eSIMs and maintaining U.S. Phone numbers

This details our approach to how we handle keeping our cell phone numbers back in the U.S. and continue to get all the two factor authentications needed for work, credit cards, and banking. This specific example is from Panama, but applies all over. We do not use google voice any longer as we had many issues with it throughout India and parts of Europe.

We use Tello back home and pay ~30 each for 5gb of data and unlimited everything else. Normally, I change it to a smaller package for each of us - about $5/month, but I forgot and my husband couldn’t figure it out. Set a reminder for this month! Tello is great as we can keep our U.S. number and get all the 2 factor authentication with no issues. They allow for continuous switching, so that isn’t an issue but I do try to switch just the day before a plan renewal because it doesn’t look like you get partial rebates.

I have used numerous eSIMs, physical SIMS, and pocket WiFI (Japan). The eSIMs are just easy. No waiting in line and no physical brick to make sure you drop off at the right spot at the airport. I use Airalo the most. Use my link here: https://airalo.go.link/lJM7I Code Rachel1750 for $3 off. I have also used Holafly and have GigSky - the last of which I plan to try out on my first ever cruise (of course, I decided to do transatlantic - mostly because I’ve never thought I’d like a cruise, but I LOVE train travel…this is just another way to get to Europe).

I booked the only one available with a cell number for Panama on Airalo. That was for a ridiculous amount of data - I think it was 30 gb, but it was the only one available when I was looking. My husband was able to get one without a phone number and a ton of data for about $20. I often try and get a local cell phone number when I first go somewhere - it can make life easier (only when you are staying a longer period). I usually end up using it a couple of times - which held true for this trip also.

At least one of us purchases and loads an eSIM prior to travel, so we can simply turn it on when we get there. We have found that we can often get by with only one of us with an eSIM and just hotspot when needed or you can try out the app Firsty.

On the return 2.5 months to Panama, I have actually opted to not get an eSIM (so far). I downloaded Firsty - you can watch a commercial and get 30 minutes free. And as a back-up I loaded 20$ on my Tello for back-up data in over 200 countries and just turned it off. I have used Firsty a couple times and it kinda works, but will really test it out and report back. One issue is turning off all the apps I had able to access cellular back home…limiting this when traveling saves a ton of money on data. I always turn off background refresh - always.