Mint has a good alternative program to Google Fi as well that you can top up as needed. I also like the idea of having a local number. This video is among the best and easiest to understand that I've seen regarding the international mobile phone dance...take it from someone who landed in Europe at 4 am and had to find my AirBnB without any phone service whatsoever, and nothing open. Lol, yet another travel adventure, but one I'd rather not repeat...safe travels, all!
Ok, that was just what I was hoping to hear. So overall your strategy covers everything we’d need concerning using our phone. What a relief - many thanks. Keep up the great work!
We were able to order eSims online before our trip (to Portugal), loaded them onto our phones while still in the US, and the phones connected once we landed in Lisbon. Worked great! Good info, thanks!
I am an American living in Thailand, and I have Google Voice for my US number, but aside from my Thai SIM, which costs me &7 a month to top up, I use WhatsApp, Skype and LINE for most of my calls, but great video.👍
hi, I'm American moving to thailand in 3 days. Can I google voice my us # in Thailand or need to do before I go? Does that stop my bill from ATT? Should I put my US # on e[sim then get reg. sim in Thailand?
To get a google voice number, you have to be in the US. Can’t do it from Thailand. Once you’re in Thailand, you’ll find out that local sims are cheap about $10 a month. Keep your US sim for when you go back.
I have listened to many nomads, and that's how EVERYONE plays it. Keep your US phone and ALSO an unlocked phone. Use US phone when you absolutely need, but rely mostly on local Sim using WhatsApp, etc.
@@nylimoman you should definitely do it before you come, and it will cost you $20. Make sure your phone is unlocked, and you don’t continue your AT&T Account, after you move your number over to Google.
Before getting a new IPhone, check to see if it is 5Gcapable. In parts of Mexico the SIM cards were all about 5G capabilities, which mine was not. Contributed to my major communication headache. The information in this video will be very helpful in eliminating prior nightmares of international cellphone disfunction.
fabulous information, I am getting a new phone in January and we leave for Spain for 2 months and the phone service was one of the holes left in our plan!! thanks!
Thank you. Good to know for full time nomads. Me I’m American and I have T-Mobile. 120+ countries. I been to 30+. Land and I have local service. NO data roaming charges. Up to LTE. $0.20/minute for phone.
Thanks for the info, I have ATT, they change $10 for the first phone and $5 for the second. That's an additional $450 to the monthly plan. I'm calling T-Mobile now.
@@Amen.22 We're also T-Mobile customers and LOVE our "Magenta Max 55+ Unlimited" plan which is a total $90 for the two of us, and that is UNL:IMITED HIGH SPEED data in the USA with 40GB of Hotspot data for each of us in the USA, and that also includes 5GB of HIGH SPEED data in every international country we've visited so far, and after the 5GB of high-speed international data, the speed drops but remains connected for the duration of our visit. That means we are NEVER without data, anywhere, for emails, text, voice, web browsing, etc. Just video and gaming gets impacted after the 5GB of high speed is consumed in the overseas countries. We used our T-M phones in Canada, Mexico, Europe and South Africa over the last year with zero issues! Absolutely no changes needed....no E-SIMs, no foreign SIMs or data plans or anything else!
Thank you for this info. I’m still learning so much for when I can finally be a nomad, and I wondered if there was a better way to manage my phone rather than a new sim per country. Thank you so much!
I'm with Chris on this one. If I can get a local number as well as have Global voice and data and just deal with one company that's the way to go. Also from a security standpoint you're not having to supply your passport info each time you get a new SIM which could lead to identity theft. Great video!
Depending on what your needs are, I used some other esims services like Airalo and get like a 3 day or one week plan to hold me over from the airport to the hotel. That gives me time to then go to a local store and pick up a sim for the lower cost. I have never used Flexiroam so I don't know if the prices are comparable.
I travel to Vietnam, Cambodia & Thailand a lot. It is easy, as soon as you land get local money ( Cambodia takes dollars) go to the airport cellphone kiosk & have a great cheap plan in minutes.
I just found your channel and I subscribed. I’ve been trying to get other vloggers to cover this subject, but no one would. I just wanted to know how expats in other countries are able to login to their US bank and credit card companies. Thanks for the info. I think I finally found the right channel.
Finding your channel is a blessing in disguise, for I will be traveling to Europe soon and I will be needing services for my phone. After learning all your tips, I subscribed to follow and learn for more of your travel tips. 🇵🇭🇺🇸
Thanks for this video. I am getting ready to head abroad for a while. I have trying how to get some information on on this. I knew about Esimms and getting a sim card once entering a different country. The one thing that I am still a little fuzzy on is the Google voice. You didn't go into detail about that. If you please elaborate that would be fantastic. Keep up the great work and enjoy yourselves.
