How to Keep My Number for Years?

qwertyaz on 20/02/2017 - 20:01

Hi basically I am moving to overseas for a few years and would like to keep my mobile numbers for online banking etc. I have the token thing from Commonwealth Bank but sometimes it still needs SMS verification (3d secure service when shopping online with large amount), so having my number with me would be handy (especially when i come back). I don't need to call while I am in overseas, I just need it to be able to receive SMS so roaming is a must. I would like to see what are the cheapest options to do that. right now I am with optus on a prepaid plan, Vodafone used to have the 365 days but i heard it is no longer available…

So i need your advices, cheers :)

Mobile

Comments

  • retiredfeline on 20/02/2017 - 20:05
    +1

    Aldimobile or Amaysim 365 day AYG. Aldimobile $5 starter, $15 recharge. Amaysim $5 starter, $10 recharge. Maybe lower.

    But you know, if you are going to be in one place for years, you might be able to change your number to your overseas one. The cost to the bank for sending a SMS may not differ between destinations. Ask CBA.

    • dcuksuop on 20/02/2017 - 20:41

      can't roam internationally with aldimobile

    • qwertyaz on 22/02/2017 - 16:33

      if i go with the aldimobile, i will pay $5 for the sim, then put extra $15 to make it last for a year, 12 months later i will have to put $15 again, is it right? would they keep my number for 6 months if i don't recharge in time? if it is $15 for every 18 months it would be great.

      • retiredfeline on 22/02/2017 - 19:23

        First year is $5, not $20.

        Yeah I think you have 6 months grace before your number gets recycled.

        Then again maybe you don't need a number with the CBA app.

        • bonz on 24/02/2017 - 09:53

          you must be thinking of Telstra retail, aldimobile only gives you 90 days of grace period

        • retiredfeline on 24/02/2017 - 10:02

          @bonz: You're right. That's new to me, it was a couple of years back when I had a number retained.

        • iNeedMoreMoney on 22/07/2017 - 23:40

          Is this the same for Amaysim $5 for 365 days? or do I have to recharge as soon as i activate?

        • retiredfeline on 23/07/2017 - 00:00

          @The Cat: I think the minimum starter is $10.

        • iNeedMoreMoney on 23/07/2017 - 00:06

          @greenpossum: Thanks. Just checked Amaysim comes with free sim when you pay $10, which makes it cheaper than Aldi per year just keeping the number active

        • retiredfeline on 23/07/2017 - 01:49

          @The Cat: But if you only need 1 year, then Aldi is $5.

      • eyeballz2770 on 23/02/2017 - 14:38

        It's $3 for 18 months with Telstra CreditMe2U.

      • ggrant on 24/02/2017 - 10:14

        They keep for 90 days only, if not recharged. And no warnings I just found.

        • retiredfeline on 24/02/2017 - 10:23

          I didn't get warnings from other providers either. Then again I haven't looked because the SIM has been taken out so I can't get SMSes and I don't login to check. It's the sort of thing one should put in one's calendar if it's important.

  • bluesky on 20/02/2017 - 20:23
    +1

    Vodaphone still has the 365 day plan, it is called Pay As You Go Plus.

    But have a read of this recent thread, lots of good suggestions from OzB members about various long-life options.

  • Randxyz123 on 20/02/2017 - 20:24
    +1

    Pick a carrier… Use their 365 day plan. Put a auto renew on your bank account so you don't forget to renew it.

  • eqv on 20/02/2017 - 20:37

    Should have signed up for Optus $0 PAYG sim only plan

  • [Deactivated] on 20/02/2017 - 20:49
    -3

    Ask those people to use Whatsapp or something.

    SMSing people overseas is so last century.

    • PVA on 20/02/2017 - 21:06
      +1

      Banks aren't going to send you a code on whatsapp it needs to be a text.

      • [Deactivated] on 20/02/2017 - 21:07
        -3

        Can't messenger take over your SMS application?

      • [Deactivated] on 20/02/2017 - 22:20
        -2

        That's dumb. Many gaming platforms send an email with a code if you don't have a mobile.
        Banks should adopt that.

        But I stand by what I said. Messenger can take over Messages on Android (dunno about iphones) and you can access messenger from anywhere on the globe that has internet.

  • Strahany on 20/02/2017 - 20:50
    +1

    Carriers recycle prepaid numbers after 6 months of sitting idle with no credit, so just make sure that doesn't happen.

    • eyeballz2770 on 21/02/2017 - 09:59

      If the OP has a friend with Telstra PrePaid, they can renew the mobiles (it has to be done from the Telstra mobile) for the OP using CreditMe2U. They can send $1 every 6 months to OP's mobile every 6 months and they're covered for $2 a year.

  • rambutann on 20/02/2017 - 21:29
    +1

    I used amaysim payg for this exact purpose when traveling overseas for 2 1/2 months. Easy to receive sms's. Cashrewards will also give you $5 cash back on your $5 recharge that you have to do.

  • peterpeterpumpkin on 20/02/2017 - 21:47

    I used to have a post-paid plan that lasted for almost 20 months with no calls ever made. I suppose these plans still exist?

  • coolsteps on 20/02/2017 - 21:57

    ask your bank if you update it to overseas mobile that you can still receive sms . i know citibank have no issues and other overseas banks do accept Australian mobile numbers for sms. be sure to activate roaming before leaving. telstra long life prepaid plan and optus need to be topped up every 6 months or you will loose number.

  • qwertyaz on 20/02/2017 - 23:05

    Would it be better to stick with the big 3? Chances are the small ones might change their plans or even close down while I am overseas and couldn't do anything about it….

  • KaTst3R on 21/02/2017 - 02:15
    +1

    Optus prepaid. 90 days expiry, pay $10 to recharge every quarter. Has roaming activated.

    Edit: woops seems like they changed the plans abit. Probably best plan is the optus long expiry $60 for 1 year. That works out to be $5 a month, not too bad.

  • Brendoo on 21/02/2017 - 14:26
    +1

    If you use Commbank's app you can get the security code via the app since last year. You dont have to use SMS anymore, that's the old way.

    So just install the Commbank app on your overseas phone and as long as it has an internet data connection you'll be able to receive your code.

    You also need to make sure you have 'notifications' turned on in your phone for the Commbank app.

    You will need to receive one SMS the very first time you activate this so just have any Aussie sim that has a bit of credit left to get the sms or you can probably put your overseas number on your account to get the sms.

  • jimbobaus on 23/02/2017 - 03:19

    Vodafone PAYG+
    $2 Sim
    $10 Top up per year
    Can Use it to ROAM and getting an SMS when you are overseas is FREE
    (sending etc is NOT)

    You can also top it up each year online using Paypal/Aus Credit Card

    • retiredfeline on 24/02/2017 - 10:03

      getting an SMS when you are overseas is FREE

      That's true for every carrier that I know of.

      • jimbobaus on 25/02/2017 - 08:06

        Yeah i know.. was just pointing out as OP wanted to be able to get texts for their banking.

  • ggrant on 24/02/2017 - 10:11

    As this post asks - How to Keep My Number for Years?

    Thought I'd mention I just lost a really good number with ALDI 041xxyyzzz.
    They didn't warn me except the initial email recharge reminder, and your number is gone for good after 90 days!

    So either set autorecharge, or pick somewhere else perhaps.

  • qwertyaz on 07/03/2017 - 18:50

    Hi all,
    Plan Name SIM Starter
    Start Date 27/04/2016
    Expiry Date 02/02/2018
    Days Remaining 332

    PAYG Expiry 02/02/2018

    so I assume I don't need to do anything until 02/02/2018 (+90 days) right?

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