How to keep your US number while abroad
Keeping your US phone number is a smart choice for anyone traveling abroad or settling down for a few months anywhere in the world.
Tello Mobile is ready to join you in your next adventure, no matter where you’ll go! Let us show you how can you keep your US number safe and sound.
Why is your US number important?
📱Keep your US identity and don’t lose your number while away
🏦 Stay in touch with your bank and other institutions you registered your US number with
📞 Receive calls from customers, connections, and other people on your US number
💰 Save time and money without having to worry about any extra set-ups
✅Get verification texts from several companies to confirm your identity
Why should you keep your US number?
Are you planning to go study for a few months in Europe? Or maybe you’ll work for a few months outside the US. Or just starting your life adventure anywhere on the globe!
That’s why we’re here with some friendly advice: you’ll still need a US phone number, especially if you’re planning to come back to the States someday.
Also, let’s face it: our phone numbers are part of our identity. Some of us have grown up with it and we just wouldn’t want to let THAT number go.
While your identity is just a small part of the equation, there is more to this when it comes to keeping your US phone number while abroad. Your bank might want to contact you with some super important issues. Other important institutions or companies might want to verify your identity, as you’ve used your US number in certain contracts, contact forms, or as a 2-factor verification.
While leaving the US might come with lots of organizational stuff, we wouldn’t want you to stress about one other thing: your US number. You won’t have to waste a lot of time changing and updating numbers or even worse, give up your US number and lose contact with so many important people.
How can Tello help you keep your US number
📱📲 You can have 2 phone lines on the same device using the eSIM phone feature.
🙅♂️ No contracts, no fees, and no overcharges.
⏱️ Keep your number and be prepared for the easiest port-in in wireless history
🦸 24/7 Human Customer Support, if you need any help
💸 Plans start as little as $5/mo but never more than $29/mo
🤸 Returning back to the US? Change your plan whenever you want, we’re flexible like THAT.
Step by step guide on keeping your US number when moving abroad with Tello
- Check if your phone is eSIM compatible
- Buy a phone plan
- Activate Tello eSIM
- Port in your number (if you need it)
- Enable Wi-Fi Calling on the device
Want to know more about Tello’s eSIM?
Check out our eSIM article with plenty of information to help you get things rolling!
Things you should know about using Tello Mobile outside the US
✔️ You can activate your eSIM even if you are outside the US, all you need is a steady Wi-Fi connection.
✔️ You can have 2 phone lines on one device. A local number from where you are traveling and your US phone number on your phone eSIM feature.
✔️ The call quality is directly impacted by the performance and signal strength of your Wi-Fi Network.
✔️ If you use Wi-Fi Calling while abroad, on a local Wi-Fi connection, you’ll be charged the same as if you were in the US using your regular plan minutes.
2023-04-06 I just now started using Tello on the Moto g Pure which did support wifi calling when I first received it. Just yesterday, my phone updated to Android 11, then to Android 12 and other security updates, and now there’s NO WiFi Calling option at all, in any of the settings menus. I am disappointed. I’ve read that Google wants people to cease WiFi calling to stop hacking and data thieves. Is it possible to get the WiFi calling feature back? Thanks for any help you can give. I need a phone to use in Italy next month.
Hi Kathy,
I can see you’ve been in close contact with our Customer Support team and they are providing troubleshooting steps to help you solve the issue.
We’ll promise we’ll do our best to assist you with this issue.
Thank you for your patience!
So…This can only be done by having a phone with e-sign capability? Or can I do this with a physical sim?
Hi Brian,
Yes, in order to use an eSIM your phone needs to be eSIM capable.
Hello, Tello.
My sim is not showing/working and I’m traveling overseas. It goes straight to voicemail and SMS doesn’t come through.
I can’t get an SMS. What should I do?
Hi Arnold,
We do not offer Roaming, however, when traveling abroad Wi-Fi Calling & text is a great alternative.
This feature is available on most Tello GSM-compatible phones, you can check your phone settings to confirm.
It allows for calling & texting (sending & receiving) via the closest available Wi-Fi network which could be at a hotel, or even a Wi-Fi hotspot.
Once Wi-Fi calling is set up correctly, you can reset your security PIN via SMS.
If you have any questions or you need assistance, please get in touch with our Support Team directly. They are available 24/7!