Keeping an American number active

Many students want to keep their US number, especially for banking, two-factor codes, and family. OPTIONS • Pause or downgrade your US plan. Some carriers offer low-cost plans, often around $10 to $15 per month. • Move your number to a service like Google Voice. Calls and texts then work through an app, and it costs little. • Wi-Fi calling. Some carriers let you use your US number over Wi-Fi without roaming charges. TIPS • Before you leave, list every account that sends you SMS codes (bank, email, brokerage). Update the number where you can, or keep the US line alive. • Keep the SIM, because some carriers cancel inactive lines. • If you use a dual-SIM or eSIM phone, you can run your US number and your Israeli number on one device. • Check what your carrier charges for text messages abroad. WATCH OUT FOR Port your number to a virtual service before you leave, if you plan to do it. It is harder from abroad.