Part 19 of 31 Things Americans Should Think About Before Moving Abroad: Your New Phone Number Abroad—and Why You Should Keep Your Old One

Darien Wilson
Apr 24
3 min read

Updated: 7 days ago

Managing an American New Phone Number Abroad Without Losing Access

When you move abroad, one of the first logistical hurdles you’ll face is figuring out your new phone number and mobile plan.

But before you cut ties with your U.S. number, stop and think—one content creator called giving up her American number too soon “catastrophic.”

I’m Darien, an American who moved to the Netherlands, and this is Part 19 of my 31-part series: 31 Things Americans Should Consider When Planning a Move Abroad. Today’s topic? Why getting a new phone number abroad is necessary—and why you probably need to keep your U.S. number, too.

two cell phones, one with a photograph of a boy with curly hair, the other with a painting of a boy with curly hair

Why Keeping Your U.S. Number Still Matters

Your U.S. phone number isn’t just sentimental—it’s practical.

Many Americans abroad need their old U.S. number for:

Banking access
Two-factor authentication (2FA)
Business communications
Staying in touch with family or clients in the States (sometimes I still get SMS texts from old friends on my old line)

If you suddenly switch numbers, you could lose access to key services that still rely on U.S. SMS verification codes. And once use lose that two factor authentication, it can be really tough to access certain accounts.

The ideal solution for most people?

A phone that supports dual SIM or eSIM functionality, so you can use both your American and new phone number abroad on the same device.

Since you'll mostly use your old U.S. line just for texting 2FA codes over WiFi, you can get a very inexpensive plan without a lot of data or minutes. You don't need to keep paying for unlimited calls and data in the U.S. AND in your new country.

Why You Need a Local Number Abroad

Unless you’re a digital nomad bouncing between countries, you’ll need a local mobile number almost immediately in your new country. Here’s why:

Common Uses for Your New Local Phone Number Abroad:

Rental housing & utilities – Many landlords and providers expect you to have a local number.
Navigation & mobile data – You don’t want to rely on expensive U.S. roaming plans while you figure out navigation in your new city.
General communication – From doctor’s offices to delivery drivers to making new friends and chatting with your new neighbors, having a local number makes life smoother.

Image shows arrows from needing phone number to needing bank account to needing phone number - a circular problem

The Circular Challenge: Phones, Banks, and Bureaucracy

When we moved to the Netherlands, we couldn’t get a regular Dutch phone plan until we had a local bank account. But we needed a bank account to get a mobile plan. And we needed a phone number to get the things required to open that bank account.

Our Solution:

We used a prepaid SIM (pay-as-you-go) to bridge the gap until our permanent numbers and accounts were set up.

One Bright Side: It’s Often Cheaper Abroad

Moving abroad comes with plenty of red tape, but here’s a win:

Cell service is often cheaper (and better) outside the U.S.

Once you navigate the initial setup chaos, you may find yourself paying less each month for more data, better coverage, and fewer headaches.

Final Thoughts

If you're an American abroad, when you're setting up your new phone number:

Keep your U.S. number active for two factor authentication.
Get a local number for daily life.
Use a pay-as-you-go phone line for a few weeks or months until you can get your new bank account set up.
Dual-SIM phones let you have both lines on one phone.

Cutting off your old American phone number may feel like an easy way to save money—but don’t ditch it too fast. It’s a lifeline, not just a phone line.

Did you find this helpful? Are you planning a move abroad? Work with me to make your move from a place of clarity and organization.