’s taken me 1.5 years living abroad and 18 monthly payments to Verizon Wireless later to finally find a solution that allows me to keep my USA mobile number and continue using it to communicate with other Americans in the USA while living in the UK.
Despite many Verizon live chats from the UK and googling all the wrong search terms to figure out how to solve my USA mobile phone problem, it’s American expats in the UK that sorted it out for me. Little did I know that Google Voice is all I ever needed to search to find the answer to my expensive dual-country mobile phone problem.
Whether you are interested in switching carriers in the USA and want to keep your old number or moving abroad and want to maintain both (your old number and new international one), Google Voice lets you port your mobile number so that you can still receive calls and texts while living abroad.
It costs only $20 to port your mobile phone number to Google Voice. And when you’re ready to move back and activate your mobile phone number on a USA mobile phone carrier again, you unlock your number using Google Voice unlock page (see Option 2) and let your mobile phone provider know you want to use your number. They take care of setting it up from there. And it’s free!
Table of Contents
Before you port your mobile phone number to Google Voice, there are a few things to know.
Make sure to consider these before you start taking any actions on porting your phone number:
1. You MUST be able to receive a call or text to your mobile phone number from Google Voice.
This is to verify you and prevent abuse. Because you need to be able to accept a phone call or text, you need to be in the USA when you do it. If you are already abroad, an alternative is to activate an international plan on your mobile phone. Or ask a friend or family member in the USA to verify on your behalf using their own phone number, but beware that they would not be able to ever sign up that number with google voice.
Another option if you are already abroad is to install a VPN on your mobile device and laptop. Set the country to the US to mimic as though you’re in the US, and have a friend or relative coordinate the Google transfer process physically from the US.
When completing the Google form to port your cell number, the Porting PIN field is the PIN related to your current service provider. Make sure to have that handy when filling out the form.
2. Once you submit the port request, you can NOT cancel it.
I panicked and clicked the “Cancel” button within 10 minutes of submitting the port request out of fear I didn’t follow the Google Voice instructions correctly. If you really didn’t mean to port your mobile phone number, contact your mobile phone provider immediately.
3. Within approximately 24 hours, your mobile phone provider will put your account on suspension status.
This means that if you are moving abroad, submit your port request within 24-96 hours of leaving the USA. I was going to cancel my service at the beginning of my last visit to the USA realizing quickly that I wouldn’t have mobile phone coverage for the balance of the trip. I waited a few days before departing for the UK again to submit the port request, and as Google Voice states, as soon as that port request has completely processed your mobile phone provider takes care of suspending your account fairly immediately. You’ll receive a disconnection notice via email as you near your last day of service on the account.
If you are already overseas, installing a VPN and setting it to the USA on your mobile device is an alternative to being in the USA. Make sure to add porting your number to the list of top things to do first as soon as you’ve moved to the UK.
4. Beware that you will not be credited for unused days on your mobile plan.
Even though you might have days or weeks left on your mobile phone for the month, your mobile phone provider does not credit you for unused days. You pay for the whole month, despite usage or suspension status. This is how Verizon works and similar mobile phone networks.
5. You don’t need to have a phone number to forward to for Google Voice to work.
If you don’t have another mobile phone provider to link or forward your ported mobile number to, you can still leverage Google Voice as long as you change the Google Voice setting to Wi-Fi and Data.
Google Voice App Settings
This setting allows you to make calls, text and retrieve messages from the Google Voice app even without an active mobile phone provider. As long as you have a data connection (like free Wi-Fi), you are good to go.
6. You can NOT set up an international phone number to forward your USA phone number to.
The Google Voice forwarding option only works for USA phone numbers.
7. You can NOT use Google Voice to text to an international number or call an international number.
Google Voice is for USA-to-USA communications.
8. Some systems do NOT recognize your number as a valid number.
While it’s extremely rare (or I’m incredibly lucky), some apps or systems (mostly banking institutions) do not recognize your number as a valid number after porting it to Google Voice. However, this is very rare. In fact, the only time I’ve personally had issues has been on USA soil.
After 2 years of using Google Voice, two services that I could not sign up for use with my Google Voice number are Venmo and Safe Travels through IHG.
How To Port Your Mobile Phone Number To Google Voice
Google Voice provides instructions via Option 1 here. If you aren’t linking a number to forward your USA number to, which is likely the case if you have a new international number, the steps might feel incomplete or that you’ve done something wrong. If that happens or you’re uncertain, Google Voice chat is amazingly helpful. You can contact Google Voice chat at the bottom of each Google Voice help page, as seen here.
Google Live Chat is at the very bottom of Help pages
Alternatively, How-To Geek shows screen by screen how to port your mobile phone number to Google Voice. I discovered How-To Geek AFTER I completed the steps on the Porting Status page. How-To Geek’s instructions are spot on and the way to go if you need step-by-step visual instructions.
Whether you follow Google Voice Option 1 instructions or How-To Geek’s instructions, you might run into a common problem where the Phone tab does NOT appear in Google Voice Legacy. If this happens to you, as it did to me, a way to fix it is to:
- Log out of all tabs where you are signed into Google
- Put your browser in incognito mode:
PC: Press Ctrl + Shift + n
Mac: Press ⌘ + Shift + n - Go to the Google Voice Sign In Page
- Sign In
- Go to Google Voice Legacy and then you’ll see the Phone Tab appear.
Google Voice Legacy Settings Page
How Long It Takes Before You Know It’s Working
It’ll take a few days for the processing to complete, even once the mobile phone number has ported. It’s 24 hours for the phone and up to 3 days for texting capabilities to start working.
Be sure to download the Google Voice app, update settings, and as long as you have a data connection you can make and receive calls and texts.
Google Voice For Expats So You Can Talk To Mom & Dad While Abroad
Google Voice is totally brilliant for expats and anyone traveling overseas. You can cut costs since Google Voice is free, leveraging a data connection from free Wi-Fi or your new international mobile plan, and still keep your USA mobile phone number while living abroad.
Google Voice solves the need to keep your mobile phone number without paying to keep the line active with your mobile phone provider. And the best part is that it allows you to maintain communications with friends or relatives who haven’t quite figured out how to install WhatsApp or Facebook Messenger.
Google Voice is simply the best solution for how to keep your phone number forever and ever.
Final Thoughts On How To Keep Your Mobile Phone Number While Moving Abroad
If you’re about to move abroad or have been struggling to figure out how to keep your mobile phone number while living abroad, check out Google Voice today.
But you don’t have to move abroad to use Google Voice. Keeping your mobile number is easy wherever you are. Simply port your mobile phone number to Google Voice and avoid the hassle of notifying your friends and family ever again!
And if you ever need to transfer your phone number back from Google Voice, it’s an easy process. Read this post to follow the steps to port your mobile back. Until then, enjoy the awesomeness of calling and texting for free.
Looking for more living abroad resources? Try these.
- How To Access Blocked American Websites
- What The USPS Change-Of-Address Form Really Means
- Moving abroad? Use my ultimate MOVING ABROAD CHECKLIST
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138 comments
Retrieving data. Wait a few seconds and try to cut or copy again.
Can you clarify what you mean about “retrieving data”?
