SMS Text Forwarding App?
 

I have a Moto G5 Android phone, which relies on Tracfone service in the US.

I'm heading to Malaysia for two weeks and bringing my phone with me. I'll be replacing the US SIM card with a Malaysian SIM card to use local services, which also means I'll have a new phone number during the trip while my US number remains inactive.

Is there an Android app or other method that will automatically respond to SMS text messages that are sent to my US phone number during my trip? No fancy responses required -- just a simple one telling senders when I'll be back to respond to their text.

There are a whole lots of them. Search for Auto Reply SMS on Play store. You know that you will have to put your US SIM in a phone that remains in the US and turned on in order for the app to work right?

That's the problem. I am aware of all the apps but they require that the US number be active and my US sim will NOT be active. So I'm looking for an app or service that is tied to the phone number rather than an active SIM card.

Without the US number active connected to a phone with the App you are SOL.

There are cell carriers with SMS to email service which will serve your need as your US number will be inactive.

Many international Biz traveller are using MSG service which are not specific phone number dependent like WhatsApp.

If the SMS are that important to you, you can buy a used android phone, pop the US sim in that, install the MSG forwarding app, leave it connected to a charger in the US and Voila!