Operating my phone number outside Canada

[harjjumend]

Dear Friends,

I will be visiting India and other countries. Under my current CAD 15 monthly plan, how can I receive calls being outside Canada? Is there any add-on or other plan? Will I be able to do sms from other countries?

Dr. Hasrat Arjjumend

[smp99]

I agree with @Luddite get Fongo or TextNow

My wife just got back from Guetemala. I got her a TravelSim from Amazon before she left. I set her up with a TextNow account. Just before leaving Cda, she forwarded her PM number to textnow. While in Guetemala she was able to make/receive calls to Cdn numbers. Texts worked fine on her new number. Facetime and iMessage were unaffected and just worked normally.

Even if you don't get the SIM until after you arrive, you can set up TextNow ahead of time before you leave. 

[Luddite]

In case you are still seeking a solution here's the one I use.

• Just before leaving I forward all calls to my fongo.com number (it's free and I turn on deliver voicemail to my email address).
• While away I check for messages on free wifi, or with the local carrier. I always take a local SIM that includes data.
• I can even use the fongo number to call anyone in Canada while on wifi, or cellular data.
• You could also use Textnow; it is a slightly better free service.

As you have just the $15 plan you may need to add the $5 for 500 minutes add-on because call forwarding counts as outgoing calling.

Enjoy your visit.

[jluong9]

Unfortunately their isn't a roaming add on or plan for roaming in India just only within Canada and the US. 

However, you could use WhatsApp or even Facebook Messenger. Those are great options. If you're using an iPhone you could just use iMessage and FaceTime as well to. 

Other than that I would suggest getting a local sim card.

[popping]

@harjjumend 

PM SIM card will not work in India. Get a local SIM card when you arrive at your destination.

My family member uses WhatsApp over wifi at the airport or hotel to communication with the family before getting a local SIM card.

[geopublic]

@harjjumend  Unfortunately your phone will not work in India. You will need to purchase a local sim card. You can check your voicemail by calling PM's voicemail number via long distace call and that's about it.

[cellphoneuser1]

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@harjjumend wrote:

Dear Friends,

I will be visiting India and other countries. Under my current CAD 15 monthly plan, how can I receive calls being outside Canada? Is there any add-on or other plan? Will I be able to do sms from other countries?

Dr. Hasrat Arjjumend

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You can't. It'll only work in Canada or U.S. if you buy a U.S. roaming add-on. Otherwise, buy a sim where you're travelling to get service from another carrier.