FWIW, I am struggling with GV, mainly because (educated guess) some sites using TFA or MFA via SMS don’t seem willing to send authorization codes over GV. To compensate, I signed up for an additional line with Mint, but since my old number would have worked fine over WiFi anywhere in the world, I’m not sure it was worth the bother and am honestly no longer a fan of this GV approach. It sounded better, and much easier, than it actually is.
Thanks for sharing Rip!
Hi, Can you pleas answer my question I can’t get this straight in my head of what to do before moving abroad.
1. Once I port my US# into GV can I still use my phone with my T-mobile plan until I actually move to Mexico? (Should wait to port it until a week ahead of time) OR does GV give me a new number that I can continue to use with my T-moible plan until I actually move and my original number is ported??. (I read that once you port your number you lose service with your carrier ?? is this true). I just want to make sure I port my US# before actually moving, because I read it must be done in the US, but I also will need a phone the week before moving over to MX and getting my new international phone plan. Please help!
Hi Kat!
1. No you can’t keep using your T-Mobile plan. Once you port your number to Google Voice you’ll lose your plan with T-Mobile.
BUT you can still make calls/texts etc using the Google Voice app. You need to be on WiFi to make calls and text using the GV app OR have a data plan (have you checked Amazon for a 30 day SIM with a carrier in Mexico that offers data in both Mexico & US?)
2. Yes, ideally you port BEFORE you leave the USA, otherwise it’s just harder but not impossible (you can use VPN and a relative in the states to help you)
I would buy a short term data plan to cover you in between porting and actually getting to Mexico if you don’t have WiFi or data. Even mint mobile might be an option worth checking so that you have peace of mind in between T-Mobile & your New Mexico plan.
I managed with just WiFi until I got to London but ported my number just days before leaving.
Hope that helps! Good luck! x
small correction – it is incorrect to say that Google voice is limited to outbound calls and texts to the US only. You can call internationally, it’s just not completely free, though the fee is really nominal, and can be as low as one or two cents a minute. You can manually or automatically recharge five or $10 each time, which will usually last a long time and often cheaper than calling locally in a specific country.
That’s awesome! Thank you so much Yoav for the information.
Hi Lori,
Thank you so much for writing this article! I will be moving to the UK from the US for about 2 years and was hoping to keep my number as well! I just had a few questions I was hoping you could answer:
*Note: I am an iPhone user*
1. Once I port my number to GV, will I receive calls and texts through that app only? Will I not receive messages through Imessage?
2. Once I arrive in the UK and get my sim card and everything, will my new UK number affect whatsapp or imessage?
3. When I message my friends and family back home on imessage will they see my US number or UK?
Thank you so much in advance!
Hi Zara! Thank you for your feedback. How exciting for you!!
1 – You will receive calls and texts through the app. You can receive messages through iMessage.
2 – Once you insert your new SIM card, your new UK number will not affect whatsapp or iMessage. Note that your device may prompt you to update the number associated with your device to your new UK number. I did NOT do that out of fear I would lose iMessage and FaceTime functionality dependent on my US mobile phone number so I never updated it. Truthfully I don’t know if that was the right thing to do but I did not have any issues keeping my US phone number associated with my Apple ID. Hope that makes sense.
3 – They will see your US phone number when using iMessage.
Hope that helps! And good luck! xx
Hi Lori, thank you so much for your response! I feel a lot better about keeping my phone number with your advice. I had a few more questions:
– Will all of my messages come through iMessage or will some come through GV? I know a few people mentioned they were able to message through iMessage but you mentioned that all messages and calls will come through GV. Do the messages duplicate and come through both Google Voice and the iPhone Messages app? Just wondering if I can continue to use the Messages app or if I need to use Google Voice completely.
– Can I also link 2 phone numbers to iMessage, one being my US and the other being my UK one?
Thank you so much!
Hi Lori, another quick question! I had ported my number to GV yesterday but had to last minute reschedule my flight to 3 weeks from now. I now have no service, so I was thinking to port it back to my original carrier T-Mobile. My question is, how easy is it to port my number once again to GV in 3 weeks time? Is it okay to go back and forth with this process as I also plan to come back to the states in April for a month. Thank you!
Hi Zara! Gosh, that sounds a bit hectic with the flight change! I personally haven’t gone back and forth between Google Voice and a mobile carrier back-to-back multiple times. I wouldn’t think there’d be harm in that but have you considered just getting a 30 day data SIM to get buy? It’ll likely save you money and you can start using Google Voice right away when you don’t have access to free Wi-Fi. As I mentioned in my post, I relied on my UK data plan to continue use of my Google Voice while in the US even when I didn’t have a US mobile carrier. If you decide to port your number, these are steps I took to port my number back to a USA carrier.
Hi Zara. Thank you for the feedback!
– I always refer to Google Voice because it’s agnostic of device OS. For example, my dad had an Android phone and I couldn’t rely on knowing who had what device. What I noticed is my iMessage activity went way down and my Google Voice activity went way up. But you’ll get the hang of it once you start using it.
– I don’t believe you can link 2 phone numbers because it would require you to update your device ID to a different country..unless someone in this forum has done it and can safely advise!
Hope that helps! x
Hi Lori! I am planning to go home to the Philippines anytime between now and next year and since my work is homebased but needs to communicate with clients through text messages and call. My worry is that I have a prepaid simcard will it work with GV when I want to port it? Thank you for all your inputs, I can now have the assurance that I can still have my work with me when I go home.
Hi Maris! I think you’re asking if your prepaid SIM can be ported? If you’re in the USA & using a major telecom like Verizon, AT&T, T-Mobile etc you should be able to port it. If you have doubts you can use Google Voice help to confirm by letting know your telecom info
how reliable is it to receive the one time code text message from banks for verification?
I keep reading from others that it’s hit and miss which defeats my purpose of keeping and my porting my number to google voice.
my goal is to get a sim card while im abroad for data but keep my number to get those codes to login to my accounts.
Hi Danny! Hard to answer because everyone’s data connection varies. I personally didn’t have an issue BUT could be my bank, where I was etc
For $20 to keep your mobile and a way to call your bank’s phone number if you can’t get the code to work etc. While using a local SIM for everything else.
Good luck!!! x
Hi Lori,
Great article! I have a couple of questions. When you port your number to GV it cancels your current cell service. Does this mean when you land in your new country (Spain for me) you will not have cell service? Also, if you do this shortly before you leave the country, don’t you arrive at the airport without cell service? I apologize if my questions are elementary and I’m overlooking something obvious. I appreciate any help you can provide.
Best,
Kyle
Thank you, Kyle! To answer your questions:
1 – Correct. You will not have cell service when you land in Spain.
2 – Correct. You arrive at the airport without cell service.
A couple of things to do to help with the no service issue:
– connect to free wifi via the airport
– download maps for offline use
– purchase a SIM via Amazon while in the USA
– Google to see if your airport has a SIM vending machine or store where you can purchase a SIM for immediate data use upon arrival. Heathrow sells in shops and also has a SIM vending machine in baggage claim. Check if your airport offers the same
Hope that helps!
Thank you for the thorough explanation! I am wondering if I make a call from abroad (Mexico) with a data plan from
a Mexican carrier, will my US number show up on the phone of the person I am calling in the US? I have an Iphone and have read that could make. a difference vs android also?
