4 Steps to Set Up Your Cell Phone for World Travel. Not Google Fi. Tips from Full time Travelers.
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- Опубліковано 6 лют 2025
- Figuring out how to use your phone internationally as you travel around the world shouldn't be hard. We've took all your questions from our last phone video and created 4 easy steps to set up your cell phone BEFORE leaving the US. Follow each one of these steps and you'll be able to:
1. Keep your US phone number
2. Get two factor authentication
3. Use your data plan to use google, gps, maps, and other apps. flexiroamlimit...
4. Call anyone you want.
Please don't post tech support questions below.
Google voice tech support: support.google...
Flexiroam tech support: On Whatsapp, +60 13-204-7800
Hey Nomads!
We're Chris and Steve, a retired couple adventuring full-time around the globe. To keep our nomadic lifestyle going, we rely on some amazing resources and partnerships. We're excited to share them with you, along with some exclusive discounts to fuel your own travels!
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Thanks for Watching!
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This really does work...!!! I switched my # from a legacy carrier to Google Voice over a year ago because of your previous blog post... and have been VERY happy ever since..!
Allegedly Google Voice as a phone # works better if you switched over from a legacy carrier.. rather than creating a #.. I have had noooo issues with text verification and banking, etc.
Thank you again!!!!!!!!!!!!!
You're welcome! Thanks for the verification and thanks for being a fan!
how did you get this to work? i exported my verizon number to google voice, and got a flexiroam plan, but flexiroam doesnt come with a phone number which you need to forward your google voice calls so i have no service!
Thanks for this! Few things that some commenters have also noted - check your phone for the eSim ability...older phones say pre 2018-19, not so much. ALSO - in order to enable an eSim on your phone in most cases it needs to be unlocked. May be worth buying an unlocked phone before leaving. One other thing that may help people...without a sim card or eSim, you can't connect to a cellular network - so a Data plan is a Cellular plan. If you have neither, you can still connect to wifi networks. That may help some people understand what is happening.
Thanks. All phones now are sold unlocked in the US.
@@EatWalkLearn if purchased outright and not on a plan. Just good to be aware of.
@@EatWalkLearn Not true. If you trade in your phone , or get a "deal" from one of the carriers and are locked in on a 2 or 3-year plan, your phone will be also locked.
hi ! what do you do with your US phone plan ? The one that has your phone number that you port over to Google voice . ?
we’re paying $80 per phone on AT&T for unlimited data ect., we can’t cancel it to
and keep our same u a phone number .
but do we have to keep paying $80 a month US bill and pay the flexi roam esim while long term traveling abroad ? TY !
@@FotosLostnFound cancel it
As an added note: I'm all the way team Chris. Urah! E-sims rule! BTW, I think I finally figured out Google Voice. Thanks so much for the explanation. This is a Godsend. You both did a great video!
Happy to help!
Thank you! We are leaving for long term travel in November and this is the most useful (of many) videos that I've watched on this subject. By the way...100% team Chris!
So glad it's helpful
I’m a single nomad so I have both an international e-Sim and then get an in country physical SIM. That works well. I am finally heading back to US and hope to add Google Voice as I’ve been limping along without 2FA
Yes this video is now clear and well explained! Keep updating ‘till we get it right! Thanks!
Glad it helped!
Team Chris! I did exactly what you recommended before leaving the US last April and have had minimal problems across Europe and Japan. I bank data whenever it’s on sale and love the convenience. So, thank you for the tip! BTW: my spouse used the same plan. I set his phone up.
Great news! Glad it's working for you both
Which esim do you use?
I ported my old Fi number to Google voice and works well . I also have 2 ESims and one local sim as it is cheaper by far than esims.
So happy to hear about your success. Thanks for the comment and for watching!
Appreciate this video's clarity and that you created a fresh video on this subject. 2 factor authentication is one of the things that concerns me the most with getting ready to be nomadic.
