Receive US number calls in Europe [closed]

I looked at other posts but don't think this is covered anywhere yet - apologies if I missed it.

My question relates to my elderly father moving from the US to Europe (The Netherlands), probably traveling back maybe once a year or so. He clearly needs a phone in The Netherlands, but would also like to remain reachable on his US number (he has a pre-paid plan there now).

After reviewing the options with US carriers (either expensive plans or international sim cards that expire after 30-60 days of not using them in the US), I'm now leaning to porting his US number to Google Voice, and use the hangout app on his smartphone (iPhone 6) when he gets calls or needs to call US numbers, and use wifi where possible, but if necessary he'd have the data plan on his Dutch phone. This way he'd spend $20 on porting his phone number to GV and nothing else.

My question is: does anyone have experience with using GV with Hangouts as your main/only phone provider in Europe, or even specifically the Netherlands? Any experience with the voicemail function? Does the provider of the local cell plan care that someone would have Hangouts for an international number installed (Google mentions potential fees)? I know GV is intended for US use only, but through Hangouts I would think this would work (and he'd even have both on a single phone, which is a bonus). I'm new to GV so it would be great to hear from anyone who has used it, potentially even in this way! I'd hate to be missing something stupid/obvious.

Many thanks!

Pictures about "Receive US number calls in Europe [closed]"

Receive US number calls in Europe [closed] - Close-Up of One US Dollar

Receive US number calls in Europe [closed] - From above closeup of American dollar banknote with signature and printed words above paper money

Receive US number calls in Europe [closed] - From above closeup of national symbol of USA paper money representing official seal with eagle with olive oil and arrow sitting on shield

Can I receive calls outside the US?

If someone calls you overseas and you have roaming active, they will be able to reach you as normal and you may be charged to receive the call. If you are overseas without roaming active, the call may go to voicemail or the person will otherwise be told you are unreachable.

Why does my phone not accept international calls?

Tap "Settings". Tap "Call". Tap "International Call Settings". Check whether or not the Outgoing international call lock feature has been enabled [This restricts International Call Sending] or if Incoming internal call lock has been enabled [This restrict International Call Reception].

Why don t US cell phones work in Europe?

Virtually all modern smartphones (iPhone 7 and newer) are compatible with Europe's mobile infrastructure and every major US carrier has international data plans \u2014 so your smartphone should automatically work once you arrive in Europe because the major US carriers have partnerships with local European carriers.

Do US phone numbers work internationally?

It doesn't matter where in the world you are \u2013 all you need is an Internet connection (wifi or a local data plan). If you'll be getting a local SIM card with a new, local number in the country you're moving to, you can use your old number on top of a new SIM card.

How to Create Real USA, UK, Canada Phone Numbers in 5 Minutes // Send \u0026 Receive Call/SMS

Sources: Stack Exchange - This article follows the attribution requirements of Stack Exchange and is licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0.

Images: Pixabay, Dids, Karolina Grabowska, Karolina Grabowska