Hi Seth. Thank you and so glad it’s been such a good resource for you. I can only confirm Apple since I’m not an Android user. My US phone number showed up on the device of the person I was calling. However, I never changed/updated the phone number associated with my device (under Settings> on an iPhone) so I don’t know if that played a part in it. Because I had a new data plan and +44 phone number in the UK, my Apple device recognized that and kept prompting me to confirm if I wanted to change my US phone number associated with my device to the UK one but I always ignored it. Aside from the annoying pending notification that appeared in settings, not updating my Apple device phone number didn’t have a negative effect on my Google Voice use or iMessage. Hopefully that wasn’t too much information and helpful. x
Thank you for your reply you definitely answered my question! Do have issues with the call quality or is it generally pretty good? I know there are a lot of variables to this but do you know if using Google voice affects the call quality?
Yes, there are definitely quality issues and will vary on connection etc. It’s inconsistent but considering the benefits the trade-offs are worth it (personally speaking).
This is so helpful thank you! So question during the porting process while waiting for the phone number to transfer I know it can take 3 days does this mean you are with out communication for 3 days – can you still use iMessage on computer in the mean time to communicate?
Hi Ashley. Yes, you can still iMessage. You’ll be surprised how fast the porting process completes. And you can use the features of Google Voice over wi-fi or data while you wait for the phone porting to be complete (essentially it assigns the mobile phone number you’re porting over the miscellaneous phone number Google assigns you). Hope that helps!
Hi!
After I port my number to Google Voice, do I have to continue to pay my plan in the USA or can I simply park the number for free on Goggle Voice and my carrier (TMobile)? SIM cards are very cheap in India and I want to keep my expenses down. Have you ever heard of NumberBarn? A friend mentioned it.
Any suggestions welcome!
Hi Kat. It costs $20 to port your number to Google Voice so that you can keep it. Once you do that you should cancel you’d USA mobile carrier plan so that you save money while living in India. This is explained thoroughly in the post above but if you still have questions let me know. I have slightly heard of Number Barn but have no knowledge of it working. Hope that helps. x
Hi Lori,
Thank you for this post! Sorry if this is addressed elsewhere in the comments, but I’m wondering about how this works on visits home to the US. Will I need to have Wi-Fi to make calls?
Hi Hayley! You’re welcome. Yes, you need to have wifi or a data plan to make calls while in the US. I used wifi strictly while in the US before I had a data plan. It works. x
Hey Lori/all! Jumping back on here to see if anyone has had this issue with Google Voice. I have this problem when I try and make a call via GV on computer where the number rings for 1-2 seconds and then there is no sound at all from the call. This happens maybe 25% – 30% of the time I try and make a call using GV via PC. Generally, I restart my machine and that worked the other day, but I tried it today and it didn’t work. I haven’t been able to figure out a consistent solution for this. This thread has been really helpful in answering my GV questions in the past, so just thought I’d ask this group – thanks! 🙂
Hi Ross! That’s never happened to me before but maybe someone on this thread has had a similar experience and can help. This might be a silly question but have you checked your phone when you’ve lost sound? Curious if the phone takes over if it’s close enough to the device and connects via Bluetooth.
Thanks Lori! I actually am not able to make calls via GV on my phone. I get a message saying I need to link another phone # but I’m unable to link my UK # and don’t have another US # to link. So I just have used GV on the PC. But I usually have Bluetooth off, so I don’t think it’s that either – good thought though!
No problem, Mike. Deleting now. 🙂
Hi Lori,
Fantastic article! This is very helpful. I’m moving to Spain in a few weeks from the US. I also watched this YouTube video (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8sKdgJ-R8GQ), and the guy suggests using a Skype phone number for the forwarding number (from Google Voice). Is this totally necessary? From your article, it seems to me that I can just use WiFi and Data instead. Please confirm if you have a chance!
Hi E! Thank you for the kind feedback. I have not heard of using Skype. It’s not necessary for keeping your US mobile number. You can scan through all the comments as well in this post and see that no one else referenced Skype for porting. Perhaps it’s a solution for forwarding only but it’s not required. Hope that helps!
Do you have any experience porting your number back from Google Voice to a phone carrier? I am moving back to the States and want to keep my number that is currently ported to Google Voice. Any idea how long that process would take?
Hi Andrew. Absolutely. I wrote all about it here: https://abroadpurpose.com/how-to-port-your-google-voice-number-back/
Lori x
Hi there,
Just officially moved to London today and ported my phone through Google voice yesterday before I left. I am now in UK with my UK SIM card and I open my Google voice app and it says it isn’t supported in this country yet! I’m so confused because you and a bunch of other folks are doing this in the UK. Am I missing something? Thanks!
Hi Stacey! Did you get through step 3 before you left the USA yesterday?
I actually did. Everything has been approved and it is working now. Thanks!
Phew! So glad to hear that! Good luck with settling in, and if you need tips/help/advise/travel inspiration, you know you have this blog xx
Hi! I’m moving to Germany in a few weeks for 9 months, and looking to port my US number to Google Voice while I’m away. Your post has been incredibly helpful with directions on how to post my number over!
One quick question: what plan did you use during travel before you landed in the UK? I’m worried about porting the number over without having a SIM card from Germany first and having no plan while I’m traveling to contact anyone.
Thanks in advance!
Hi Sarah. Congrats on your relo to Germany!! So, what I did isn’t the most assuring. When I moved to the UK I didn’t know about Google Voice so used Verizon Wireless for data and connected to Wifi wherever possible until I could purchase a UK Sim later that day, which I chose Vodafone. Then, once I discovered Google Voice I waited until I was on a trip to America to port my number, but at this point I already had a UK Sim to cover me as soon as I landed back in the UK. What I suggest is looking for a prepaid Germany UK SIM card on Amazon OR purchase one immediately from a vending machine in the airport. Do a google search for SIM vending machines at the Germany airport you’re planning to fly into. Many major EU airports have SIM vending machines now in the book shops and baggage claim areas. I hope this helps! x
Interestingly no one has mentioned how buggy it can sometimes be. I just moved out of the US and went through this process but can’t get calls on the Google Voice app on iPhone (works fine on Android). Checking with friends and family, most people experience a similar behavior where incoming calls from the US are immediately labeled as “missed call”. Not sure if anyone has any solution to this.
Hi Itai. Totally agree with you that it can be unstable. I also have had “missed calls” where the call goes directly to voice mail. In the grand scheme though, it is the only way to keep your US mobile number while living abroad so the imperfections are easy to live with vs the alternative. Regarding Android vs iPhone, I believe you can have as many Android and/or iOS devices as you wish linked to your Google Voice number, so I’m not sure why iPhone won’t work – maybe someone else here can share if they’ve tried/experienced the same issue…
Hi and thank you for the thorough instructions!
Will your phone ring when you are receiving calls through your us number after you ported it to GV? Can you somehow actually answer incoming calls on your Google voice app with your us number?
Is there a way to hear txt msgs notifications from the GV app even when it’s not open?
Thanks in advance,
Tom
Hi Tom. Yes, the app will ring but my experience is that it’s spotty. For text message notifications, go to this Google Voice notifications support page and click the tab relevant to your device you want to setup. Good luck! x
I am curious if you know once you port your number in google voice will What’s App work properly to that number when it’s ported. My What’s app is already in service to my current sim card number which I am porting in Google Voice.