It's a big concern for everyone for sure
One thing I've done to prepare for being abroad is to check with each bank and see if I could CHANGE the method for 2FA, and many of them allow you to set app push notifications as the primary, and/or email notifications. Very few (but some) require SMS/texting. I also have an authenticator app that some will allow as the primary method.
@@MikeS29what authenticator app do you like?
@@christinecline-leung9520I use Google Authenticator
I've recently started watching your videos and this one made me see your cute personalities - thanks for doing this video!!
Yay! Thank you!
Thanks so much. This has been most helpful.
Glad to help
Thanks so much for your informative video! We really appreciate your help! Happy travels! ❤
Glad it was helpful!
so good to see that you are still enjoying the Nomad life. So I have been struggling with using my phone internationally. I am based in Japan and have an older phone- therein lies my problem... First trip to Europe my phone had not been unlocked properly in Japan, second trip to Europe I made sure it was unlocked but... the physical Sim card would not work in my phone... Same thing happened this fall when I got to the USA... My phone won't go an electronic sim card and the physical one I sampled also did not work.. Bummer BUT i have been able to live 4 months with just google voice. I went into an Apple store to inquire about buying an new phone (or refurbished phone) in the USA to use here for my remaining time and then take back to Japan with me.- but they recommended I wait until I return to Japan and get one through my phone provider there... Bummer but just wanted you know that your videos are helpful- at least now I know the vocabulary from watcing your first phone video :). Enjoy your life and travels.
Oh thank you. Sorry to hear about your phone misshaps. Hope it works out in Japan, and thanks for being a fan.
Thanks for the great tips...I'm on Team Chris...but do love the option to do both...👈💜
You are so welcome!
Thank you for all the valuable info!👊🏼
Glad it's helpful
Have you ever used Airolo?
We have not. Flexiroam has worked so well and it's competitively priced, there's been no need to try Airalo.
I like both options but being very frugal I think I would go with team Steve, though I do like convenience. I think I'd travel like y'all with me on one plan and my companion on the other.
Yup
Excellent video on how to setup your phone when travelling, thanks! Please note that Samsung phones starting in 2023 or the S23 model now have non-removable region locks on them so they are continent specific and cannot be used in other countries. Yea, I almost bought one until I read how many others travel from one country to another and even though the phones are carrier unlocked, they will not work with a new SIM or E-SIM installed.
Thanks. Always ask this question before buying a new phone.
I plan on getting a philippine sim card when I get there.
I have the Sansung S23 FE. Are you saying I want be able to use it when traveling out of my country? Traveling to the Philippines and planning on using a philippine sim card once there.
@@emerysaulnier5502 That is what many guys travelling form their home countries are finding out, Samsung is placing non-removable region locks on phones so they can only be used int he region they are bought in. Better to buy a cheap used older phone and use that during travel, works great, I use an older Note9 and have no issues and don't even care if it gets stolen.
I'm flying from Detroit to Frankfurt AM in September. I have T-Moble. Thank you, Chris!
You bet
So you port to Google voice, but then need to obtain a replacement data plan. So it essentially sounds like the google server is routing incoming and outgoing calls utilizing your USA carrier number. So, can the porting process be reversed upon return to the US so you can resume using your US carrier data plan? Or is the porting irreversible? If it is reversible do you know how its done? Thanks for your useful and entertaining videos.
Yes, you can port your number back from GV to a provider when you get back to the USA.
Thanks. btw cricket claims to extend their network to Canada and Mexico in their plan. There’s a days limit for Canada, but no limit for Mexico. They say it includes phone number, text, data. Going there in May for a couple of weeks and will report back on accuracy of their claim.
My USA based cricket did work for both calls and data and I paid nothing extra. On a separate note, I have been able to switch my Schwab account 2 step verification from text message codes to push notification. As I understand it that will allow me to complete the 2 step verification on my cell phone if I have a data plan or am connected to a wifi network. Its working here (in the US) but haven't tried it with a different sim card in another country. Have you had any experience completing your two step verifications using push notifications?
This is great info, was going to buy international data as needed on Mint Mobile for the two factor authentication but this will be much better.... BTW I'm team Chris my iPhone 15 only has e-sim but the convenience of a worldwide plan is a huge plus for me
Yeah for Team Chris!
