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How to receive an SMS while I'm anywhere in the world?

by @bluedognz 8yr 8yr | 21 comments

Hi Nomads

Any suggestions how I can receive sms messages to iPhone while I’m anywhere in the world? I have an Australian Telstra phone, but I also have another one out of contract which I could put on a global sim?

Calls are not really a problem, with Skype, Zoom, Google Voice etc taking care of that but I’m not sure how I’m going to get sms’s. Especially for banking purposes, reseting passwords etc.

First post here, we are about to embark on a global house sitting / time share journey! Starting with 3 weeks in Bali, then 10 weeks in the Caribean, followed by 3 months in Europe.

Clark and Tegan

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@iamfledge 7yr 7yr

In response to the suggestions on here that suggest Twilio.

BEWARE

I just tried to implement my own solution for this and found that verification SMS’s (e.g. 2-factor codes etc) do not get sent to Twilio numbers.

Twilio Explain this here:

Services like Google Voice, Facebook, and Skype, which use short codes (e.g. 55555) to send SMS will not be able to send messages to Twilio phone numbers. This is because short code carriers have arrangements to exchange messages with mobile phone numbers only, and Twilio phone numbers are not considered mobile numbers.

Reference:

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@jacob_tr 8yr 8yr

Well for banking stuff, just change your bank to Commbank, they do all their resetting in APP codes, not phone SMS’s.

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@orca 8yr 8yr

E-call see https://www.ecall.ch/startseite/ or Google Voice work well.

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@nomadicme 8yr 8yr

You could try this https://www.chatsim.com/. It’s not free but would allow you to get SMS/Chats anywhere.

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@kmander 8yr 8yr

Twilio + Pushbullet is a nice solution. Inbound SMSs to your new number become push-notifications to your phone, regardless of where you are.

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@dan335 8yr 8yr

Google Fi works great in Thailand.

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@refuseillusion 8yr 8yr

Although it works great it is a lot more expensive than the local options.

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@taxico 8yr 8yr

are there prepaid SIM cards from Australia that roam?

those are cheap and replaceable.

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@lamby 8yr 8yr

Seconding the recommendation for Twilio although that might expose my bias as a programmer…

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@bluedognz 8yr 8yr

Perhaps I am overthinking this!!!

I just assumed my Telstra (Australia) mobile would cost to receive a text… but it appears it’s free!

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@blaze 8yr 8yr

yes everyone is certainly overcomplicating this. turn on international roaming and youll recieve texts for free. can confirm, am with telstra and have done this all over the world.

good luck!

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@wanderingdev 8yr 8yr

but international roaming can accumulate big charges and/or you either need a dual sim phone, two phones (so you can have a local one that won’t create big bills), or not have a local phone/data plan.

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@bluedognz 8yr 8yr

Hi and thanks for the replies.

The main goal here is to RECEIVE texts from anyone but in particular:

• Australian Banks, so it needs to be my Australian Cell # that is being forwarded to me.
• Account verifications like Google. If you log into your google account from another country it asks you to verify by sending you an SMS.

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@refuseillusion 8yr 8yr

Have I understood correctly that you don’t want to get a new number?

Then I’d say don’t make it too complicated - just bring a second phone. It can also serve you as a backup in case your primary phone breaks, a dumbphone would be good enough.

If you’re worried that your secondary phone could be stolen and you really need to receive SMS, you can buy a Raspberry Pi and a GSM module and keep the SIM card in the Pi safely in your house at home. You could program the Pi to forward your SMS via Email or Telegram, but it’s a lot more work than bringing a second phone.

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@orca 8yr 8yr

Google Voice is quite good but can be problematic from some locations and can’t send to non US numbers. I use several options as below:

https://info.ecall.ch/en/ecalltm/ you can get a Swiss number or use any existing number which can be changed whenever you want.
http://www.voxox.com gives you a US number plus cheap calls from a desktop or cell via an App. I recommend this one.
https://www.worldsim.com cheap calls and texts to a European or US number. The card gives free roaming in loads of places e.g I live in Switzerland and the US but I travel to Italy, Germany, Australia and lots of other places and most give free incoming calls and cheap outgoing.

These three should fit the bill fine.

Dieter

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@nomadicme 8yr 8yr

I use Tmoblie which allows for Int’l free SMS in over 130 countries. Google Fi also allows it.

