Hi - my wife and I will be relocating to NYC in a couple of months and I wanted to know if anyone managed to get a US phone number whilst still in the UK? We've been advised to try and get a US number as early as possible.

I bought my phone in the US but am with EE here and it works fine, so am assuming I can start with a new company/carrier once I'm there. I just want to know if there is a way of securing a number now (possibly prepaid??) but then just switch to a contract once I'm there?

Any help would be great.

Thanks.

But if you got one how would you receive calls in the UK? Not sure about this.
You really need one before you relocate? Why?

Might be able to do something with Google voice..or VOIP.

Was told it would be easier to set things up from here, this is third hand information mind.

Would also save time if I can get as much done beforehand.

I don't really know how 'easier to set up' applies. Can you clarify? Set what up?

I think you could get one as soon as you get here, prepaid, no contract sim etc..
Wouldn't really take a lot of time.
And then when you get a full contract, port the number to your permanent phone.

Even if you had one today I imagine you couldn't receive calls in the UK easily anyway.

Let us know what you find out though. Interesting question.

Depends on the provider, but would likely just pay a roaming fee to make/receive calls in the UK.

Couldn't that be quite high though? To not much advantage?
In any case it'll be interesting what he determines.

I don't see any need at all to get a US phone number until you arrive here . You can literally get off the plane, go to t-mobile or whatever and walk out 10minutes later with a fully functioning sim and phone. You don't even need a US bank account, I don't think you even need an address - you just pay with your UK credit/debit card.

Thanks for the messages, been looking at this again and it does seem unnecessary to get one over here. The guy who suggested it thought it might help with setting things up with providers who may need a cell number but I don't there's not a lot more we can do from here.

You'll be ok.
Do you feel organized otherwise?
Job/House/Transport etc...?

Good luck with everything.

I would suggest that you don't pay a whole lot of attention to them.
Come to BE and we'll help you out ( with about 10 different opinions!!)

Thanks, I'm sure it will be fine.

I'm going over on a spousal visa as my wife is being transferred within her company on an L-1A. We'll be put up in corporate accommodation for about 4 weeks by which time i'll have to find us a place to live and apply for my EAD.

I suppose I still need to work out what to do with myself before and after I receive it!

You'll be fine giving them a UK number for the most part. Otherwise your wife might be able to get a corporate phone setup early and use that number?

I relocated from Surrey Quays (though I'm from all over) to Queens NY a year and a half ago, ping me if you need anything!!