Part 4 of 31 Things Americans Should Think About Before Moving Abroad : Your US Phone Number

Staying Connected: Managing Your US Phone Number Abroad

When you move abroad, there are plenty of big decisions to make, but today’s topic is absolutely essential: your U.S. phone number.

I’m Darien, an American who moved to the Netherlands, and this is Part 4 of my 31-part series for Americans in the sandwich years—especially mid-career professionals and parents—thinking about relocating overseas.

Why Your US Number Still Matters

Letting go of your US phone number might sound like a sensible way to save a few bucks, but for many U.S. expats, it’s anything but. One American abroad described dropping theirs too soon as “catastrophic,” because so many services—from banking to government portals to email—use two-factor authentication (2FA) tied to your US number.

If you’re younger and unencumbered, you might be able to get by with just a local number in your new country. But most Americans who move abroad in midlife find that keeping a US number is a practical lifeline.

In my case? I’ve had my US phone number longer than a lot of folks reading this have been alive—so yes, I’m a little attached.

What Are Your Options?

There are a few different ways to keep your US number active while living abroad:

Google Voice and other VoIP services can be a great option, but they don’t always work for 2FA. Some people swear by them, others say they’re glitchy.
Dual SIM phones make it easier than ever to carry both a US and a local number in the same device.
Some US carriers now offer budget plans that work internationally, although coverage and cost vary—so be sure to research your options and factor it into your monthly budget.

Ask Other Americans in Your Target Country

Because things change quickly in the world of mobile tech, it’s worth checking in with other Americans in your destination country to find out:

Which carriers actually work for US 2FA abroad
What local mobile plans are the most flexible and affordable
Whether the network supports eSIM or if you’ll need a physical SIM

Plan to be flexible, because what works now might not work forever. (Ask me how I know.)

Life in the Sandwich Years Is More Complex—But It’s Doable

Yes, staying connected abroad can be a bit more complicated when you’re older, have more accounts, more responsibilities, and more moving parts in your life. But this is knowable, manageable, and entirely possible.

And if keeping your US number helps you feel a little more grounded while you settle into life in a new country? That’s worth planning for.

Did you find this helpful? Are you planning a move abroad? Work with me to make your move from a place of clarity and organization.