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@poppyjikko 8yr 8yr

Twilio offers phone number in many countries too

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@ttasterisco 8yr 8yr

get a US number, convert it to google voice ($20) and voila

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@wanderingdev 8yr 8yr

or get a free google voice number…

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@nefer_l 8yr 8yr

Google Voice - Yep, that’s what I do to make calls and receive SMS like I never left home

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@antonioevans 8yr 8yr

Forward my cell to Google voice. Get all the text and just text from your laptop. Also cheaper if you do a number transfer instead of paying your carrier fee in Australia.

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Read and participate in 14,117 discussions on Nomad List

How to get SMS verifications for banks while traveling?

by @jackgopack 4yr 4 years ago | 38 comments

Any suggestions for seamlessly receiving SMS Verifications from US financial institutions and other sites while traveling internationally continuously? Won’t keep my US Verizon account due to cost and currently plan to use local sims at each destination (T-Mobile and Project Fi are NOT an option as they terminate for continuous roaming). In summation, I won’t have a US mobile account.

Unless I’m missing something, which is very possible, this appears to be the single most complex issue I’ve encountered in my preparations, and one that no one addresses. I would greatly appreciate any possible solution that works 100% of the time. Can’t afford surprises in this regard. Many Thanks! Jack.

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Issues with not being a tax resident anywhere?

by @lightworker 4yr 4 years ago | 2 comments

Anyone with knowledge regarding complications of not being a tax resident anywhere in the world? I’m aware that primary health care, bank account opening and incorperation can be problematic but are there other practical or legal factors I should be aware of?

And what about paying myself salary from a self-owned OECD company? I would like to know if I risk potentieal issues with the tax authorities in the jurisdiction of the company, especially regarding withholding tax.

Appreciate your input!

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Has anyone created a list of co-living spaces around the world?

by @keegansard 4yr 4 years ago | 4 comments

I’m a big believer in co-living but I’m finding hard to find all the options available in different cities.

I have found the major players like Roam, The Collective, and WeLive but haven’t found many others.

Has anyone seen a list or should I start making one?

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What’s a good European call & SMS forwarding service?

by @adrienbetweets 6yr 6 years ago | 5 comments

Hi all

What do you guys use for receiving both sms & calls on a European phone number?

I’d like to have a phone number that does not change for at least 1 or 2 years.

I did my homework & found this thread but it’s only about US services so I don’t think it’s relevant: What’s a good US call and SMS forwarding service?
Also, I looked into Google Hangout but it doesn’t support European phone numbers.

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What's a good US call and SMS forwarding service?

by @vong 6yr 6 years ago | 12 comments

Hi all,

What do you guys use for call and sms forwarding?

Currently I have a Skype US number that forwards to my local phone number. However, it can’t receive SMS’es so that’s a huge dealbreaker.

There’s RingCentral - but that starts at $29/month which is rather pricey.

Any suggestions? I’d just like to be able to call and text like I’m still in the US (when I’m not). Thanks in advance!

Sarah

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I'm looking for a European city with a great connection to the outdoors. Help?

by @justinbosco 7yr 7 years ago | 23 comments

I’m in the middle of doing some research for our next destination within Europe and I’m hoping to get some suggestions from some outdoor enthusiasts who’ve spent time on the continent.

My favorite cities are Innsbruck, Austria and Bergen, Norway because you can be downtown having a beer one minute and then… boom… up the mountain in the middle of nowhere 15 minutes later. I’m looking for a similar place to spend a month or two this winter. Places like these are hard to find because “mid-size european cities with great hiking nearby” doesn’t return too many relevant results on Google. Great adventure towns are usually in the middle of nowhere, the kind of places you’ll need to rent a car to get to the grocery store, and places with good public transportation are usually concrete jungles. But places like Innsbruck and Bergen manage to combine the best of both worlds.

Has anyone come across similar places they’d recommend?

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I'm beginning my Nomadic journey - what advice do you have?

by @jacob_tr 7yr 7 years ago | 8 comments

Hello Everyone,

On January 8, I set off on my Nomadic Journeys. I have a one way ticket to Iceland booked for a film shoot, and a flight into mainland Europe on the 20th, and from there I have no idea, and I am completely on my own.

What advice do you have? Right now I am feeling everything, from bad to good about it all, really can feel that safety/wool from underneath me get pulled away, I know I’m jumping out of my shell here.

(To give some background, I’m starting my nomad journey after having started a successful business, so financially I am set. It’s the question personally, mentally how do you cope in the beginning of leaving everything and going?)