Hi Denise. WhatsApp will still work and use the existing number. Porting your number to Google Voice won’t change your WhatsApp. I hope that helps! x
Great article! Hoping to clarify one thing. It looks like 2FA from a US bank, SS, etc. (with a couple possible exceptions) works over text messaging via the Google Voice app. My biggest fear would be to be unable to login to my bank or another important website requiring 2FA over text messaging. Most simply require I enter a code on my computer. I also get text alerts from credit card companies when there’s a suspicious purchase on my card. Those text messages typically require a reply via text message. Last but not least, I access one website that uses Microsoft Authentication. I’m not sure how that works and am still investigating, but if someone has already checked that out, their experience would save me a good deal of time.
Hi Rip. Thank you! Abroad purpose readers have helped tremendously by sharing all the different situations they’ve come across using Google Voice. Admittedly Microsoft Authenticator hasn’t come up yet. Hoping someone here can advise. I use Authenticator but have ported my number back since I’m back in the USA. Authenticator is new for me in the USA otherwise I could share how it worked for me via Google Voice in the UK.
I would hope/think that if you’re using Authenticator with Face ID prior to porting your mobile phone number, then you’ll continue to be able to access to retrieve your one-time password code for sites requiring it. Alternatively, when you know you need to use Authenticator possibly turning VPN on your mobile device will allow Authenticator to communicate with your device as though it’s in the USA. But this is my best guess. Hopefully someone who’s done it/using it can advise and save you some time here. x
I have a theory that it works with any wi-fi connection and will have an opportunity in a couple months to try without also being connected to my US cell carrier. I’ll test and post results when I return. Thanks!
Rip, that would be awesome. Please do report back and share. x
Hello! I wanted to update you on my experience with transferring my US number to a Google Voice for the people like me.
I had the same phone number with Verizon Wireless for 10+ years. Definitely didn’t want to lose it. I have come to London for a Master’s program and perhaps a couple more years. Nothing was decided on how long I’d be away, if I’d return to the US, etc. So keeping the number was a priority if possible. Verizon offered no help personally so this blog post was my only source of seeing this was possible.
A couple of days before my flight, I ported my number from Verizon to Google voice. It was one small price (I think $10ish dollars, not more than $20) and it was mostly painless. The one pain was having a number from Verizon to make the port occur, which I needed the account holder for (in this case, my mom) and we needed to have the Verizon account logged in the find it.
When I pressed “port,” I got confirmation from Google Voice quickly. I know I messed up one time with the port for some reason, I think it was not being able to find the port number from Verizon in time. I don’t remember 100% what it was, but I know we were able to resolve it.
My number did still work for a day or so after initializing the port, which I did not expect. When the port was done, I received a message from Verizon that said my number was removed from the plan and my line was effectively canceled.
Getting the number working on Google Voice was surprisingly easy. Everything is seamless, no one has noticed a thing. I just struggle to send images through Google Voice. I can see other people’s image messages easily though.
I still use my old US number for my bank and other important needs. I also have kept my US number as my Whatsapp number with no issue.
My bank (Bank of America) did notice that my provider changed, so had removed my number from the account, but after just confirming the number still worked by using an SMS message, it was easily up and running again.
Thank you so much for your blog post, it made one part of this stressful move that I made late last summer much easier.
Hi Katherine. This is awesome! Thank you for this really thorough update and your kind words. It took me ages to figure it out myself which is why I knew I absolutely had to post instructions about it. So glad it all worked out for you and that it was relatively easy despite the overwhelming nervousness that goes along with doing it. Similar to you, my group images weren’t going through but didn’t realize that until others told me that they weren’t getting my images. Otherwise, I wouldn’t have known since I could see theirs.
Have the best time working on your Masters and living in London!! My nephew went to King’s College for a bit before being sent back to the USA due to Covid. Live it up and make the most of it!
And I hope you use the blog for travel itineraries, other living in England advice, and share the word with others that need this. Best wishes! xx
Thanks so much for this. Does this option still allow fo your number to be used through WhatsApp? Or you will only have access through Google Voice?
Hi Stacey! Great question. You can still use WhatsApp per normal. It’ll keep working regardless. x
My son and I are moving to Scotland from the USA at the end of the year and I am forever thankful for the information you share. I was so overwhelmed by the thought of all I need to do before our move and you have saved me so much anxiety and stress as well as sleepless nights. Bless you!
Hi Beverly! Thank you so so much for sharing your feedback about the blog. I’m so glad you found aBroad purpose and that it’s providing answers to so many questions about moving abroad. And more importantly that it’s reducing stress, anxiety, and hopefully a lot of time seeking answers to so many questions about moving abroad. Don’t hesitate to ever reach out! Best wishes on your move to Scotland xx
Hi Lori –
I moved to the UK from the US in October. I had visible in the US (a subsidiary of Verizon that’s only $25/month with a physical SIM card). When I got the to UK, I got an e-SIM card from Vodafone so now I have both numbers on my iPhone. Most of my friends and family have iPhones too so they are able to message me on my UK number from the US using iMessage. However, I still seem to miss some messages and multi-factor authentication to my US number almost never comes through even though I have cellular data switching turned on. So I’ve been looking into google voice and found your post.
I’m wondering – if I port my US number from visible to google voice, then when I’m back in the US (typically ~1 week/quarter), will my phone work? Will I have to be on wifi in order to make calls and send messages? Will I still be able to receive messages on my UK number? Will I have to turn on international services from Vodafone in order to use my UK phone service in the UK?
Thanks so much!
Hi Kelly! Thank you for posting your question here. I’m not familiar with Visible but I don’t believe the type of plan matters when porting your mobile phone number to Google Voice. When you do it, your phone always works as long as there is wifi or a data plan. To answer your questions:
1. If I port my US number from visible to google voice, then when I’m back in the US (typically ~1 week/quarter), will my phone work? YES, as long as you are on wifi or have a data plan (you can look into Vodafone Red which has more benefits when abroad)
2. Will I have to be on wifi in order to make calls and send messages? YES
3. Will I still be able to receive messages on my UK number? YES but as long as your plan covers the country you’re in; ie USA. Look into Vodafone Red – also beware that some parts of Vodafone coverage in the USA is spotty. I believe they hop on T-Mobile’s network but confirm with Vodafone directly so you know if the upgrade is worth it.
4. Will I have to turn on international services from Vodafone in order to use my UK phone service in the UK? I think you meant to write USA, but yes you need some data coverage to continue to receive service while outside Europe. You don’t need to turn on international while in France or Netherlands, etc, but the USA is beyond what is automatically covered when you travel.
Does this ^^^ help? Please let me know! x
Hi, I am moving abroad and will need my cell phone up until the day I leave. I am coordinating with a Pet moving agency 3 hours from my house to move my dog from one airport, then driving back 3 hours to travel with my 2 toddlers alone from a second airport. As the only adult I will need a cell phone to coordinate those two factors day of. I was planning on using my US phone on an international plan for the first few days. Could I do the google port while in Germany with my international plan? Is there any reason your VPN needs to be in the US? Thank you for your detailed instructions.