Google voice is a free phone and text service. Make sure you move your US number to Google Voice BEFORE leaving the US. They don't allow it after you leave.
So I liked, Subscribed, and Shared !!! And I am in the Ex-Pat process to leave the USA for good to go to the Philippines to Stay and researched everything about all their Visas there and I am currently single !!!
If I could subscribe again I would! Thanks for sharing all this information. We are currently using GoogleFi and it is working well for us; however, we need a back up for when/if we get canceled for being out of US too much - soon it will be more than 6 months a year.
Thanks guys. Enjoy your content and appreciate your sharing (in this world where coach potatoes sit back and pepper youtubers with criticism with no background to do so). Youre brave and I appreciate your work. Lots of good tips here, because it is still frustrating for me to figure out phone strategy even with my history of living in Singapore for two years recently and now retired in SE Asia. Keep up the great work. Onward!
I really enjoyed the informative and relaxed nature of your video. I am of the local sim persuasion and I actually enjoy doing the research and having that local interaction as part of the whole travel experience. Depending on the circumstances, I will often get a one day e-sim to tide me over for the first day of my trip or I will just use the free Wi-Fi network at the airport.
you guys are a great tag team. thank you for this information. My wife and I are close to retirement and hoping to get more info from you guys as we plan our world travels. Thanks.
In my experience traveling throughout Europe, my phone simply works. Note that I'm talking about 1st world countries. I simply call my provide (Spectrum) before I go and tell them where I'll be. I usually go for a month and visit several countries which I list for the provider. I use the hotel's wifi at night to send pictures/videos to the kids back home and to plan the next day's excursions. I mostly use the navigation function intermittently throughout the day.
Yes, that's right. GV is free. If you use it to make an international call ( eg: US number to Italian number) you pay a per minute charge which is usually about $.01 a minute.
Great video. Have you tried Arlo, vodaphone or Holafly. As a traveler I use Google Fi. But also have back ups I have Google voice as a back uo # and it’s great. But my bank doesn’t recognize it at all. So the 2fa is an issues. Email is an option. But it what it is
Thanks for the video. Y'all two are obviously very happy together, it's inspiring to see. What about maintaining a U.S. domestic phone number as a U.S. citizen while travelling internationally (slowmad) -without- anything Google? Any ideas/suggestions for that?
@@EatWalkLearn Thanks. I'm already on T-mobile and was looking at Magenta Max - I know it's expensive, but I have to use my phone a LOT for professional for high-stress, one-chance phone calls sometimes. I see Tello is a virtual network that runs on top of Tmobile, whereas Magenta Max is much more expensive and *is* Tmobile. Any thoughts on Magenta Max? Thanks so much
How did you park your phone number with Google Voice? In other words, while you were still with your cell phone company, did you move the number before cancelling? How was that done without then being left with no service? Did you do it while outside the U.S. then cancel service? Lastly, if you already have two GV phone numbers, do you just cancel one then you can add the "real" one that is on your phone?
We did it in the US. It took a couple of hours to activate, leaving us without service during that time. We kept the numbers we had with our previous provider (Fi and Verizon.)
Hi i have a question on Google FI, I'm moving to central america in a couple of months, I'll only be coming back to US about once or twice a year, I'm mostly concerned about 2FA, banking, SS office, Government office, I have whatsapp and I can get a local sim, I heard GoogleFi will turn off data after a few months but will text still work for 2FA after a year or two if i'm still paying, or will they shut that off too
We moved our number to Google Voice. No need to pay for Google Fi if you're only using it for 2FA, etc. Google Voice is free and has worked for us as our US Phone number for calls and SMS in all situations.
Thanks so much, I've subscribed ❤. We are from US, living abroad in. EU frequently travel due to work. This is boss info. Curious if you've tried this in UAE yet? There we could only use WhatsApp for text only and their sims for calls.
Thanks! One thing I'm a little confused about, regarding keeping ur US phone number working internationally. Why do you wait still ur about to leave the US, before porting over ur normal cell phone number to become ur new Google Voice number? Seems it would be better to do that sooner, so you don't have to wait, till ur out of the country, to see if it works, as expected. Thanks again!!
One simple trick does it guys! Put your phone on airplane mode and enable WIFI calling; make sure your phone has this feature or turned on by your network provider! When done you can call and receive calls and texts from and to anywhere. No more special international plans needed
So you just keep paying the same service provider you had in your home country? What if you’ve not going back to your country? Keep your phone on airplane mode forever?
