Why you may not want to give up your US phone number?

[@Synfulz]

I plan on staying in the Philippines permanently Grandpa. But I needed to keep my US phone service. I also have a Globe service and a Philippine phone. But my US line has numerous authenticator codes I have to maintain. Some for my retirement accounts. Also for various crypto accounts.

[@k9companion231]

This is my plan as well. Two phone US/Pinas

[@MrKeving1]

I just got back from a 4 month trip to Philippines. I brought my iPhone SE but it could not be unlocked so I bought a iPhone 13 in the Philippines . I kept paying my US service because I did not want to lose my number. I also have a vpn . What I did was used the iPhone 13 as a hotspot and turned on internet calling on the iPhone SE. it works great to call my friends in the US who don’t have messenger or my bank whatever. A lot of newer phones now have internet calling so you can make regular calls over the internet if you have a weak or no signal.

[@pukavoket]

"VOIP" Voice Over Internet Protocol". Great video, very useful info.! :)

[@tedlasalvia9668]

Vlogger Grandpa, another great video. You gave me a good chuckle with the "1/2 of 1% risk coupled with punishing 100% of the customers". You are correct in that respect, but let's be clear, the majority of the public have difficulty with these details and really need to be protected against such issue (even to the extent of protecting them from their own mistakes). The downside is being in a foreign country with a system that does not work.

[@Dazzles10]

i was able to call and text with my American cell phone number in the Philippines anytime I had wifi. I use mint mobile, $15/month and they have a feature “wifi calling”. You enable it in your account on their website and in your phone settings. When youre on wifi the phone dumps the cellular network and connects to it through wifi. Everything worked as if i was in the U.S.

[@CaptainRon2]

Does two factor authentication work in the Philippines on mint mobile?

[@Dazzles10]

@@CaptainRon2 it worked. I received text messages as if i was in U.S.

[@normanrosario9588]

I have T mobile and I use my phone to call US while in Philippines thru Wi-Fi calling. On my T mobile plan, I have unlimited internet 2G enough to make FaceTime call and FB messenger call. My service start as soon the plane touchdown, this true also when I landed in DOHA for layover, I have service to make FaceTime call. T mobile have agreement to cellular company almost every country. I was in Canada and Hongkong same thing.

[@corap123]

Thank you for featuring this Grandpa Vlogger. This is very helpful. VOIP phones I have tried Magic App and Skype. Unfortunately they are not accepted by my cards for verification. Helpful though with communication.

[@ritauy5500]

Thanks Grandpa and everybody for sharing

[@jeffyoung2531]

You as well as many others have touched on the main points, Carriers, VPN, VOIP with 1 MAJOR Omission: DUAL SIM phone. Check with your service provider (or google) to see if your phone has this feature. Most major brands newer phones have it, eg, Iphone 10X Max and newer iphone. Tell the service provider you want to have your primary number loaded electronically in order to free up your sim card slot (for travel). Caveat; the phone needs to be unlocked by your carrier. Chances are the majority on here already have a dual sim phone and don't even realize it. This does many things- 1- lets you still use your device as if in USA, albeit roaming. check with your carrier for charges 2- allows you to add another pre/post paid sim card to the empty tray. 3- Provides two active numbers at the same time - "Local" and US 4- lets you control your data usage and roaming (PH in the province this is huge) 5- set your primary secondary etc... numbers for outgoing and incoming calls. 6- no need to purchase a local phone or carry two phones 7- want to travel to other countries from PH? - use sim tray and their local pre-paid sim, now you have data in those countries that may or may not work with US carriers. also - VPN DOES NOT work 100% with banking ,US insurance(s), SSA, VA or government sites! Recap - bring an unlocked dual sim phone with your US number loaded electronically and life is easy peasy.

[@melodyramos7010]

True…keep your U.S. phone. Easier to use with texting without additional charges. Saves a lot of headache…VPN was helpful when I worked remotely. It was great at the time! 🤙🏼♥️

[@One_Cebu]

Most of us if not all are using our phones to receive verification code to log in to certain accounts online with 2 factor authentication. Before you disconnect or switch phone number. Make sure to update all your online accounts to receive the verification code to either to a new phone number or email accounts.

[@tarzan7652]

You’re a guy who continuously find learning doesn’t end.

[@vloggergrandpa2707]

That is so true. I learn something new almost every day...but then I also forget them almost everyday. 😆😆😆😆

[@djc6436-e4h]

Google Voice is the app I use to keep my US number for texts and voicemails and even for making calls via wifi. It cost $20 (one time fee) to port over the US number then free thereafter. Works like a champ in conjunction with a VPN. Best to set up a day or two before leaving the US and to have a second line of US service to cover you until you actually leave the CONUS.

