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If you are a US citizen relocating overseas for an extended period, keeping your US phone number is critical. I know this in reverse, having moved from Australia to the US and needing to keep my Australian number. Many services in the United States, including banks, social media platforms, and government agencies, rely on SMS-based two-factor authentication. Without access to your US number, you may lose access to those accounts and you may not want to switch them (or it may not even be supported) to your new home country. Paying roaming charges for extended periods can be expensive.
This guide explains how to retain your US number using VoIP.ms and the Groundwire app. This is suitable for long-term moves and permanent relocations. It is not recommended for short-term travel (2-3 month) or temporary overseas assignments (12 months). If you travel is short term, you carrier may offer the ability to temporarily pause your account or providers like Tello or Google Fi might be a better choice.
Using VoIP.ms to Keep your US Number when you Move Overseas
VoIP.ms is a prepaid VoIP provider that supports number porting, Voice, SMS, and VOIP connectivity. It is designed for flexibility and does not require a contract. Yay!
- US numbers cost ~$0.85 per month
- Calls are billed per minute
- SMS support is available for most US numbers
- No activation fees or long-term commitment
- minimum $25 initial balance
Porting Your Number
VoIP.ms supports porting from major US carriers including AT&T, Verizon, and T-Mobile (I ported a landline from Verizon). You will need your account number and PIN from your current carrier. Porting usually takes a few business days. Most delays are caused by the releasing carrier. In my experience, porting takes about a week and you can still use your number with your old carrier until it ports.
Recommended App: Groundwire
To use VoIP.ms on your mobile device, install Groundwire. It is a SIP client available for iOS and Android. Groundwire is a one-time purchase and costs approximately US$10 plus tax. It offers advanced features and is suitable for long-term use. I like Groundwire, as you can use it for multiple VOIP lines, so I have my Australian and US numbers setup in the app.
VoIP.ms provides a setup guide for Acrobits, the company that makes Groundwire. The guide is straightforward but it’s not the most charming UI if you’re not technical. I have found VoIP.ms support helpful during setup.
Final Thoughts
I use VoIP.ms ever since Skype shutdown to keep my US number. VoIP.ms provides a reliable and affordable way to keep your US mobile number active while living abroad. When used with Groundwire, it supports both calls and SMS, making it a life saver. Yes, I still have a primary cell phone as I am a US permanent resident, but prefer VoIP.ms as it’s carrier independent and if I am traveling overseas, no pesky roaming charges.
Pro tip, port your number before leaving the US just in case you need to speak to your US carrier during the porting for any codes, PINs, etc. You don’t want to be juggling timezones and international calls to sort out what is typically a straight forward process. If porting freaks you out, you can always just buy a new number on VoIP.ms
PS. I don’t provide setup assistance (sorry), refer to the official VoIP.ms documentation or contact their support team.