This is good for some providers e.g. ATT but not for others and in particular my provider (was republic wireless now boost mobile) does not work unless you also have cell service. I also have whatsapp but then the person you are trying to communicate with also has to have it. One thing we are considering is a mobile hot spot with a local sim and of course a service that allows wifi calling w/o cell service. It isn't perfect but gets us 90% of what we need.
question btw,,,, regarding using 'google voice' I went through those steps. just curious How does it work then? do you still keep your original number and cell data provider plan? and then am I suppose to give that new google number to my bank? or do you keep your original number with the bank?
So, what is the process that someone moving overseas would follow? Park their current phone number on Google Voice and then get the Flexiroam plan? Also, does that mean we would have to cancel service with our US based carrier and remove their sim card?
Does flexiroam work on a cruise when at sea? Is flexiroam an esim? I have used esim in Europe this year for 2 months and it worked fine except identifying texts coming in etc! Thanks
Yes, if there is service nearby because you're near land or port, flexiroam works. But it's not satellite, so you won't have coverage mid-sea. Yes, it's an esim.
My phone is still locked with AT&T, so I don't think a local sim card will work. Last time I went to Asia, even though I signed up the $10 a day roaming service, I was NOT able to make calls back to the states. I was so upset because I called AT&T right before my trip and followed exactly what they told me to dial(the country code + area code + phone#), but I was still unable to get through. Now I have another trip coming up and wonder if things can get better. If you called back to the states while aboard before and know what I did wrong, please lmk and give suggestions? Thank you!
I believe all the major carriers will charge extra if you want to use their service outside the States. I don't know enough about your situation to offer any advice.
I’ve heard that a law was passed years ago that said that all phone companies have to unlock your phone for free if you request it. However that law might only apply where I live, on the US territory of Guam.
I'm going to Jamaica in May in 2024. I have Metro by T-Mobile and they do not have international roaming. I will only be in Jamaica for about 7 days. Should I get a SIM card from my local Metro by T-Mobile store or when I go to Jamaica??
I'm looking for an option where i just want to receive calls from US and call back while travelling internationally outside US. I DON'T need data. Any cheap options do you suggest? Thanks
@@markwickens2756 if you want to buy a plan you can get it everywhere but I never used it because in the city the free wifi is in public space such as parks, near public buildings and convenience stores - and then all restaurants cafes and such have their own you can log into. It’s very fast
😢 one caveat to your statement that you can use Google Voice for everything! Some banks will not allow Google Voice because it is not the same is a telecom number, some banks might have to pay for it, so they will not allow it! Be aware, be informed!!
Yes many banks and financial institutions will not accept any IP-based phone numbers. Similar to having a remote mailbox address vs a bricks and mortar address.
SWITCH BANKS if this is the case! This indicates your bank has no idea what they’re doing security wise, it’s not even appropriate in the first place to do 2FA over a phone number these days.
Good question. It's not like traditional plans. There are many different plans you can choose from. All have a specific time frame and amount of data. For example there may be an Ireland plan for 10 days with 2 gig of data, all the way up to a Global Plan of 365 days with 20 gig. You just buy what you need.
Not sure where you get the prices from, I've just gone online and the plan that you say is $65 is actually $269. That's one impressive coupon. So any suggestions for your viewers would be welcome.
I use AIRALO eSim , worked well when I visited the US. My sister who lives in the US recently travelled to South East Asia and Japan , she bought AIRALO Regional eSim and it worked well. I live in the UK
You shouldn't use public or hotels data if they are not secured. Nowadays, bad hackers can have an access to your private information. It is better to buy a private data plan and keep your WiFi off when you are not using it. I make sure to have a cheap plan for one local number for my family during travel. It makes it easy for local communications like taxis, restaurants, food etc.
AT&T and Cricket plans will roam in Mexico indefinitely because AT&T has its own network in Mexico. I have a few relatives that use US AT&T sim in Mexico for a few years now. An AT&T Mexico sim will also roam indefinitely in the USA as well if a Mexico phone number is needed.
@EatWalkLearn the link in the description is only text. When I follow this link in your comment it takes me to Flexiroam for Asia. Are there separate ones for different countries or continents?
@@kirstenveneziano1205 the link should take you to the app. I only know about one. Maybe vpn to USA before linking? My code is CES5KHKP. You can also input that once you install the app. Thanks for asking
That strange , I visit vn , I had to buy new Sim and can not register official user because I carry u.s. passport which is foreign to internal vn network. I wonder if some companies like t-mobile or at&t can had international plan that cover all countries
I got a SIM card in Vietnam with no problems. They did ask for my US Passport which I find fairly common. Big US carriers offer very expensive international plans which is the main reason we found a better solution
This is not true. We use Google Voice internationally. You must have $ in your account, though, to pay international calls. It's usually $.01 a minute.
