Google Fi Fired Us!!! What Do We Do Now for International Cell and Data Plans?

[@wabeebe]

I just found your channel. Some great content. I'm surprised you only have 344 subscribers. I just started exploring your videos. So far so good. Lots of good information. My wife and I have about 4 months or so before we sell our house and everything we own and start out with a backpack and carry on each. Look forward to viewing all your videos and well as your new ones. Keep up the great work. It is is really appreciated. Bill and Claudia

[@EatWalkLearn]

Thank you. Our channel isn't very old, and it's growing quickly! Please share ! Congrats on your pending plans, and welcome!

[@ladystefanigebo5697]

OMG I am watching every one of your videos you already helped me SOOOOOO much. Jeez I want to pick your brain for sooooo many things. I have been researching this for MONTHS. I got Google FI because I THOUGHT it would do all of this and we all got google phone for this and I learned what you learned. except it was 90 days. Now my questions is text messages. I have my own business and my clients text me ALL the time. Has texting been an issue. I've had my phone number since 1997 (yes it was a beeper number) Thank god I am able to keep the number.

[@EatWalkLearn]

Oh I'm go glad our info has been helpful. Our US number is through Google voice. We get our text messages through that, and they are also sent to use via email. We've had no problem getting texts. But WhatsApp is much better--you might want to encourage your customers to use WhatsApp> It'll be the same phone number, but they would have to use different software. (WhatsApp)

[@KerrySomewhere]

Google Fi's customer service is the worst! I've never had such a horrible experience with any company. I'm so glad you are no longer recommending them!

[@EatWalkLearn]

An update: after a few settings changes on our APN, we're getting LTE most of the time.

[@comverliang3386]

Can you share what the changes to APN?

[@EatWalkLearn]

Links mentioned: Complete article and all the details: eatwalklearn.com/google-fi-cancelled-me-what-now/ Subscribe to Geekstreamers on Instagram Use our Referral code for Flexiroam! roam.my/CES5KHKP

[@jlvandat69]

Thank you for the great info. I'm another Google Fi casualty, searching for viable solutions so this was very helpful. I'm shocked that Google Fi has such an anti-customer policy, as Google is generally known as a trustworthy provider of services.

[@EatWalkLearn]

I know, right?

[@kev16]

I just got locked out of Google Fi. I was using esim in the US for years, moved to asia and it was allllll great for months! but now the data is blocked. Flexiroam sounds ok but very expensive comparing Fi's unlimited data plan at $65 a month.

[@EatWalkLearn]

Watch for Flexiroam's global sales. They go on all the time. 70-95% off the 11G price. We usually pay about $65 for 11G and just wait for the sales. There's one going on right now!

[@alejandroante6020]

I kind of understand and follow what your saying, but it's still a little confusing, Can you make a follow up video on how to start google voice to flexiroam, in other words from start to finish, as if your talking to a fifth grader thank you so very much. I travel and stay in the Philippines for up to 10 to 11 months out of the year

[@EatWalkLearn]

Sure thing

[@ThriftALife]

Thanks for the insightful vid.

[@EatWalkLearn]

Glad it was helpful!

[@Ekeezee]

When google fi cancels your service, can’t you just sign up for their service again but with a different gmail account?

[@EatWalkLearn]

Probably, but there may be a connection with your phone number as well. We haven't tried that. Let us know if it works for you.

[@williamhenricks4569]

15:26 How well does Flexiroam work for directions as you drive?

[@EatWalkLearn]

no problem

[@melbastephenhigbee9771]

While using your global flexiroam, can you get texts (for 2ID) sent to you US number?

[@EatWalkLearn]

yes, via Google voice

[@uindy4]

The local sim card like vodafone thats everywhere would be fast.

[@EatWalkLearn]

gotcha

[@chistianjoshua9498]

I work as an insurance agent and I would like to travel and work, I downloaded the app and I’m not seeing the country I would like to start at

[@EatWalkLearn]

ugh

[@melbastephenhigbee9771]

Were you able to port your googlefi number to google voice from Spain? Or do you have to be in US?

[@EatWalkLearn]

Yes, but we had already had a Google voice account already set up. Not sure if you can set up GV abroad.

[@rayfellers]

This talks about the most basic Google Fi plan. I'll check the recommendations in the description.

[@EatWalkLearn]

Hum...perhaps watch the whole video? It gets into our complete solution after Fi dropped us.

[@jala22]

This is so helpful! But what is not clear is how you keep using your number on Google Voice if you are no longer with a US carrier? (or maybe I misunderstood that?) How do you get to keep your number?

[@jala22]

and further, when you make "international calls" are you being charged by google voice and AT&T as well?

[@EatWalkLearn]

I no longer have a US carrier. I add $10 to my Google account for when I make an international call that costs money, often $.01 a minute. GV eliminates the need for a phone line thru ATT, etc, and fkexiroam carries the data.