[@RCAEZ201]

google voice will not work for 2FA

[@djc6436-e4h]

@@RCAEZ201 it works just fine

[@gregs5845]

If your stay or plan to be in the Phillpines permantely or extended stay, you can possibly port your existing US mobile number to service like Magic Jack or Google Voice. This is good if you had the number a long time and many people know that number. You do need to own the number and not currently part of a company owned account.

[@92646snake]

My cousin retired in Baguio a few years ago and he has a workaround for receiving the 6-digit code for 2FA. It requires a person that you could trust in the US. In his case, that person is his daughter who lives in Irvine, CA. He assigned all his US-based accounts to use his daughter’s cell phone number to receive the authentication code. Whenever he needs to make an online transaction, he calls his daughter first to alert her that she will be receiving a code. She relays the code to him, and he can complete his login. -- For the more difficult sites like Fidelity, his daughter enters his account and password in California and then shares the screen with him using the screen-sharing feature of Messenger. He then talks her through the trades and other transactions that he wants to conduct on Fidelity.

[@92646snake]

He also installed an OOMA VOIP in Baguio, so he has a US landline with a 714-area code. He chose OOMA over Magic Jack because he could attach a Panasonic cordless phone base. This enables him to have 4 cordless phone extensions on different floors and rooms. The downside is he gets bombarded with telemarketing calls from the US during unholy hours of the night due to the time difference. -- He also installed a Slingbox at his daughter’s home in Irvine before he left 5 years ago. This enables him to stream any channel on his daughter’s Spectrum cable service. He can watch the live games of his favorite MLB, NFL, and NBA teams. He can also stream his daughter’s Netflix and Prime subscription through Slingbox.

[@92646snake]

He is subscribed to a 100 Mbps fiber internet service from PLDT Baguio for the equivalent of 50 USD a month. He thinks he is only getting half the advertised throughput, but it is more than enough for what he needs, anyway. -- He still maintains his AT&T mobile number in Baguio but only uses it as an emergency option. Both AT&T and T-Mobile use the same GSM technology used by providers in PHL and other Asian countries. He had a good corporate discount through his company while he was still working. The AT&T discount continued even after he retired from the company!

[@ryanrhea1]

Thanks for sharing. I want to retire in PH in 10 yrs. I will try to do that also.

[@jamescurtis5472]

you can port your number to goggle voice use it call or text to USA When in USA you can get just new number with another internet provider if u want and in usa can still use goggle voice

[@sdleasia]

Good information, and a good time to brainstorm and crunch some numbers. I might keep my USA number and phone, but convert my unlimited plan to a cheap $30 per month prepaid. I think it'll require a $15 International plus add-on, but not sure if it would be worth that hassle and cost.

[@gwinnaguilar8604]

T-Mobile cell phone works in the Philippines. You will receive text for free. You can also use your voice but with a 25c a minute charge.

[@vloggergrandpa2707]

Thanks for that information!

[@kwangtienliao7719]

Use wifi calling. You can receive and call any numbers in US also texts.

[@travelinghobo]

There is always that one financial or other important company in your life that will only deal with confirmed USA phone numbers. That is why I kept my Google Fi number for $26.00 month. I also use magic jack. I see it as a part of doing business while traveling or living in a foreign land. Good thing about VPNs, I subscribe to Philippine Netflix, but with a vpn, I can also get the USA Netflix.

[@vloggergrandpa2707]

Thanks for sharing information.

[@timsretirementjourney8323]

Danny when I was in the Philippines for 3 months this past winter I bought an inexpensive dual sim phone from Amazon, called up my provider letting them know when I was leaving Canada and when coming back and had them drop the data but keep the talk and text for those 3 months. In the Philippines I put a Smart sim in the second slot for use over there, ... however when I needed verification texts they still came through my Canadian sim without issue. We're going back to the Philippines full time this October but I'll keep my talk and text from Vancouver even if it costs a bit to do so. I'll just let my provider know I'm going to be in the Philippines and to keep the service going.

[@yolandac5936]

Mr Tim I could use a phone setup like yours when I go to the Phil. May I ask what kind of dual sim phone you have? Thanks

[@timsretirementjourney8323]

@@yolandac5936 what I bought from Amazon Canada is a Ulefone 11P Note. it cost me around $250.00 Canadian and I have to admit I use it more than any of my other phones. It has a lot of the features of higher end phones but at a fraction of the cost.

[@yolandac5936]

@@timsretirementjourney8323 sounds great.

[@mikeyual]

@@yolandac5936 You may use any cell phone as long as it is UNLOCKED.