I got a question, what happens if I dont pay for my cell phone plan in the United States. Can I still use my Google Voice Number? The reason I ask is because it ask for my cell phone number I currently use while home
Google Voice is a way to get calls and text for free using your US number. Then get mobile data using a local SIM or Flexiroam. No need for your old phone plan.
Very helpful video. Thank you! Chris, how quickly do you use the 11 GB of data? I realize it will vary, depending on the availability and quality of internet connection. Do you have a rough idea of how many GB you use in a month?
Mint has a good alternative program to Google Fi as well that you can top up as needed. I also like the idea of having a local number. This video is among the best and easiest to understand that I've seen regarding the international mobile phone dance...take it from someone who landed in Europe at 4 am and had to find my AirBnB without any phone service whatsoever, and nothing open. Lol, yet another travel adventure, but one I'd rather not repeat...safe travels, all!
Thank you
Ok, that was just what I was hoping to hear. So overall your strategy covers everything we’d need concerning using our phone. What a relief - many thanks. Keep up the great work!
Glad it was helpful!
I like Chris’s plan. Just pay one fee and get off the plane and make a call. Also, my new iPhone 14 has an esim. Good info. Thanks.
Yeah. Chris 1, Steve 0 :-)
We were able to order eSims online before our trip (to Portugal), loaded them onto our phones while still in the US, and the phones connected once we landed in Lisbon. Worked great! Good info, thanks!
Good to know!
Which eSIM plan did you use? Thanks.
I am an American living in Thailand, and I have Google Voice for my US number, but aside from my Thai SIM, which costs me &7 a month to top up, I use WhatsApp, Skype and LINE for most of my calls, but great video.👍
Yes! You and Steve are on the same page. Love the local SIM in Thailand!
hi, I'm American moving to thailand in 3 days. Can I google voice my us # in Thailand or need to do before I go? Does that stop my bill from ATT? Should I put my US # on e[sim then get reg. sim in Thailand?
To get a google voice number, you have to be in the US. Can’t do it from Thailand. Once you’re in Thailand, you’ll find out that local sims are cheap about $10 a month. Keep your US sim for when you go back.
I have listened to many nomads, and that's how EVERYONE plays it. Keep your US phone and ALSO an unlocked phone. Use US phone when you absolutely need, but rely mostly on local Sim using WhatsApp, etc.
@@nylimoman you should definitely do it before you come, and it will cost you $20.
Make sure your phone is unlocked, and you don’t continue your AT&T Account,
after you move your number over to Google.
New to international traveling. Thank both of you so much for giving time to this video
Thank you for watching. We love comments and suggestions!
Before getting a new IPhone, check to see if it is 5Gcapable. In parts of Mexico the SIM cards were all about 5G capabilities, which mine was not. Contributed to my major communication headache. The information in this video will be very helpful in eliminating prior nightmares of international cellphone disfunction.
Good tip. Thank you for your comments
fabulous information, I am getting a new phone in January and we leave for Spain for 2 months and the phone service was one of the holes left in our plan!! thanks!
So glad we could help.
Thank you. Good to know for full time nomads. Me I’m American and I have T-Mobile. 120+ countries. I been to 30+. Land and I have local service. NO data roaming charges. Up to LTE. $0.20/minute for phone.
Sounds like you have a super plan. Thanks for sharing
Thanks for the info, I have ATT, they change $10 for the first phone and $5 for the second. That's an additional $450 to the monthly plan. I'm calling T-Mobile now.
My husband and I are world travelers. We are T-Mobil customers, also. We stay connected that way.
How much is the total cost to use T mobile? Will the banks and credit card companies accept it for 2FA codes if I’m in the Philippines?
@@Amen.22 We're also T-Mobile customers and LOVE our "Magenta Max 55+ Unlimited" plan which is a total $90 for the two of us, and that is UNL:IMITED HIGH SPEED data in the USA with 40GB of Hotspot data for each of us in the USA, and that also includes 5GB of HIGH SPEED data in every international country we've visited so far, and after the 5GB of high-speed international data, the speed drops but remains connected for the duration of our visit. That means we are NEVER without data, anywhere, for emails, text, voice, web browsing, etc. Just video and gaming gets impacted after the 5GB of high speed is consumed in the overseas countries.
We used our T-M phones in Canada, Mexico, Europe and South Africa over the last year with zero issues! Absolutely no changes needed....no E-SIMs, no foreign SIMs or data plans or anything else!
Thank you for this info. I’m still learning so much for when I can finally be a nomad, and I wondered if there was a better way to manage my phone rather than a new sim per country. Thank you so much!
The world of eSIMs opens up a lot of choices. Nomading is getting easier.
Flexiroam global makes it easier.
I'm with Chris on this one. If I can get a local number as well as have Global voice and data and just deal with one company that's the way to go. Also from a security standpoint you're not having to supply your passport info each time you get a new SIM which could lead to identity theft. Great video!
