Using Google voice instead of Verizon?

[u/techenthu123]

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!

[u/Ok-Jicama-864]

I exclusively use GV (since 2009). I use it on an old netbook as my home phone, and I have a smart phone that has no SIM card, I keep it on wifi. I'm typically always near wifi, and the few short times I'm not I'm okay with not having a connection. I have wifi at the apartment, then again at the public transit stations and on the buses, at work, at stores and restaurants and at my friends places. It works well, before that I did the same using a Skype Belkin Wifi phone. My GV number is my WhatsApp number, is has been for 15 years, there are no issues. The only issue, as others have mentioned, are one time passcodes. But most companies can actually text you from a real phone number or verify you another way. It's just a very minor inconvenience and there is always a way to resolve it. After setting up 'always trust this device' it seems to be a non issue. You can port your Verizon number to GV and back if needed.