Hi everyone. I would like to cash out my US shop reward points but a new account verification check requires me to have a US mobile number.
Does anyone have any advice on a low cost way to obtain a US mobile number from New Zealand and how to use it (online?)?
I only need it to draw down the funds then happy to cancel. At the moment I am paying a monthly account fee and funds are diminishing.
Many thanks for your advice.
Merry Christmas
Kate
Thank you for your help Elvino. Kate
Hi Kate, I am not sure if this would help and I haven't been able to fully research it yet, but try googling for 'How to Get a Google Phone Number'. Not sure if you'd need a VPN to activate it. I hope that helps to lead to something that works for you.
Thanks Asterix - I need a mobile number, I don't think that Google can issue 9ne.
Apologies, gave it a go just now and it seems it needs a US number to receive a call (and also to activate the service).
Did you need the number to receive a txt message, or to receive a call?
Try TextNow app
Thank you Papap - unfortunately not available in New Zealand.
I think you can change the country of your Apple ID (iOS) and then you can download it. After downloading it, you can change the country back to NZ
I've used Mr Sim Card for US Sim cards many times: https://www.mrsimcard.com/
He'll post a sim to you in NZ and set it to activate on the day you arrive. (Or a few days earlier and give you the phone number)
Then pop it in on the flight and it just works.
I don't think the OP wants to actually go to the US - if they did, then it wouldn't be an issue to just purchase a prepay SIM upon arrival?
I think they just need a US mobile number that they can get SMS (maybe calls) to from within NZ.
Hey OP, send me a message. I've got my us sim card and numbers that's active but with no plan attached at present.
I haven't tried seeing if it works over here, only used it while travelling state side last month.
Hi icecold,
I have a friend who is in the US next week for about a week, then again in about two months for another week, and they were asking if I knew what would be a good deal (something akin to, say, Skinny here - NZ$10 for a month or thereabouts they wouldn't mind if they paid NZ$30 over the entire two month period).
I said I have no idea and they would probably be best just searching online, but perhaps you would know?
Thanks,
Alan.
I used Tello, signed up online, had the sim delivered to a friend so when i arrived i just activated it.
There was a discount code as well i found online
Thanks - I'll pass that on, but I am doubtful he will have a friend to deliver it to, so might just go for whatever is available in the airport shops.
@Alan6984: Tello has app and you can call USA number through the app when connected to wifi ( works internationally as well). Also look into Ultra mobile / lycamobile USA . These are cheap MVNOs and they provide data/ unlimited call/text which comes to 10USD/month
there are offers available by major networks like T mobile USA as off now ( 3 months free ) and verizon USA ( 1 month free ) . They will provide the US number after you download the app and activate it. Use any B&M store address/friends address to sign up . However you have to enable wifi calling in the phone to receive SMS/call for OTPs.
Ive heard of people using virtual US phone numbers (Zadarma/OpenPhone) which is probably your best bet - but I havent done any research etc.
We used an NZ VOIP provider for work and added a US number to our account fairly cheaply.
A travel sim wouldnt work as it would need to be activated in the US, and possibly wouldnt have roaming enabled.