Best International Phone Solution for Expats & Travelers

Yes. Depending on the service you choose, you may be able to transfer or port your existing U.S. number and continue using it while living overseas. Keeping a U.S. number can be especially useful for staying connected with family and friends and maintaining access to U.S.-based accounts and services.

Many expats keep a U.S. number because it is already connected to banks, credit cards, online accounts, family, friends, and other services. It can also make it easier for people in the U.S. to contact you without making an international call.

Popcorn Mobile is a mobile phone service designed for people who want to stay connected while traveling or living internationally. We currently use Popcorn as our international phone solution while living in Panama and traveling outside the country.

Yes, we use Popcorn Mobile while living in Panama. Your individual experience can depend on your device, coverage, location, and current Popcorn plan, so we recommend reviewing Popcorn's latest coverage and plan information before signing up.

You'll generally need a compatible, unlocked phone that supports eSIM. Before transferring your number or changing your existing service, check your phone's compatibility and Popcorn's current requirements.

An eSIM is a digital version of a traditional physical SIM card. Instead of inserting a card into your phone, a compatible mobile plan can be activated electronically. This can make switching or adding mobile service much easier when traveling or living internationally.

That depends on your needs. Some expats may prefer using an international service as their primary phone solution, while others may choose to maintain a local Panama number or SIM as well. Consider factors such as local calling, data usage, coverage, banking, business needs, and how frequently you travel.

One of the primary reasons we wanted to maintain our U.S. numbers was to stay connected with people and services back in the United States. However, features and international availability can vary by service and plan, so always verify the current details for the plan you're considering.

Keeping your existing U.S. mobile number can help with accounts that send verification codes by text message, but there is no guarantee that every bank, financial institution, or online service will accept every mobile provider. We recommend verifying access to important accounts before canceling or transferring your existing phone service.

Popcorn periodically updates referral links as part of its fraud-prevention measures. To make sure you receive our current invite, simply complete the short request form on this page. We'll send you our latest Popcorn invite by email. We also recommend bookmarking wanderopenroads.com/globalphone for future updates.

Yes. If you qualify and sign up using our referral link, Wander Open Roads may receive an account credit from Popcorn. There is no additional cost to you for using our link. Referral programs and their terms can change, so eligibility is subject to Popcorn's current referral program rules.

Not necessarily. There isn't one phone solution that's perfect for every expat or traveler. Your best option will depend on where you live, where you travel, your phone, data needs, budget, and whether maintaining a U.S. number is important to you. We're sharing Popcorn because it's the solution we currently use and can speak about from our own experience.