To keep your exact US phone number while living abroad, keep its carrier service active or port it to a provider that accepts the number. A new number from an app is a separate option for staying reachable, but it does not preserve the digits you already have. AvoCall currently supplies new numbers and does not accept port-ins.
Start by listing what depends on your existing number: family, bank access, account recovery and any services that cannot easily update their records. That list tells you how risky a change would be.
Compare your three options
| Option | Keeps the exact number? | What to check before moving |
|---|---|---|
| Keep the existing US carrier line | Yes, while the service remains active | Long-term overseas-use policy, roaming costs and Wi-Fi calling eligibility |
| Port to a provider that accepts your number | Yes, if the transfer is supported and completes | Number eligibility, fees, timing and whether essential senders accept the new number type |
| Add a new US number through AvoCall | No | Signup eligibility, internet access, plan choice and verification limitations |
Keep the carrier line if continuity matters most
An active carrier line can reduce the number of accounts you need to change. Ask the carrier about an appropriate plan, extended international use and the cost of receiving texts or calls abroad. Do not assume Wi-Fi calling or a travel data plan removes every charge.
Keep access to your carrier account and its recovery methods. Test the settings you intend to use before leaving. If a bank relies on your current number, confirm a backup authentication method with the bank before changing the line.
Port only after confirming eligibility
A port moves an existing number between providers. It does not mean forwarding calls or installing another app. Keep the old service active until the receiving provider confirms the transfer is complete.
For example, Google's personal Voice porting guidance currently lists a $20 port-in fee, eligibility checks for active US mobile numbers and a US location requirement. Some numbers cannot be transferred. Read that provider's current instructions before choosing it; these terms do not apply to AvoCall.
A number that previously worked for bank codes may be treated differently after a port to an internet calling service. Test critical senders and keep recovery options available.
Add a separate app number for everyday contacts
If you can give contacts a new number, AvoCall offers US and Canada numbers by area code or city. Calls and texts use the app over Wi-Fi or mobile data. The people calling you use their own plan's rates for your number; a US or Canada number is not automatically a domestic call for every caller.
New AvoCall mobile-app signup currently requires both a supported mobile number and an internet location in the United States, Canada, United Kingdom or Ireland. Overseas internet access alone does not make a new account eligible. Network quality and local access restrictions can also affect app use after setup.
Set up before departure
- Confirm eligibility and mobile access. You need to receive the signup code on a supported mobile number.
- Install on your actual phone. Use Android or the current iPhone TestFlight beta route.
- Choose a new number and review the plan. The pricing page explains current options. The free offer is currently for eligible new Android accounts.
- Test calls, texts and notifications. Check both Wi-Fi and mobile data before sharing the number broadly.
- Keep important account recovery independent. AvoCall does not guarantee verification codes from any particular sender. Read the verification guide.
AvoCall+ includes US and Canada calling and texting under the fair use policy, and retains your number while subscribed. International calls use wallet credit at the displayed rate; there are no included international minutes. Free numbers have activity requirements shown in the app.
AvoCall does not provide emergency calling. Keep appropriate local mobile service and know how to reach emergency services where you live.
Related decisions
- Getting a new US number as a Google Voice alternative abroad
- Travel eSIM or US number app: which do you need?
- A second number on iPhone without another SIM
Product facts and linked porting guidance were reviewed on October 8, 2026. Confirm current carrier and provider terms before transferring a number.
Frequently asked questions
Can I keep my exact US number if I move abroad?
You can keep the carrier service active or transfer the number to a provider that accepts it. Check eligibility before cancelling anything. Getting a new app number does not preserve your old number.
Can I move my current US number into AvoCall?
Not currently. AvoCall provides a new US or Canada number selected by area code or city and does not accept number port-ins.
Can I set up AvoCall after moving to any country?
No. New mobile-app signup currently requires a mobile number and an internet location in the United States, Canada, United Kingdom or Ireland. Set up and test before traveling if you are eligible.
Will a virtual number receive all my bank codes abroad?
No. Compatibility varies by sender. AvoCall+ supports visibility of supported verification texts, but some banks and services reject virtual numbers. Keep a tested recovery method for important accounts.