[@davidsun3464]

Hi Vlogger Grandpa - I can confirm that if you have T-Mobile Magenta plan, it includes unlimited data and texting abroad, including the Philippines. I’ve been in the Philippines and we used our US GSM phones extensively and texted and accessed the internet, and used various services like Messenger, WhatsApp, etc. The only caveat is that If you have poor cell signal at a location, the quality of both texting and data will be poor. We will be moving to the Philippines in a couple of months, and will be keeping our US numbers through t-mobile. Hope this helps.

[@davidsun3464]

Oh, one can use the t-mobile phones for voice calls. But that’s not free.

[@lulucastillo7269]

I get unlimited data with AT&T

[@davidjames5727]

@@davidsun3464 free if using wifi, if you are connected to your wifi at home, or in malls or other places, then it is 100% free on T-mobile, I travel back and forth to the Phils 5 times a year, never have been charge extra than my monthly bill.

[@TheMccluref]

@@davidjames5727 I have t-mobile and they said I can only have the number for 90 days. Did you get around that

[@TheMccluref]

I heard t-mobile is only good for 90 days in the Philippines

[@robertbonanno906]

Be carefull in manila my wife and i got rubbed in the middle of the day wallet iphones everything couldn't believe it what is up with this place. Not save

[@randysmithnarvacan3113]

Thank you Grandpa! Can you do a video on how to set up and use Magic Jack on a cell phone? You are always clear with your information! Thank you and God Bless 🙏 🙏 🙏

[@Amen.22]

There's many comments about what to do, but no one has tested it to see if it actually works. I have a dual Sim phone and I think I can keep my US number and turn on roaming when I login to my US accounts.

[@ToddM16]

VPNs can be detected too. Say you are in the Philippines and connect VPN back to the US. The VPN company has reserved a set of IP addresses in the US. When you connect you use one of these IP addresses. There are only so many VPN companies. Over time, services in the US identity these IP addresses as the VPN. Now the VPN will get more IP addresses but it becomes a cat and mouse game. One VPN company may be blocked by Netflix or Amazon and another VPN may not be. It is hit and miss.

[@Mark-ul1hz]

On your cellphone turn off mobile data turn on wi-fi calling works everywhere with Wi-fi I've tried in philippines I get phone calls & text

[@sweetpeaz1912]

Is it free or do you still get charge? AT&T?

[@Mark-ul1hz]

@@sweetpeaz1912 ask I know free tmobile

[@BambooTom]

It’s worthwhile paying for a good VPN. NordVPN and Express seem to be two of the more reliable ones

[@kevinbuckley4507]

DO NOT AND I MEAN DO NOT USE EXPRESS VPN I had it when I was in the Philippines a month ago and it failed about 6 times before I had to demand a full refund due to it not working There So called VPN Export had all kinds of reasons it didnt work In the END IT DOSNT WORK AND THATS THAT

[@ay5667]

We have Majic Jack and it's great except when internet or electricity go out. We have not used it in the Philippines but may try it next time we go..If we do talk with family back home we Facebook messenger. When we are in the Philippines we get pocket wifi and take in when going out.

[@joescheller6680]

Can you activate magic Jack from philippines

[@vloggergrandpa2707]

Joe Scheller, no it has to be activated here in the U.S. Now, I don't know if they have changed this, but that is how it used to be.

[@elitepctech]

My solution to this is Google FI with their Flexible Plan or their Unlimited PLUS plan which gives you international data and international phone calls while in the Philippines (avoid the "Simply Unlimited", which is North America only). I always use a VPN while overseas. Avoid Kapersky's VPN. Their packets route thru Moskva. Private Internet Access (PIA) or Express VPN are good.

[@donaldtork5846]

I thought they send a text code only if you have 2-step authorization turned on?

[@vloggergrandpa2707]

Sometimes it is optional, while sometimes it is mandatory.

[@RCAEZ201]

no, it is now mandatory for almost all financial institution

[@judyjaz947]

I’m moving to the Philippines permanently. I have been having problem going banking online checking my account. It’s been 1 week now that Every time I checked my bank I always had problems. There’s a question before u can go online. Told the bank I’ll be in the Philippines soon. Luckily got everything taking care of before I go home. What they did they setup a question for me so i can do my banking online coz my phone won’t be working. Plus there’s a live chatting now that u can contact them if something goes wrong. Grandpa last year I was in the Philippines, I got stocked there for 3 months and lots of 1 800 numbers that been calling me. Even I didn’t answer the phone I got bills more than 1,500 for 3 months. So that was a lesson for me before I go home. So in august 12 my phone will be shut off. Hopefully I will not have a problem while I am there. God bless po

[@dr.michaellittle5611]

I kept my us phone and number here in Manila. The simplest thing for me was to update my ATT plan, which gives me unlimited text and data here. Cost is higher ($240): but I can use it even when I travel, including back to US.

