Secret to Using Your Cell Phone in Any Country: UPDATE with NEW DETAILS

[@2millersglobal]

LOVE LOVE LOVE you guys and your channel. So much good info. My wife and I start our travels in 2025, we are selling everything and going! We have so many questions, but we look to you for the answers and you guys are always spot on.

[@EatWalkLearn]

That is awesome! Thank you

[@warrenwilliams7456]

I'm doing it similar but, of course, all of our travel plans are different. I'm going to Siem Reap, Cambodia early next year to retire and I ported my US number to google voice, got a new number with Tello, linked my voice number with my Tello number. Tello is only 10.00 a month and you can add money for overseas use so I'm keeping it. Since I'm getting a 1 year visa, apt, I will also be getting a permanent Cambodian number. I will also use Whatsapp, Telegram, Talku too. The options are endless in 2024. Thanks for all you share!

[@warrenwilliams7456]

When you rent in Cambodia, almost all of the apartments come with free wifi. Also the cell phone service in Cambodia is good and very cheap. Once you leave the US, life becomes affordable again.

[@EatWalkLearn]

You bet. Sounds like a fun adventure

[@malcolmnicoll1165]

My provider is T-Mobile. Can I keep my current number and ditch T-Mobile after I port it? Any help would be most welcome. Thanks.

[@animationdad1788]

what an awesome couple. thank you so much for this video. helped so much. had to save it because i know i will need to watch again. heading for the Philippines soon. i have never left my country before. so much to learn yet. i subbed also.

[@EatWalkLearn]

Glad it was helpful!

[@joescheller6680]

Last I tried Google voice don't work in philippines. But my sim is locked. Don't come to Philippines with a locked phone. My plan was with Verizon through Straight Talk.

[@tonytschanz5642]

Thanks for the video, it was fun to watch. You look like a fun couple. By the way my full time plan in the US since many years has been Tello for less than $10/month, all taxes included.

[@EatWalkLearn]

Thank you

[@zeitgeist888]

Great info and explanation video. I have GoogleFi and am happy with it but plan to move to the EU so your suggestions will be a real help in keeping a US number for 2FA and other needs. Nice to have options.

[@EatWalkLearn]

Glad it was helpful!

[@brianmcallister4959]

Very informative, thanks!

[@EatWalkLearn]

Glad it was helpful!

[@debbiekirby468]

Excellent information! Thank you for sharing!

[@EatWalkLearn]

You bet!

[@kevinr8431]

Correct me if I’m wrong, you don’t have to port your US number to Google Voice. You could just use your Google Voice number.

[@EatWalkLearn]

Correct. Our experience assumes you're using one of the big (expensive) US carriers, and you don't have a contract that you're locked into. Thanks for the question!

[@stevedice5963]

thanks for the update after sharing my experience on your last video i linked my sons phone, got the code, then uncheck the box "forward calls to linked phone" and all was well.

[@EatWalkLearn]

Perfect!!

[@barbaraplourde5777]

We are going on a Mediteranian cruise for 28 days this year. Google Voice sounds like a wonderful option. Does the data work on a cruise ship or only in ports? We have Verizon for phone service. When we return from our cruise, can we go back to Verizon and take off Google Voice, OR, could we keep Google Voice and pay very little for service IN the USA? Thank you both very much for your explanations in your videos. Enjoy traveling!!!!😊

[@EatWalkLearn]

You don't need Verizon if you return to the USA. Data does not work in the middle of the ocean, only in ports. Try GigSky for cruise data, an option that's cheaper than cruise wifi. Lmk if you want a referral link!

[@barbaraplourde5777]

@@EatWalkLearn Thank you for your reply and the information for GigSky. I would appreciate getting the link for that. I would like to follow-up on Google Voice. If I understand it correctly, I would be able to call family members in the USA with no charge? I have downloaded WhatsApp and plan to message from time to time with family members as well. It is the calling I was more interested in so that I do not get charged for calling within the USA. In reply to the beginning of your message that I don't need Verizon if we return to the USA. Does that mean both my husband and I could use Google Voice and Flexiroam for data and calling INSTEAD of going back to Verizon when returning home in Arizona? If so, that would certainly save a lot of money each month. Please let me know if I follow you correctly on that and I look forward to your info for GigSky and calling. Happy travels.