Yeah for Team Chris!
Depending on what your needs are, I used some other esims services like Airalo and get like a 3 day or one week plan to hold me over from the airport to the hotel. That gives me time to then go to a local store and pick up a sim for the lower cost. I have never used Flexiroam so I don't know if the prices are comparable.
I travel to Vietnam, Cambodia & Thailand a lot. It is easy, as soon as you land get local money ( Cambodia takes dollars) go to the airport cellphone kiosk & have a great cheap plan in minutes.
Yes! That's Steve's strategy. But he still likes to have an international plan that works the minute the wheels touch the ground.
I'm with Steve. Smart man...
Thanks for the comment. He's a smart guy!
I just found your channel and I subscribed. I’ve been trying to get other vloggers to cover this subject, but no one would. I just wanted to know how expats in other countries are able to login to their US bank and credit card companies. Thanks for the info. I think I finally found the right channel.
Awesome! Thank you!
Finding your channel is a blessing in disguise, for I will be traveling to Europe soon and I will be needing services for my phone. After learning all your tips, I subscribed to follow and learn for more of your travel tips. 🇵🇭🇺🇸
Wonderful! Thank you
Thanks for the phone guidance.
You bet
Thanks for this video. I am getting ready to head abroad for a while. I have trying how to get some information on on this. I knew about Esimms and getting a sim card once entering a different country. The one thing that I am still a little fuzzy on is the Google voice. You didn't go into detail about that. If you please elaborate that would be fantastic.
Keep up the great work and enjoy yourselves.
Google voice is a free phone and text service. Make sure you move your US number to Google Voice BEFORE leaving the US. They don't allow it after you leave.
So I liked, Subscribed, and Shared !!! And I am in the Ex-Pat process to leave the USA for good to go to the Philippines to Stay and researched everything about all their Visas there and I am currently single !!!
Thanks for your comments and support. Good luck in your travels!
A non-working cellphone as a “ traveler” is an understatement nightmare. Happened to me in November. My US carrier had failed to activate my esim.
True. Traveling with a partner makes things so much easier. Especially when we're using different technology.
Thanks super helpful as I am about to do world travel and this will make things so much easier with my Google Pixel 6 pro.
Glad it was helpful!
If I could subscribe again I would! Thanks for sharing all this information. We are currently using GoogleFi and it is working well for us; however, we need a back up for when/if we get canceled for being out of US too much - soon it will be more than 6 months a year.
Thank you! We weren't prepared, but you have some good options now.
Ah. Thanks. We were sad at first about losing Fi, but now we don't miss it (or the cost.)
I used to have goggle first, it’s cheap but it goggle eat the data so fast even if your using your home Wi-Fi. For now I’m fine with t mobile
Cute couple! Great everyday humor. Thanks for the good info-haven’t traveled internationally since the good days.
Glad you enjoyed it!
Thanks guys. Enjoy your content and appreciate your sharing (in this world where coach potatoes sit back and pepper youtubers with criticism with no background to do so). Youre brave and I appreciate your work. Lots of good tips here, because it is still frustrating for me to figure out phone strategy even with my history of living in Singapore for two years recently and now retired in SE Asia. Keep up the great work. Onward!
Thanks so much
I really enjoyed the informative and relaxed nature of your video. I am of the local sim persuasion and I actually enjoy doing the research and having that local interaction as part of the whole travel experience. Depending on the circumstances, I will often get a one day e-sim to tide me over for the first day of my trip or I will just use the free Wi-Fi network at the airport.
Yes. That's Steve's solution. Lots of options out there.
My fav TH-cam couple 🖐🏾
Ah, thanks
you guys are a great tag team. thank you for this information. My wife and I are close to retirement and hoping to get more info from you guys as we plan our world travels. Thanks.
Our pleasure!
Awesome and very relevant information! Y'all got a sub!👍
Thanks for the sub!
Guys! Ive been looking for a solution to this for a year. Thanks!
Glad we can help. Thanks for the kind words. Let us know how it works for you
Thank you so much for this valuable info. God bless you both.🙏
Our pleasure!
Thank you for Great content. Are you both from Seattle area?
We love the Seattle area, but we're not from the PNW. Thanks for watching and commenting.
Thanks I needed this. I am traveling next week and have been thinking
Glad it was helpful!
Very useful. Thank you for sharing!
Excellent information. I wish I knew about this before I went to South Africa. I had to get a physical sim card.
Hope you had a good trip
Hey thanks fantastic review. We are going to Thailand in March. Curious I see you get data with an E Sim but how do you actually make calls?
We use WhatsApp or Google Voice to make calls.