[@RedneckNFilipina]

Vpn works. I have it on my phone and also my Amazon fire stick. I can log into my tv streaming with or without the vpn. Only difference is some programs are not available in the Philippines. So I turn on VPN and watch USA 🇺🇸 programs.

[@TomBTerrific]

Years ago I use to use T-MOBILE on my phone without a monthly contract. I just bought a load of 1000 minutes that was tied to a sim card. When I visited the Philippines I just swapped out the sim card to Globe or Smart. Which ever I choose to use at the time. On Wi-Fi I could still check emails . I’m not sure this is still available but I’m sure Walmart has similar plans that will keep you number active at a reasonable cost. I have T-Mobile home internet now in Florida. Yes you can move it from place to place in the US and perhaps Canada and Mexico. I don’t think you can take it to Philippines and use to there because T-MOBILE doesn’t have towers in phone the Philippines and all T-Mobile home internet is is a phone hotspot. It even has its own phone number.

[@florajones4548]

You can use messenger to messenger if you will be in the PH…

[@joescheller6680]

I need phone to contact bank at home yet. And insurance company occasionally you need to call a ground line or cell phone number sometimes

[@tomgerryinphilippines8817]

Very timely video for me. I am currently getting my phone unlocked before I can go and get sim card. The agencies I am connected to all require to send me code I give them to verify who I am. I have tmobile and will be going to their office to change my service to a plan called magenta max. I want to understand more about it.

[@jeffyoung2531]

when you get the phone unlocked, have them load your US number via E-sim. you can keep it and the sim tray open too :)

[@plantbased2846]

T-Mobile will cut you off if you are away for more than 90 days. I am a T-Mobile customer living in France and I called them about this and that is what they told me. Mint Mobile will not cut you off so you can keep your service indefinitely with them while abroad to continue to receive 2 factor text message verifications from banks & businesses. They are also cheaper thatn T-Mobile but you will want to get a local data plan because their calling and data rates are expensive so get a data plan and do everything over that. However, T-Mobile is in discussions with Mint Mobile who wants to buy them so that policy may change in the near future. Good luck.

[@RedneckNFilipina]

I am considering switching to T-mobile. I’m interested in the Wi-Fi internet you mentioned. Are you going to take the router to the Philippines and try it?

[@vloggergrandpa2707]

No. I don't know that you can use it there. They usually have a partner so you can use your wi-fi.

[@stephenljaques863]

I understand that star link is available in the Philippines. It can also be taken with you from country to country. I don’t know how it would work with many of the things you have mentioned in your video.

[@vloggergrandpa2707]

I'm not familiar with how star link works. It is new technology.

[@Matthew-gz4oh]

Are you talking about TMobile at home? Its not available in my area in Va. Beach.

[@vloggergrandpa2707]

I understand they are not available in all locations. So, that we have to check.

[@touroujrara]

Hi. “Foreign earned income exclusion”Please talk about that and the $112k untaxed. Thanks

[@vloggergrandpa2707]

The US foreign earned income exclusion only applies to "earned" income -- i.e., employment. If you have income from other sources such as stocks, interests, etc. it is not covered by the exclusion.

[@touroujrara]

@@vloggergrandpa2707 Hi. Thanks and be well

[@sweetpeaz1912]

What about Wi-Fi calling from Philippines to U.S. turning on airplane mode, turn on Wi-Fi calling, and while using vpn? Will it be free?

[@johnarellano8212]

Mano po, lolo! T-Mobile and Magic Jack should sponsor your vlogs. Just sayin’. And I do have T-Mobile and I’ve used it in the Philippines while on vacay. ✌🏽🇵🇭

[@rfbos]

Tmobile is very limited In philippines. You won't get any authentications from banks or financial institutions. Short codes are being mostly used now and you won't receive them via tmobile in the Philippines. You can basically use wifi on the web but not calling USA with tmobile.

[@altriplett9099]

iPhones, even if cut off, will still text, in real time, if you are online! This may not help you, in the case of confirmation codes, but I found it interesting! I'm planning on using my (adult) daughter's number for Bank, and other, important business...

[@michaelspencer6523]

If going to philippines , you need to call your cellar phone provider on your cellar phone 60 days before leave usa and get it unlocked and bring with you and buy a sims card and time load on philippines and instal it all in philippines and do what service provider said do. It work on philippines and in usa but must follow what tbe service provider says do.

[@jamesalias595]

Not all will unlock your phone unless you have it paid for, for example I can only get a temporary unlock from T-mobile for 30 days because I still owe a few payments on the phone. Make sure you pay off your phone first.

