I got shortlisted two weeks after being waitlisted, so I’m leaving in late July/early August, wherever I get placed. My grandmother is likely going to start a riot if I don’t keep my US number so that she can call me, but I wasn’t sure how to do that since the phone I have now is a Galaxy Note S20 Ultra (and only has one physical SIM slot). Is there a method anyone has used for T-Mobile that puts me on their cheapest $10-$15 plan monthly so that I can keep contact, yet allows me to also utilize a Japanese phone number for my life over there?
8 comments
You can port your current number to Google Voice. You can then use your computer or phone anywhere in the world to make/receive calls and texts with your old number.
Download WhatsApp on your mums phone and get it on your phone too. Free calls so long as you and her have wifi/data.
Other apps like Viber, Line and such are all free too. No plan needed and you can just use your Japanese number.
I need to keep my local number as I use it for a lot of two factor authentication and banking apps so will switch that to a PAYG number instead of keeping a contract for it.
I did when I left for JET 5 years ago. I had T-Mobile and I ported my number to google voice. I only paid $20 one time fee and I keep getting phone calls and text messages there. When I return to the US this summer I plan to use my same old number again.
Why not just use Line, Instagram, Messenger, or similar for calls? I always did that with my mother.
Google Voice is, as mentioned, probably the cheapest way. It’s even completely free if you’re OK with getting a new number rather than porting in (calls to/from US numbers is free).
I ported my US number to Google Voice for $20. I use the number for verification for several things so I had to keep it. It’s a fairly simple process and I still text my family from that number
Port your existing number to Google Voice — you MUST do it before you leave the US. Your grandmother will be none the wiser when you call her. Or she calls you.
I’ve used it for many years and in many countries with little to no issues.
Assuming you have an unlocked phone, your Note 20 Ultra will work ok (I have the dual SIM version which supports different bands) but you can check your exact build and see which JPN LTE bands your phone supports.
Again, assuming you have an unlocked phone, you could optionally get an unlimited Google FI plan (new number) for a month or two which will give you unlimited data in Japan. That way you have a data option while you shop for a phone plan and/or Internet plan. Then just cancel the service (it will only work abroad for 5-6 months anyhow before you get blocked unless you go back to the US to reset the clock).
Seconding Google Voice. Port the number. Easy.
I also have an S20Ultra that I brought from Verizon. Unlock it first, but it works, no problems. you’ll be ok! 😀 Congrats on the shortlist!