In my experience traveling throughout Europe, my phone simply works. Note that I'm talking about 1st world countries.
I simply call my provide (Spectrum) before I go and tell them where I'll be. I usually go for a month and visit several countries which I list for the provider.
I use the hotel's wifi at night to send pictures/videos to the kids back home and to plan the next day's excursions. I mostly use the navigation function intermittently throughout the day.
Good to know
Oh my Gosh !!! Thanks for this video that popped up !!! 😊 👏 👏
You are so welcome!
Welcome to Vietnam! I love this video .
thanks
Excellent help demystifying a confusing topic. Many thanks!
Glad it was helpful!
Such good & useful info. Thanks!
Glad it was helpful!
Great info. We’ve been using a GlocalMe device. We’ve got iPhones and are considering upgrading to ones with esim capability. New subs here.
eSims can be a game-changer. But nothing is perfect (yet).
@@EatWalkLearn gotta believe there are solutions coming as the world continues to become more mobile.
So to receive phone calls and messages as you travel you just ported yr number to google voice? Does google voice expire or have a fee?
Yes, that's right. GV is free. If you use it to make an international call ( eg: US number to Italian number) you pay a per minute charge which is usually about $.01 a minute.
Great video. Have you tried Arlo, vodaphone or Holafly. As a traveler I use Google Fi. But also have back ups
I have Google voice as a back uo # and it’s great. But my bank doesn’t recognize it at all. So the 2fa is an issues. Email is an option. But it what it is
Thanks for your comments
Hello. My question is: do I close my current cell phone provider before or do I continue to pay my current plan? Thank you.
Once you port your number to GV, you can cancel your plan
Great content. I love your channel. I subscribed the first minute.
Welcome aboard!
Hot spotting is a great idea. 😊 Thank you!
Thanks for the video. Y'all two are obviously very happy together, it's inspiring to see. What about maintaining a U.S. domestic phone number as a U.S. citizen while travelling internationally (slowmad) -without- anything Google? Any ideas/suggestions for that?
without anything Google, I mean
Yes, look at Tello. But it's not free.
@@EatWalkLearn Thanks. I'm already on T-mobile and was looking at Magenta Max - I know it's expensive, but I have to use my phone a LOT for professional for high-stress, one-chance phone calls sometimes. I see Tello is a virtual network that runs on top of Tmobile, whereas Magenta Max is much more expensive and *is* Tmobile. Any thoughts on Magenta Max? Thanks so much
How did you park your phone number with Google Voice? In other words, while you were still with your cell phone company, did you move the number before cancelling? How was that done without then being left with no service? Did you do it while outside the U.S. then cancel service? Lastly, if you already have two GV phone numbers, do you just cancel one then you can add the "real" one that is on your phone?
We did it in the US. It took a couple of hours to activate, leaving us without service during that time. We kept the numbers we had with our previous provider (Fi and Verizon.)
Thanks much appreciated I assume both require to be on WiFi?
I am not sure of your question. We can use our data with Flexiroam and it doesn't require wifi.
This was great, guys. Thank you!
You are so welcome. Thanks for watching
Just subscribed as a traveler I found your information very helpful again very helpful
We love new viewers and their comments!
So helpful !! Thank you
Glad it was helpful!
Very helpful information. Thank you!
Glad it was helpful!
Hi i have a question on Google FI, I'm moving to central america in a couple of months, I'll only be coming back to US about once or twice a year, I'm mostly concerned about 2FA, banking, SS office, Government office, I have whatsapp and I can get a local sim, I heard GoogleFi will turn off data after a few months but will text still work for 2FA after a year or two if i'm still paying, or will they shut that off too
We moved our number to Google Voice. No need to pay for Google Fi if you're only using it for 2FA, etc. Google Voice is free and has worked for us as our US Phone number for calls and SMS in all situations.
Thanks so much, I've subscribed ❤. We are from US, living abroad in. EU frequently travel due to work. This is boss info.
Curious if you've tried this in UAE yet? There we could only use WhatsApp for text only and their sims for calls.
yes to AbuDabi and Saudi
Steve , if you don’t use local SIM phone number would not be better to get sim with hot spot and continue using you mobile phone ?
Thanks! One thing I'm a little confused about, regarding keeping ur US phone number working internationally. Why do you wait still ur about to leave the US, before porting over ur normal cell phone number to become ur new Google Voice number? Seems it would be better to do that sooner, so you don't have to wait, till ur out of the country, to see if it works, as expected.
Thanks again!!
One simple trick does it guys! Put your phone on airplane mode and enable WIFI calling; make sure your phone has this feature or turned on by your network provider! When done you can call and receive calls and texts from and to anywhere. No more special international plans needed
That's a good tip if you can get a wifi connection.