Team Steve! I have a Mexican SIM card that I just recharge online and keep the same number every time we go there. It is way cheaper and the phone/data is amazing.
Yay! I've done the same in 8 different countries. My Ireland SIM card worked all over Europe.
Hi folks! Great video! One thing that wasn't addressed. That is the person who may want to travel for several months, half a year or so, but still wants to return to the US. So is there an option that you know of where one can keep their original phone service provider while still using an esim while they travel the world on a part time basis? Do you have to port your number? Sorry, I know you said not to ask you questions about this, but just had to ask. Thanks!
Yes. We know several people in this situation. While in the US, they use Mint Mobile. Google Fi is also good cuz you can turn GF on/off when you're in/out of the USA or if you need 2fa.
Look into Tossable Digits where you can Park (port in) your US cell number and port out to a US carrier if needed
Thanks for all your advice!!!!
You are so welcome! Thanks for watching!
You mention 3-4 days before leaving - is there a disadvantage to doing it further out 5-7 days for instance? While your original phone # is in limbo, can you still access data? After installing an eSim can you switch between your physical sim and eSim? Is it possible to change your data service before you move to Google voice? This video has been very helpful!
The point is it can take a few days to switch. Do it when it's convenient and you have time. You can use wifi while your phone transitions. You can switch between sims, but it depends on your phone. You are welcome
@@EatWalkLearn We live in Maine and use Consumer Cellular (I know this sounds techy)but for us Google voice is saying our number can't be ported.
@@kevinmidgley8400 You'll need to reach to your provider.
Thank you. I wish I had known more about the cell phone charges overseas before we left for Ukraine from the US last August. Xfinity did not charge us while we were in Ukraine, which was great. But as soon as we left we were charged $10.00 per day per phone; my current bill is $593.00. We return to the US on Wednesday, but on our next trip, we will follow your advice!!
I'm sorry that happened to you. Hopefully you'll find a better solution for next time
@@EatWalkLearn Thanks for the reply! Enjoy your travels!
What do you do when you go back to the states? Do you use flexiroam?
Yes
If I go out of the country for a month, and return to US, can I turn off Flexiroam and bank it for a future trip out of the country assuming I haven't used 11 gig and it's been less than 360 days?
Yes
So I am already overseas and just realizing I can do this....will I have to send my US phone back to my daughter in the states to set this up?
You must be in the States to start GV
Sim cards are available everywhere in the world and data and phone plans are very cheap outside the US and Europe.
Yay for cheap SIM cards. Sounds like you're on "Team Steve" 😉
I am Team (drumroll) Steve AND Chris! 😆 eSIMs are super convenient, for example I'm currently using a regional eSIM as we travel around Europe that has been easy and surprisingly affordable. It only comes with a few Gigs of data, but really I do most of my data at home where I'm on wifi so as long as I stay off Facebook when I'm out in town, 2-3GB is usually good for me for a month. But I've also gotten physical SIMs in places like Malaysia and Ecuador where they were fairly easy to get, and came with both a lower price and a much higher value - unlimited data which is always nice, as well as a local phone number. So it just depends on where I am, and how concerned I am about getting an Uber from the airport when I land, but I'll try and use the best option for that location.
And we're team Dave AND Robb too
Thanks very kindly. This is really helpful and valuable information. If I may be so bold as to suggest, and I'm certainly not trying to be a jerk, please consider using a separate, dedicated microphone for your videos.
Thanks for the comment. We're always looking for ways to improve our videos
I use Google Voice and just get a sim when I land at the airport. I changed my 2 factor authentication while still in the USA
Good job!
Your video was extremely well done and perfectly laid out, along with being very timely My husband and I are leaving in September on a VLS TS visitor visa move from Boston MA to France. We are retired and TBH would have loved to do the Nomad type of travel, but we have a dog...my profile photo...and it just didn't seem like it would be a carefree experience with him. So for now, France hear we come. My biggest need in keeping my US phone line is so that my very elderly mother can call me in the way she always does (the WhatsApp ship sailed a long time ago for her) and I need to be able to always pick up, even if I'm NOT connected to WiFI.
