Originally Posted by
Nagasaki Joe
Although I wouldn't get the Schwab debit card for this purpose alone, to get a Schwab account you need to have a US cell phone number, which is used to verify who you are with your US mobile carrier (using the cell phone number of a friend or relative in the US doesn't work). So, this works for those living in the US, but how can a US expat (who has no US cell phone) get around this requirement to obtain an account, does anyone know?
If you have a recent smart phone with esim, you can get a US prepaid domestic esim which can be activated outside the US and use wifi-calling (and sms). Not all US carrier esims offer international activation. Some carriers only support iPhone with esim, so it's worth checking the details. I would try things out by loading a small amount/plan first.
Tello (T-Mobile network domestically)
https://blog.tello.com/news/how-to-a...o-from-abroad/
https://www.reddit.com/r/NoContract/...d_use_outside/
H2O Wireless (AT&T network domestically) reported
https://www.reddit.com/r/NoContract/...s_esim_abroad/
Turn off the esim slot from US carrier when you're not using it to avoid battery drain while in Japan
https://www.reddit.com/r/NoContract/...using_a_tello/
Both options would cost a bit less than Google Fi with voice and sms. H2O with PAYG (pay as you go per text) min top up $10/90 days and Tello 500 minutes + unlimited text, no data = $5/month + tax
ETA: Above addresses the "How to get a US cell phone number while abroad for 2FA" but not the Schwab debit account applications details. Not sure if there are US residency requirements in Schwab's fine print.