[@Amen.22]

That's what I do, but that's not going to work for receiving codes when trying to login to your US bank or credit card companies.

[@rfbos]

Anyone thinking of moving abroad needs to have short code authentication via text if you still deal with any American banks or credit card institutions. Google voice is perfect. $20 port charge from your current carrier is the only fee you'll ever pay but, it has to be ported while in the US. If your phone is dual sim, you can get a data plan wherever you go, install it and use google voice over it when your away from wifi.

[@kevinj8236]

I also relocated from the US to the Philippines in my retirement several years ago and have experienced the exact same thing. I’ve lost access to numerous accounts in the US including my SSA and IRS accounts. It is needed for 2FA texts to verify Internet actions. If I had known better before I left the states, I would have suspended my U.S. number (and paid a nominal fee) and then tried to “port” it to my Globe number here with Google Voice, but It still may not work. I routinely use a VPN and was still locked out of my accounts, including a second Amazon account I created after the first was locked. A US phone number may not be as important as our SSN, but for better or, in this case, worse it is part of our identity, and without it Americans abroad may experience problems. BTW, I’m from Nazareth, PA, adjacent to your writer from Bethlehem.

[@ryanrhea1]

@Kevin Nice to know you were from PA. This afternoon I went to Filipino grocery named Inihaw Filipino Barbecue beside Wawa, in Bethlehem PA. I'm sure you know that restaurant. Good delicious Pinoy foods, will be back there again.

[@kevinj8236]

@@ryanrhea1 I haven’t been home for a few years, but will visit next month. Thanks for letting me know about the restaurant. I will take my wife there.

[@JG-bi3he]

Keep everything till after one year because most foreigners leave the Philippines after for so many many reasons. Without the US phone it's impossible to call the US like your bank. Philippines phone is the worse you constantly have to load load load to have phone service and it's costly. That's one reason the government keep them poor. Having phone service inside the house doesn't cover when you go outside or when you go out. So you must load or get another monthly service. It's inconvenient and it's costly.

[@joescheller6680]

I have straight talk it is a locked phone. All Facebook messenger email works. But I have no phone service. It can be unlocked which I plan to do. But international calling is cheaper if it's activated in US. There is no wifi calling service I can activate here that I have found. Still looking. Open to any suggestions. Magic Jack is one I never considered

[@arlyncabunag7171]

This is the problem of my husband we need a code from his number but we didn't receive it here in ph

[@mikefa5891]

This is great info! When are you planning to go back to the Philippines to test out whether VPN is the solution we are all looking for? I heard foreign visitors can enter Cebu airport without vaccination - is this really true?

[@tomgerryinphilippines8817]

For a 67 year old it is important when I go to Philippines next month this is very confusing but necessary as you talked about text codes for banking usa banks and pension offices etc. I feel stupid and hate this technology. I'm going to T-Mobile to look at magenta plan in couple days. Getting my money while in Philippines is high priority for me. Thanks but still confused 😕

[@JR-vs1zl]

I'm going to call my banks, to find out if they will block 🚫my phone calls, when calling outside the country. You may try this but don't depend on it working for you...it may not, regardless of what they say.

[@kevinbuckley4507]

Even T mobile will cut you off after 90 day

[@miyagi1775]

I travel for a living. WhatsApp and Facebook messenger have worked fine for me. I have TMobile that allows me to text and receive text for free as long as there's mobile reception. I've made calls through the mentioned apps. If I'm going to stay in the Philippines for an extended period, I have a local sim card for local communications.

[@melodyramos7010]

Verizon works the same way…no extra charges! Tested oversees, not just the Philippines. Great with remote learning! It worked when I was in grad school 13 years ago…did my assignments while on vacay! I was able to meet my homework on time. Even graduated with honors…🤣 Yup! It’s possible to do online learning and have fun at the same time. 😎🤙🏼

[@miyagi1775]

@@melodyramos7010 many ways to communicate in today’s technology. The world is smaller because of it 👍🏽

[@chroniccasino]

What about Verizon customers in the USA can we bring our phone over?

[@vloggergrandpa2707]

Don't know. I have been out of Verizon for years. Please check with them.

[@lornaatkinson3906]

I have Verizon too. They work for me. I live in Michigan went home in the Philippines in 2020. Verizon is been good to us. You might want to double check where you're residing.

[@pongmolina2157]

Verizon is not ideal for long term stay in the Philippines due to price. Keep in mind that you need a Philippine number too.

