Slosheroni

20 minutes ago, mtls2005 said:

Choose a phone which supports WiFi calling. This can be determined by looking at the features of a particular model. Maybe your current model supports WiFi calling? Define "Cheapy".

 

GSM and WiFi yes. CDMA, no.

 

SIM size, contrary to what some say, does NOT matter.

No. UltraMobile SIMs come as 3 way.

 

Yes, you'll need a phone which works in the U.S. in order to activate it. You could borrow one if your current model doesn't work, although it should. Make/model?

 

No clue what you're on about here.

 

Android?

 

Contacts are backed up, automagically.

 

Some/many sites allow you to use multiple numbers for 2FA. On BofA for example I have three.

 

Where do you live? Do you spend time in both Thailand and the U.S.? What are you trying to do? What phone do you have?

 

 

Thanks for answering.  Admittedly I'm a techno dunce so bear with me. 

I'm in America now.  What I'm trying to do is setup my banking and other accounts that need 2FA verification in as foolproof a manner as possible by having multiple methods for each banking website or app that I visit.  They all seem to use different methods so my first line would be to use whatever authenticator app or security key they offer followed by setting up SMS for 2FA verification.  But not all have the authenticator or security key option yet and even if they did I think it's prudent to have another, backup option. to facilitate 2FA. 

My current plan is on Verizon and my phone is an Moto Z4.   The phone is capable to do WiFi calliing.  My luck with phones is that they tend to <deleted> out after two years or so.  This phone has a nano sim.  I'm not sure how you can get a standard size sim in that phone but I'd have to do a little more research on that.

So what I am looking to do is to setup a phone that basically only needed to send and receive SMS for 2FA verification.  When I'm in Thailand I seldom have the need to use data and I would probably have a separate Thai phone for that anyway.

I looked at the US mobile website and from what I can figure out most of there international plans use an eSim which I'm not sure would work long term.  So people are saying that this only works for 6 months or so.  Once I'm out of the States I don't plan to return very often. 

So basically I'm just trying to get a plan in place to facilitate banking, etc.  This 2FA verification is where I'm getting stuck

Thanks again

On 12/11/2021 at 7:12 AM, Pib said:

If you have someone in U.S. who can receive and activate the Ultramobile (UM) Paygo $3/month SIM that may be a way to go.  It basically replaced the T-Mobile $3/month SIM that T-Mobile use to offer (which I have and use here in Thailand although you can't buy the SIM anymore/T-Mobile does not sell anymore but it still works).    You can buy the UM SIM off Ebay for $13 which includes the first month worth of calling/texting.   If buying from this seller, which happens to be a Mint Mobile reseller, you must activate within 45 days of purchase.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/284346097281?hash=item4234591e81:g:YIsAAOSwhZFfxSg2

 

And I must stress this UM SIM must first be activated in the U.S....make that initial connection to a cell tower in the U.S.....then it can work worldwide with a mobile connection OR using a Wifi Calling connection.  I have two such UM SIMs which I first had mail to a family member in the U.S. who activated them for me and then mailed them to me here in Thailand.....they work fine here in Thailand.  Although I could use them with a mobile connection I instead used them via a  Wifi Calling Connection to ensure it treated as a U.S. domestic SIM for any extra charges that may occur.  Actually these two UM SIMs are just backups to my T-Mobile $3/month SIM that still works fine.  

 

More info on the UM Paygo $3/month SIM.

https://www.ultramobile.com/paygo/

 

You could also get a U.S. Mobile SIM and use their Build Your Own Plan with some calling and texting per month for around $7/month (that includes all taxes/fees).  You would first need to have the SIM shipped to a U.S. address for reshipment to Thailand but you can activate outside the U.S. if desired.  You can not use it for mobile connection outside the U.S. but you can use it with a Wifi Calling connection worldwide.  And you can activate the SIM via Wifi Calling connection from Thailand....I activated mine that way.   And just in case you are not familiar with the terminology of Wifi Calling it means receiving/sending calls and texts via Wifi connection vs Mobile connection....like using your home Wifi connection.