2 QUESTIONS...
1. Does Google Voice work without being on WiFi?
2. With Google Voice do you still need to keep a US carrier, or can you dump them? I own my 1 year old unlocked eSim phone, purchased outright, so I'm not beholden to my current carrier Verizon.
Thank You.
It is our understanding that you can cancel your current phone provider after transferring the number to Google Voice. But you still need a data plan to send and receive calls and sms over the Internet.
Team Chris I have to say. We use Google Fi and never have had any issues. However we also use esims for extra data when streaming or slow wifi at our location. Getting a sim card in Germany and some other countries can be impossible or much more complicated due to terrorism laws. We don't stay over 3 months so google hasn't cut our service ever.
Good points
Thank you very much 🙏🏾🙏🏾
You bet
super helpful, thanks so much for that
You bet
Thank you guys for a beneficial video! I'm moving back to Slovakia. Quick question, please 🙂Does your phone (Google Voice app) ring when someone calls your old us number, and you are in Australia at that moment? If you don't answer it, can they leave a message? Can you receive and send SMS from your Google Voice phone app? Thank you and good luck on your travels 🙂 Ps. Can you port a later phone number from Google back to AT&T or T-Mobile?
Yes to all!
Great great as always. Did you have to re-enroll in text alerts with your existing banks when you switched your cell phone number to google voice? I heard that text alerts enrollment has to be done again when switching cell plan providers even if you keep the same phone number. Thanks
No. We did not have to re-enroll for text alerts
Any choices for Canadian? Can't get google voice here...
I'm sorry, I don't know
Thanks for the video! But I'm still confused. Due to echoing, I didn't quite understand it all. Also, what about the few days between installing GV and departure?
Cost and available plans, please. I'm a computer/smartphone dinosaur. Thanks!
When you move your phone number to GV, you'll also need to get a data plan. Your solution you do in the US for data might be different than the solution you use after you leave the US
We got online and actually ported our number to Google Voice after we arrived at the airport to leave the US. We then had a eSIM that started working as soon as we arrived, so even though it took I think a day and a half for the Google Voice to activate, it didn't really matter.
This is my first time seeing this and it's a wonderful video I like to thank you guys. You're the first people who have truly made any sense to me. Cause everybody else try to explain this. And I still leave without understanding what they are talking about. So I'm a new subscriber and I just want to ask you now. Are you when you say you paying $65? Is that what you're paying a month? Or what? What are you is at a year? What is it every 6 months? Could you make a distant little bit clear for that? So I can understand and also, you said getting the Google account. Do you do that? Earlier or should should I wait like 20 days before I get ready to leave? I'm i'm going to be going to the philippines and i'm going to stay there for quite a while
Welcome. It's $65 until the data runs out or 360 days. You can get your Google voice account as soon as you're ready. It takes a couple of days to transfer your number, so prepare for that. Enjoy the Philippines
Great Video you two! I was thinking I was team Steve but now I am thinking I may hybrid both your ideas. Could I feasibly do Team Chris the week before we leave US and then have that ESim serivce while we get settled in EU. Then eventually switch to the local Sim? Would that work? I would like a local Sim/phone number but I also need to keep my Ported Number for US codes and calls.
Yes you can!
Can you use this while in the US before leaving? Can you port over to Google voice and then I guess you would need some type of data right because Google voice doesn't work alone so then does flexiroam work in the US ? I want to know how I can make this work if I'm going back and forth from the US and other countries
Yes.
Great video, however I’m Australian and Google Voice isn’t supported here 😔 Any ideas for us Aussies?
Try Tello
I just left Australia a few months ago, here's what I did. Amaysim pay as you go esim with my aussie phone number. Then I purchased a Visible unlimited phone/data account while in the US to get a permanent US phone number. Next I will port my US number to Tello when I leave the US, and use regional esims for data as I travel SE Asia and Europe. Android allows me to keep both phone numbers (US and Aussie) active at the same time, so I receive text and phone calls from both. It's an elegant solution that's very cheap to maintain.
