If you are a full-time traveler from the United States heading abroad or living abroad, this setup is perfect for staying connected. All US banks and financial institutions require a phone number from a recognized US carrier that can receive multi factor authentication codes for identity verification and account security. This setup lets you keep your US number active for multi factor authentication (MFA), make free calls and texts to and from the United States, and enjoy reliable data almost anywhere in the world. This guide is for those traveling internationally long term, not occasional vacationers.
Step 1: Buy a Phone that Supports eSIM and is Not Carrier-Locked
Make sure your phone supports eSIM and is NOT tied to any carrier (carrier unlocked). I recommend buying your phone directly from the official store, like an iPhone from Apple or a Samsung phone from the Samsung Store. Phones bought this way are unlocked by default. When you purchase the phone, do not sign up for any contract or payment plan. Pay the full price so your phone stays fully carrier unlocked.
Using an unlocked eSIM phone lets you use multiple carriers at the same time, so you can keep your US number active while using an international data plan.
Step 2: Choose Ultra Mobile or Tello for Your US Phone Plan (This Step Must Be Done Before You Leave the US)
Sign up for Ultra Mobile or Tello before traveling internationally, and You MUST keep the same US phone number by porting it before you leave the US. I personally use Ultra Mobile’s $15/month plan. Here is why it is a great option:
- Free calls and texts to/from the US using WiFi calling when connected to WiFi outside the US.
- Keeps your US number active for receiving MFA codes and important messages. MFA means multi factor authentication, and many banks in the United States require it to verify your identity when you log in or make changes to your account.
Important Notes:
- Set up WiFi calling before leaving the US. This ensures you can make and receive US calls and texts over WiFi for free while abroad.
- If you are not connected to WiFi, you will incur roaming charges for receiving or sending texts or calls when you are outside the US.
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Some banks may require you to re-enroll in account alerts or re-verify your registered mobile number, even if the phone number itself has not changed. This can occur after a carrier change or when porting your number. Make sure you verify this before you leave the US.
Step 3: Choose Ubigi eSIM for International Data
For reliable global data, I recommend Ubigi. This is what I personally use. They offer eSIM data plans for almost every country and region, with flexible and affordable options. With Ubigi, you can avoid the hassle of buying or swapping local SIM cards in each country. The Ubigi app allows Apple Pay for purchasing eSIMs.
Step 4: Configure Your Data Settings Carefully
After installing your Ubigi eSIM, make sure your phone is set up correctly to avoid roaming charges by forcing Ubigi eSim to handle the cellular data, while your US number remains active only for calls, texts, and authentication without triggering roaming data charges.
On iPhone:
Go to Settings > Cellular.
• Turn off Data Roaming on your Ultra Mobile or Tello eSIM line.
• Set Cellular Data to your Ubigi eSIM.
• Disable the option that allows Cellular Data Switching so your phone does not automatically switch back to your US line for data.
On Android:
Go to Settings > Network & Internet > SIMs (or Mobile Network).
• Set Mobile Data to the Ubigi eSIM.
• Turn off Data Roaming on your Ultra Mobile or Tello eSIM line.
• Disable options like Auto Data Switching or Switch Mobile Data Automatically, depending on your device.
This setup works in the US too
The above setup works great even if you are in the US full time. The plan I picked for myself (Ultra Mobile’s $15/month plan) provides unlimited free US calls (not international calls) and global texts within the US, along with free calls to 90 countries from the US. However, it is important to note that the free calls to 90 countries are only available when you make the call from within the US, and the free global texts are only available when you are sending or receiving texts within the US. Texts sent or received outside the US incur roaming charges if you are not connected to WiFi calling.
Also, Ubigi is a great option for data use even within the US. Their data plans are far more affordable than traditional US carrier plans, making it an excellent choice for travelers who need reliable and cost-effective data both domestically and internationally.
Bonus Tip: Combined with Ultra Mobile or Tello, Use Google Voice for Cheaper Calls to Non US Numbers
Need to call non-US numbers? Connect to WiFi and use Google Voice when calling non US numbers. It offers much cheaper rates than your carrier’s international calling fees, making it the best option for those calls.
Keep in mind that Google Voice should not be used as a replacement for your primary US mobile number. Many US banks and financial institutions do not reliably support VoIP numbers for multi-factor authentication (MFA). For account security verification and one-time passcodes (OTP), you should maintain a traditional US mobile number from a major carrier or MVNO, such as Ultra Mobile or Tello.
Why This Works
This combination, Ultra Mobile or Tello for calls and texts, Ubigi for data, and Google Voice for non US calls, keeps you connected, avoids high roaming fees, and gives you affordable international data and calling options wherever you travel.
Quick Setup Checklist
- Make sure your phone is compatible with eSIM and is NOT carrier-locked.
- Set up Ultra Mobile or Tello and WiFi calling before you leave the US.
- Download the Ubigi app and activate an eSIM for the country you are visiting.
- Use Google Voice for affordable calls to non-US numbers. (Do not use Google Voice as a replacement for your primary US mobile number).
- Make sure you are still enrolled in your bank’s account alert and notification system. Some banks may require you to re-enroll in account alerts or re-verify your registered mobile number for notifications, even if the phone number itself has not changed. This can occur after a carrier change or when porting your number. You must do this before you leave the US.
- Test this setup thoroughly before you leave the US, especially multi-factor authentication (MFA) for all your banks and credit card accounts.