Help with Phone plans Please!!!!!!!!!!! ATT is worthless

[texxan1]

Ok, so the quick of it is.. I am moving to Thailand on January 2nd... I currently have ATT cell phone service. I want to keep my existing number and my voice ability, so I can keep my phone on WIFI calling and get texts and calls etc while im there. .This is just to keep up with some business stuff and important text messages etc.  So I call ATT to see what options I have, and of course they rarely if ever use US people anymore, most of there call centers are in the Phillipines... The girl, who has no idea what im asking just keeps telling me no, you cant do that sir.

So I need help from yall, on how and what service is decent and wont just throw my number away. Ive had it for 22 years, and I want to keep it lol.
Any ideas will help

Thanks

Tex

[rantk81]

I'd port the number to Google voice...

It's not a cell service but you can text via computer and make VoIP calls...

[terran]

Google FI is a little pricier than many of the other MVNO options, but they (supposedly) work in much of the world.

[MatthewK]

I'd port the number to Google voice...

It's not a cell service buy you can text via computer and make VoIP calls...

+1. If you are using over wifi, google voice would be a great option.

[jim555]

Have you checked out something like MagicJack?

[ducky19]

Just switch to a Republic WiFi only plan - $15/mo and you're done. I have had Republic for 5 years or so. They aren't without their problems, but I used WiFi calling on a business trip to India and it worked great! Call quality was like I was in the same room.

[CBnCO]

If you are moving to Thailand you'll likely get a local phone for local and regional calling. I'd do what the first poster recommended and port your number to Google Voice. I did this several years ago and have had no problems, other than the phone calling service over wifi being a little spotty and mostly depending upon the wifi connection. The monthly cost is $0 and you will have the ability to make wifi calls, receive voicemails, & send and receive text messages to and from your current number. If I recall, I paid around $20 for the one time number port in. Then, when/if you move back you can always port your number back to ATT, Republic, Project FI, etc...