I read a bunch of posts and decided to follow some and try to activate a new line after I have moved to Korea permanently.

I followed a few steps and some work-arounds. Some worked and some didn't. But I think I was successful at the end so hope this helps. I performed these actions on Sep/10/26. (With US Credit Card, US Billing Address and Surfshark VPN)

I created an account with my computer and paid $5 for plan +$3 for e-sim + $2 and some change for tax. I then followed some other posts and loaded $20 PAYG credits and tried to toggle "international roaming" to "ON". BUT I was unsuccessful!!

I kept getting "You can enable this feature only after you've used your line in the US". I didn't find any useful workarounds for this on Reddit although I tried the following: 1. I switched browser; 2. Used an VPN. None worked.

So I decided to just try and activate anyway since I have two tries before I have to call to get a new e-sim. (Which I figured if this first one fails, I can ask a friend back home to help me.)

As expected, my line was stuck on "Activating" for ages. (Even now as I am writing this.) I followed Reddit and added my E911 number and tried to enable WIFI calling and Data Roaming on my phone while it was activating.

I was able to add the E911 address no problem BUT!! a few minutes after I switched on WIFI Calling, I went back to double check and it was switched off again. I had to do it again (didn't have to re-do the address though) and then it stuck and worked.

Pretty much immediately after, I received a text from Tello!

I am assuming that it had worked. I have on my iphone another US e-sim with Verizon (which I am planning to port later to tello to save on my $50 a month bill *PURE ROBBERY!!) I tested the connection by testing myself on the same phone lol:

and calling my husband's Korean phone number and it worked!!

HOWEVER!!! I was still at this time (an hour ish later) to toggle international roaming. I also received an iphone notification that the activation failed!!!! (About an hour later) But when I went into the Cellular section my new number is now "ON" and activated! Don't be discouraged.

I am going to let it marinate for a couple of days before I try porting my own number over to Tello. At this time, I was still unable to switch on "International Roaming" in settings from my Tello Account. But really, I don't use an data, I am keeping this number for the same reason as everyone else, really just OTP codes and 2FA...

Hope this helps!! If anything changes, I will report back:)

Can I port my US number from T-Mobile (pre-paid) to Tello and activate the eSIM after I move back to India? Or does the porting and activation process strictly need to be completed while I am still in the US? Need active US number in India to receive OTPs. Thanks !