two factor authentication problem while in Europe

Well, it doesn’t help you now but you could turn off two-factor authentication before your trip, and then reinstate it once you get back.

It was for this very reason we switched to T-Mobile so when we travel we have our numbers and services intact. We buy an add-on to give us virtually unlimited data when traveling and it includes texting. Very happy with the service and have had for at least 3 overseas trips now.

Wow, Gene, you need to change cell providers. I've never heard of a "triggering" like that, at least not in the past 10 years. And I've used four different US cellular services in that timeframe.

You must have Verizon, been there got the T shirt :) Same as Laurel we switched to T mobile, from personal experience I will never travel without access to my primary number.

You could turn off two-factor authentication before your trip, and then reinstate it once you get back.

Sorry, Mardee but that makes me cringe. I think two factor authentication is far more important when traveling than at home.

Syd, I agree. Just suggested that as an option. And like the others, stuff like that was one of the reasons I made the switch to T-Mobile, with its free international plan. So much easier!

Hi Laurel
Can you share w/me the "add on" that T Mobile has to allow unlimited text & data? we are going to Italy for 5 weeks and use data for real time maps. We may need to download City maps to conserve data.

I think we had an add on last year but don't remember what it was

Thank you

$10 not that much to pay for the peace of mind of immediately checking your account!
Can you add your email as an alternative 2FA method?

The suggestion to turn off two factor is not realistic because more and more places are basically forcing it. So you won’t be able to turn it off.

Mark (and all) here is the T-Mobile info. We get the 30 day plan. 15 GB, while not “unlimited” is plenty for map using as well as streaming. https://www.t-mobile.com/cell-phone-plans/international-roaming-plans/unlimited-calling-data-pass

You can specify the start date when you set it up.

I've never heard of a carrier charging customers to receive texts. All the carriers I've ever been charged only to make/receive calls, send texts or use data, never to receive a text.

Increasingly text messaging for 2FA is considered a dated technology (too insecure) - many banks now use in-app 2FA (ie they will trigger an alert in your banking app that you need to click on to authorise a transaction).

I wouldn't advise switching off 2FA - the risk of fraud is too great. The other thing to bear in mind on roaming is that if banks detect a suspicious transaction they will normally block your card and call or text you. If you have roaming switched off, they can't contact you.

WhatsApp requires a different API/interface for banks to generate a text message, so it may be that your bank doesn't support it for that reason.

I only wish all my banking would send the 2fa through the app! They do for confirming a questionable purchase sometimes. But with my MC, I often need to enter a code to continue the online purchase (never in person), so we never even get to the “questionable - approve through the app” stage. I have called and they will not send it via email.

And again, with AT&T and Verizon in the U.S., you either turn your cell plan on and pay by the day or you turn it off and not receive the SMS (which requires data). There isn’t an in between.

Verizon in the U.S., you either turn your cell plan on and pay by the day or you turn it off and not receive the SMS (which requires data). There isn’t an in between.

That is not entirely true, at least for Verizon. They offer a monthly international plan for $100. Yes, it is expensive but for a long trip it is better than $10/day