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Moving Back Home but Want to Keep Your U.S. Number? Travel to the U.S. Often and Need the Same Number? The Answer: Google Fi, a Convenient, Flexible Virtual Number

Google Fi: a convenient, flexible virtual number, the best choice for new immigrants

If you've just moved to the U.S., or you've gone back home but still want to keep U.S. phone service, choosing a flexible, money-saving phone plan matters a lot. Google Fi offers exactly that. As a virtual number service, Google Fi lets you use calls, texts and data without a traditional U.S. carrier plan, and you can even keep using it after you move back home.

1. What is Google Fi?

Google Fi is a virtual number service launched by Google. Unlike traditional carriers, Google Fi doesn't own its own cell towers or network infrastructure. It mainly relies on its partners' networks (such as T-Mobile, Sprint and US Cellular) and provides service worldwide. Google Fi users get a U.S. number and can stay reachable whether they're in the U.S. or another country.

2. Cheap, flexible plans that suit new immigrants

One of Google Fi's biggest advantages is its simple, flexible pricing. For immigrants who've just arrived in the U.S., choosing Google Fi can save a good amount of money. Its basic plan includes unlimited calls, texts and data, and it's priced more affordably than traditional carriers. Google Fi offers several plans that you choose based on how much data you use, so it suits users on any budget.

3. Good for traveling abroad and keeping your U.S. number after returning to Taiwan

Another big feature of Google Fi is its international service. For people who travel often for work or pleasure, Google Fi's international roaming is very convenient: wherever you are in the world, your U.S. number keeps working. And Google Fi doesn't charge the high roaming fees other carriers do, which makes it a great deal for anyone who needs to keep a U.S. number long term.

Even after you go back to Taiwan, you can keep using Google Fi. Just activate it with eSIM, and you can still receive calls and texts from the U.S., and even use data, without paying traditional roaming fees.

4. eSIM support and easy setup

For many people who've just arrived in the U.S. or travel back and forth often, Google Fi's eSIM support makes setup simple. You don't need to swap a physical SIM card; just activate Google Fi on a phone that supports eSIM, choose a plan and start using it. It saves time and makes frequent international travel easier.

5. How do you start using Google Fi?

Getting started with Google Fi is actually very simple. All you need is a phone that supports eSIM; then go to the Google Fi website, sign up and choose a plan. Google walks you through each step of setup so you can connect seamlessly and start enjoying low phone bills.

Google Fi's pricing is fairly simple and mainly depends on how much data you need. Here's an overview of Google Fi's current plans and prices (as of early 2025):

Google Fi plans

  1. Fi basic plan (Flexible Plan)
    • Monthly fee: $20 (includes unlimited calls and texts)
    • Data: $10 per GB
    • If you use no data, you pay only the $20 monthly fee
    • Good for light data users. If you don't use any data in a month, you pay just $20.
  2. Fi unlimited plan (Unlimited Plan)
    • Monthly fee: $60 (single line)
    • Includes unlimited calls, texts and data
    • Unlimited data, but after 22GB your speed may be “throttled.”
    • Good for heavy data users, especially if you watch a lot of video or use lots of data.
  3. Fi unlimited family plan (Unlimited Plus Plan)
    • Monthly fee: $60 per person (family plans with two or more people get a discount)
    • Includes unlimited calls, texts and data
    • Includes high-speed data, usable in the U.S. and while roaming internationally
    • This plan offers faster data speeds and suits users who need a lot of data.

Other fees and features

  • International roaming: Google Fi's international roaming is a great deal. In many countries data costs $10/GB, and calls cost $0.20 per minute.
  • eSIM: Google Fi supports eSIM and works with any smartphone that supports eSIM.
  • Wi-Fi hotspots: when you're in an area with Wi-Fi, Google Fi users can easily switch networks at no extra cost.

How to choose the right plan

  • If you use a lot of data every day (for example, lots of video calls or browsing for work), the Fi unlimited plan (Unlimited Plan) is the better fit, especially since it gives you unlimited data.
  • If you only use data occasionally, or you're a new immigrant, the Fi basic plan (Flexible Plan) may save you more, since you pay for the data you actually use.

 

Google Fi's virtual number and related features are especially good for these kinds of users:

1. New immigrants or short-term residents

  • Immigrants who've just arrived in the U.S. or people here temporarily may not want to sign a long contract with a traditional carrier, or may not know how much data they'll need at first. Google Fi's flexible plans let them pick a plan based on what they actually need.
  • If you're in the U.S. only for short-term work or study, Google Fi is especially good for you because you can cancel anytime and there's no long-term contract.

2. Frequent business travelers and international travelers

  • For professionals who travel often or work across borders, Google Fi offers convenient international roaming. You pay just $10 per GB for data, in more than 200 countries and regions, which makes international travel smoother and cheaper.
  • Google Fi lets you keep using your U.S. number wherever you are, without extra roaming fees or a local SIM card.

3. People who already have a phone and don't want to spend a lot

  • If you already have a phone but don't want to pay a high monthly bill just to keep U.S. phone service, Google Fi is a low-cost option. In particular, it supports eSIM, so you can activate the virtual number right on the phone you have.
  • This is also very useful for U.S. residents who go back to Taiwan or other countries, because they can keep their U.S. phone service without opening a new local plan or paying roaming fees.

4. People looking for a simple, low-cost plan

  • If you don't need much data and want a simple, straightforward plan, Google Fi's Flexible Plan lets you pay as you go, which is ideal for people who only use their phone now and then for calls and texts.
  • These users usually don't need to buy pricey data or roaming, and Google Fi gives them a flexible, low-cost option.

5. Young people and students

  • Many young people and students may not have a steady income and look for a more cost-effective phone plan. Google Fi's low-cost options and flexibility make it an ideal choice for them.
  • These users usually value Google Fi's simple plans and how easy it is to use across countries.

In summary, Google Fi 's virtual number and plans are a great fit for anyone who needs low costs, flexible options and moves between countries often, whether you're a new immigrant, a frequent business traveler or an everyday user who wants simple, convenient phone service.

I'm C.  I'm from Taiwan and now run a business in Los Angeles. When I first arrived, the challenges were everywhere! From the language barrier to culture shock, every small detail took me a long time to figure out. Those experiences taught me how to adapt quickly here, until I was in my element. I've put years of that experience on this site to help newcomers like me settle into life in the U.S. more easily and quickly. Whether it's moving here, finding a job or handling everyday tasks, you'll find plenty of practical shortcuts and solutions so you can skip the detours. I hope what I share helps you start your new life in America smoothly, with less effort and a lot more fun!

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