 

I have such a U.S. Mobile SIM, activated it in Thailand, and use it in Wifi Calling connection mode...works fine.  Now I just use SIM as another backup to other U.S. SIMs and have placed the SIM in Snooze mode for $2.98/month...it's like putting the SIM to sleep where you have no monthly call minutes/text allowance.  However,  I can bring it out of Snooze mode back to a regular use at the beginning of the next billing cycle with what amount of call minutes/texts I choose.

https://www.usmobile.com/plans

 

Yeap, I've got backup U.S. SIMs/mobile numbers coming out my ears...the UM SIMs are backup to my T-Mobile SIM which I really only use to receive 2FA logon codes...I only turn on the TM SIM when I need to receive a 2FA code...and I only turned on the UM SIMs once or so a month to do some sending and receiving of texts as tests...ensure the SIMs still really work n case I need to start using them regularly...like maybe if T-Mobile ever shuts down their $3 Paygo SIM.    And the U.S. Mobile SIM is another backup that activated from Thailand....I only ordered it since it was free, having it remailed to me was cheap, and I wanted to see if it would activate form Thailand---and it did!!!....so, I'm keeping it as a backup to a backup.

 

 

 

Thanks for posting this.  This is really good information. 

A couple of questions: 

What type of phone(s) are you using for your Sims?  I know you need a phone with the ability to switch to WiFi calling.  If you take an activated SIM card (activated from the US) to a Thai phone shop will you be able to pick up a compatible, cheap phone that will be capable of accepting texts via WiFi calling?  I would think from Thailand you would need both a GSM and CDMA compatible phone, that is unlocked, that has WiFi calling capabilities, that uses a standard Sim size, right?   Or is GSM alone fine?  Any ideas on a cheapy phone that fits the bill as I would probably only use it for SMS sent from the States, primarily for 2FA. 

My current phone uses a nano Sim and the U mobile sold on Ebay is a standard SIM.  I guess I'm looking at having to find a compatible phone in the States that can support that SIM in order to activate it.   I wonder if that is where I might be better going the US mobile route. 

Also, all of you're backup SIMs have their own phone numbers, right?  I'm guessing that any website where you need 2FA has your primary number and then you've listed a couple of your backup numbers with them?  Or are you using other methods for backup in case the primary number does not work like an authenticator app or security token?

Thanks for any help. 

17 minutes ago, Jingthing said:

Slosheroni, are you going to use the 65K baht per month INCOME method or the 800K in a Thai bank for extensions in Thailand?

If the income method, that's a very specific thing and there are many many topics here on how to do that (sending the 65K every month to Thailand) and about the pitfalls (there are definitely pitfalls).

When I was suggesting SWIFT wires it comes from my perspective which is sending one or two wires annually from the U.S. to my visa qualifying Thai bank account.

I definitely plan on using the 800000 baht option and just leaving it in the bank for immigration.

Is it possible to do all of this banking setup prior to arrival in Thailand?  Or I'm I going to have to come to Thailand, setup up a bank account, then return to the States to do all the SWIFT paperwork live at whatever US banks I choose then go back to Thailand?  I hate that flight....

4 hours ago, gamb00ler said:

 

 

Before you leave the USA set up accounts for Social Security Administration and the IRS.  Those accounts can be difficult or impossible from Thailand.  You may not need them but it is not much effort and it may prevent future issues.

 

 

 

Good luck!

 

For this are you talking about setting up the bank account where Social Security is deposited and where IRS is either paid from or where they are to deposit too?

12 hours ago, kiteman9 said:

This is how I solved the issue you are having. Tossable digits will port your Verizon number to connect to your Thai number. Bank of Bangkoks New York branch routing number will connect to your Thailand branch.

 

https://www.bangkokbank.com/en/Personal/Other-Services/Transfers/Transferring-Into-Thailand/Transfer-money-from-US-to-Thailand-via-Bangkok-Bank-NewYork-branch

 

https://www.tossabledigits.com

     The Thai Embassies and Consulates are currently issuing the normal 60-day tourist visa. Then apply for a O visa after you arrive and open a bank account and not have to get a yearly health insurance plan. 

Thanks.  One question on Bkk Bank New York.  I was under the assumption that they will only take deposits from government agencies like Social Security but not private users like bank transfers.   So if my money is coming from a pension, Vanguard investments, or from a 401k or such you can't use Bkk Bank New York.  Is that right?

35 minutes ago, Slosheroni said:

Thanks for this.  It's great info. 

 

I talked with Verizon and it seems like it's just a matter of porting my US number to a new Thai service provider.  Basically I need a PAC number from Verizon and the new provider can then entire the info and done.  

Edit: I'm not sure that's going to work due to the county code.  

8 hours ago, Jingthing said:

I can't answer all your specific questions but I will respond another way.

 

I have found an overwhelming consensus that Capitol One is the best bank for expats. Not Schwab. Open an account with them before you move.

 

I recommend having numerous US accounts. Banks close. Banks merge. Bank change their policies. I did this and it saved my ass.

 

I suggest SWIFT wire transfers to send money to Thailand. Best if done online.

