topic Re: Bank Verification codes while traveling in Get Support

Bank Verification codes while traveling

DougA99 — Wed, 07 Jan 2026 05:09:33 GMT

I was in Turkey last Fall and had a huge problem with booking flights & hotels while there. Since Turkey does not allow esim, I had to buy a new Sim in Istanbul. Great, except when I was trying to book a flight or hotel, most times the CC insisted on verification by sending me a code. The code went to my Public Mobile number which was not on my phone. My phone only accepts one Sim. It was not fun and the banks cannot provide a solution.

My next trip is to the Far East. I'd like to get a 9esim or similar so I can have multiple esims for 5 countries at the same time. Buying a sim and plan in each country does not solve my problem.

The question is this, can i receive the bank code while in Thailand, etc from Public if I have the Public esim installed?

Any other work around? Thanks

edited by computergeek541: changed category (discussion isn't related to Community)

Re: Bank Verification codes while traveling

SKSuh — Wed, 07 Jan 2026 05:10:23 GMT

Public Mobile only works in Canada (obviously) plus the USA and Mexico (with an appropriate plan) so you’re out of luck when travelling elsewhere

Travel SIM/eSIM will not help with verification codes

Re: Bank Verification codes while traveling

computergeek541 — Wed, 07 Jan 2026 05:11:27 GMT

@DougA99 wrote:
I was in Turkey last Fall and had a huge problem with booking flights & hotels while there. Since Turkey does not allow esim, I had to buy a new Sim in Istanbul. Great, except when I was trying to book a flight or hotel, most times the CC insisted on verification by sending me a code. The code went to my Public Mobile number which was not on my phone. My phone only accepts one Sim. It was not fun and the banks cannot provide a solution.
My next trip is to the Far East. I'd like to get a 9esim or similar so I can have multiple esims for 5 countries at the same time. Buying a sim and plan in each country does not solve my problem.
The question is this, can i receive the bank code while in Thailand, etc from Public if I have the Public esim installed?
Any other work around? Thanks

Work arounds would usually involve contacting your bank to use a different authentication method. Other than that, it's possible that you could leave your phone on and in Canada while you're travelling, but you'll needed a trusted person to relay the codes to you.

Re: Bank Verification codes while traveling

Godzillaz — Wed, 07 Jan 2026 07:37:09 GMT

If you have a PERMANENT travel SIM you can register multiple numbers with your bank

If you are grabbing a new SIM each trip getting new number then no you need to do something else (call bank is easiest option)

Re: Bank Verification codes while traveling

kalev — Wed, 07 Jan 2026 10:15:34 GMT

Public Mobile needs to enable wifi calling which is a much needed feature lacking from them. I also faced this while I was travelling Asia & all my verification codes were sent to my PM number by default & you end up missing here & there at the end before leaving Canada and later causes a huge issue to deal with. Now, since I'm back.. I'm think of changing my service which has the Wi-Fi calling feature. There is no point in configuring PM number for varifications if this feature is not there. Canada is full of immigrants coming from various nations & PM need to think on this.

Re: Bank Verification codes while traveling

kalev — Wed, 07 Jan 2026 10:23:02 GMT

So basically, we shouldn't configure PM number & change it to email method. And because of this, before leaving Canada contact all of your banking, credit card companies, etc... & change the verification process from PM number to different one.

Re: Bank Verification codes while traveling

Godzillaz — Wed, 07 Jan 2026 19:54:08 GMT

Or just install a text app

Even Whatsapp works for most banks and it uses data not actual SMS

Re: Bank Verification codes while traveling

DougA99 — Thu, 08 Jan 2026 00:46:06 GMT

Thanks for the replies. I appreciate your help. Code verification is prompted by the Visa or MC link whenever it thinks it wants to verify. It's the same as Public Mobile. I will look into using whatsapp if that is possible for verification.

Some of you don't understand that when travelling abroad, your Public Mobile info is dead. You can't know in advance what your new number will be until you buy the sim card and buying it via Amazon is workable for some countries but impossible for some like Turkey.

My only workaround was having the bank (Visa) phone someone trusted with the code, then they emailed it to me. Considering how data flows so seamlessly now, this is a really stupid and primitive way of solving the issue. BTW, that solution is illegal according to the bank since I am divulging secure info!! Go figure!