Why Every PCV Should Set-Up a Google Voice Account

During Peace Corps service, one of the biggest challenges for volunteers can be staying connected with friends, family, and colleagues back home. For those who need to maintain regular contact with businesses in the United States, Google Voice offers a convenient solution.

For many volunteers, this may be a new challenge, especially if they haven’t spent extended time outside the U.S. Additionally, keeping an existing phone plan while on a Peace Corps stipend can be expensive. Google Voice bridges that gap, allowing you to make and receive calls, send texts, and manage voicemail through a single U.S.-based phone number, helping you stay connected without breaking the bank.

What is Google Voice?

Google Voice is an online service from Google that can be used for calls, text messages, and voicemail. You can obtain a new phone number from Google or through a very quick process, transfer your existing US phone number from your old telephone carrier. The service directs calls, texts, and voicemails through the Internet, allowing you to make and receive free calls and texts to any U.S. number.

It can be especially useful for Peace Corps volunteers, as it is a free service and can help you maintain a U.S. phone number while abroad, allowing your friends, family, and contacts to reach you as if you were still stateside.

Why Should Peace Corps Volunteers Use Google Voice?

Low-Cost: You can make or receive calls and texts to U.S. numbers for free.
Consistency: With a one-time fee of $20, you can apply to keep your old US phone number, and your contacts can reach you without interruption.
Voicemail transcription: Google Voice offers voicemail transcription so you don’t miss important communications.
Texting: If your bank, financial institution, or website requires a phone number to receive a code, Google Voice will allow you to receive a text from anywhere with the Internet whereas a regular number may not have service abroad.
Accessibility: The Google Voice application is easy to use whether at a laptop in a café or using a phone in the field.

When could I use Google Voice?

Check-ins with Family or Emergencies: Easily make calls to family and friends members back at home – including landline numbers. And they can make calls easily to you using your US number.
Banking and Financial Management: Handle issues with U.S.-based bank accounts, credit cards, or other financial services that might require phone or text verification.
Student Loan Management: Communicate with loan services to arrange deferment, make payments, or resolve issues related to student loans.
Job or Graduate School Applications: Conduct interviews or follow-ups with prospective employers or academic institutions as you prepare for your life after Peace Corps service.
Tax Inquiries: Contact financial advisors or the IRS for questions related to filing U.S. taxes while living abroad.
Consulting with U.S. Healthcare Providers: Discuss medical conditions or get second opinions from healthcare providers back home.

How to Set Up Google Voice

Setting up Google Voice is straightforward, and here’s how you can do it.

Access Google Voice
• Go to voice.google.com.
• If you’re not already signed in, log in with your Google account credentials.
• If you don’t have a Google account, it takes only minutes to create one.
Choose Your Google Voice Number
• Once signed in, you’ll be prompted to choose a Google Voice number. Here you can create a new number, or by clicking skip this, you can begin to transfer your existing US number
• Here, you can obtain a new number by entering a U.S. area code or city name to search for available numbers.
• Select a number from the list provided. This number will be your U.S.-based contact number.
Port (Transfer) Your Existing Phone Number
• At the top right, click Settings
• Go to the “Account” section.
• Under “Port a number to Google Voice,” click Port a number. • Click Get Started.
• Enter the phone number you want to port. • You’ll get a text message with a 6-digit code.
• If your number can be ported, you’ll be prompted to enter your original carrier account information. This information will be available on your carrier’s website or on your phone bill.
• Review the porting request. To proceed with payment through Google Pay, click Next.
• If all steps are successful, Google will email you a detailed receipt.
Phone numbers can take up to 48 hours to port, but are usually completed in less than a day, so you can wait until the week of your departure to begin this process to avoid missing any important calls!
Download the Google Voice App
• Download the Google Voice app. Sign in with your Google account, and you’ll have access to your Google Voice number on your phone.
Start Making and Receiving Calls
• You can now start making and receiving calls and texts, and managing voicemail!
• Remember to set up your voicemail.

Final Tips Before Your Departure

Test Before You Leave: Make sure everything works smoothly before you head out of the country. Test calling, texting, and voicemail functions to ensure they meet your needs.
Wi-Fi/Internet Dependency: Since Google Voice relies on the Internet. All posts provide a stipend for telecommunication, so staying connected to Wi-FI and ensuring you have an active data plan in your country will provide uninterrupted service.
Backup Plans: Google Voice can connect your US number to other applications, allowing you to keep your US number for One Time Codes, or WhatsApp.

Google Voice is a Great Tool for PCVs

Google Voice is a great tool for Peace Corps Volunteers who want to stay in touch with family, friends, and important services back home. It’s free to use for calls and texts to U.S. numbers, and it helps you keep your U.S. phone number while living in another country. Setting it up is easy, and it makes sure you can handle important things like talking to banks or applying for jobs without worrying about expensive phone bills. By using Google Voice, you can keep your connections strong during your Peace Corps service, no matter where you are.