I'll be overseas for 6 months but plan to return to Au,
Whats the cheapest way to be able to receive SMS from my existing number? I do not need any other roaming features (data, calls, etc) Esim will be preferable.
Cheapest Way to Receive SMS Overseas for 2FA?
curiousgeorgie on 10/12/2023 - 20:25
Comments
without roaming enabled
I think what you meant is , without paying for additional roaming add-ons package from certain plans.
You'll still need a telco that supports either international roaming or wifi calling (and activation if any) to begin with, for your sim to even work at overseas, in order to receive SMS.
Correct, that is what was meant.
Felix. $20 overseas roaming pack that lasts 12 months and supports esim. They'll let you pause your normal mobile contract while you travel too so you don't lose your number.
https://www.ozbargain.com.au/comment/13525152/redir
If your carrier and cell phone supports VoWifi (wifi calling) sms can be received while you are abroad so long as you have a WiFi internet connection
Even Kogan works too https://www.ozbargain.com.au/comment/12631959/redir
Just make sure that your phone has roaming and vo wifi enabled before you leave the country
Amaysim As You Go may be the best bet. $10 for 12 months, very well hidden on their web page.
https://www.amaysim.com.au/sim-plans/28-day-sim-plans/as-you…
Available as esim, should receive SMS roaming at no charge.Not necessary to recieve SMS, but you can also add a roaming plan for $25 per year that allows a small amount of data, calls, outbound SMS, could be handy to get by between local sims.
Who is your provider. Best test is to enable wifi only and go into flight mode on your phone. See if you can receive calls/SMS.
iMessage and free WiFi
2FA messages won't be via iMessage.
Vodafone PAYG prepaid. They charge something ridiculous like 4c/MB if you use it for data or 20c/min if you use it for calls but just turn all that off and use it to receive SMS. If you get the $40 plan it will last for 365 days before it expires, and Woolworths often sells the $40 SIM for $15. https://www.vodafone.com.au/prepaid/plans/pay-and-go
Receiving SMS is free on any providers that I know of, but not all providers support roaming. Are you thinking to port your number to a cheaper plan?
It's free anyway. I don't know any provider who charge to receive SMS.
It's only when you initiate (or make) the SMS or call do you get charged. Receiving is free (for SMS).Just don't answer phone calls.
And don't make calls. Or send texts. Simples.To be 100% sure what I've said is true (it is BTW) just ring your carrier and ask.
Source: I travel a fair bit. This is what I do.
It's free anyway. I don't know any provider who charge to receive SMS.
Not all support roaming.
I had the aldi 365 day expiry payg and received texts overseas no problem.
cheapest way is Boost cashback sim.
transfer number over - 28 days of credit to use - half year of grace period before they took your number away.
or just get a 365 boost which works the same way…
You can receive sms, and if you have VoWiFi you can even make calls (if you still have recharge left). I have tested this in mainland China this June.
What if you have a spare iPhone and stick your number into it (and leave it in a charger in Aus)? It should get the message via SMS then the SMS will show up via iMessage on your phone that you take with you oversea?
Will this work?
Samsungs can do that too.
Many plans seem to allow you to receive SMS from your existing number without roaming enabled, at no charge. Check your T&C.