Hi Heather! Wow, that’s definitely a lot of coordination for one adult. I’ll be thinking of you!! 💪🏻 Yes, you can definitely use your phone for this while it’s on an international plan. The trick is completing all the steps while your mobile device is VPN’d as though it’s in the USA. Google needs your phone to be in the US to complete the transfer so enabling VPN will mimic that it is. I’m hoping Karen sees your comment because she ported her number using VPN. I ported mine before leaving America, but she is the first one on this post to confirm success doing it. Definitely install VPN on your phone and know how it works before you leave so you have that step out of the way. Alternatively, port your number beforehand…this means you’ll cancel your service earlier than planned and will use the Google Voice app to make calls. Another person successfully did that and it was a great option for them. Hopefully this helps! x
Hi, Just wanted to update you and ask a follow up question. I was able to successfully port my number to google from abroad. I just had my mom initiate the transfer in the states. I have been using it successfully in Germany for several weeks. However, google would like me to move my play store to the German play store. Will the google voice app still work on my phone? Since it is not available in the German Play store?
Hi Heather. Since Google Voice is an app only available for the US, I recommend NOT moving to the German play store because it could cause a misalignment on your account with whether your Google account is in the US or Germany…BUT, I personally haven’t been through the issue you describe. Hoping someone else on this post can better assist you. In the meanwhile, I would not migrate so that Google voice still works. Hope that helps. x
Hi,
I have been in Sweden for the last 2 months. I ported my GV number from X-finity in June 2021 when we sold our house & no longer qualified for the $12 a month 1GB plan. I used a Magenta 55+ account with T-Mobile for 3 months while we finished up the house sale and crossed the USA before heading to Sweden. That way I could test the GV. Everything has gone smoothly with GV. I get phone calls and texts from our friends and Banks in USA. The 2 Factor Authorization works for me even Social Security works.
My problem has been with X-finity. I paid my bill in July (for June), because I didn’t end the account early enough in the cycle. That was fine but they keep charging me. They sent me a bill in August and I spent 2 hours chatting with X-finity about the incorrect charge/bank draft for a closed account (when the number ported). They refunded my money but it happened again in Sept. I called again and they said, yes it shows in the record that this is cancelled. So they refunded it again. Well, this month it happened again! So I did a charge back with my Credit Card Company and won the situation. Hopefully this is resolved now.
My comment to others is to keep an eye on your bills, just in case the cell companies have trouble really closing your account.
Wow! First off, that was totally smart to port it early and test it out before leaving America. Great idea! Secondly, wow on X-finity! I can understand the potential for an accidental charge the first month, but 3 consecutive months is just crazy! I’m so glad you stayed on top of it and for sharing this so other potential Google Voice porters pay attention to their bills after porting their number. Thanks again and have the best time living in Sweden! x
Update!
X-finity is still charging our account every month and we contest it and get our money back. I’m still waiting for my Swedish Residency Permit so I bounce back and forth between USA & Sweden. I haven’t had the energy to grab ahold of this problem, yet.
Wow, that’s insane Linda. I can’t believe X-finity has been such a problem. Hopefully it will be resolved soon so you don’t have to deal with it. Thank you so much for the update!
Hey! I just moved to the UK for grad school and will be fine doing the porting process from overseas because my mom is the owner of our cell plan in the states and she is still there. However, I was wondering what happens to the rest of my phone after I port my number and get a UK SIM card: do my photos, apps, and email all remain on my phone, just without call and text capability? Does it wipe your phone? Is it that the only thing that changes is your number and country? Thanks in advance!
Hi Katherine! Congrats on the grad school move! I’m not familiar with how your mom can complete the porting for you while you are in the UK but I’m guessing she has some sort of dual access. Would love to understand this more for family connected plans looking to do the same. At any rate, regarding what happens to the rest of your phone after the port is complete and you start using a UK SIM card, everything will be the same. All the data that you have on your phone (photos, apps, email) will remain as-is. The only real difference is that texts & calling originating from the USA (ie, USA phone numbers) will come through the Google Voice App you need to install rather than the native Messages or Phone apps to the device. Does that make sense? x
Thank you! I’ve given my mom access to my google voice account, and I have a VPN set to the U.S. on both my phone and laptop. I haven’t tried it yet, but I’m hoping she can complete the porting for me overseas, as long as we are doing it in sync and I am approving the notifications sent to my phone while she is finishing the porting process back in the States. She is also the owner of our phone plan in America, which could possibly make it easier for me to have her help me do it. I’ll let you know how it goes, I am certainly very nervous about messing up the process, but fingers crossed!
Definitely curious if VPN set to the US will work for the porting. Keep us posted & good luck! x
Hi Lori! Having done it today, I can confirm that getting a VPN and setting it to the US will actually allow you to port your number to google voice while already abroad. I got Express VPN and got a six month subscription for around 50$, but that is a small price to pay for going abroad and realizing you messed up… Definitely a good loophole!
Hi Katherine!! That’s amazing!!! What a great loophole. Did your mom have to do anything or were you able to handle the entire process? x
Chiming in here: through all of my research on this topic, it is advised that you port your phone number BEFORE you leave the US. I would not risk initiating the porting process while in Singapore, since if that is indeed not possible then you’ll be stuck with paying for the US number while getting a new Singaporean cell plan.
Thanks CL. I agree with that. While it might be possible, it’s a big risk. Paul, if you do decide to try to port your number while in Singapore, can you share the results of what happens? This audience would love to know. Thank you! x
Any word on if the porting over from a TMOBILE plan to Google Voice abroad worked out?
Hi, Claire! Are you asking about porting it to Google Voice from TMOBILE AFTER already being abroad? If you’re already abroad and trying to port it, there has been success doing it via VPN. If you need more info, Katherine in the comments describes how she went about it. Lmk! x
Hello,
I will be moving to Singapore soon… I was planning to keep my TMobile plan until after I settle down, since TMobile has an international plan that allows me to get calls and free messages. Could I port my number while living in Singapore since I would still have access to receive calls and text messages?
Thank you!
Paul
Hi Paul. Yes, I think it should work since you can receive calls and text messages still. I did not do it that way but perhaps someone else on this thread can confirm they ported it while out of the USA. I would recommend contacting TMobile to ask if you would have an issue or not – they are well versed in Google Voice (at least a rep I spoke to earlier this year). I hope that helps!
Lori,
Thanks for this post! This is a godsend! I tried to look through the comments, but did not see this asked (sorry if it is a duplicate). My wife and I are moving to London next month and are planning on using Google Voice and then giffgaff once we are over there. My wife’s phone is paid in full, but mine is not. Do I need to go to Verizon and pay off the remainder of phone and then cancel our account? Or do I use Google Voice set up first? How/when do I cancel my contract with Verizon?
Hi Andrew! I would call/chat with Verizon regarding the phone payoff before canceling the account if you want to keep the device. Porting the number to Google Voice will initiate the cancellation process with Verizon so definitely check into the phone payoff before porting. The steps and screenshots above explain how to do this. Good luck! x
Hi Lori, I move to the UK in a month (omg!) I commented on this post long ago saying thank you for the advice on how to save my US phone number I’ve had for 13 years.
As I’m getting closer to porting date, I’m wondering what happens to my phone when my number is ported. I assume once it’s ported and Verizon formally cancells me, my phone will essentially be a glorified iPod touch.