[@jala22]

@@EatWalkLearn wow, thanks. And if I want to revert back from Google voice to a US carrier keeping my same number, will there be any issues?

[@EatWalkLearn]

@@jala22 not that I know of. You'd just be porting your phone number from one place to the next.

[@billmoesh-dy9wr]

Texting with Google Voice is only good for US customers, please explain, thk

[@EatWalkLearn]

I'm sorry if this wasn't clear. You need to be in the US to set up Google Voice.

[@EatWalkLearn]

Only people with US phone numbers who are physically in USA can get Google Voice.

[@youngexec1]

Why did you leave google fi if they only turned off your data? couldn’t you have stayed on fi for voice and text? And used the other options for data

[@EatWalkLearn]

We moved our phone numbers to Google Voice. It's a free service (essentially) and works great.

[@youngexec1]

@@EatWalkLearn can you move it while your already abroad or you have to be in US to move it? Thanks

[@sophistique8093]

I am confused!All I want is the ability to make calls,use GPS,Whats App and take pictures in multiple European cities.

[@EatWalkLearn]

Ok. This is the plan.

[@AllanAndresCh]

Flexiroam was really expensive, no FI you get 10gb for $20

[@EatWalkLearn]

You have to watch for their sales, which happen at least once a week. You can get the global 11G fan for about $65 on sale frequently.

[@susangreet6780]

Did you consider just leaving your number with Fi and buying the Flexiroam for your international data. I was told phone and texting would continue to work.

[@EatWalkLearn]

Yes, but we didn't want to continue paying the $15 monthly line charge when Google voice is doing fine.

[@susangreet6780]

@@EatWalkLearn I assume you had to do the changeover from Fi in a specific order. Member then Owner if you had a family plan. Also I see you need to provide carrier account info from Fi to Google when porting. What is this specifically and where is it found.

[@EatWalkLearn]

Yes, in order, but not sure about the click path.

[@BasedInBrazil]

@@EatWalkLearn Google voice doesn't work with all USA Banks that's why I paying kept Google Fi for now unlimited text messages abroad also I have a Brazilian sim card as well.

[@cocoanib]

@@BasedInBrazil You're correct, Mike. I watched this video because my US bank stopped using Google Voice for their One Time Codes (OTC) because it is a VOIP. They told me they decided VOIPS are not secure enough for them and other banks may follow their lead. I'll stay with Google Voice and sign up for Google Fi for only their text service and data in the USA, and use other esims or sims for data while outside the USA. I'll give Flexiroam a try. This video was very helpful.

[@jhylton8789]

Yeah, the international travel rule is stupid and not fair. It’s been instated by the main carrier that Fi uses for their network leasing. They are a competitor, so, they want you to get their svc & not Fi’s - but yeah, that’s that!

[@EatWalkLearn]

At first we were sad. But Flexiroam has been a great cheaper alternative.

[@EatWalkLearn]

At first we were sad. But Flexiroam has been a great cheaper alternative.

[@jhylton8789]

@@EatWalkLearn Flexiroam sounds amazing. I don’t know if you have an eSIM capable device, but they also have Airalo and a few others that can provide you with an international number or data service. Most are at LTE speeds, but 5G isn’t heavily deployed in Europe yet anyway.

[@gpgross]

Welcome to the club 😂 Got “fired” as well and installed Airalo. Have been happy ever since.

[@jhylton8789]

@@EatWalkLearn Oh?! I will be looking into this. Thank y’all!

[@kateevansnomadicwriter]

Great info!

[@jimdeangelo9744]

Thanks for the video. Q: we live in US. Have 2 Galaxy S21+ devices. For 3-4 months we are in Ireland primarily. From your discussion it appears that if one were international less than 6 months at a time (in our case under 4 months), then Google FI would be the best choice. Is this correct? Am I understanding your presentation correctly? Update: From reading through all the comments/replies it appears the 6 month limit is now a 3 month limit, correct? So maybe Google FI isn't the answer at all. Help please!

[@EatWalkLearn]

Yes I believe it's now 3 months. Check the terms and conditions to verify.

[@dianesherman9781]

So when you are making a phone call you are using your US phone number as VOIP on Google voice, with the data plan from Flexiroam, correct? And when someone calls or texts your US number, you can answer using the GV app. Just wrapping my head around the process!

[@EatWalkLearn]

Yes, if I'm not on wifi, I'm on my data plan for surfing, GV, etc.

[@EatWalkLearn]

And yes. gV is my dialer and texter

[@washburn9999]

@@EatWalkLearn and GV works with either wifi or data plan??? very informative video...thank you guys

[@EatWalkLearn]

@@washburn9999 yes

[@kingrafferty]

Thank you for all this information Question: Does your local sim card come with a new phone number each time? I like your solution. I have a google voice number with my old land line number.

[@EatWalkLearn]

Usually a local sim card comes with a phone number, but since we don't use them, I'm not sure about all cases.

[@annad3377]

Did this work on the repositioning cruise?

