Get SMS forwarded international (Italy to elsewhere)
I have an Italian sim card and number, (vodafone) but I only put it in the phone when I'm in Italy. If people send me SMS text messages when I'm not there, they sit in the vodafone system for about 30 days and then disappear, so I never receive them.
This becomes a problem because I use some secure websites that have three factor login- username, password, then they send me an SMS with a code that I have to enter within a few minutes. They will only send it to an Italian number, so I need a way to get that forwarded to e-mail, a web interface, or a U.S. number so I can get it right away. Vodafone won't do it, my phone would have to be left in Italy and plugged in for that to happen. I can't find any virtual phone number systems that will give me an Italian number and will receive/forward SMS (google voice will do that with US numbers, but they won't issue Italian numbers). Any ideas? (I can plug the Italian sim into a phone in the US and receive the SMS, but then I get hit with a big international roaming charge each time). |
I have the identical issue with a US SIM card which remains unused much of the year. The calls can be forwarded, but I can think of no way I can get texts. Any ideas would be much appreciated.
|
Originally Posted by lhrsfo
(Post 27199170)
I have the identical issue with a US SIM card which remains unused much of the year. The calls can be forwarded, but I can think of no way I can get texts. Any ideas would be much appreciated.
When you are in usa, set Google voice* to send all calls/texts to your prepaid number. When you leave, change the forwarding number. You get texts in your email/web-client/hangouts, so no issues with that *Check the costs first. Gvoice isn't a true cellular provider, so they don't have to follow all the cellular rules(some area codes are blocked) https://plus.google.com/+SusanWu/posts/h442vMzcTHD (alternatively, for USA numbers) if your prepaid provider allows WiFi calling and doesn't charge extra (Tmobile typically doesn't block/charge extra even for prepaid, verizon might allow it for prepaid starting october), and you have a compatible wiif-calling phone when you go overseas, place phone in airplane mode and connect on wifi for wifi calling. you should get calls/texts on wifi (some bugs occasionally) |
Originally Posted by Gargoyle
(Post 27198919)
Any ideas? (I can plug the Italian sim into a phone in the US and receive the SMS, but then I get hit with a big international roaming charge each time).
(i know that vodafone UK has it... not sure about costs though) https://www.vodafone.co.uk/terms-and...ling/index.htm |
Originally Posted by paperwastage
(Post 27199794)
vodafone italy doesn't have wifi calling/phones?
(i know that vodafone UK has it... not sure about costs though) https://www.vodafone.co.uk/terms-and...ling/index.htm |
Originally Posted by Gargoyle
(Post 27199877)
I'll look into it. The link you give states "This is only available to our Pay monthly customers and business customers on Red Bundles, Red Value Bundles and Red+, and business customers on Business Premier." I'm currently on a prepaid sim rather than a monthly billing, but I could change it over if that method will work for me. Then I could just pop it in an old wifi enabled phone and leave it that way when I need it in the states.
not sure vodafone.it follows the same policy as a subsidiary or separate company or ? |
Originally Posted by paperwastage
(Post 27199714)
Google voice is your answer for usa numbers... give out your gvoice usa phone number to other people
When you are in usa, set Google voice* to send all calls/texts to your prepaid number. When you leave, change the forwarding number. You get texts in your email/web-client/hangouts, so no issues with that *Check the costs first. Gvoice isn't a true cellular provider, so they don't have to follow all the cellular rules(some area codes are blocked) https://plus.google.com/+SusanWu/posts/h442vMzcTHD Thanks. It looks promising but the site suggests I have to either get a new number (which I really don't want to do), or give up my cellphone contract which I'd rather not do. But I shall investigate further. (alternatively, for USA numbers) if your prepaid provider allows WiFi calling and doesn't charge extra (Tmobile typically doesn't block/charge extra even for prepaid, verizon might allow it for prepaid starting october), and you have a compatible wiif-calling phone when you go overseas, place phone in airplane mode and connect on wifi for wifi calling. you should get calls/texts on wifi (some bugs occasionally) |
Originally Posted by lhrsfo
(Post 27200062)
Thanks. It looks promising but the site suggests I have to either get a new number (which I really don't want to do), or give up my cellphone contract which I'd rather not do. But I shall investigate further.
the wifi calling option would be the easiest if provider allows it (might need new phone, but that can be done cheaply/simple/one-time cost) |
Originally Posted by lhrsfo
(Post 27200062)
Thanks. It looks promising but the site suggests I have to either get a new number (which I really don't want to do), or give up my cellphone contract which I'd rather not do. But I shall investigate further.
|
I use the simple method - keep the foreign SIM in my dual SIM cheap travel phone and let the texts arrive naturally.
|
Originally Posted by mandolino
(Post 27202218)
I use the simple method - keep the foreign SIM in my dual SIM cheap travel phone and let the texts arrive naturally.
|
I can't speak to Italy, but the general rule is that there is no additional fee to receive an SMS abroad. Sending is a different story.
|
Originally Posted by Dubai Stu
(Post 27203289)
I can't speak to Italy, but the general rule is that there is no additional fee to receive an SMS abroad. Sending is a different story.
|
Originally Posted by Gargoyle
(Post 27202238)
What about the roaming charges? Or do you have a plan where you don't get hit with those?
You're making me feel like a millionaire. They're insignificant. |
Originally Posted by mandolino
(Post 27208268)
Roaming charges for texts?
You're making me feel like a millionaire. They're insignificant. |
All times are GMT -6. The time now is 5:00 pm. |
This site is owned, operated, and maintained by MH Sub I, LLC dba Internet Brands. Copyright © 2024 MH Sub I, LLC dba Internet Brands. All rights reserved. Designated trademarks are the property of their respective owners.