Alternative to MagicJack--Need to receive SMS

@twomoonmusic

I use Skype with a SkypeIn number (many different countries) this typically supports calls and messages, so I can usually use it for bank accounts and so on. But it's not perfect, and some providers check if a number is a real number vs a VOIP number, and won't allow it.

@gwynj   Interesting. You use that on your phone, I assume. I have an old Skype account. I should check that out. I am looking for something that always works, but we'll see. Thanks.

@twomoonmusic There's an app called TalkaTone that works for most SMS/2FA purposes. They use repurposed T-mobile numbers, and you can choose your home area code. But you can't port your number to it, as their blocks of numbers are pre-selected. If you need to maintain the same phone number you had in the US, I've heard the best option is to port it to Google Voice while you're still in the US. You need to either use the number at least monthly or pay a monthly fee to maintain the same number, otherwise numbers get recycled (if you're using the free version and you don't use it for a month or more).