@@clayy01 That's a great work around. Please use our Tello referral if you're so inclined. We don't use Tello, but we've researched it as a back up plan. We have several friends who do use it because they can't get Google Voice. tello.com/account/register?_referral=P3VRNQ9C
i like the convenience of your plan Chris, but i have an older phone that is incompatible with e sim technology. so if i use Steve's plan, can i continue to use the sim i currently have with my current service provider? if not, where do i get a new sim card? probably a duh question for you guys, but sorry, i am a bit of a neophyte, thanks!
You should be able to use your old phone with sim cards. Check the websites of the sim provider to see if your phone is compatible.
@@EatWalkLearn thank you
Both options sound great. I have a Google number I currently use for my job, but I use my personal number for 2FA with my Outlook email and job sites only because I didn't think Google Voice would allow 2FA. My question is, if you're planning to travel to multiple countries every couple of months (as I'm planning to do next year), and you get a new sim card in each country (Steve's plan), do you just throw away the old sim cards, or should you create a scrapbook with all your sim cards from each country? 🙂
He keeps them in case he goes back. Friends just put them between the phone and the case
@@EatWalkLearn Oh, so if you return to those countries, you can still use those same SIM cards? That's much better. I had thought you would have to repurchase a new SIM card. Thanks for your response. 🙂
@@gregmh59 You can reuse it if it is not expired. A SIM Card has expired date.
Sorry if you said this, it's all new to me: is it possible to get an eSIM with unlimited data? I do most of my browsing and streaming from my phone unless I need to use my tablet for larger-screen stuff. WiFi might be possible but the chances I'll forget to switch over at some point are 100%.
Thx for all the great info!
We haven't seen any unlimited plans. It's super easy to buy a plan with tons of data and then track your usage through their app. We love Flexiroam.
I guess it depends on the country you visit. We were visiting Taiwan in October for 3 weeks, and were able to buy SIM/eSIM cards at the International airport. They have 7, 15, and 30 days SIM/eSIM with unlimited data including a very limited number of local calls. I remembered that I paid around US$30-31 for a 30-day unlimited data SIM card. in the I
11gb is not enough for long stay.
I am with team steve for long stay, team chris for short stay.
Thanks for being a fan
Great info!
Glad you think so!
When you say you use your Google voice to make a call that is from the GV app right not the native phone app?
Yes, right
Steve, on Google Voice do you route your cell number to the current foreign phone number that you are using? When I traveled for work to overseas locations I used a call forwarding service.
No. He keeps his GV USA number.
My problem with the esim was I had to have wifi to contact tech support then had to turn off wifi to test if solution worked. Each time it didn't, I would lose tech support and have to start again.
When I call, I get WhatsApp working on my phone and computer and then go back and forth between screen shots, reboots, etc do I don't list connection w tech support
Thanks for the excellent video! Our family of six is travelling to Europe (we leave in 38 days - eek!) for a month. We are two adults, two adult college students, and two teens, so we would all prefer to have our phones available, at least for sending messages. We have AT&T, so are trying to figure out what our best option(s) might be. We will be in Czechia, Germany, Austria, Switzerland, France, Belgium, and the Netherlands. Is it possible to have one plan/card that will work in all of those countries? Or maybe we should only get 2 or 3 accounts to use while gone??
We use a Global Data plan from Flexiroam. Check the description in the video for a link. Data means you can use WhatsApp to communicate instead of SMS. But you have a whole family to consider, so you might find a better option that works for you.
Have you heard anything about google voice being phased out for personal use in 2024? Are you still able to use it?
I have not.
So, once Steve ports to Google Voice, he doesn’t have any data until he lands and buys/inserts the physical SIM. I guess he can manually connect to public WiFi wherever possible. Is this correct?
