Comments on: Why Google Voice Is Great for Travelers (And How to Set It Up) https://toomanyadapters.com/google-voice-travel/ Tech gear, gadgets, reviews, and advice Thu, 28 Sep 2023 06:13:48 +0000 hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.8.3 By: Dave Dean https://toomanyadapters.com/google-voice-travel/#comment-784707 https://toomanyadapters.com/?p=23965#comment-784707 In reply to Keri.

I’d be surprised if you were able to port your number/switch carrier without having access to that number at the time — the chances of one or the other provider not sending you a confirmation code of some sort seem very low, unfortunately. Google Voice definitely requires you to be able to receive a verification call or text during the setup process, whether you’re porting your existing number across or creating a new one.

]]> By: Keri https://toomanyadapters.com/google-voice-travel/#comment-784705 https://toomanyadapters.com/?p=23965#comment-784705 I am traveling internationally, and my US-based phone plan does not allow me to use text or phone calls. Their services do not offer roaming. So, I’m unable to verify my phone number. I would like to port my number.

Is it possible to port my number somehow? Should I try to switch my US carrier until I port my number? Or is this a lost cause and I will only get my number back if I return to the US?

]]> By: Dave Dean https://toomanyadapters.com/google-voice-travel/#comment-780981 https://toomanyadapters.com/?p=23965#comment-780981 In reply to Marianna.

Mine still seems to be working – I’m currently in the UK. Where in the world are you, and have you set your Google Voice number up already using one of the methods in the article?

]]> By: Marianna https://toomanyadapters.com/google-voice-travel/#comment-780980 https://toomanyadapters.com/?p=23965#comment-780980 Hi Dave,

thanks for sharing your insights!

Is this still accurate: “On the upside, once you’ve gone through this frustrating process, you’ll be able to use the Google Voice service from anywhere in the world without a VPN.”? I am currently abroad and am getting the “sorry google voice isn’t supported in your country yet” when opening a Google Voice app on my iPhone w/o using VPN

]]> By: Dave Dean https://toomanyadapters.com/google-voice-travel/#comment-778546 https://toomanyadapters.com/?p=23965#comment-778546 In reply to Brad.

Yes on both counts. As long as your old phone isn’t so ancient that you can’t download and run the Google Voice app, you’ll be fine with Wi-fi. Same with a SIM card with data, as long as your phone is unlocked by whichever carrier you were using it with at home — if it’s an old one, there should be no issue getting it unlocked if it isn’t already.

]]> By: Brad https://toomanyadapters.com/google-voice-travel/#comment-778542 https://toomanyadapters.com/?p=23965#comment-778542 This sounds good. So if I have an old I phone I can use Google voice when I am in Europe with the new Google voice number when I am hooked up to wifi? I do not want to get the international plan with my new Iphone. Will this work for me like that? I imagine I could get a new SIM card for my old phone in Europe for data when I am out and about too? Please advise? I plan to run my business with calls to the US when I am abroad.

Thanks

]]> By: Dave Dean https://toomanyadapters.com/google-voice-travel/#comment-769162 https://toomanyadapters.com/?p=23965#comment-769162 In reply to V Lev.

No problem, happy to help when I can!

Once you’ve forwarded your Verizon number to your GV number, you can remove or disable the Verizon SIM and still make/receive calls and texts via GV. You can even have (for example) your phone turned off entirely and make calls using the Google Voice website — they’re completely independent of each other.

Hope that’s useful!

]]> By: V Lev https://toomanyadapters.com/google-voice-travel/#comment-769156 https://toomanyadapters.com/?p=23965#comment-769156 Dave, obviously, this is the go-to article for using GV while abroad. The various discussions in the comments section are very useful and your personal commitment to your readers is without precedent! Thanks from all of us.
I have a couple of concerns about my “plan” (forward Verizon number to GV number).
1. Can I remove the Verizon SIM (to avoid incoming international SMS charges) and still use GV to make calls?
2. If I need to keep the Verizon SIM in order to make calls with GV, is there a way to avoid incoming international SMS charges other than “contact Verizon Customer Service at 800-922-0204 and ask that we block text messaging during the time of your trip. It is free.”? (from Verizon community web site)

]]> By: Dave Dean https://toomanyadapters.com/google-voice-travel/#comment-769141 https://toomanyadapters.com/?p=23965#comment-769141 In reply to V Lev.

That’s a good workaround, I think. Have a good trip!

]]> By: V Lev https://toomanyadapters.com/google-voice-travel/#comment-769140 https://toomanyadapters.com/?p=23965#comment-769140 In reply to Dave Dean.

Thanks Dave. Here’s my plan: I will forward the Verizon number to my GV number when using a local data SIM overseas. People who call my Verizon number will hear the GV voicemail greeting which I will set up as “dial GV# to reach me. Or use WhatsApp/iMessage/FaceTime with my Verizon#. Or leave a message after the beep”.

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