If I were to sign up for a UK sim card, like giffgaff, would switching my sim card from my old verizon one to the giffgaff one give me a new UK number? The UK seems to be more forward with sim cards than the US (usually just get new phones here instead of ever talking about sim cards) so I’m not sure.
Thank you again for this great tip!
Hi Katherine! Exciting that the date is so close!! Once you port your number, install the Google Voice app so you can use your number to call the USA, text USA numbers for free etc. Buy a UK SIM card and pop it in. You’ll be good to go! x
My family and I are moving to the UK this fall (less than 2 months – eek!) as my wife is attending University for her Masters. This blog has been so helpful!
This seems like a great idea on the mobile phone and I never would have thought of it! My only question is how do you get around being able to use data in between getting plans? Is it wise to grab a pre paid UK SIM in the airport for data usage? Just thinking about being able to use maps, pull up tickets/emails, etc. Thank you again for this blog!!
Hi David! Thank you!! Yes, getting by “in between” is definitely the hardest part. You can use maps offline (I have a post somewhere on that too) so you can prep that before porting. Also, take pictures of tickets and important emails in the event you can’t find free WiFi wherever you are.
The airports generally have free WiFi or pay for a small fee. Once you arrive in the UK, getting a data plan is the very 1st thing to do. Good luck! x
Hi Lori, Great Article! Quick Question: When you are outside of the states and someone calls your GV number, does it sound ANY different in terms of ring tone or does it say “Connecting you to Google Voice”. I am sales and looking at real estate in Costa Rica to work/live part of the year. My goal is for my clients I service to NOT know I am in Costa Rica. Thank you for your insight!
Hi Matt! Thank you! It sounds the same as calling any normal number in the USA. The person calling the number won’t be able to tell from the ring tone they are calling a ported Google Voice number. Hope that helps!
Hey Lori, I recently stumbled upon your blog (through this post) and subscribed as a result! 🙂 Thanks a lot for this content, this is really helpful. I plan to move to the UK in the next month so this is very timely and useful.
I did have a few quick follow-up questions for you. After you port your number and move across the pond, do ALL your text messages begin to come through the Google Voice app? Or would some/all of your iMessages come through in the iPhone Messages app as well? I.e. do the messages duplicate and come through both Google Voice AND the iPhone Messages app? Just wondering if I can continue to use the Messages app to stay in touch with folks and if Google Voice will capture the text messages as well.
Also, when you send messages to people in the States, does it come through as your classic American number (since you’ve ported your #), or as your iMessage email address? I have some friends who have moved overseas and saw success sending messages via their iCloud / Apple ID email address but I don’t know if they ported their #.
Last q for now (!): have you ever had issues with 2nd factor authentication text messages/Google Voice while across the pond, or has Google Voice sufficiently allowed you to log in and receive a 2FA code to your old American number from anywhere in the world? Sorry for all the q’s and many thanks!!
Hi Ross! So glad you found the blog and that you subscribed. With regard to your questions in order:
1 – Yes. ALL will begin to go through the Google Voice app. I have received iMessages through iPhone Messages but I believe (my hypothesis) it’s because the sender had international texting as part of their mobile data plan. I haven’t bothered to research it because I’m not aware of not receiving expected messages (if that makes sense). I got in the habit of just using Google Voice to send texts to American friends/family not on WhatsApp or FB Messenger and used my native phone apps for all things local UK. You will figure it out in no time.
2 – Classic American number (once you’ve ported your number via Google Voice). The person on the other end won’t even know you’re using Google Voice – it’s a pretty seamless experience. My kids have sent messages where it has gone through via iCloud email address without porting, but I don’t know the mechanics of how that works as I’ve been able to use my mobile number through Google Voice without needing to reference my iCloud email address for contacting anyone overseas, and my kids have primarily used WhatsApp to contact American friends. I think their use of iCloud was random on their part.
3 – I only had 2 Factor Authentication issues twice using Google Voice over 3 years, and the irony was while on US soil. Otherwise, no issues. The 2 apps: 1 – Venmo, 2 – Holiday Inn check-in app. Having Google Voice simply for 2FA has been a huge life saver.
Good luck & I hope I answered all your questions. x
Hello Lori + Everyone! I had kicked off this (very) long chain of Google Voice Q&A a year ago (!) so I’m chiming in here. I have since ported my US phone number to GV and moved to Taiwan. GV has proven to be super and I managed to keep my original US number. However, some learnings I wanted to share with everyone:
1. It took a few days for me to figure out the relationship between iMessage (iPhone) and Google Voice. Basically if your US contacts text or call you they will all go through the GV app. However, it seems like if you have existing legacy text messages on your iPhone, you can still use iMessage to communicate. At the moment, I’d say about 40% of my text messages live on iMessage, and the rest live on GV. Be prepared to “juggle” both platforms. The text messages do not duplicate between the two platforms.
2. If you have contacts with Android phones, be aware that iMessage will NOT work overseas. Meaning all texts will need to go through Google Voice.
3. For iMessage, you can always go to Settings > Messages > Send & Receive tab. It’ll ask if you’d like to “Send and Receive Messages From” either or both your local number + Apple ID (which is an email). If you choose Apple ID ONLY I believe you can still freely send iMessages through to anyone in the world.
4. Be aware that Google Voice is good, but a rather clunky app. It’s NOT great for texting images, videos, and GIFs. Many times I would text pictures and they do not receive, or they become low quality files for some reason. Have your friends and family start texting you pictures on WhatsApp or FB Messenger or similar platform. GV is really not good for this.
5. Calling: FREE “domestic” calls meaning to any numbers in the US from your GV app. However, hit or miss in terms of voice quality, very static-ey and once again, a tad clunky at times.
6. Two-Factor Authentications: this one was a learning curve! I found out that most financial institutions (banks) do NOT recognize a Google Voice phone number, hence you will NOT receive a text message if you need to authenticate. Instead, given the option, have the banks send you an email with a code instead. So, for example: Chase, Wells Fargo, Bank of America, etc: use email to authenticate. Venmo, PayPal, Acorns, etc OKAY to use Google Voice. Everything else okay to use GV.
Hope this helps, everyone!
Thank you for your reply, Lori! Really appreciate it. And thanks for your insight CL. Interesting that you both have had different experiences regarding reliability with 2FA and some messages going through iMessage. Perhaps it’s due to different internet/policies in the UK vs Taiwan? Regardless, this is incredibly helpful! I plan to port my number to GV 4 days before my flight in about a month. I’ll follow up here if I have any further questions!
That’s awesome, Ross. Everyone will appreciate your feedback! Good luck with the move, the porting, and all things abroad related! x
Hello Lori – there is some awesome information here, thanks to you and all those who have posted here.
I found your article while researching a problem that my family and I have encountered after moving to Europe. The issue we have has been addressed here to some degree, but I must admit to being a bit foggy as to how best to resolve. It has to do with the Two-Factor Authorization issue, and specifically with banking institutions.
It appears that Google Voice might resolve this issue, but some of the responses here have me seeking additional guidance – HELP!
I currently have a US phone provider, Total Wireless, and a US-based phone number. I have an android phone. I am unable to receive or make phone calls using this number while here in Russia – and that part is okay. However, the issue is RECEIVING TEXT MESSAGES. A couple of my banks do not offer the option of receiving an email, and will only offer for me to receive a TEXT message with the verification code required, when they choose to verify me upon login from my laptop. I do use a VPN, and connection set up to appear as if its origin is in, or near, my home city in the US.
