How to keep your US phone number when you move abroad

Banks, doctors and family all have your US number. How to keep it working from abroad for a one-time $20 by moving it to Google Voice, and what to do before you leave.

Your US phone number is how your bank, your doctors, your accountant and your family reach you. Lose it, and you can be locked out of accounts that text you a sign-in code. The simplest way to keep it is to move it to Google Voice before you leave. It’s a one-time $20, and your number then works from anywhere you have Wi-Fi or data.

It’s what we did with our own US numbers, and it has worked well.

Why your number matters after you move

• Sign-in codes. Many banks and brokers text a code to your number when you sign in. If the number stops working, you may not be able to get into your accounts from abroad.
• Everyone already has it. Family, old colleagues, your doctors and your accountant.
• A US number for US services. Some US apps and services ask for a US phone number.

Our guide to your money when you move abroad covers the bank side: keeping accounts open, your address and getting money across.

Moving your number to Google Voice

Google Voice is Google’s phone service. Moving (“porting”) your mobile number to it means the number lives in your Google account, not with your mobile carrier. You then make and take calls and texts in the Google Voice app over Wi-Fi or mobile data.

What it costs. Google charges a one-time $20 to port in a mobile number. If you cancel a port that hasn’t finished, you get the $20 back.

Do it before you leave. Google says US users must make and update port requests in the US, with an active US mobile number. Once you’re abroad, it’s too late.

What you need:

• a personal Google account (not one run by your work or school);
• your carrier account number and the account PIN, from your bill or the carrier’s website;
• your number, typed exactly, and your billing address as the carrier has it.

How long it takes. Google says numbers can take up to 48 hours to port, and texts up to 3 business days to start arriving in Google Voice.

Don’t cancel your phone plan yourself. Wait until Google Voice says the port is complete. Google says porting your number away can end that plan with your carrier.

If you already have a Google Voice number, you can keep it for 90 days after the port as a second number, or let it go.

Not every mobile number can be ported to Google Voice. Start the port at least a couple of weeks before you fly, so there’s time to fix a problem.

Using it from abroad

• Use the Google Voice app on your phone or computer for calls and texts over Wi-Fi or data. Your new local SIM gives you data; your US number lives in the app.
• Check how each call is routed. Google says that if a call from outside the US doesn’t go through Google Voice, it uses your mobile plan’s minutes and your local carrier may charge roaming or international fees. When the app routes a call itself, it shows a message first. Check Google’s rates page for what calls cost.
• Some services won’t text a Google Voice number. A few banks and apps don’t send sign-in codes to internet-based numbers. Before you leave, sign in to each important account and switch its codes to an authenticator app where it offers one.

Keep it active

Google may reclaim a Google Voice number that isn’t being used. Its policy names about 3 months without calls or texts, and Google emails a warning first. Make a call or send a text from the number every month or two, and keep an eye on that Google account’s email.

Other ways to keep a number

• Keep a cheap US plan running. Some carriers offer low-cost or prepaid plans that keep a number alive. Check how roaming works and whether the plan needs you to use it in the US.
• Port to another internet phone service. Other services can also hold a US number. Check the fee, whether you can port while abroad, and whether your bank will text it.
• Let it go. If you won’t need it, move your sign-in codes to an authenticator app and update every account with your new number first.

What catches people out

• Leaving it until you’re abroad. Google Voice ports have to be done from the US.
• Cancelling the old plan first. If the plan ends before the port, you can lose the number.
• Sign-in codes. Test every important account with the new setup before you fly, not after.
• Three months of silence. An unused Google Voice number can be reclaimed.

This is general information, not legal or financial advice. Google’s fees and rules change: check the Google Voice help pages before you port.