[@RCAEZ201]

Grandpa, I learned about the importance of having a US number to access security codes from another vlogger. In preparation for my early retirement in Dec. 2022, what I will do, I will cancel my expensive Verizon mobile accounts, and just signed up with Mint mobile which is only $15/month. I have tested this while in the US to get my security codes and it worked. I will yet to test it when I am in the Philippines. However, I learned that any VOIP will not work for you. Google voice number, magic jack, or other similar VOIP will not work. Funny thing is I still have my globe mobile sim card here in the USA. I use it here in the USA to access my gcash accounts and it still works. So I am able to order food deliveries for my mother in the Philippines.

[@djc6436-e4h]

I've been using Google Voice in the US and Thailand and now the Philippines for almost 6 months. It's particularly useful for 2FA texts from banks, etc. Try it for yourself when you get back to the Philippines.

[@MissJune2009]

@@djc6436-e4h Yep, Google Voice works for me, too. Been using it since 2019 here in the Phils.

[@rfbos]

Google voice works perfectly. However, you have to port your number from you current carrier to google voice prior to leaving and make sure it works. I've been using it in the philippines without flaw. Short code authentication is vital living abroad if you have any banks or credit cards still in USA. Good port has a 1 time charge of $20. After you verify it's ported, you can now cancel your current carrier. Google voice is accessible anywhere in the world.

[@joelarcilla1972]

What can dial when i want to call US OPM RET..im in philiippines.thanks

[@BambooTom]

Skype can receive some text messages but not from the IRS. Therefore, instead of a simple one time message I once had to wait almost an hour on hold and provide multiple answers from years worth of returns to verify my identity at their written request

[@edgarcia1656]

As one of your subcriber mentioned, TMobile works in the Philippines. The only caveat is u need to carry two phones or have a dual sim phone. T mobile works!

[@pongmolina2157]

Not ideal for extended or permanent stay in the Philippines.

[@edgarcia1656]

@@pongmolina2157 I agree.

[@dr.michaellittle5611]

A big watch out with VPN ( I have NordVPN): you cannot access Bank of America online. It’s a security issue. I think many institutions will end up going this way.

[@Amen.22]

Yes, I had VPN and I had to turn it off to login to bank of America.

[@dr.michaellittle5611]

@@Amen.22 also interferes with wireless printing

[@samluca945]

Hello, Sir. I'm planning on changing my name when I apply for US citizenship and become a dual citizen after. Will my name change affect my records in the philippines? Such as when I open a bank account and purchase a land? Should my name be the same when im in the philippines?

[@vloggergrandpa2707]

Make sure you bring all your papers regarding the change in name. Would you not want to know or prove that Mr. A is the same as Mr. B?

[@92646snake]

You could use either name. Your dual citizenship documents will reflect both your original Filipino name and your adopted American name, with an AKA (Also Known As) in between. For example, “Juan de la Cruz AKA John de la Cruz”. You could use your dual citizenship documents as proof that you are the one and same person.

[@msbugan50]

Will a Muama ryoko work in the Philippines? It’s a separate Wi-Fi router and has separate cellular data

[@reynaldodevera7878]

I have been using magicjack for over 10 years as my home phone and have an app installed in my cell phone. I have also another magicjack installed in our house in the Philippines. Never have a problem except the app. I cannot attach anything when texting through magicjack via my cell phone.

[@RCAEZ201]

magic jack will not work for 2FA

[@reynaldodevera7878]

@@RCAEZ201 What's 2FA?

[@MissJune2009]

@@reynaldodevera7878 Two Factor Authentication

[@jamesalias595]

Just visiting and everything wants a US phone number to text login verification, even when using a US VPN. So you need to get a US number that can receive texts. I didn't get these login prompts at home on my laptop, and I thought a US VPN would have prevented this, but it doesn't. So maybe Skype or Google Voice should be the choice as your primary number for accounts. Luckily, my T-mobile phones works in the Philippines for calls and texts. T-mobile works for internet but limited to 256kb in the Philippines. Fidelity, Bank of America, etc. will detect you are using a VPN and will require a text to login. I have ooma which I used as landline for calls when I worked and the app works fine for wifi calls, but I can't send or receive text, so I really need to cancel ooma as I don't need a landline for work anymore and it's expensive. Last of all make sure you have an unlocked phone.

[@vloggergrandpa2707]

I know you can use TMobile for voice. But just like Verizon and xFinity, it costs a lot. You can use TMobile for text and cost nothing. How's much does it cost for voice call on TMobile?

[@uhmerrykan]

Is there any way to deal with Bank of America if you live abroad and don't have a US cell number?

[@relaxbecalm5574]

ok magicjack keeps you connected back home. Have had it for years her and my ex filipino wife has it also so no you will not have issues with conducting business back home from here in the philippines. Best results before you leave from the USA to this God forbidden countey register your magicjack under your local number bring the device with you mostly if you have it on any device it will work great with out your device just the app

[@heidistein4423]

I used my T Mobile in the Philippines, free texting and unlimited data. I was there for a month recently.