[@barbaraplourde5777]

@@EatWalkLearn I neglected to write that on a cruise ship and traveling with another person or more, if one person in the cabin gets the WI-FI package, everyone in the same cabin has to get it. In our case, even though we would get the package for half-off, it would still cost us $60 per day. Just for 2 weeks that would be over $800. I watched your video again about Google Voice. We live in what is considered a rural area and we have tried many phone carriers including Consumer Cellular, AT&T, and T-Mobile with no success, only dropped calls or very little or no signal at all. The only one that works for us is Verizon. If we were able to switch to Google Voice for calling and getting Flexiroam for data, that would be such a savings each month, if it worked in our area. I wonder if there is a way to 'try it before you buy'?

[@EatWalkLearn]

@@barbaraplourde5777 Yes, that's exactly right. You do not need Verizon in the US and you could absolutely use the Google Voice + Flexiroam solution in the US for as long as you want. As for Gig Sky, you'd add that esim to your phone and switch to it when cruising on sea days. My GigSky referral is: Congratulations! Free Mobile Data! Get USD 3 towards the purchase of your first GigSky Mobile Data plan. Use code GSIM22415 when signing up for a GigSky account to receive your credit. Find out more at goo.gl/lgv4Pa

[@nomadjim]

Great information. Flexiroam is sounding better all the time. Do you use Flexiroam when you're in the US? Is the US covered in the Flexiroam Global Plan? Or are you using something different when you're in the US? Thanks for sharing!

[@EatWalkLearn]

I use Flexiroam in the US and usually the Global plan

[@Alcom6]

Wow wow wow!! Awesome detailed step by step on " how to" amazing. You guys are much appreciated 👏 I've been stressing about this bc I'm leaving US for Thailand in April or May. Consider me a new subscriber! Additionally, hopefully, we bump into each other, and I can show my appreciation. Important, if I need roaming wifi/ data for use when I'm out and about. Google maps, bolt cab etc I need a esim or sim card? My phone only has 1 sim slot so it's either esim or get another phone? Correct? Thanks again. Ttyl

[@EatWalkLearn]

For data you'll need an esim from a provider like Flexiroam (see our link in the description) and/or a sim from the country you visit. When we were in Thailand Steve got a 30 day sim for about $15.

[@nickrevezzo3714]

When you're on WiFi you can call US numbers as much as needed with no charge by using WiFi calling from your provider. You can't call a non-Us number but you can call the US. You'll also get text messages whether 2FA text or personal text. Just keep you phone in airplane mode.

[@EatWalkLearn]

Thanks for your comment

[@TravelswithLlama]

This is what we do

[@rogregen4419]

I seem to recall that there is a clause on Google Voice that states if you are out of the US long term (9 months?) you will be banned.

[@EatWalkLearn]

That's Google Fi

[@DavidCR7-s6s]

Can you make a video about keeping US bank accounts, money transfers from US accounts while abroad etc

[@EatWalkLearn]

Thanks for the idea

[@ronniedio7152]

Does the Google voice work while in the US without a Carrier?

[@EatWalkLearn]

Yes. GV is your carrier.

[@discman777]

Since I understand from the described number porting method is to make a Mobile number be under the domain of Google Voice. So that number will no longer belong to any Mobile service. Nowadays, many institutions (e.g. ID me, Wells Fargo) detect and disqualify any VoIP number such as one from Google Voice. Does anyone know whether this scheme actually work with 2FA across the board?

[@EatWalkLearn]

The only bank we've had trouble with 2fa is CapOne. No problems with anyone else

[@kurtnigbor7165]

Thank u so much for this

[@EatWalkLearn]

My pleasure 😊

[@izzy1831]

Hello I am traveling to Guam for 10months next week . What's the best way together my pone to work?

[@EatWalkLearn]

Guam can be tricky. Check the Flexiroam website to see if their global plan covers Guam. I do not know.

[@jpzhu99]

After porting your number to Google Voice, the you cancel your cell phone plan with the US carrier? Have to get another data plan while in the US right?

[@EatWalkLearn]

Yes you would cancel Flexiroam has US plans and their global plan works in the US

[@smita1008]

What happens when you return to US? Do you come off google voice and back to your carrier?

[@EatWalkLearn]

If you want. Or just keep your setup going. It works in the US too

[@smita1008]

Thank you!

[@FireNes]

Good info 👍🙏

[@EatWalkLearn]

Thank you

[@jimmccann3856]

I just do not understand!?! 25:14"Ya need to get your phone number set up" Noooo! (You are beaten if you do that, are you not?) The first time you try to get into your online banking while abroad, or do a Wise transfer, they will FOR SURE want to sent an SMS (2 factor authentication) to your OLD telephone number. If you cannot get to that SMS, with its confirmation code, you are frozen out of your banking. What am I missing here?

