How I Use Google Fi While Living in Italy
Let’s get this out of the way: Google Fi isn’t perfect. But it solves a very specific problem I have—keeping a functioning US number while living full-time in Italy.
I’ve been using Google Fi for a while now, and here’s how I make it work.
Why I Use It
Between two-factor authentication, work-related texts, and keeping a foothold in the US digital world, I need a US number that just works. I originally tried porting my number to Google Voice (and that worked well for a while), but eventually, I needed something more stable. That’s where Google Fi comes in.
🎁 Referral Bonus: Want to try Google Fi? Use my referral link here and get $60 in credit when you sign up. I’ll get a credit too—grazie in advance!
My Setup
I have two eSIMs on my phone—one for my Italian carrier (VeryMobile), which handles my data and day-to-day calls in Italy, and one for Google Fi. When I need to receive a verification code from a US bank or sign into some US-only service, I just toggle over to my Google Fi eSIM.
No need to swap physical SIM cards or carry a second phone.
And when I visit the US? I just turn off my Italian SIM and switch Google Fi back on. That’s it. I’m instantly reconnected, using my same number, without any hassle or need for a temporary plan.
The Plan I Use
I use the Flexible Plan, which costs me about $26/month after taxes and fees. It covers texting and calling in the US and abroad, and I can use data at $10/GB—but I don’t, because I use my Italian SIM for data. I keep Google Fi’s data paused, and so far, they haven’t shut me down for being abroad too long.
Officially, they say your data usage may be suspended if you’re outside the US for over 90 days—but this mostly applies if you’re using Fi’s data. I’ve been abroad for months at a time without a problem by just using Wi-Fi or my Italian SIM.
Downsides?
- Calls cost $0.20/min when not on Wi-Fi.
- If you do use Google Fi’s data abroad consistently, you might get cut off after 90 days.
- VPN tricks don’t work—Google knows where you are.
But for my specific use case—occasional calls, texts, and 2FA verifications—it works perfectly.
Want to Try It?
If you’re moving abroad or just need to keep your US number active, this might be the right setup for you too. Here’s that referral link again: Use this link to get $60 in credit.
And if you want to learn more about how to keep your US number while traveling or living abroad—without spending a fortune—I wrote a full guide you can check out here: https://anthonyinitaly.com/keep-us-number-move-to-italy/