Galong

I wonder if changing my Skype number to a mobile number instead of a landline number would possibly affect the VoIP status for my Capital One account. This is all frustrating and annoying. I decided a couple of days ago that I'm going to close my Cap One account. They're not expat-friendly. Schwab will be the only place I'll have money in the US. They get it. I'd still like to have a functional method of getting verification codes and OTPs.

Thanks for the info. Did you set that up from here or did you have someone in the US set up the number? Ideally, I'd like to port my Skype US number to Google Voice, but another poster warned about Google shutting an account down if they see it's being set up in Thailand... scary thought to lose a Google account!

Google Chat cannot receive SMS (text messages) or OTPs (one-time passwords) like a regular phone number. It’s strictly an internet-based messaging app for chatting within Google Workspace. I doubt any of these can. Bank verification codes and OTPs are the only thing I need Skype for. I can use Messenger, Line, or WhatsApp to video and audio chat with folks.

I'm tired of being treated like a potential criminal just because I live overseas. Us expats constantly have to jump through hoops to accomplish otherwise ordinary tasks. ☹️ How does what I'm saying relate to your fair post? I agree with what you said, but some uncertainty could still be involved. I think we're all looking for something that doesn't rely on finger-crossing. 🤔 Oh well, this is a good thread and together we'll hopefully help each other. Cheers.

Google Fi seems like a good option, BUT they seem to require you to physically be in the US from time to time. A US buddy of mine travels a lot and despite being resident in the US most of the time, he's had his Google Fi cut off when he was in the Philippines for a long period... so no, not for me. I visit the US every two or three years. When my 91-year-old mom finally dies, I might not ever go back.

This is my situation as well. I've got a US Skype number that I use for banking with Capital One. They only accept US numbers. I still have about $20 credit. I rarely call out and use up time, but I want to have the option for emergencies and anything wonky that might happen with banking, Soc Sec, IRS, etc. Now I'm in a pickle. This is annoying, especially since a couple of months ago Skype said they were going to allow folks with Skype numbers to continue, but have to change to a more expensive monthly plan, which I was fine with... then this morning happened. 🤦

I've been at this since this morning and ain't found anything that I like. This is frustrating. Finding an app that does short text messaging for bank codes and OTP is either confusing or not cheap. 🤦 Curse you Skype!! 😤

Teams is out! ☹️ "You cannot directly receive bank verification codes through Microsoft Teams on Windows 11; Teams is primarily a communication platform and does not have the capability to deliver verification codes for banking purposes. "

I've read about services being cut off by Google once they figure out that you're settled into Thailand and not just visiting. Me thinks the clock is ticking for ya. ☹️

Thanks... I'm looking into it now. The monthly rate is fine. It seems to have very mixed reviews. Folks either absolutely love it and say the customer service is excellent or they said it doesn't work when waiting for an SMS (for a code/OTP). 🤔

My problem too... the video aspect of Skype can easily be replaced. It's the 2FA and OTP for US gov agencies and banks that I need to get 100% right.

Exactly! MS has dropped the ball big time... again! Disappointing customers is a trend with them. Yes, other VOIP companies will reap the benefits... now to find just the right one. 🤔

I Skype my 90-year-old mom twice per day. She can barely use it effectively. I need something that is dead easy for her. She does OK with FB Messenger, but it's just not the same. My MAIN issue with Skype shutting down is 2FA and OTP for various US agencies and banks. 🤦 Porting my existing Skype number is apparently the solution, but finding the right new service is challenging so far. I like working on my desktop. So many are targeted towards mobiles. I'm at the "get off my lawn" age. I don't like looking at a mobile phone screen when I've got a big monitor right in front of me... grrr. 😏 Any desktop-friendly app/program suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

This sounds like one of those flashy PR stunts that don’t hold up under scrutiny. Let’s break down why this is a bad business decision and why it probably won’t actually happen: First of all, that’s an insane amount of money! $500 billion is half a trillion dollars. That’s almost Apple’s entire market capitalization in 2018. Even today, it would represent about 20-25% of Apple’s total worth, which is bonkers for a single-country investment. For reference, Apple’s total revenue in 2023 was about $400 billion—so they’re supposedly investing more than they make in a year? Doubtful. Second, Apple hasn’t ever and doesn’t do massive hiring like this. Apple is a high-margin, high-automation company, not a labor-intensive manufacturer. 20,000 jobs sounds nice, but Apple mostly hires highly specialized engineers, not blue-collar manufacturing workers at scale. They already use Foxconn, Pegatron, and other contractors to handle manufacturing, so why change? Even their big investments (like new campuses or datacenters) usually add a few thousand jobs, not tens of thousands. Third, Apple prefers offshore manufacturing for a reason and tariffs won’t offset this. Apple’s entire supply chain is deeply entrenched in China, Taiwan, Vietnam, and India. US labor is expensive—the average US factory worker earns 5-10 times more than someone in Asia. Setting up a massive US-based production operation would wreck Apple’s profit margins. Forth, the US Government won’t offer enough incentives When Apple has built in the US (like its Austin, TX facility), it’s only because of huge tax breaks and subsidies. A $500 billion investment would require hundreds of billions in incentives, which is unrealistic. 5. Tim Cook is smarter than this. Apple is not in the business of making unprofitable moves just for good press. Their big investments in the US are typically for R&D, data centers, and corporate campuses—not mass manufacturing. A half-trillion-dollar bet on US jobs goes against Apple’s entire business strategy. This sounds like a political PR stunt, an exaggerated pledge, or a complete misunderstanding. Apple might invest a few billion in certain projects, but $500 billion and 20,000 jobs? No way. If someone wants to bet against what I’m saying, please do. I’d like to be a bit fatter with cash for when the stock market is intensionally crashed. It’ll be time to buy.

