Nevermind. Google Voice is just a mess. I don’t think I’ll bother with it anymore.
Sorry: Multi-factor authentication.
Ah, right. Thanks. Anyway, it does work ok with my current VoIP services.
I couldn’t get a Google Voice number set up even with my sister in Boston helping me using her cell phone there to try and get one verified.
I’ve lived in Thailand for years and have had a US Skype number for almost as long. It meets all my needs. I use it for US bank and credit card accounts. I use it to receive text messages with MFA codes. (Probably not real secure, but it works.) Incoming calls are forwarded to my Thai mobile number. Life abroad would be a lot more complex if I didn’t have a US phone number and a US mailing address (thanks to my sister).
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I also have had a Skype number for years. Sometime texts come through (like from election campaigns). But Skype support told me it didn’t support short-codes, which are usually what are used for MFA. Are you saying you can receive texts from short codes?
Of course one big drawback to Skype numbers is that outgoing texts are charged. I think $0.12 per text.
And yes, thanks to my sister, I have a U.S. mailing address.
also in japan. brought a google voice number with me but there’s no way i can see to connect it to my japanese mobile number. rates a “grrrr!”
I had never heard of a short-code until today. When I look at the message I got this morning from BofA via Skype it says:
“+73nnn 8:41 AM”
It looks like I can reply, because where I could enter a reply it says:
“To +73nnn via Skype”
Does that indicate a short-code?
This is the definition:
“A short code is a specialized five to six-digit phone number used in one-way SMS and MMS messaging. Short code messages convey information to a customer that doesn’t require a response. A customer can text a keyword to a business to opt in to marketing messages, vote, or enter a contest.”
Actually, according that definition one way is typical, so I’m mostly ok.
Anyway, it’s a six-digit special number. From the ones I receive it looks like hyphens are ok too.
doug
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So, it does indeed seem that I’m getting five digit short code messages via Skype.
Looking further at my Skype history I see short code messages from AmEx, Wise, DocuSign, Fidelity, Capital One, Apple, H&R Block and others.
That’s good to know. I should test that as well.
Of course, Skype is awkward to use for general texting because they charge per text for the ones you send.
Doug
I am using session and telegram for voice and texting - they both have video calling as well - I know session requires a phone to set up but is end to end encrypted altho I mostly use my VPN at all times anyway - not sure about short codes tho so your milage may vary
And you can use those with people who are not using those apps? Ordinary phones as well?
I have not tested them as in your particular needs - I simply replied to your VOIP app request - they may or may not work as I said - your milage may vary!