[@EatWalkLearn]

Your phone number doesn't change when you port it to GV. So you'll get your 2fa no problem

[@jimmccann3856]

Excellent info & insight! Thanks.

[@yasmeenmah9810]

Thank you! Can you please tell us how i can keep my bank and all US things without a home in the US?

[@EatWalkLearn]

That's a complicated question. Check out my book, "2 Carry Ons and a Plan" or look at some of our other videos

[@Searcher671]

Team Chris, what is the reason to wait to move to Google Voice until a few days before I leave, it doesn't give a lot of time to test it?

[@EatWalkLearn]

You can move whenever. Just do it while in the USA

[@nesighsay7102]

Hey Chris and Steve. Thanks for the video. Have you been to Cambodia? Any info on that? My wife and her mom plan to visit Cambodia next year. Thanks.

[@EatWalkLearn]

We haven't been to Cambodia yet

[@emerysaulnier5502]

Sad that Canada doesn't have this.

[@Noworries-PU7ye]

OoooooOh WeeeeeLL😊🇨🇦

[@EatWalkLearn]

My Canadian friend writes: "There is a Canadian solution for the phone that is bit easier to use that Google Voice for Americans. Fongo is a FREE service available for Canadian phones where you get unlimited incoming text messages, plus unlimited incoming and outgoing calls all across Canada. We've been using it now for 2 years all over the world, and it's been working great. All we've paid for is the $25 one-time charge when we ported our cell phone numbers from Rogers to Fongo. To use Fongo just go to the app store on your phone, search for Fongo, install it, and sign-up. They initially assign you a free phone number in whatever Canadian location you want. We did this for a few months to test it out before porting over our numbers, and I'd recommend you do the same to make sure it will work for you. Then when you're happy with it you can pay the $25 fee to port the number from your existing provider. They also have plans you can pay for that allow you to send text message or call to the States or anywhere worldwide, but we haven't needed any of that, so we now have free text and phone service. If we were to move back to Canada full time we'd probably keep with it, since it's free, and I like free!"

[@elizabethhopkins7582]

I don't have a US phone number but need one and am on my way back to the States to get one. Can I use this same method with a new Google voice number rather than a ported in number? Love watching your videos! Very helpful.

[@EatWalkLearn]

You can get a new US number in the use with Google voice once you arrive in the US

[@TwistsNTravels]

So do you keep your plan w/say Verizon or can you cancel it once you port your # to Google Voice?

[@EatWalkLearn]

You'd cancel your plan with Verizon (or whatever carrier you have)

[@stevedice5963]

your verizon plan is canceled when you port your number. Just did it yesterday.

[@samuelalley7331]

Thank you both for giving excellent information. I did have one nervous blind spot when it comes to using google voice. What If a phone is lost or stolen and you had to purchase a new phone while overseas. Do you know or know If google voice would still work with the same number that was ported back in the United States. At first thought it seems like it would because google voice is not activated by a service provider, but simply works with internet availability. My other thought is that it might want to somehow autheticate the new phone, but would not allow you to given the fact you are not in the US. Hope you understand my question and hope that maybe you could guide me. It's a real concern for me. Thanks

[@EatWalkLearn]

Good question. You'd have to relink your new phone. That text goes to your friends phone, see step two in the video.

[@christinecline-leung9520]

I found this helpful but was a little confused about the linking anither phone number. Is the number your linking your new number or the number you ported? Also do you know if you can link the same number to more than one device if you were porting two numbers?

[@EatWalkLearn]

You're linking your ported number to anyone else's number. I believe you can link more than one phone to the same linked number, but I'm not sure. The GV help info might answer that.

[@christinecline-leung9520]

@@EatWalkLearn sorry to be dense. Does Google voice give you a new number of you get yo keep your old number?

[@EatWalkLearn]

Either​@@christinecline-leung9520

[@tina4780]

Thanks this was very helpful information. Really cleared up a lot of my questions. Until I get a newer phone, I would be Team Steve (phone not compatible with e-sims.). Curious why Steve still does the manual route if his phone accepts esims and he loses time/days of no service until he can physically go to store?

[@EatWalkLearn]

He likes to save $

[@yasmeenmah9810]

Is it working with pay as you go? Not a phone plan?

[@EatWalkLearn]

Pay as you go is awesome. We just got a great price from Flexiroam for 50 gig of data that will last for at least 3 months for both of us (you can share data with others)

[@lanexang8127]

I used airalo esim in Australia and Hong Kong, very slow connect for Uber, restaurant finder , direction, So switch to pocket Wi-Fi glocalme numen air 5 G, what’s your thought as far as speed ?