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Search/review site for Co-Working spaces around the world?

by @gnefkow 7yr 7 years ago | 7 comments

Hostelworld for hostels,
Nomadlist for general locations,
Yelp for food (among other things)
Trip Advisor for activities…

Is there a website where a community of people can rate and review co-working spaces around the world? I’m in a nice place right now, and about to start on toward the next destination, I’d love to review the coworking space I’m currently sitting in and start planning for the next stop.

I know that there are some threads around here about it, but I’d love to search “Taipei” and see a list of them with reviews from actual nomads (rather than the hap-hazard websites the coworking spaces make about themselves).

kyle

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What's the best way to obtain a one or two month sublet in Saigon (or anywhere) on short notice?

by @asinsam 8yr 8 years ago | 7 comments

Hello,

This is my first post in nomadlist although I’ve followed the forum for a while! My question is about finding 1-2 month housing. For shorter stays, in the past, I’ve used airbnb with some success, and for longer term stays, I assume you search the apartment rental market. I’ve done some 1 month stays at airbnbs, but I imagine one month in advance that’s inefficient because many places will have at least 1 day filled in the month you are looking and consequently won’t show up on your search. You’ll only be searching places with no bookings in the next month.

So, my question is, what to do in this situation? Do you just make the best of airbnb slash hotels, or is there a better way to look for one month sublets and the like? I’m looking specifically at Saigon but also curious about in general.

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Anywhere to exchange talent/interests, find collaborators?

by @vladepap 8yr 8 years ago | 1 comment

Hi there nomads,

I’m currently working on a project (or attempting to) but am struggling to find collaborators. I need someone with a specific talent/ability but don’t know where to look.

Specifically, I would like to build an app or a device using programmed hardware (Eg: raspberry Pi)

I could use Elance or post on Facebook, but I have a very fast turnaround time and would rather contribute to this community. I 've posted via Twitter.

I was wondering if there is any kind of talent or collaboration board on here that I could post to?

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Is anyone in Tenerife? I'm moving there for at least 6 months

in Tenerife , Spain by @andrea3018 8yr 8 years ago | 9 comments

Hello Nomads,
is anyone in Tenerife at the moment? I’m moving there from the 1st of August and not getting out of it for at least 6 months.
I’m going to stay in Puerto De La Cruz.
Do any of you has ever been there and do you recommend this city to me? Or should I look for an apartment elsewhere in Tenerife?
Also, how do you find cheap long-term houses there? I would love one with a private pool.

Thanks,
Andrea

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Do I need to have health care insurance as a US citizen when I'm away?

by @ericvan 8yr 8 years ago | 5 comments

I support ObamaCare, but I don’t understand about the requirement that USA citizens must now have health insurance. I just got a new plan, and they don’t support any medical needs when I’m out of the country! So, if working abroad 6 months of year, how do I NOT pay insurance for those months and NOT get a tax penalty? FYI, I’ll be in a pretty high tax bracket in 2016.

Thanks!

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Should I elect my LLC as an S-Corp for taxes, I'm a US citizen in Europe?

by @robetus 8yr 8 years ago | 3 comments

I have an LLC formed in Portland, Oregon. I am the only member and do not ever plan on adding more members. Should I elect to have my LLC treated as an S-Corp for my taxes? I am a US citizen living in Europe but I do not qualify for the foreign income exclusion yet. Can anyone give advice that has made this election? I know that as an S-Corp I can pay myself a reasonable salary based on the company’s income and then pay the rest to myself in dividends that are exempt from certain taxes.

If I chose to pay myself 70% of the company’s income as my salary am I required to pay myself the other 30% in dividends or can I leave that 30% in the company’s coffers for legal fees, large chargebacks, and the like? Thank you for reading and with any help provided.

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How can I own a car if I'm not a resident somewhere?

by @nevergoingback 9yr 9 years ago | 15 comments

Hi peeps,

Here is me with a serious question again!

I travel the world alot but always go back to my home country for a couple of months each year. In this period I want to own a car. But because I do not live anywhere it is very difficult to own a car. I cant put the car I want on my parents name because of their salary and the Netherlands being very strict on that.

What options do I have to owning a car?
I know things should be possible just like afrojack who had a car with german license plates!!

Any advice on this?

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I'm going to New York City, any digital makers spots to visit?

in New York City , United States by @litanin 9yr 9 years ago | 2 comments

Hi, i am going to New York for the first time in my life, but i have only 7 days (one full week starting on Oct 10). Apart of well known tourist spots (The Statue of Liberty, central park, broadway, 7th av etc) i also want somehow to get into digital makers environment to feel the spirit, speed and trends. What would be your suggestions to do / visit there?
May be some co-working places or cafes, exhibitions, lectures, anything?