So you just keep paying the same service provider you had in your home country? What if you’ve not going back to your country? Keep your phone on airplane mode forever?
This is good for some providers e.g. ATT but not for others and in particular my provider (was republic wireless now boost mobile) does not work unless you also have cell service. I also have whatsapp but then the person you are trying to communicate with also has to have it. One thing we are considering is a mobile hot spot with a local sim and of course a service that allows wifi calling w/o cell service. It isn't perfect but gets us 90% of what we need.
Wow, brilliant! Thanks!
Glad you liked it!
thank you so much it is a very helpfull video for travelers
Glad it was helpful!
question btw,,,, regarding using 'google voice' I went through those steps. just curious How does it work then? do you still keep your original number and cell data provider plan? and then am I suppose to give that new google number to my bank? or do you keep your original number with the bank?
Google voice allows you to keep your number or get a new one. Your choice. You give that number to your bank
Great video, as usual! BTW, some providers limit how much data you can hotspot to another device.
Good point. We haven't seen that yet, but it makes sense.
Yes. True. Flexiroam does not
So, what is the process that someone moving overseas would follow? Park their current phone number on Google Voice and then get the Flexiroam plan? Also, does that mean we would have to cancel service with our US based carrier and remove their sim card?
You got it! After moving your number to Google Voice and setting up Flexiroam for data, your US based carrier is unnecessary
I’m confused; how do you get billed?monthly or start and stop, only get charged as you use it? Thanks
As we buy data, we pay for it. There is no billing.
@@EatWalkLearn
So, to clarify, when you go from the 300 days on your main eSIM, to a local one, does the day count pause?
@@truepeacenik no
Does flexiroam work on a cruise when at sea? Is flexiroam an esim? I have used esim in Europe this year for 2 months and it worked fine except identifying texts coming in etc! Thanks
Yes, if there is service nearby because you're near land or port, flexiroam works. But it's not satellite, so you won't have coverage mid-sea. Yes, it's an esim.
My phone is still locked with AT&T, so I don't think a local sim card will work. Last time I went to Asia, even though I signed up the $10 a day roaming service, I was NOT able to make calls back to the states. I was so upset because I called AT&T right before my trip and followed exactly what they told me to dial(the country code + area code + phone#), but I was still unable to get through. Now I have another trip coming up and wonder if things can get better. If you called back to the states while aboard before and know what I did wrong, please lmk and give suggestions? Thank you!
I believe all the major carriers will charge extra if you want to use their service outside the States. I don't know enough about your situation to offer any advice.
I think because you phone is locked is problem? ATT told me same $10 day if needed to call to usa.
I’ve heard that a law was passed years ago that said that all phone companies have to unlock your phone for free if you request it. However that law might only apply where I live, on the US territory of Guam.
Lots of help thanks!
Glad to hear it!
Great VID! Do appreciate!
Thank you for your comments!
Thanks! Great information.
Glad it was helpful!
I'm going to Jamaica in May in 2024. I have Metro by T-Mobile and they do not have international roaming. I will only be in Jamaica for about 7 days. Should I get a SIM card from my local Metro by T-Mobile store or when I go to Jamaica??
That's a tough call.
I'm looking for an option where i just want to receive calls from US and call back while travelling internationally outside US. I DON'T need data.
Any cheap options do you suggest? Thanks
Google Voice. Check it out!
Are the 330 days of Flexiroam consecutive from first day of use, or calculated only on the days you actually use the plan?
The clock starts ticking the day you activate the plan, regardless of how you use it.
do flexi 13:45 plan and google voice both offer unlimited calling and texing with eSIM or Sim card ? ty!
Yes
No Taiwan in your travels. Taiwan has free WiFi everywhere. I mean even in the forests , parks and middle of no where.
Actually, we were in Taiwan! Yes, lots of wifi
Can you clarify? Is there some kind of public wifi? No need to buy a plan? Or do you mean lots of places offer it? Going next month.
@@markwickens2756 if you want to buy a plan you can get it everywhere but I never used it because in the city the free wifi is in public space such as parks, near public buildings and convenience stores - and then all restaurants cafes and such have their own you can log into. It’s very fast
Much needed advice thank you
Thank you, Cyndie. Keep watching for more tips
which dual slot Sim reasonable phone with E-sim capability would you
reccomend for purchase?
We love Pixel amzn.to/3ShMcma
you guys are awesome. keep rockin!
We will!
😢 one caveat to your statement that you can use Google Voice for everything! Some banks will not allow Google Voice because it is not the same is a telecom number, some banks might have to pay for it, so they will not allow it! Be aware, be informed!!
