TEXT Forwarding

I'm not a techie and don't have this problem myself, but: Is having the security messages sent to you via email rather than text an option?

If you don't find another solution, how about setting up an online account with an online institution like CapitalOne that doesn't have such onerous restrictions.

Get a second bank account just for ATM withdrawal and don't use text confirmation. (I am sure you can - I've never used it myself.) E.g. get one from Schwab which doesn't charge any fees and rebates any ATM fees you are charged.

Thanks for your replies. Unfortunately, the bank with the onerous restrictions IS Capital One. They are very much a US Bank... The reason I am using them is that they have NO fees here or overseas, and charge the best exchange rates when withdrawing in local currency.

PS: I can use the CapOne App to confirm. BUT - there are so many others (Google, for example!) who want to send codes via SMS, I will inevitably run into a problem without being able to forward my texts.

I'm trying to understand the scenario. And assuming you do forward a text from a provider that wants to verify it's you, when you respond from the Italian SIM, are they going to "think that's you?"

I wouldn't want them to.

ETA: maybe you also enter the code these providers send via text into their app?

You can partially test the scenario at home. Forward your texts to a friend's phone. Remove your SIM. Have a text sent to it.... from your same friend or a different one. See if it gets forwarded when your US SIM is removed.

karinsexcursions, I choose to use a cheap prepaid phone service in the US that has no international roaming option. When I got to Europe, I use my Dutch Vodafone SIM for data.

I use my Google Voice number at home in the US as my primary number for calling/texting. When I go to Europe, it works the same way.

Yes, occasionally I find some service that won't accept a Google number for verification. But most services let me use it - or let me verify via email. I don't have any text confirmations for ATM withdrawals, so I don't have to worry about that. I am aware of which companies I use complain about a Google number and which don't.

For people for whom a US number is required for certain things but a Google number won't work - I guess I've made sure it does work for me for everything I need to do in Europe - but if doesn't for you, you may wish to switch to a US phone service with international roaming options. (E.g. Google Fi.) Or, adjust your current services to make sure all of them will work with a Google number or email as I do.

One of the reasons I switched to T-Mobile was the ability to use my US phone number internationally. Free data and text. (The data used to be slow but I now get 5G in many areas. )

It's also why I switched to Google Fi, which has now worked for me in Bulgaria, Poland, Lithuania, Latvia and Estonia. Data and texts exactly like at home.

Google Fi has been fine for me in six countries plus northeastern Italy. The data-access issues gave me fits in Rome this last winter. I don't know what that was about.

I haven't made a direct, same-city comparison, but I have the vague feeling that my internet access was better with T-Monile. That's based almost exclusively on my experience with Google's MyMaps, which requires a data connection unless you're wandering around in a very limited area and not checking anything (like restaurant ratings) online. It seems as if I am having to reload my map way too often. There is no way to use MyMaps offline, unlike regular Google Maps.

I think it would be easier to set up a separate bank account if that's the only significant issue with the current phone service.

What Frank II said: T-Mobile is the way to go. We switched two years ago specifically because of banking issues and 2-factor authorization when traveling. Works like a charm, no issues with missed calls, either. So easy for friends and family to reach us, too.

Is there any chance your phone is “dual SIM”? Most iPhones are—starting from at least 5 years ago.

I run two SIMs when I travel, with data roaming off for the US number it’ll still receive texts without triggering international roaming.

Very strange. I bank at CapitalOne and have never been asked for an email or text confirmation when in any European country. Last visit was Italy in November 2002. I didn’t notice any additional security features on their website that might be optional in which texts are sent to approve ATM withdrawal with a debit card. Easiest thing to do is call their toll free number 1-800-655-BANK (2265). Their customer assistance is very helpful.

EDIT: Just another thought. I use Magic Jack for voip. I have the app on my cell phone and it will receive calls from US while I’m in Europe. I remember being harassed by a bill collector while having dinner at an Agriturismo in Sardinia. Took 15 minutes to explain that I wasn’t the person for whom he was trying to reach. If you go the MJ route, you can forward your regular phone number and it will receive both calls and texts.

Lots of helpful suggestions, thank you.
Be assured I did talk to CapOne and they are aware of the difficulties with two step verification when traveling abroad (they suggested text forwarding.) Ironically, I have T-Mobile, but through Consumer Cellular, and I've never had any luck getting data while outside the country, not even when barely across the border in British Columbia...
We found an old cell phone that still works. I think I will put the Italian SIM in my phone and the CC/T-Mobile SIM in the old phone so messages forward for sure.

Thankfully my bank here in Canada, has gone to PUSH notifications, which uses the Data side and not the cellular side.