chichow

So let's say I'm moving to China.

My primary number would be an AT&T mobile.

What are my options in terms of keeping that number in China?

#1) Vonage? Simplest? some $$$

other options?

seems like google voice doesn't currently work with porting numbers

PTravel

Ooma or MagicJack are two other ways to go.

dtsm

Not sure if skype would work:

1. forward your att number to skype number [no roaming, only charged to your bucket of minutes].
2. configure your skype so that calls received on skype number are forwarded to local china number [charged on skype usa-calling-china rates]

chichow

Oh...would also note that out of contract with AT&T so no need to keep the line open at AT&T.

so no issues porting the number out and ending the month to month with AT&T

--

also...anyone have experience with Line2?

DisneyDude

This would mean keeping the AT&T number active an expensive option. If you can port to Magicjack or OOma, these are probably the cheapest solutions. The advantage is that you would be able to use your Magicjack in China and receive calls (same as Vonage or other VOIP service). Basic difference is that Magicjack requires a computer with internet access, Vonage or other VOIP only needs the internet line.

chichow

AT&T phone not under contract so ideal situation is to not keep the AT&T line active, but to port it to the new provider.

Just checked other forums, and apparently MagikJack doesn't port yet.

jsnydcsa

You can port to Vonage.

crhptic

I believe you can also port to CallCentric.

Platcomike

And do it all online.

You will have your ATT (old) number for incoming calls that will be "local" for your US callers. You will also be able to make US calls for domestic rates. In other words the phone will work as if you were in your US home. The only problem is reminding folks about the time difference (or turning off the phone at night).

Dubai Stu

If you are not worried about receiving text messages, port it to voip.ms. On their cheapest plan, inbound calls are roughly one cent a minute and $1.50 for the line. If you talk alot, get the $5 a month unlimited inbound. Forwarding the number to a Chinese Mobile costs under $0.02 a minute. Thus for $1.50 a month plus three cents a minute everyone can call you on your ATT number in China just like you were at home.

PTravel

What is voip.ms? This sounds interesting.

Dubai Stu

VOIP.ms is primarily a VOIP service, but you get a number of powerful PBX type features as part of your account. You can set up direct call forwards from the control panel, multiring, Call Routers, Callbacks, DISAs (calling card type services), etc. I have a number of lines with them and like them very much.

jsnydcsa

Not to veer off here, but I took a look at voip.ms. Seems like a very simple solution. I've long been looking for "options" on the having a permanent number in the UK and other countries that I can give out to others and, when I'm "in country" have the number go to my mobile (either a quick pay-go SIM, a US number, a friend, a hotel, etc) and then, when I leave, re-route the number back to another number or vm box. This looks like a very good solution. And with .ms (Montserrat) it just is kinda cool.

Dubai Stu

Not much demand for the domains on the island. I may actually go scuba diving there in 2011.

Taiwaned

How important is that number? Not to be off topic but I only ask because as a person who has moved from Vancouver to Asia twice, I found when I forwarded my local phone to my Taiwan or China telephone number, I found friends forget that I am in a different time zone.

They constantly phoned me at times that was convienent for them thus between 1 am to 4 am we received calls. It was really maddening when I started getting telephone solicitors calling at 2 am.

I realized real friends don't mind spending a few coins to call me or use skype to talk to me when I am awake.

The porting of the number, keeping the number is the easy part. Being civil when they "forget" and call you at ungodly hours was the hard part for us.