[@EatWalkLearn]

We can't comment on your esim. Flexiroam is usually 4g.

[@ShayKay-f3m]

We follow and love your content. Our experience will be unique. We will be out of the USA for 1 full year in Europe, then we are returning to the USA. Would you still recommend the Google Voice and an esim combo? Might it be difficult to leave Google Voice for another carrier upon our return?

[@EatWalkLearn]

Sounds like a fun adventure. You should be able to port your phone back to a USA carrier if you want. We haven't done it so can't confirm. But why? This solution works in the US too and might be better/cheaper than a typical USA carrier solution.

[@joescheller6680]

Just tried google voice in philippines it wont load says not supported in this counyry. Unless possibly you installed previous to coming but if not supported couldnt work??

[@EatWalkLearn]

Sorry you're having problems. Everything needs to be set up before you leave the US.

[@x28fhd7]

You're so happy and wholesome. Kudos to the two of you for following your dreams.

[@EatWalkLearn]

Thank you so much!

[@RogerSayers]

Thanks for the info. How about Dubai? What info can you give regarding the Sim card that is given out at the airport? Thank you. ❤

[@EatWalkLearn]

Lots of choices in Dubai.

[@susangarrard2753]

Can you call 1-800 customer service numbers?

[@EatWalkLearn]

Yes

[@tshakespeare9371]

Great stuff guys. My question is would I still be able to use WhatsApp after I port my number to Google voice as I do now. I intend to get a local number in Thailand or in whatever country I happen to be in. Thanks

[@EatWalkLearn]

Yes, of course

[@PDXBeach]

I already have google voice. Can i skip porting?

[@EatWalkLearn]

Yes

[@wavetothecamera]

Can you top up the global 365 day eSim if you’re running low on data or do you just have to buy a new one?

[@EatWalkLearn]

Yes, you can top up

[@kymressler7668]

Wish I had this info. The data plan I bought with Mint never worked after I activated. Spent the whole 2 weeks in Europe with no coverage.

[@EatWalkLearn]

I'm sorry that happened to you

[@DDavis0226]

Why was mint mobile a problem?

[@kymressler7668]

Bought plan. Activated but no coverage. No idea.

[@emerysaulnier5502]

Is flexiroam available for Canadian 's and will it work in the Philippines?

[@EatWalkLearn]

Yes.

[@kh8606]

What if I already have a google voice phone number? Can I just change my personal information at my bank, and other accounts for two way authentication calls? And google voice doesn’t need cellular service to make the call? It used data?

[@EatWalkLearn]

Yes to all

[@cobrabtc]

I know this video is not about security or privacy but never authenticate using SMS. Use an authentication app.

[@EatWalkLearn]

You're right

[@johnzangari3432]

Most of you are talking about is for US phone numbers, but Canadian phone numbers are the same and Canada's country code is the same as the USA +1.

[@EatWalkLearn]

Yes, true

[@timdettmann4067]

For this to work do you have to own an unlocked phone? What phone do the two of you use?

[@EatWalkLearn]

Yes. We have Pixels

[@bettyli6635]

Sorry, but I'm confused. How is it unlimited data with flexiroam when you still have to pick the amount of data you want for the 365 days? 10, 20, 50, 70, etc?

[@EatWalkLearn]

You can use as much data as you want in that time period.

[@bettyli6635]

Then why are there different prices for 59gb, 70gb, etc

[@joescheller6680]

???Google Voice don't work on my phone in Philippines but hey I'm not the sharpest on these electronic gadgets

[@EatWalkLearn]

Google Voice needs to be set up prior to leaving the US

[@Diane-i2g]

I don't see the need to port your number and link a phone number to GV account. I had GV since they first introduced about 20+ years now. You were given a 10 digits US phone number (you choose area code, then pick available phone numbers from available list). I have travelled outside of US, and was able to use my GV app to make free phone call to any US/Canada phone numbers, also able to receive 2nd factor authorization codes from banks, credit cards, etc.

[@EatWalkLearn]

Yes, right. GV gives you a new number OR you can port your existing number

[@Diane-i2g]

What happed to the ported number to GV if that number if you no longer with any phone carriers. You can kept it as your GV or that number will get recycled back to the new customer with any other carriers? Am I right, the idea of porting your number to GV is so you can keep that number even though it will no longer in service with any phone carriers? Thanks.