Yes
Physical sims in some countries can’t be used on US phones even if unlocked. I had an unlocked Samsung that did not accept the sim of that country
Hum. We haven't run into that
Wow. I have 2023 Sansung S23 LE. I'm worried now. Bought it new 3 weeks ago.
I dont see google voice app...has it been discontinued?
I just found it easily on Google Play Store.
4:43 how did you fix your mistake of getting Google voice after leaving the States? Asking for a friend that already left the US
You must get GV in the states
@ thanks. So, A VPN didn’t work? You have to physically be in the US?
I imagine that on phones without a physical sim card an esim can be purchased at the local phone stores.
You can download esims. No need to go into stores usually
@@EatWalkLearn I was specifically talking about voice and data sims, not just data sims , similar to the great deals Steve talked about regarding physical sims.
one thing that is confusing me with Google voice if i port a number to my phone it's link to the sim card that i have so I would need a second sim/esim for my phone to use international
No. Google voice does not link to your sim. Your sim is for data.
How are you guys staying in Australia for 5 and a half months?
Check out the ETA tourist visa. 1 year with multiple entry.
Don't different countries have different frequency bands that may not be on US phones?
In the past that used to be the case, but always check your phone first.
So calling from anywhere in the world to the US on the google voice is a local call did i understand that correctly?
Also T-Mobile is very expensive but that's relative.
Yes, correct. Because you have a US number with GV, and you're calling a US number, it's a US call.
Is there a way you can operate both team Steve and team kris? And combine the 2 in case one doesn't work in addition to using Google voice and whatsapp. I'm currently planning for my digital nomad switch once I am done with school.
That's exactly what Steve does, truly
hi if you cancel your u.s phone plan , how do you keep the phone number we/you have has for years while porting it over to google voice? ty!
Port it over first, then cancel your US plan. It might take 24 hours.
@@EatWalkLearn Ok! got that! but when we go back to usa for six months . How do we keep /pay for that same number? so we have to call att and resign up. oe so we just i tinus to use google voice and the data app? sorry for so many questions ! but thanks for your great videos!
@@FotosLostnFound you could do either!
@@EatWalkLearn HI !it wasnt has smooth as implied, it took us six hours on the phone over two days to port over two phone numbers to google fi. between google fi and att ...dont we all hate those phone calls to "customer service".! we may just keep google fi after we return to usa for the rest of the year. getting rid of att plan it will make our phones $110/two instead of what we pay now $160 for two with att. saving $50/ month Also apple iwatches do not port over yet ! but will work over wifi for texting ect. hope this helps some others! ty!
so if i get the e-sim plan do i still have to get google voice? I always travel outside US and never have any plan, only when theres a WiFi available, i hate it, please HELP! And also, whats the best e-sim??
If you want a s number, set up GV before you leave the states and download Flexiroam
I have google Fi #, google voice # and get local physical SIM for data in every country ... my plan-a and plan-b..
Great
after i've set up GV & Skype, my number is in the process of being ported. when i fill out the form for the ESIM do i use my Google Voice number or my original cellphone number that's being ported to GV?
Aren't they the same number?
What do you use for 2 factor authentication to access to your banking and investment accts?
Google voice, as mentioned several times in the video
I'm considering porting my number from Google Fi to Google Voice, but I've read that verification codes might not always work. Has your Google Voice number been able to receive verification codes from financial institutions, etc.? I'd be curious to hear about others' experiences too.
Thanks for all the great info!
We've never had 2fa problems with GV
We've never had 2fa problems with GV
I’m curious about the WhatsApp geolocation… I’ve been a user for 10 years but have not seen that function.
When you're writing a message, click the paperclip and then location. It's brilliant
Once I port my number to Google Voice, can I cancel my Verizon account and save money! Your channel is great! Thank you.
Yes! That's the idea. Just make sure your Google Voice is set up to make and receive phone calls and use it for 2 factor authentication.
Yes! That's the idea. Just make sure your Google Voice is set up to make and receive phone calls and use it for 2 factor authentication. Also set up your mobile data with Flexiroam or something like it
Team Chris here!🤙I don’t have WhatsApp yet! 🇵🇭🇺🇸
Thanks for the vote. Download Whatsapp now and start learning to use it
@@EatWalkLearn I thought WhatsApp is ubiquitous in the US. How come?
