Using international SMS for 2FA while in Argentina

[Caribbean Cool]

Okay...in response to the above comments...this what I need to do

The phone I have is NOT esim capable....so I will check the list and buy a phone that IS capable.

I will buy the phone using https://grabr.io/en/. I have used this service before and it worked really well.

I will purchase a plan with Mint via the web page. They will activate my sim

I will use the phone for 2fa and messages only.

I will connect the new phone to the internet using PERSONAL.

Mint will send my messages to Argentina with a smile.

Right?

 

[lunar]

I will buy the phone using https://grabr.io/en/. I have used this service before and it worked really well.

Do you specifically want their phone for some reason? Why don't you buy a cheap phone here instead and send the SIM card only?

I will purchase a plan with Mint via the web page. They will activate my sim

I'm not sure about that. You might need to connect to a cell tower in the USA for activation. Ask them about it.

 

[Caribbean Cool]

I just talked to Mint......and they confirmed that my plan is correct. The phone will need wifi access as I have planned it....for now, until I have cell phone service. They can activate the account easily. All and all this will save me hundreds of dollars over my current plan.

 

[patho]

For those on a strict budget, the cheapest service I could find for this exact purpose was from Tello, from $5 a month. They have e-Sim for those who need it and WiFi calling.

 

[Redpossum]

How do you figure out if your phone can accept an eSim?

 

[patho]

How do you figure out if your phone can accept an eSim?

For iPhone’s, any model since 2018 would support it. Other brands, best to google it for a full list. Let me know your phone model if you need help

 

[FrankPintor]

How do you figure out if your phone can accept an eSim?

List of compatible phones here: https://ayudaysoporte.personal.com.ar/app/answers/detail/a_id/9719/~/¿qué-es-esim-personal?

 

[TonyTigre]

I have seen many posting saying that Google Voice numbers don't work for 2FA, and perhaps it's true at one point, for certain specific numbers, or specific institutions. However, I can confirm that I am able to use my Google Voice number for 2FA for my brokerage, retirement and bank accounts. Therefore, I would suggest that individuals try it before dismissing it as an option. I also had a case where I was receiving the code as a call instead of text and the code was picked up by voice mail but it looks like I never received the call. I later realized it was because Google Voice thought it was spam. It was fine after I let it know the number wasn't spam.

 

[Gringo80]

I have been very satisfied with my setup. Originally I used Google Fi but they terminated my roaming data service when I spent too much time outside the US. However they left me with their roaming SMS/2FA which works well here and when I travel. This costs me about $25 per month.
The best way to use Google Fi is with a Google Phone so awhile back, when I was in the US, I bought a Google Pixel 7 for $350 have been entirely satisfied with it's service and camera.
The Pixel 7 has one Esim that easily installed Google Fi and one Sim card slot that I use for Movistar.
Google Fi requires activating in the US. It's a quick, simple process that a Grabr person could easily do.
I use Movistar for all my calls and messages. Globally. It connects better to cells here and with their global plan I have good service as soon as I arrive in another country.

 

[carride]

I have been very satisfied with my setup. Originally I used Google Fi but they terminated my roaming data service

I use Google Voice for almost all 2FA SMS. When that is not supported I use google Fi, which cost me between 0.15 and 0.40 U$D (less than 45 cents) per month. I pause Fi service except when I need it. For every hour I unpause, Fi google charges 2.78 Cents. The SMS is free. This is what I have used in argentina since 2015. The only time I leave Fi on is when I travel away from Argentina which is still the hourly cost, but is simply called $20 per month plus data costs.