Can Americans moving to Spain bring their phones and keep their US numbers for calls?
Yes, Americans can bring their phones to Spain if they’re unlocked and compatible with GSM networks (e.g., supporting bands 3, 7, 20). To keep your US number for calls and texts, port it to Google Voice for a one-time $20 fee, then use it over Wi-Fi or data. Pair it with a local Spanish SIM (e.g., Vodafone, €10/month) for cost-effective local service. Most US carriers like T-Mobile offer free roaming, but long-term stays may require a local solution.
If you’re an American planning a move to Spain, you’re likely wondering: Should I bring my phone? Can I keep my US number to make and receive calls? These questions pop up frequently among expats, especially on platforms like X, where users share real-world advice. The good news? You can absolutely bring your phone and maintain your US number—whether for staying connected with family or handling US-based services like banking. Based on the latest insights as of April 9, 2025, this guide breaks down your options, from sticking with your US carrier to switching to Google Voice, and why a local Spanish SIM might be your best bet.
Bringing Your Phone to Spain: Will It Work?
Most modern US phones—think iPhones, Samsung Galaxies, or Google Pixels—are compatible with Spain’s GSM-based networks, which operate on 4G LTE bands like 3, 7, and 20. Before packing, check two things:
- Is it unlocked? Contact your carrier (Verizon, AT&T, T-Mobile, etc.) to ensure your device isn’t locked to their network.
- Does it support Spain’s bands? A quick Google search for your phone’s model plus “LTE bands” will confirm compatibility.
Expats on X consistently say bringing your phone is a no-brainer if it meets these criteria. For example, one user relocating to Barcelona noted, “My Verizon iPhone worked fine, but I switched to a local SIM after a month—roaming fees were brutal.” The consensus? Bring it, but plan how you’ll use it.
Keeping Your US Number: Carrier Plans vs. Google Voice
You’ve got two main paths to keep your US number active for calls and texts in Spain: sticking with your US carrier or porting to Google Voice. Here’s how they stack up:
- US Carrier Plans
- T-Mobile: Offers free roaming in Spain—calls and texts work on your US number with no extra cost, though data might be throttled (e.g., 256 Kbps). Ideal for short stays.
- Verizon/AT&T: International plans like Verizon’s $10/day TravelPass or AT&T’s International Day Pass let you use your number, but costs add up fast (e.g., $300/month for daily use). Some users warn of roaming cutoffs after 90 days.
- Downside: Expensive for long-term expats, and you’re tied to US billing.
- Google Voice: The Expat Favorite
- For a one-time $20 fee, you can port your US number to Google Voice and use it over Wi-Fi or mobile data for free calls and texts to the US and Canada.
- X users rave about this: “Ported my Sprint number to Google Voice before Spain—$20 and done. Paired it with a Movistar SIM,” one expat shared.
- Pair it with a Spanish SIM (e.g., €10/month from Orange or Vodafone) for local calls and fast data. Dual-SIM phones or eSIMs (like iPhone 14+) make this seamless.
Why Get a Spanish SIM?
While keeping your US number is doable, many expats on X recommend a local Spanish SIM for long-term stays. Why?
- Cost: Plans from Vodafone, Orange, or Movistar start at €10-15/month with data and calls—far cheaper than US roaming.
- Convenience: Spanish services (banks, utilities, deliveries) often require a local number.
- Flexibility: Use it alongside Google Voice for the best of both worlds.
One user in Madrid noted, “T-Mobile was great at first, but I needed a Spanish number for my lease. Now I use both.”
How to Switch to Google Voice: Step-by-Step
Porting your US number to Google Voice is straightforward and affordable. Here’s how:
- Check Eligibility: At voice.google.com, enter your number to confirm it can be ported (most mobile numbers qualify).
- Set Up Google Voice: Sign in with a Google account, skip picking a new number, and select “Port a number” under Settings.
- Enter Carrier Info: Provide your carrier account number, PIN, and pay the $20 fee.
- Wait 24-48 Hours: Keep your SIM active until the port completes—your carrier plan cancels automatically (postpaid only).
- Use It: Download the Google Voice app, sign in, and start calling/texting over Wi-Fi or data.
Pro tip: Do this before leaving the US or early in Spain while your US SIM still works.
Final Thoughts
Bringing your phone to Spain and keeping your US number is not only possible but practical with the right setup. For short trips, your US carrier’s roaming might suffice. For longer stays, porting to Google Voice and grabbing a Spanish SIM is the gold standard—affordable, flexible, and expat-approved. Ready to make the move? Your phone’s coming with you.
FAQ
Q: Will my US phone work in Spain?
A: Yes, if it’s unlocked and supports GSM bands like 3, 7, and 20—most modern phones do. Check with your carrier.
Q: Can I keep my US number without a US carrier?
A: Yes, port it to Google Voice for $20 and use it over Wi-Fi/data. Your carrier plan ends after porting.
Q: Are Spanish SIMs expensive?
A: No, plans start at €10-15/month with data and calls from providers like Vodafone or Movistar.
Q: Does Google Voice work for 2FA?
A: Usually, yes, but some banks or apps may not accept it—test it first.
How-To: Port Your Number to Google Voice
- Verify Eligibility: Go to voice.google.com, sign in, and check your number under “Port a number.”
- Submit Details: Enter your carrier account number, PIN, and pay $20.
- Wait for Completion: Takes 24-48 hours—keep your SIM active until done.
- Set Up: Download the Google Voice app, sign in, and link a Spanish SIM (optional) for forwarding.
- Test: Make a call or text to ensure it’s working over Wi-Fi or data.