We haven't had any trouble with banks.
yes thats my biggest concern is getting 2fa from banks & others
Yes many banks and financial institutions will not accept any IP-based phone numbers. Similar to having a remote mailbox address vs a bricks and mortar address.
SWITCH BANKS if this is the case! This indicates your bank has no idea what they’re doing security wise, it’s not even appropriate in the first place to do 2FA over a phone number these days.
@@zombievac Good luck finding a bank that doesn’t do 2FA, and will promise not to do it in the future.
Is your flexiroam plan monthly or yearly? You didn't say
Good question. It's not like traditional plans. There are many different plans you can choose from. All have a specific time frame and amount of data. For example there may be an Ireland plan for 10 days with 2 gig of data, all the way up to a Global Plan of 365 days with 20 gig. You just buy what you need.
is FLEXIrom good with apple iPhones?
We personally don't have experience with iPhones, but friends of ours do and say it works great. I think you need to have esim capability
iPhones from 11 to iPhone 15 series have eSim
Not sure where you get the prices from, I've just gone online and the plan that you say is $65 is actually $269. That's one impressive coupon. So any suggestions for your viewers would be welcome.
They often have sales up to 80% off. But the offers change frequently
I use AIRALO eSim , worked well when I visited the US. My sister who lives in the US recently travelled to South East Asia and Japan , she bought AIRALO Regional eSim and it worked well. I live in the UK
@@bengoey cheers for that, much appreciated.
They run coupons *all the time* for 80% or more off.
I have a question where do you get your coupons from for flexiroam
From me! Please use code roam.my/CES5KHKP or just CES5KHKP
Thank you.🙋🏽♀️🥰😘
You are so welcome
You shouldn't use public or hotels data if they are not secured. Nowadays, bad hackers can have an access to your private information. It is better to buy a private data plan and keep your WiFi off when you are not using it.
I make sure to have a cheap plan for one local number for my family during travel. It makes it easy for local communications like taxis, restaurants, food etc.
Right
AT&T and Cricket plans will roam in Mexico indefinitely because AT&T has its own network in Mexico. I have a few relatives that use US AT&T sim in Mexico for a few years now. An AT&T Mexico sim will also roam indefinitely in the USA as well if a Mexico phone number is needed.
We hear about AT&T often and the charges for international roaming seem scary. Maybe I'm missing something?
If you’re not using the number supplied by your new carrier, what number do you use.? Do you have some way of using your original phone number?
Yes, we use Google voice for our number
Hey guys did you address the 2FA for banks etc…? Does it work?
Google voice.
I've checked on switching to Google Voice, but there's a charge. Is this correct?
I believe there's a porting charge from some carriers
@@EatWalkLearn there's a per minute calling charge and a monthly fee.
Greetings from Israel, nice couple u both 🙏
hello!
Great information! I’m new to the channel
Thank you for subscribing! Hope to hear from you again soon!
Went to the website in your profile and could not find how to get an esim plan with them. Maybe i am slow. Is the website you listed correct?
Did you go to roam.my/CES5KHKP
@EatWalkLearn the link in the description is only text. When I follow this link in your comment it takes me to Flexiroam for Asia. Are there separate ones for different countries or continents?
@@kirstenveneziano1205 the link should take you to the app. I only know about one. Maybe vpn to USA before linking? My code is CES5KHKP. You can also input that once you install the app. Thanks for asking
That strange , I visit vn , I had to buy new Sim and can not register official user because I carry u.s. passport which is foreign to internal vn network. I wonder if some companies like t-mobile or at&t can had international plan that cover all countries
I got a SIM card in Vietnam with no problems. They did ask for my US Passport which I find fairly common. Big US carriers offer very expensive international plans which is the main reason we found a better solution
You cannot use Google Voice abroad. It has to be prepaid. That way I used it in Europe
This is not true. We use Google Voice internationally. You must have $ in your account, though, to pay international calls. It's usually $.01 a minute.
I got a question, what happens if I dont pay for my cell phone plan in the United States. Can I still use my Google Voice Number? The reason I ask is because it ask for my cell phone number I currently use while home
Google Voice is a way to get calls and text for free using your US number. Then get mobile data using a local SIM or Flexiroam. No need for your old phone plan.
Very helpful video. Thank you! Chris, how quickly do you use the 11 GB of data? I realize it will vary, depending on the availability and quality of internet connection. Do you have a rough idea of how many GB you use in a month?
Yes. It varies depending on how much or how good my wifi options are. I'd say 11g lasts 3-4 months.
Can i get on zoom calls with flexiroam?
what phones do you use ?
We have Pixels
Great information
Glad it was helpful!
And this is iso helpful!
Glad to help!
great video
great video thanks guys
Our pleasure!
Good info. Thanks.
Glad it was helpful! Keep watching for more