[@cristinalocanas8485]

Yup, T Mobile helps👍

[@duanemiller9809]

Grandpa how to use my US number im here already in Philippines and i need a code from my bank

[@macromusico6939]

Grandpa, my question is about SSS. I am at present single. If I get married and I die can my wife still get my SSS ?

[@92646snake]

Yes, your future wife will receive widow’s benefits when you die. She may also be eligible for spousal benefits while you are still alive if she meets the requirements. Even your future EX-WIVES (YES, PLURAL) may be eligible to receive benefits based your SS record.

[@macromusico6939]

@@92646snake does the wife be a US citizen, or does she have to reside in America to avaol of the benefits

[@92646snake]

@@macromusico6939 In most cases, non-US spouses can claim Social Security benefits. Your foreign spouse will typically qualify for survivor benefits and may also qualify for spousal or dependent benefits. The rules surrounding Social Security benefits for non-US persons are complicated. The rules for claiming Social Security benefits can vary quite a bit depending on the country where you and your spouse live. You can read all about it in: www.ssa.gov/pubs/EN-05-10137.pdf

[@hermankoji]

Yap, we are here in the Philippines for 3 weeks now and coming back next week. We have T mobile and it’s free for data only. Means thru internet. However, my wife needs to call using her US # and cost us $50 for some minutes. Oh well.,sorry no solution.

[@vloggergrandpa2707]

Yes, when you use voice I was told there is a charge. I only plan to receive text at no cost.

[@mikeyual]

I also use my T Mobile while in the Philippines, with unli Int'l. data and texts. $.20 cents per minute if you use voice calls.

[@donhgr]

Only if there is T-Mobile service where you are, roaming you will encounter problems too. VPN is not a solution either, VPN is detectable. T-Mobile for seniors is $60 dollars a month for two lines unlimited everything.

[@lulucastillo7269]

No i wont even if i am out of state

[@phillyboylaboy]

hello po, meron po ba kayong video tungkol sa pag domicile (virtual address) sa no state tax state just to get and use as address in the US while living in the Philippines? ty po.

[@vloggergrandpa2707]

I'm sure there are some but I'm not aware of one. That us like playing games if you are really required to have a US residence. You can try mailbox.com. But be sure to arrange for delivery of your mail to you. Good luck.

[@phillyboylaboy]

@@vloggergrandpa2707 ty po. I am in PA now. I might look into it in SD. I really don't have any reason to domicile in PA and pay the state and local taxes if i live overseas; the mailbox is just for formalities. Ty sir.

[@hernstv]

Iam a stock trader. US broker like Charles schwab need a verification accessing account. I need my tmobile phone while in Philippines.

[@RealGaryGibson]

I have a Mint Mobile US phone number that I plan to keep when I go to the Philippines. My phone has calling over Wifi so in theory I should be able to use it as a US phone as long as I have a Wifi connection and a VPN.

[@Amen.22]

Some, like Bank of America won't let you login if you have VPN, you need to turn it off to login.

[@CaptainRon2]

Does two factor authentication work in the Philippines on mint mobile?

[@RealGaryGibson]

@@CaptainRon2 It works for me.

[@kuyag68]

2 Factor Authentication (2FA) is now becoming a main security check when accessing accounts. You need to keep a phone to receive sms text passcodes. Interesting to see if magic jack works.

[@RCAEZ201]

google voice, magic jack or other similar ones will not work for 2FA

[@mmc3731]

Can we rely on apps for calls and text messages in the Philippines - like Viber, whatsup, messenger thru WI-FI?

[@rfbos]

Any wifi app can be used in the Philippines. However, you use like google voice and want to keep you original number, you need to set this up prior to leaving USA. I use it and get all calls from banks, friends/family L y, etc and call call them as well. This is vital for 2 step authentication. Most banks and government entities verify with codes sent via text. If you only have a PH phone, you will not be able to authenticate as they require USA numbers. Hope that helps

[@lylibmilano2343]

Grandpa, Lolo, im watching u in San Francisco. Have u heard about WhatsApp and Viber , u can text , audio call & video call free. Check it out. Safe day .

[@vloggergrandpa2707]

Yes, I know. The problem, however, is that the people you are calling and people calling you will have to have the same system. For example, if you are using WhatsApp, the other party should also have the same and not Viber or Messenger. Unfortunately, businesses in the U.S. do not use those "personal" tools. It's only good for calling your, say, relatives or friends who you can ask to have the same app on their phone. MagicJack is like a US phone and you can call anyone with the phone number. They can call you, too, without anyone costing any money.