Do you use a mobile VPN?
Yes, on occasion
We tried Google voice n gave up. We tried switching from spectrum wireless…doesn’t work. So we moved to cricket wireless….doesnt work.
I assume if you have Verizon or ATT, it will work.
We just added a line to our daughters plan and keep our US number that way. Currently in Guatemala, we use TIGO and get unlimited everything for $13/month each.
Sorry to hear Google Voice didn't work for you.
Thank you for the info.. Google support page said that if I port my number, the number is removed from my carrier and my plan may be canceled.. is it true? Instead of porting, have you tried just use the google number to get 2-way authentication from US banks? Thanks again
I can't speak for your carrier's cancellation. You'd need to speak to them. You might be able to use GV without porting, but I haven't tried that. You'd probably have to use a different number though.
Is the only reason you are migrating your # to G Voice is for authentication texts? Many people simply cannot xfer the number because of payment plans on a phone. Another issue is if your phone is locked to a carrier (ie phone not paid off) the eSim will not work on another carrier.
Do you know if the personal hotspot service works on these eSims?
Agree. Phones must be unlocked before you can make any changes to your plan. Personal hotspot works fine with every SIM or eSim we've used.
Hi! I accidentally installed Google Voice to my business email. How can I change it to my personal email? Thanks.
Sorry. I wish I could help you. Can you just set up another account?
Team Chris for sure lol
Thanks for the vote!
I set up google voice while in the US, but ported my US number to google voice only once I was overseas. But now my US bank doesn't want to send me security sms confirmations. Is this because I didn't port it over until after I left the US? I suppose I need to port it back to a US service now?
Hard to say what your bank is looking for. I know I was not able to port my number to Google Voice when I was outside the US, so I kept it with Google Fi and had no problem with 2 factor authentication.
Thank you so much! I've been using Google Voice for over 10 years. I'm so glad people are starting to know about this. I did have a question. We're planning on traveling full time on our boat, and I would like to use both Google Voice and WhatsApp as I know many countries prefer to use WhatsApp. When you portal your US phone number to Google Voice, Does your WhatsApp number stay the same as your Google Voice number in ortherwords your US phone number ?
What a great time you'll have! WhatsApp picks up our GV number. Have fun
Do you lose apple messages when you port your number to Google Voice?
I'm sorry. I don't know. We don't have apple products
@@EatWalkLearn all good, it does not really matter. Really enjoy the information you both share. We start our nomadic lifestyle on April 21st....
Did you check out US Mobile for data?
No
Unfortunately, not all numbers are eligible to move to Google Voice. We have been traveling fulltime and using Google Fi to keep our US numbers (they fired us too). Fi won't port to Voice :(
I ported Fi to Voice
I also ported from Fi to Voice
I heard people are speaking about satellite to cellphones technology.
Sounds like a good way to stay connected when you're in rural areas.
A lot of people suggest using WiFi to conserve on data when traveling but we must remember that public WiFi is VERY insecure. Do you have a suggestion for securing phone while on public WiFi?
Yes, use a VPN. We use CyberGhost. Here is our referral link: www.cyberghostvpn.com/en_US/refer-a-friend/welcome?redeemCode=r2wp-EMMn-Ytjh-zttx
If I unlock my phone before porting it to google voice, the carrier said my service will end the moment it’s unlocked. So who unlocks your phone google or the service provider ?
Your service ends during the porting of your number which can take a couple of days.
I do this same process with noooooo issues on my beloved Google Pixel phone.. but I am curious if anyone is doing this same process on an iPhone...???? If so - any issues or problems...??