I would like to be able to receive the verification code TEXT message to my US-based phone number, whenever my bank chooses to require verification.
Banks are Citibank and CapitalOne – and they are proving to be challenging to work with.
Appreciate any input that might assist me in resolving this. (I have enabled with these banks, that a family member receive the code to their US phone number, and then it will be passed on to me, hopefully in timely fashion, before the code expires, lol – however this is not the permanent solution to this problem, that I seek.)
Thank You!
Hi Hank! Are you saying you don’t have Google Voice but trying to figure out how to receive text messages for 2FA with your bank?
If yes, see if there is a way to forward your text messages through Total wireless to your email…otherwise, I’m not sure how to get around it. Others on this thread might know. Good luck! Lori
Hey all,
Just wanted to follow up here. I ported my phone to GV when I moved here a month ago and receive 2FA texts and everything like that fine which is great and super handy. But it seems like a portion of messages to my old US number are not coming through either as iMessages or in GV. Does anyone happen to know if the solution would be for friends to add my UK # to send iMessages to? I was trying to have iMessage send from my Apple ID which is my gmail, but it seems like it is still having some issues and I wonder if it is GV-related, and if not may be Apple-related. Any feedback that people have here would be great 🙂
Hi Ross. Glad to hear the port went well and I hope getting settled is going well too! Regarding your question, do you know the types of messages that aren’t going through? Ie, a message from a friend or business, automation etc?
Thanks Lori! It is mostly messages from friends/family. Don’t think I’ve had a single issue of 2FA not working. Specifically a group message with my family has not been working. Everyone in my family has iPhones so it is an iMessage. My family added my Apple ID (email address) to the iMessage group so I’m hopeful that will resolve it. But even when individuals from the States (who have an iPhone) send me a message, it often goes to GV instead of iMessage, but some apparently don’t go through at all. Wondering if all my iPhone friends need to ensure that they add my Apple ID/email address to my contact info in their phone?
Hi Ross. Per my experience all (most) messages sent from my friends and family in the US with iPhones came thru via GV. However, group messages with photos did not. The text would go through but images would be missing for a group message. Only those with international text capability would go to my iPhone message app (to my knowledge). I did not/don’t use my Apple ID, which is an iCloud email address, so that might be why I didn’t receive iPhone to iPhone messages in the iPhone app, but they came thru via GV and that’s all I personally cared about so that I could communicate while keeping my US mobile number. I’m not sure if that helps, but that’s my experience. Hopefully others can weigh in on the specific issue you hope to resolve. Good luck! And thx again for your helpful comments! x
Thanks for the insight Lori! I think I figured it out. My iPhone had taken out my number in my settings (Settings -> My Number) so it was blank. Therefore some texts would go through to GV via my old US # which didn’t technically exist anymore and wasn’t set up as my #. But I updated my iPhone settings to contain my UK # since it matches my current sim card and then went to settings (Settings -> Send & Receive -> and made sure everything I wanted was properly checked. Hope that makes sense 🙂
Totally. That’s a great point. I wonder how it became empty? Apple phones do request to confirm the phone number on the account associated with the phone. I was really inconsistent with this…I believe I switched back and forth a couple of times but it was never empty.
Not sure. In order to clear out the “Other” in my storage, I backed up my phone to iCloud and then reset it so that might have knocked it out. Thank you Lori! 🙂
Hi Lori, thanks for the post. I have been paying my TracFone account 7 months without using it due to not wanting to lose my US #. So it seems I can’t switch to Google Voice. I wish they would make it work for people who’ve already left because it’s messy to cancel your phone before you leave. I wonder if porting it to VoIP could let me then switch it to Google Voice???? Maybe not. But I noticed in the chat someone said ask your phone service to suspend the number. So I will try asking. I am not planning to move back, but for one thing I have accounts active in the US that need US ph #, and for another thing, maybe I’d visit.
Hi there! Totally agree that it’s messy, not to mention a bit nerve-wracking, to cancel just prior to leaving. I echo the recommendation to see if you can suspend until you can at least visit the US and then port during your visit. Another option might be to ship your phone to a family/friend in the US and have them do it for you…then ship it back. It might be cheaper than paying your account until you can visit. Just a thought.
Hi Lori! I just found out about Google Voice, thanks for the article. I have a few questions that I can’t find answers to: I am in the US now but am moving abroad to Morocco in a week. If I start the porting process but don’t have a cell phone provider/number from my new country yet, my number is just ‘parked’ in Google Voice until I have a Moroccan number, correct? I can then connect Google Voice to my new Moroccan number once I have that?
Hi Julia. Congrats on your abroad move! When you port your number your number will become a Google Voice number which you can then use to text and make calls via the Google Voice app through wi-fi or a data plan. When I ported my number prior to having a UK data plan to use in the US, I just connected to free wi-fi whenever possible for a couple of days to have “connectivity”. Then, when I was in the UK and had my data plan, I always had access to make calls/texts, along with receive, through my UK data plan. Literally, the only difference is that instead of using your phone or text icons on your mobile device, you open your Google Voice app. Regarding your 2nd question, you cannot forward your Google Voice number to your Moroccan number because Google Voice doesn’t understand international phone numbers. When you have your Moroccan phone number, you’ll ultimately have 2 lines to take and make calls: local/Moroccan through your device’s native phone system, to/from USA numbers through Google Voice app. You can only “forward” a Google Voice ported number to a different USA phone number (at least that’s my understanding at this point in time). I hope that helps! x
Hi Lori,
This has been an incredibly helpful blog. Thank you. I am moving to the UK and need to keep my USA phone number. I need my phone and data plan up to the point of leaving on the plane. Can I start the porting in the airport in the USA and be out of the country whilst the porting is taking place?
Also, I already have a phone plan in the UK that I will be using there and will have my Verizon plan cancelled here in the USA. Calls won’t be forwarded to my UK phone number but will land into the Google Voice App, is that correct?
Thank you!
Hi Caitlin! I’m so glad my blog has been so helpful! Congrats on the move! Regarding when to port, you really need to do it 24-96 hours before plane departure because the process could take that long and you have to be able to verify the phone number. While mine personally happened super fast, they say to plan at least a couple of days for phone verification and that the porting was successful. Once you’re in the UK you won’t be able to do that. Is it possible to have your UK phone plan be international for the month so you have data and calling access (WhatsApp, FB Messenger etc)?
Correct on the forwarding question! Your UK calls will come through like a normal call or text, where your USA calls to your old mobile number will work through the Google Voice App.
I hope that helps answer your questions. Lmk. x
Thank you, Lori! This has helped ease the anxiety in this process. Really appreciate your detailed and thorough responses. Warmly, Caitlin
You’re so welcome! x
Hello, I found this guide and ported my number to Google Voice. It worked great — got a Czech number and data plan. But all of the sudden, my iMessages starting using my Czech number and not my US number. Has this happened to anyone? I sometime get a message that I need to reinsert my SIM card but that didn’t seem to help.
Hi Chase! Glad Google Voice is working…I suppose a little too well! This has never happened to me, but I’m curious, did you update your phone device to take on your new Czech number? I never did that personally. I don’t know if it’s related but that’s what comes to mind.