[@RCAEZ201]

@@vloggergrandpa2707 2FA will not work with whatsapp

[@tomalvaran2765]

Hi, How long can a dual citizen stay in the Philippines without compromising His or Her US citizenship? Regards, Tom

[@mvescuadra]

As long as you meet your obligations, like paying your taxes to the IRS, you can live outside the US for the rest of your life without compromising your US citizenship.

[@vloggergrandpa2707]

@Tom Alvaran That is the beauty of being a US citizen. Same way in the Philippines...and that is the beauty of being a dual citizen. Of course, there are negatives as well. The bad comes with the good. 🙂

[@92646snake]

@@vloggergrandpa2707 You can also continue to exercise your rights as a US citizen, like voting, while living overseas. Some states, like California, allow absentee voting down to the local official levels. California even allows submission of absentee ballots via fax, so you save on the cost of overseas postage from PHL!

[@isaganinacpil2382]

It's complicated. Why don't you use viber or messenger, it's easy as long as you have wifi hahaha

[@vloggergrandpa2707]

Yes, I know. The problem, however, is that the people you are calling and people calling you will have to have the same system. For example, if you are using WhatsApp, the other party should also have the same and not Viber or Messenger. Unfortunately, businesses in the U.S. do not use those "personal" tools. It's only good for calling your, say, relatives or friends who you can ask to have the same app on their phone. MagicJack is like a US phone and you can call anyone with the phone number. They can call you, too, without anyone costing any money. Try calling your bank in the U.S. and you will know what I mean.

[@RCAEZ201]

@@vloggergrandpa2707 viper and messenger will not work for 2FA

[@susanrodriguez8297]

👌💌

[@davidkaiser810]

I am now living in the Philippines, I gave up my US phone number for Google Talk. I can make free calls and I have a Utah phone number in the US

[@RCAEZ201]

2FA will not work on google talk

[@paulchesney1798]

Do you realize Kaspersky is out of Moscow.If you trust the Russians should be a thought to you.

[@sabinabolduc5240]

Does google fi works in the Philippines?

[@neal-stewart834]

phone no's are not ours we use them. just sayin

[@phillyboylaboy]

Get Viber po.

[@RCAEZ201]

viber will not work as 2FA

[@touroujrara]

Hi. Google FI

[@joseleysa5137]

Google Duo, messenger and skype?

[@vwandtiny3769]

before I left the USA I signed up for a google phone number which you can only get with a USA phone. I then installed that number onto my Philippines phone. All this was free and it works fine. You need USA phone number to verify worldremit, paypal etc.

[@sdleasia]

I am wondering if confirmation code texts will work with Fidelity, major USA banks, Charles Schwab, etc for Google Voice number? I may need to experiment with that while still in the USA...

[@throughblindeyesmyphilippi2015]

@@sdleasia Charles Schwab is used to International transactions with their customers plus they have a 24 hour a day 7 day a week help line which is great! Let them know where you are going before you go and you will have no problems with them. Far as regular banks go just make sure you tell then to call you for verification not text because idk if that will work with Magic App 🤔

[@vwandtiny3769]

@@sdleasia it works with my USAA account VA also...

[@DC7BQC]

A lot of businesses are now not allowing VOIP like Google Ph numbers anymore to verify accounts or to be used as 2nd factor authentication anymore...

[@Cebuprince]

This is a wonderful subject that many folks need to know about, when you deal with a credit card company a bank and probably fidelity and you are in the philippines and you have voip lines the big problem is they want to ID you they want you to show them who you are so what do they do they TEXT you a code that you then need to give them so that they know it is you however VOIP phones do not accept text messages and they usually , almost always want you to give them a USA CELL PHONE number they will not accept a Philippine cell number it has to be US, I have 4 Voip lines all USA numbers when I tell the banks and credit card people that I do not have a cell phone and do not want one they try other ways to authenticate , I tell then just call me this is my home number or my office number once in a great while they will set it up so you can use a USA landline number, Bank of america give you a choice but most do not. The only way I can see to fix this is go to the US and get a cell plan and pay a lot of money for nothing, I have not been back to the USA for over 15 years but still have my voip phones but still have problems with my credit card providers as I still use USA credit cards any ideas would be appreciated. If you are ever in Cebu stop and visit. I would love to meet you.

[@mvescuadra]

If you have a TRUSTED friend or relative in the US, you can register his cell phone number as the destination of the code. Before you start the transaction, call the friend using your VOIP line and alert him that he will be receiving a 6-digit code on his phone. After starting the transaction online, the friend will receive the code and can relay the code to you over the ongoing VOIP call.

[@Cebuprince]

@@mvescuadra Basically this is what you have to do however it is a real pain , remember you are dealing with time zones and if your friend is awake etc, I do use this method but it is not real handy