[@EatWalkLearn]

No. Nothing worked, including the ship's wifi.

[@tanyasteadman4819]

Hi - why did you have a global plan on flexiroam, Chris, and also buy the Spanish and italian plans? Was it to do with the speed?

[@EatWalkLearn]

The regional plans are cheaper than the global (but not by much). We haven't seen a difference in speed between regional and global.

[@tanyasteadman4819]

@@EatWalkLearn thanks Chris. I am Trying to understand how the esim works and if we can retain our Australian mobile numbers for 2factor auth when out of Australia. Doing some googling! 😂

[@washburn9999]

great video...i had the same issue with Fi but i fired them...lol...i do have a google voice number which i plan on using as a secondary number and i have about $10.00 credit in my account...so that i get this straight. any calls from anywhere are free IF i call a USA based phone number. if i call a french number, even if i'm in france, that will cost me several pennies because it is considered an international call? I just want to be sure because i plan on traveling soon and need to stay connected to people in the states. I'm a big fan of esims for travel and find the extremely convenient...i'll have to try flexiroam on my next trip...thanks for the information and keep the videos coming....

[@EatWalkLearn]

Yes, exactly.

[@lululemon0424]

What? International data is the key feature and reason to choose the plan, now they require 6 months allowance?? If that's the case, I'm not getting Google Fi (was planning to get Google Fi this year cuz I will begin to travel a lot next year). This is ridiculous. Is that in terms and conditions? Btw, can flexroam have international data in China? Like bypass their GFW?

[@EatWalkLearn]

Yes, it's in the T&C and it's a bummer. IDK about China--you'll want to check Flexiroam's plans.

[@chistianjoshua9498]

thank you for the video! I have a quick question so I plan to move abroad and my job is to tele-market would this work with me calling to customers in the USA?

[@EatWalkLearn]

I would think so

[@peterfarmer7061]

Do I read you correctly that you can't use FlexiRoam with a Samsung Galaxy S21? If you can, would you talk me through how?

[@EatWalkLearn]

I don't know about 21, we have a 20, which required Steve to get a sim card from Fkexiroam rather than being able to download the esim for the Pixel.

[@peterfarmer7061]

@@EatWalkLearn so can I keep the google fi Sim and interchange them when I need to roam?

[@EatWalkLearn]

@@peterfarmer7061 I don't know. I would think so, but I'd check the Google Fi forums.

[@randyvalencia8322]

What if I went to an international destination for vacation for 1 or 2 weeks and back to the US for the rest of the month, and do this every month. Will they discontinue my service?

[@EatWalkLearn]

No. They're concerned about people going for six months or more

[@randyvalencia8322]

@@EatWalkLearn thanks so much

[@skateboarder-yr9qg]

Can you cancel Google fi and turn it back on in 30 while still outside the US? Is that an option?

[@EatWalkLearn]

You can turn FI off and on at will.

[@joejojo5966]

So if you're only doing a 1-3 month trip you should be fine? Should I turn on airplane mode to reserve data? I heard that they only cancel people if they use a shit ton of data. But that defeats the purpose of having the plan eh? Lmao

[@EatWalkLearn]

I don't think the amount of data is the issue, it's the amount of time out of country. If you turn off data, you'd be fine I suspect.

[@T.O.P.S]

@@EatWalkLearn yea they can see your ip and know you are out of the country, so turning off data is neither here nor there. they will still disconnect you, the tower the phone pings from.

[@tunesmith5664]

So... staying permanently in Philippines (starting July 25 2022) when I lose my international data, will I be able to receive my authentication security codes from my US banks on the google fi phone? would I need to port the phone to google voice? the data is not important to me because with a dual sim phone, I can use local services in philippines.

[@EatWalkLearn]

I have not had any authentication problems with Google Voice.

[@tunesmith5664]

@@EatWalkLearn Do you have a vlog about setting up google voice and using my fi number with it?

[@EatWalkLearn]

@@tunesmith5664 eatwalklearn.com/google-fi-cancelled-me-what-now/

[@EatWalkLearn]

You need to authenticate with a friend who is not using GV or Fi

[@tunesmith5664]

@@EatWalkLearn Should I establish a google FI account first? or voice? If Voice is first, should I then port my FI number to voice? Need the most sure way to get the bank codes. Sorry I'm kind of ignorant about these things, thanks.

[@gregh7457]

i tried to port over my tmobile number to google voice and it said NO to my number

[@MagentaOtterTravels]

That stinks!

[@EatWalkLearn]

ugh

[@tonebonebgky2]

Technically they didn't fire you as they w9rk for you so they quit.

[@EatWalkLearn]

Well, true

[@pen25]

this couldnt save you money. just looked and the prices are crazy. 7gb for 60 bucks? 24 days 7gb in vietnam is 107? come on. lol

[@EatWalkLearn]

The secret is to catch the sales, which happen daily. 11g for 360 days of global coverage is $65 on sale. It's about convenience.