Hi Lori, I love your informative blog. However, my number is an 808 number from Hawaii and Google Voice doesn’t port this area code. Is there another service that I can use to keep my 808 number while abroad the next couple years that has the features of GV?
Hi there! Wow, thank you for asking this question. You bring up a really good point. Google Voice isn’t an option for Hawaii 808 numbers – only for the 48 contiguous US States. I believe it’s because Google Voice doesn’t have a physical presence in Hawaii yet. Sadly, the only other option I’m aware of is putting your phone in some sort of suspend status through your carrier, which will still cost you money. You may still be able to use a wi-fi connection but sending/receiving calls & texts likely wouldn’t be in service. You’d have to check with your carrier for options. Otherwise, I’m uncertain of any other solution for an 808. Good luck!
Thank you for this helpful article and for the questions others have posted.
I wanted to ask a question that might make me seem dumb, BUT: without my American SIM card in the iPhone (let’s say I have a hiccup in finding a good German plan), but with my American number already ported, will I still get regular iMessages and WhatsApp messages as long as I have a wifi connection? And then once I get a German plan that suits me, I will put that SIM card in, and then will receive calls to my German number, but also calls and texts to the American one through Google voice, and all the Time since I’ll then have EU data?
I wish I knew about this sooner but better late than never! It’s scary to pull the trigger!
Hi, Rachel. Not dumb at all! I was afraid to do it also so I totally get it. It sounds like you have an iPhone.
Yes, as long as you have a wi-fi connection you will receive your normal iMessages but they will come via the Google Voice app.
Your friends/family won’t know the difference, but you’ll just use the Voice app vs the normal iPhone Messages app to read and respond to them. WhatsApp will work the same as it did before with your American number. You do not need to create a new WhatsApp account with a new German number (but that’s a personal choice and up to you!).
Once you have a German SIM card with a data plan, you’ll then have a German phone number to use for friends and family etc in Germany (or wherever your German phone plan covers). To call your USA-based phone numbers, you’ll call them via your Google Voice app using your ported American phone number. So ultimately, you’ll have 2 phone numbers: your German one, and your US one.
For example, I had a UK data plan and a ported American number to Google Voice. In the UK I always used my local UK phone number for everything UK based and/or traveling Europe. When I was calling friends, businesses, or family in the USA, I would call them via Google Voice using my ported American phone number. But, when I was in between Verizon mobile and Vodafone, for about 2 days I relied on wi-fi 100% for communication.
Lastly, when someone who calls your American phone number you’ll see it popup and come through your Google Voice App. When someone calls your German number, you’ll see it come across your phone via the normal iPhone phone app.
I hope this helps! 🙂
This is very helpful! I am moving to South Korea soon and would love to do this for the 2-factor authentication situations. I did have a few questions though.
I am currently on a family plan, so only my number will be the only one being ported/removed from the current plan. Do you know if porting it will cancel the plan altogether or simply just remove my number from the plan?
Also, I will not be setting up a new number with my provider or with another US provider to help in the verification process. Since I cannot forward to my Korean number will this be a problem or should I use a parent or friends number?
Thanks!
Hi Sarah. How awesome! Congrats on the move abroad!!
On the family plan question, I believe it would just remove your number only from the family plan but I would contact your mobile phone carrier to be sure first. Most of the major carriers are quite versed on Google Voice and can best advise. Try live chat as I find that the easiest.
You don’t need another US phone number or US carrier plan to use Google Voice. Once you port your number to Google Voice, your phone number will still seem like it’s “normal” to your friends and family, or whomever else you call in the US. You’ll be the only one that really knows the difference as you’ll use the Google Voice app on your device to make calls. I did not have a forwarding number either so it won’t be an issue. As long as you have data and wi-fi for your device while in South Korea, you’ll be able to use your US phone number through Google Voice for making calls, receiving texts, 2-factor etc. I’ve used mine in England for 3 years and in the US without a problem.
I hope that answers your question! Good luck on the move! x
Thank you so much! Moving to London this summer to pursue a masters. I was uncomfortable with losing the number I’ve had for 13 years in the process. This is a total win-win for me and my family (and any old friends that may want to text)
Hi Kat! I’m so glad you found this post because I totally get it which is why I keep my carrier active for so long. But Google Voice is a game changer for staying in touch with the fam that doesn’t use social media apps etc and it’s also perfect for calling USA businesses that you might need to call while away. Best wishes on your Masters!!! Enjoy London! It’s amazing!! x
Hi Lori, thanks for this information. I have a question. once I’m living abroad, is it free to call and receive calls from U.S numbers ? or shall i buy credits to call like using hangouts? thanks!
Hi Daniel. As long as you have a Wifi or data connection, you don’t need to pay to receive or make calls to the US via Google Voice. It’s free. I hope that helps!
THANK YOU!! We have been trying to figure out as we prepare to leave the US from UK in the next couple of weeks.
Hi, Tamara! You are so welcome. I wish I had discovered it sooner myself. Google Voice has been an awesome way to keep my mobile US number while living abroad, and still be able to make and receive calls without paying a thing. Good luck with your move! x
Brilliant – you’ve saved me $50 per month. Shame they don’t have pay as you go in the US as well. But a great alternative to carry on keeping my precious US number. Great article and guide. Thank you!
Hi Nadeem! I’m so glad you found this post and I’m able to help you save your number and money too!! It was a huge win for me personally so I’m happy to help others in similar situations. x
Hello, Lori. Thanks for this helpful guide. Are you still able to use your US phone number for multi-factor authentication messages from places like your US bank or credit card company once you ported your number to Google Voice? Thanks!
Hi Andy! Thank you. Yes, I still receive messages for authentication and 2-factor challenges. In fact, I used it today for my insurance company in the USA. I hope that helps answer your question.
Hi Lori,
Thanks for this VERY useful article. I have been trying to figure out how to keep my phone number [currently on Sprint/T Mobile] while living and working in the UK.
It is good read here that 2FA for US institutions will still work but I would like to know if it will work for non-US bank. I still maintain an account back home in South Africa which uses my US number for 2FA.
Does GV support text messaging, calls and 2FA from other countries?
Hi Ken! Thank you for the feedback and so glad you found this post helpful. As for non-US banks, I don’t believe 2FA will work. Google Voice is US based so I don’t believe it’ll work unless VPN offers a loophole. Perhaps someone on this thread can confirm for you. Otherwise, I would definitely contact Google Voice to confirm before porting if that is a primary need. Hope that helps!
Hi, Lori. This is very helpful, thank you! One question: do you know if you can still use your US number with apps such as WhatsApp, after you port it to Google Voice?
Hi Flavia! I’m so glad you found this helpful. Yes, I’m still using my USA number for WhatsApp in England, along with all of my Apple apps registered with my US Apple ID and number. I hope that helps!
This is great! But to follow up on the Apple ID — so anyone with your US number can send you an iMessage or text message and you’ll receive it?
Hi Chase! Yes, you will receive the text sent to your US phone number via the Google Voice app, and even a copy to your email if you choose to enable that. Hope that helps!
This guide is super helpful, Lori! Thanks for the step-by-step instructions. I came across your site over coffee this morning and am already a fan 🙂
Aww, thank you! I’m so glad you found it helpful. 🙂