 

Etrade bank currently does that online but they will soon be JP Morgan so I don't know about later.

 

Some banks will require an in person visit to sign initial SWIFT authorization.

 

I would also suggest opening an account with the State department federal credit union before moving. You can openly change to your Thai address with them later and they do have online SWIFT service. 

 

You will need a US phone. You can use google voice,  magic jack, vonage etc. but they won't work with two factor verification. Google voice might still work with some banks but that will likely be phased out.

Thanks for this.  It's great info. 

I talked with Verizon and it seems like it's just a matter of porting my US number to a new Thai service provider.  Basically I need a PAC number from Verizon and the new provider can then entire the info and done.  

The plan is to be relocating to Thailand late next year on a Non-OA visa from the US.

Bear with me but I've seen a few issues brought up here such as:

One easy option to transfer money into Thailand is by using Wise.  Is Wise now requiring two step verification by sending a verification code to only home based phone numbers (i.e. US)?  Meaning once I'm in Thailand with a Thai phone number will I not be able to receive and enter the verification code?  Can one maintain a US based number over a period years from Thailand?  My current carrier is Verizon.  Are they ok with that or is there another work around for this issue?  

It also seems best to maintain multiple bank accounts in the US. The problem is some banks like Wells Fargo do not do SWIFT transfers to Thailand (last I checked with WF they didn't).   I know Charles Schwab does this so that is one.  I believe there is an international account option you can set up with Schwab whereby you do not have to have a physical address in the States to maintain the account.   Is that correct?  Are there any other banks in the US that also provide this type of service?  If not, is it a problem trying to maintain a physical address in the States in order to meet the requirements of US banks?  Other than Schwab what are some of the more expat friendly, US based banks for transferring funds to Thailand?

Finally, after arriving in Thailand I'll need to set-up a Thai banking account.   I'm assuming this is possible after arrival

 and that most use Bangkok Bank for transferring funds into Thailand from overseas.

So, what I think I need to do now is find out from Schwab about an international account, confirm with Wise about their two step verification process for foreign phone numbers, find a backup bank in the US that can do SWIFT transfers to Thailand in case both Wise and Schwab become problematic in the future, check with Verizon about maintaining a US phone number while in Thailand, and brush up more on opening an account with Bangkok Bank from within Thailand.

Am I on the right course or way off base?

Thanks for any help

20 minutes ago, NCC1701A said:

we all know the answer to this question.

 

one minute after the voting closes for the election of the President of the United States. 

Wager?

4 hours ago, Logosone said:

Nice try, but that's for influenza viruses.

 

Covid19 transmission is rather different.

Lol...the same principles apply.  Social distancing works. 

3 hours ago, Logosone said:

That's just the point, there is no study which proves social distancing is effective.

 

You're right, travel restriction is not exactly the same as the social distancing we're forced to endure, but unless you have a better study, that's the best there is.

 

I don't have to prove social distancing is not effective. Social distancing extremists have to prove that it is.

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3372334/

7 hours ago, JHolmesJr said:

To those who yet again turn to bashing Trump over the virus

can you name one leader who has gotten on top of it?

Anyone?

 

They have all failed....how do you control something like the in a world that is so connected?

You could just ban everyone in and out....immediately. But then be prepared for retaliation that affects your economy.

 

 

Here's one

https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2020/02/infected-patients-vietnam-cured-coronavirus-miracle-200228035007608.html

2 hours ago, JHolmesJr said:

No it says a lot abut YOU....trying to rake his good name in muck over nothing.

He's already taken many steps to keep the borders safe from infected people.

The democrats are just trying to score political points and cause more panic to

drag the economy down and deprive him of a re-election talking point.

 

However it isn't going to work.

You mean like allowing HHS staff to greet potentially infected evacuees from Wuhan without protective gear or training and then allowing those workers to run willy nilly within the US?  Or is the whistleblower just another "Deep State" cretin with an axe to grind?

https://www.politico.com/news/2020/02/27/hhs-whistleblower-coronavirus-118051

3 minutes ago, bwpage3 said:

Buddhism was lost long, long ago.

 

 

 

 

True statement.  Buddhism has to be the least understood and practiced religion by it's faithful of any religion.  And that's saying a lot.  Today it's all about buying a lucky naga egg with a piece of glass in it that'll tell you what numbers to pick in the lottery. 

4 minutes ago, BritManToo said:

You forgot the pollution/bad air.

 

Can't see how one tired army guy can fight off the whole of the Korat armed forces.

Doesn't seem like they're trying all that hard.

Just giving their lives but no, not trying that hard