I would really appreciate any suggestions.

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Where should I go next? I'm a 25-year old Australian girl working remotely

in Australia by @angsmith 9yr 9 years ago | 19 comments

I’m a 25 year old Australian girl, newly single, working remotely for a SF startup. I’m looking for a location to settle for the next 6 months, starting in May. All countries are on the table (although stable wifi is required).

I’d love to be by a beach & somewhere that has a relatively bustling vibe, restaurants etc. Bonus points for surf or a gym.

Logistically, I have a visa to be able to stay in the Schengen zone for 4 years so Europe is doable. I guess I’m concerned about it being high season?

I’d love to hear any suggestions.

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Can I buy contact solution anywhere?

by @hydrofog 9yr 9 years ago | 5 comments

Hello everyone, I’m not nomadic yet but will be soon! I was wondering if anyone here wears contacts or glasses? I wear contacts and plan on ordering a bunch before departing of course, but what do I do when I run out? I’m assuming you can get contact solution anywhere.

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Hi! We’re Toptal, we help developers get jobs they can do from anywhere. AUA!

by @breanden 9yr 9 years ago | 23 comments

Hi everyone,

My name is Breanden Beneschott, and I’m a Co-founder and the COO at Toptal.

At Toptal, we help developers get work they can do from anywhere.

As a digital nomad, I’ve lived and worked remotely in >30 countries since I finished school four years ago. I’ve been building Toptal. Toptal is a private network of awesome freelance software engineers, and companies hire us to build cool stuff. We are also an a16z-backed company in growth mode, and this year we’ll hit about $80 million in recurring sales. Although our network has grown to thousands of people, Toptal doesn’t have any offices. We operate from more than 93 countries, and since we encourage everyone to travel, a lot of us are digital nomads.

Last year, I wrote a post on Tim Ferriss’s blog about how to travel as a founder/engineer that has some tips I’ve learned that you might find helpful: http://fourhourworkweek.com/2014/10/04/how-to-travel-to-20-countries-and-build-a-massive-business-in-the-process/

If you want to know more about Toptal (our developer community, how we travel, how we operate) or you just want to pick my brain, I’ll be happy to help where I can!

Thanks,
Breanden

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I'm launching Nomad List 2.0 soon, can you give me your feedback?

by @levelsio 9yr 9 years ago | 41 comments

Hi guys/girls,

It’s time for my regular request for feedback on Nomad List and all the related sites (including this forum, #nomads, Nomad Jobs etc.).

Here’s a little update on Nomad List itself: I’ve rewrote the entire site this month and will launch it soon as Nomad List 2.0, you can check it out at http://2.nomadlist.com.

Biggest changes:

When Nomad List launched, it had data on 25 cities, with 3 data points per city (cost, internet, temperature). In the last few months, I’ve worked together with a team of editors in the last few months to add the world’s 500 biggest cities, with about 70 data points (like safety, fun to the best hospitals). This means, it now has 35,000 data points.
It now includes over 10,000 places to work, like coworking spaces and coffee shops, and sleep, like hotels and hostels. I’ve made an algorithm to score these places based on user reviews, WiFi speeds, proximity to each other (like it’ll recommend Hubba in Bangkok, and a hotel near that so you can walk to your work).
It’s integrated with #nomads now, which means I can add user profiles soon for all nomads to share their trips.

Let me know your tips and what direction you think I should go

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Hi, I'm Manu, an accountant turned digital nomad and offshore tax expert. AMA!

by @xiufensilver 9yr 9 years ago | 39 comments

Wonder how to do your taxes as a nomad? Ask your question now!

About Manu:
Today I’m here to clear any misunderstandings about international taxation for digital nomads. There is too much wrong, outdated and irrelevant information out there.

I will answer any general questions, relevant to the community as a whole. You are welcome to give your own situation as an example. If you are looking for personalized and actionable recommendations or referrals, please contact me or someone else you trust in this matter privately.

About myself: I learned accounting for 5 years in high school, but became more interested in international management and programming at university. I worked as a director and purchasing manager for a 100m+ private trust in Europe and Greater China. In 2013, I resigned from this position to have a better work-life balance and travel more. Since then I have spent most of my time in Asia doing consulting through various companies.

My latest project is a crowdfunding accelerator that will take place in Shenzhen, China later this year.

ASK AWAY!

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