The Best U.S. Phone Plans for Living Abroad While Still Receiving Banking Verification Texts
Moving abroad doesn’t mean you can leave your U.S. phone number behind, especially when it’s tied to your bank, PayPal, Venmo, or two-factor authentication. Receiving SMS verification codes while overseas is essential, but international roaming charges can quickly become a nightmare. The good news? There are several mobile plans that make it easy, and affordable, to maintain your U.S. number and receive texts abroad. Here’s a full breakdown of the best options, pricing, and how to access your texts via web or Wi-Fi.
Quick Tip: We would choose between Google Fi or Tello
Why You Need the Right Plan Abroad
If you’re moving overseas, keeping your U.S. number is critical for:
- Banking verification codes
- Two-factor authentication (2FA)
- iMessage or WhatsApp linked to your U.S. number
- Professional or personal contacts who still use your old number
But simply keeping a U.S. SIM card in your drawer won’t cut it. Most services will deactivate inactive SIMs within a few months. So you need a plan that works internationally or gives you access to SMS via Wi-Fi or a web interface.
Let’s dive into the best phone plans for that.
1. Google Fi – $20/month (Plus Pay-As-You-Go Data)
Pros:
- Works in over 200 countries
- Free international texting
- SMS works over Wi-Fi or mobile data
- eSIM compatible, ideal for dual-SIM devices
Cost:
- $20 base for unlimited texts and calls
- $10 per GB of data (charged only when used)
Access to messages:
- Use Google Messages for Web anywhere with Wi-Fi or data
Perfect for: Digital nomads who don’t need much data but want reliable access to texts wherever they go
2. Fonus Mobile – $19.99/month
Pros:
- Unlimited calls, texts, and data globally
- No roaming charges
- Keep your U.S. number and use it from abroad without limits
Cost:
- $19.99 flat monthly fee
Access to messages:
- Standard SMS supported; web-based messaging possible via third-party apps
Perfect for: Long-term expats who want unlimited everything without hidden charges
3. Tello Mobile – From $5/month (Flexible PAYG Roaming)
Pros:
- Full support for international roaming with Pay-As-You-Go credit
- Wi-Fi calling and texting supported (no roaming charges)
- Free international texting to 60+ countries
Cost:
- Base plans start at $5/month
- Must maintain a $5 PAYG balance to activate roaming
Access to messages:
- Wi-Fi SMS works if your phone supports it
- Roaming deducts from PAYG balance
Perfect for: Budget-conscious travelers who mostly use Wi-Fi but need SMS access as backup
4. Visible by Verizon – $25/month (or $35 for Visible+)
Pros:
- Unlimited talk, text, and data in the U.S.
- Global Pass option for international access
- 1–2 free Global Pass days/month, $10/day after
Cost:
- $25/month (base), $35/month (Visible+)
Access to messages:
- Google Messages for Web works while your U.S. phone is connected
- Use with eSIM or spare phone in Wi-Fi mode
Caution: Global Pass is not ideal for long-term daily use, it can get expensive fast
Perfect for: Short trips or users with access to U.S. Wi-Fi who only need occasional international coverage
5. Mint Mobile – From $15/month
Pros:
- Prepaid, low-cost options using T-Mobile’s network
- Plans include unlimited texting
- Can use Wi-Fi calling if phone supports it
Cost:
- $15/month for 5GB
- $20/month for 15GB
- $30/month for 40GB
Access to messages:
- Google Messages for Web supported
- Wi-Fi calling enables texting abroad (if enabled before you leave the U.S.)
Perfect for: Minimalists who want to keep their U.S. number alive and check texts through Wi-Fi occasionally
6. US Mobile – From $10/month
Pros:
- Customizable plans (add only what you need)
- International roaming available with eSIM
- Add SMS-only or call-only lines
Cost:
- Text-only plan: ~$2/month
- Base plan: $10/month with flexible minutes/texts/data
Access to messages:
- Use Wi-Fi calling for free SMS abroad if your device supports it
Perfect for: Those who want to build a minimalist plan just to receive texts
7. Ultra Mobile – $39 or $59/month
Pros:
- Roaming packages with international texting and calling
- $20 international credit on the $59 plan
Cost:
- $39/month: 24GB data, limited roaming
- $59/month: Includes roaming credits
Access to messages:
- SMS over mobile or Wi-Fi
- Higher-tier plans include more roaming perks
Perfect for: Frequent travelers who want built-in global support and high-speed data
8. AT&T Prepaid – $25/month (Annual Prepay Plan)
Pros:
- Unlimited U.S. calls and texts
- International add-ons available
- Reliable coverage, works with Wi-Fi calling
Cost:
- $25/month if you prepay for a year
Access to messages:
- Use web-based texting or Wi-Fi calling for SMS verification
Perfect for: Users who already have AT&T-compatible phones and want basic SMS access while abroad
9. T-Mobile Essentials or Connect – $15 to $60/month
Pros:
- International texting in 215+ countries
- Wi-Fi calling supported
- Prepaid and postpaid options
Cost:
- T-Mobile Connect: $15 for 5GB
- Essentials 55+: $40–$85/month with international perks
Access to messages:
- Google Messages for Web works well
- Wi-Fi texting fully functional
Perfect for: Seniors or frequent travelers who want dependable service abroad
Summary Table
| Provider | Cost (Monthly) | International Texting? | Web/Wi-Fi SMS Access | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Google Fi | $20 | Yes (Free) | Yes | Simple, reliable global texting |
| Fonus Mobile | $19.99 | Yes (Unlimited) | Yes | Long-term expats |
| Tello | From $5 | Yes (via Wi-Fi or PAYG) | Yes | Wi-Fi users on a budget |
| Visible | $25–$35 | Yes (Global Pass) | Yes | Short-term or occasional roaming |
| Mint Mobile | $15–$30 | Yes (via Wi-Fi) | Yes | Keeping your number with minimal use |
| US Mobile | From $10 | Yes (custom) | Yes | Custom low-usage setups |
| Ultra Mobile | $39–$59 | Yes (with credits) | Yes | Light roaming + calls |
| AT&T Prepaid | $25 (annual) | Add-on | Yes | Reliable domestic + occasional texts |
| T-Mobile Connect | $15+ | Yes | Yes | Budget-friendly texting + data |
Final Tips Before You Fly
- Set up Wi-Fi calling before you leave the U.S. Some carriers require initial activation while you’re stateside.
- Use a dual-SIM phone so you can run a local SIM for data and your U.S. SIM for texts.
- Try Google Messages for Web to send and receive texts while your phone is powered and online.
- Maintain a low-usage U.S. plan if you don’t want to pay for international data but still want to get texts.
By choosing the right plan, you can save hundreds of dollars a year while still getting every important text your bank, or boss, sends your way.