International Number Porting: How to Keep Your Phone Number When Switching Carriers
When you switch VoIP providers or move your business overseas, international number porting, the process of transferring a phone number from one provider to another across borders. Also known as DID porting, it lets you keep your existing number—whether it’s a US number for global clients or a UK number for local customers—without losing brand recognition or customer trust. This isn’t just about convenience. Losing your number means retraining customers, updating websites, and potentially losing calls during the transition. Many businesses think porting is simple, but international transfers involve more than just a form. They require coordination between carriers, correct documentation, and sometimes legal compliance in multiple countries.
International number porting isn’t the same as domestic porting. While moving a number within the U.S. might take a few days, crossing borders adds layers: different regulatory bodies, incompatible numbering plans, and carrier policies that vary by region. For example, porting a German number to a U.S.-based VoIP provider isn’t just a technical task—it involves checking if the number is eligible for export, verifying ownership with the original carrier, and ensuring the new provider supports the number’s format. That’s why many attempts fail. Common mistakes include submitting outdated authorization codes, using the wrong format for the number, or not providing the required letter of authorization (LOA) in the right language. Even small errors like a typo in the account number can delay the process for weeks.
Successful porting relies on three things: accurate data, clear communication with both old and new providers, and patience. You’ll need the current provider’s account details, the exact number format used in their system, and proof that you own the number. Some providers offer automated tools to check eligibility before you start. Others require manual submission and follow-up. If you’re moving your business and keeping your number, DID porting, the transfer of Direct Inward Dialing numbers used in VoIP systems is your best path. It’s the standard way businesses maintain consistent contact points across locations. And if you’re holding onto numbers you’re not actively using, number parking, the practice of keeping a number active without active service can help you avoid losing it during the transition.
What you’ll find below are real-world guides on how to make this work. From step-by-step checklists for T-Mobile and AT&T international transfers, to how to fix failed port attempts, to how to avoid hidden fees and paperwork traps—you’ll see exactly what works. No theory. No fluff. Just what happens when people actually try to move their numbers across borders—and how to make sure you’re not one of them.