More info acquired through ChatGPT: As of February 16, 2025, Leland Dudek is the acting commissioner of the SSA. Before snagging the top spot, Dudek was the mastermind behind the agency's anti-fraud operations. He's known for his tech-savvy approach and a relentless drive to root out fraud. Interestingly, Dudek was previously put on administrative leave for bypassing agency protocols to collaborate with Elon Musk's Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE). Now, he's running the show. en.wikipedia.org Why the Sudden Switch? Michelle King, the former acting commissioner, threw in the towel after a spat with DOGE. The Musk-led team wanted access to sensitive SSA records to sniff out waste and fraud. King, a 30-year SSA veteran, wasn't having it and resigned in protest. Enter Dudek, who seems more aligned with DOGE's mission. truthout.org What's the Fallout? The shake-up has stirred the pot in several ways: Data Privacy Concerns: With DOGE digging into personal records, folks are jittery about their data's safety. Operational Overhaul: Dudek's history of sidestepping protocols hints at possible shake-ups in SSA's standard procedures. Public Trust Issues: The rapid leadership change and DOGE's aggressive tactics might make the public wary of the SSA's stability. In short, the SSA's latest plot twist has left many on the edge of their seats, wondering how this drama will unfold. My concern is that we're an easy target... living overseas and unable to fight back in courts due to our geographic handicap. I remember an Aussie mate saying living oversea and collecting either a pension or SS was not possible. Aussies had to go back and live in the Aus for a while in order to qualify. I don't remember the full scoop, but it sounded like a big headache.

I have a US account. I don't want the hassle of transferring money here or documenting the transfers. The direct deposit has been flawless.

I have been getting my Social Security paid directly into a Bangkok Bank direct deposit account for 3-ish years. I'm slightly concerned with the DOGE purge targeting SS checks going into foreign accounts. Does anyone else feel like this might be a yellow or red flag? I like the convenience of direct deposit. I already know someone is going to tell me it's not the most cost-effective way. I don't care. I like the status quo.

Meanwhile, the background story is that Trump is a puppet for Putin. Vance is alienating our allies by insulting them, which is a tacky move. It's especially tacky considering the current state of the US. Putin's goal is to get the US out of NATO so he can eventually take over Europe. Myopic nationalists only focus on the 'socialism' aspect of Europe, which is a problem, but fail to see the big picture. The leaders are counting on the citizens only being able to play Checkers while they're making Chess moves.

I listed very serious conflict of interest issues and your response was about the ramifications of the SEC's classification of Ripple's cryptocurrency. 🤷‍♂️🤦 This is an example of impeccable judgement when it comes to prioritizing actual potential national security issues. So, it's 'radical' for the SEC to actually do their job, but having a billionaire rifle through the government to pick and choose what he ostentatiously wants to get rid of long-standing agencies that definitely need tweaking, but somehow now need to be eliminated entirely WITHOUT ANY OVERSIGHT! That's impressive critical thinking,

Why did Herr Musk BUY a government position... hmm, let's see. He is famous for employee abuse, but the serfs think he is looking after the best interests of the average working-class citizen. 🤦🤦

I'm dreadful at sex and don't care. I can't remember when I did it last. It's wonderful not having a sex drive. I like looking at pretty girls, but that's all I want or need.

Yes, starting off by literally leaving his cousin-affectionate minion out in the cold at the inauguration. If you ain't a billionaire, you can't come inside. Since then, almost everything he's done has been to enrich himself through tacky coin scams, or promote policies that help the rich. I see nothing that has or will bring down the price of eggs. You've been duped by the world's most famous con artists. The US deserves the suffering that is coming. The GOP for voting for this criminal and the Dems for putting such an unappealing do-nothing on the ticket. The US is falling apart just like they deserve.

Defining financial irresponsibility by age is just lazy and ineffective. Children under the age of 15 are the responsibility of their parents. Their parents are responsible for careless spending. Go after the parents. The elderly who have their act together (retired, saved money instead of wasting it, etc) should not be lumped in with the elderly who lack the intellect t manage their own money. This whole scheme, as usual, lacks any nuance. Lazy lumping together is not particular to Thailand, but we're here, so it matters here.

Every new car is a luxury when you can't afford it. It's shocking how, at least here in Phuket, almost everyone has a nice car. All of my neighbors have nice cars and low-paying jobs. Extreme debt now and no planning for the future (retirement) seems to be rampant. Oh well, looking like you've got money is more important than actually having money I reckon... carry on.

Thanks for the info. Since my previous post, our lead guide wants to buy the company. I spoke with him at length this morning. This is exactly how we wanted it to happen, but wanted optional plans in case it didn't, thus this thread. I'm not retiring for 8 months, so a lot of time will be spend ironing out the details and covering all of the bases.