We've heard of many on this solution on iphones with no long term problems
Line vs WhatsApp is used far more in South east Asia
Yes, Line is popular too
I don't want to port my US cell phone number to Google Voice. I want to "call forward" my cell phone number to my Google Voice number, so I can receive two factor authentication in Turkey. (I have Airelo as a data plan in Europe) Do you know if that is a viable option? By the way - a very informative video. Ed
Thank you. That seems reasonable, but I'm not sure 2fa would flow. Let us know what you find out
Question: we have been using Google voice as our primary # for years . Our # is one that Google gave us & unfortunately, one of our banks (Discover) rejects our number for 2F authentication. I know you folks are not technical advisers but do you think that there is a difference for 2F authentication between porting a number from a carrier to Google voice and a Google voice number that Google provides? Thanks so much.
That's a good question, but we don't have experience with numbers that Google voice provides. I wouldn't think there would be a problem using that number.
@@EatWalkLearn thanks so much....we love all your videos that are always so helpful 😊👍
@@jcampbells thanks
If you purchased an iPhone 14 model or later in the United States, your iPhone doesn't have a SIM tray
Right. Many newer phones don't have SIM options anymore, just as older phones don't accept esims. You always need to check compatibility.
Sucks that you have to have a certain type of phone to use e-sim. Otherwise you gotta pay minimum $400 for a new phone and fyi, as i am going bk to brazil you cant just buy a sim. You cant just do anything in brazil. You need a CPF number (their SSN) so fyi if you go to Brazil know unless you have a CPF you cant buy a SIM card or a bus ticket or anything else. It's not mandatory but they will ask for your cpf when you are at the grocery store
Or your passport number
why do you use google fi rather than just setting up wifi calling?
Becuz sometimes we don't have wifi and we need data
Dose google voice work with WhatsApp ?
Yes
I was told by Verizon that I have to call them 2-3 days before I leave for them to unlock the phone.
I would do that sooner than 2-3 days. Give yourself a week to get your new set up working.
Thanks for the information! Planning on moving to Thailand in a few months. Forgive me for asking the obvious........But, you posted the following.
1. Keep your US phone number
2. Get two factor authentication
3. Use your data plan to use google, gps, maps, and other apps.
4. Call anyone you want.
But Can anyone in the US, just pick up their phone and dial your regular stateside cell phone number, and get you directly, as if you were still in the US? THANKS!
Yes, that's exactly how it works. Yup, your kids can reach you on the number you put on Google Voice. They don't see any difference
Big concern with Google Voice is security. Anyone with your Google credentials can log into your GV account to access banking verification codes. Be sure to update that Google password frequently. Also consider a second Google just for bank verification. And shouldn't you be able to change your phone number in your banks to the GV number versus a port of the number?
Yes you could, but we have no need for two US numbers. We've had no security issues
You may want to add 2FA to the Google account (email) the GV number is attached to, helps avoid someone messing with the GV phone number.
@@stevenjb.9275 Steven I really like that idea. I generally find 2FA irritating but if you have a separate Google account for Bank verification codes by text and add 2FA that be great. Thanks for that idea ☺️
GOOGLE FI YOU SAY HAS A FEE.. GOOGLE VOICE FREE.. THEN IF, USING GOOGLE 'VOICE'' , I STILL CAN KEEP U.S NUMBER? AND DOES GOOGLE VOICE CANCEL YOU AFTER 3 MONTHS JUST LIKE GOOGLE FI ? (BCUZ, I'LL BE AWAY 8+MONTHS). THANK U
Yes. GV let's you keep your number. It's free. It doesn't cancel you. It does not have a data plan
Enjoyed the way you both laid everything out. Here in the States I use 15-25 gigs of data a month 😮 I know, right...
I'm thinking a combination of both your data solutions might work. 🤔
I'll check if the unused data can roll from region to region for the ESim. There's also another company I forget, their name, that gives one, an esim with data for each country/ region.
If you're ever in the Southern Africa area, 🌍 there's a way to get Starlink global roaming for 40€ a month. Just pull up the prices per country. There are a couple of videos that show how to do it.
Now to find a backpack big enough to fit a flat mounted dish and my clothes 😉🤔🌞
Hint imagine having it on a repositioning cruise 🛳 🤔💪📺
Interesting!