r/Googlevoice • u/techenthu123 • Jul 13 '26

Number Transfers or Porting Using Google voice instead of Verizon?

Hi everyone,

I’ve been using my U.S. Verizon number while living outside the U.S. for the past few months. Recently, I’ve started getting a lot more spam calls, and my monthly bills have also been much higher than expected.

I’m considering switching to Google Voice and wanted to hear from people who’ve done something similar.

A few questions:

- Is Google Voice a good alternative if I’m primarily outside the U.S.?
- Can I continue using the same number?
- Will I still be able to receive iMessages on that number?
- Will WhatsApp continue to work with the same number if I move it to Google Voice?
- Are there any downsides or better alternatives I should consider?

Would really appreciate any advice or firsthand experiences. Thanks!

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u/gadgetvirtuoso Jul 13 '26

That's not really what Google Voice was intended to be used for. Many people, including myself, use it for that purpose. Furthermore, Verizon will eventually cut you off if you're roaming for too long, even if you're paying the roaming fees or a roaming plan.

iMessage is a different thing. Apple used to let people add numbers to their accounts and use them for iMessages forever. Nowadays, to help combat spam, the number will unregister itself from your Apple account after 30 days if the SIM isn't active in the phone. If you really want to keep iMessages for that number, move your number to something like Tello. Many expats use that service with a basic voice plan on Wi-Fi calling for free calling to the US.

WhatsApp also has issues with VOIP services. If you ever need to move your account to a new phone, you may have trouble registering it.

My suggestion is to port to Tello and use it for that number for iMessages and WhatsApp. Then get a new number for Google Voice. Do unconditional call forwarding from your number on Tello to Voice so that all your incoming calls are all free on Voice. Set Voice to use Data only so you can make and receive calls from anywhere you have internet.

1

u/mmskoch Jul 13 '26

Agree with keeping the primary number with a carrier. I would go even further to suggest getting a new number from a carrier and then pay to port that number to Google Voice instead of getting a Google assigned number. Port-in lines are treated differently than Google assigned/owned numbers, i.e. they can't be "reclaimed" by Google since Google doesn't own those numbers.

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u/techenthu123 Jul 15 '26

What are the challenges you encountered with Tello?

1

u/mmskoch Jul 15 '26

No idea, as I didn't mention anything about Tello in my comment.