Help! Covid test / 2 factor authentication overseas challenges
May 21, 2022 5:59 PM Subscribe
I need the results of a COVID test so I can fly back home to the US in eight hours. I took one yesterday, and they sent me the results, but they sent them in a "secure" email and I need my US phone number to receive a text to open it. I do not get texts on my phone while overseas! What are my options - both on the phone side and the Covid test side? Am I just out the money and need to get a new test and reschedule my flight????
Response by poster: I should note, my cell phone provider is AT+T's prepaid plan, which lets you buy a package for international roaming but that package does not include the Netherlands (where I am now)
posted by LSK at 6:10 PM on May 21, 2022
posted by LSK at 6:10 PM on May 21, 2022
Response by poster: Do you have access to an ihealth at home test, they can observe you online.
It’s fast and not costly.
I have one Abbott home test if that would work.
posted by LSK at 6:11 PM on May 21, 2022
It’s fast and not costly.
I have one Abbott home test if that would work.
posted by LSK at 6:11 PM on May 21, 2022
If you can change the number, sign up with Google Voice using a friend's number for verification and you can get text messages on that. Otherwise, maybe a round trip train ride to Germany is doable in the time remaining.
If your phone is unlocked, you could also look for the cheapest local prepaid SIM you can get, again assuming you can change the 2FA phone number somehow.
posted by wierdo at 6:42 PM on May 21, 2022
If your phone is unlocked, you could also look for the cheapest local prepaid SIM you can get, again assuming you can change the 2FA phone number somehow.
posted by wierdo at 6:42 PM on May 21, 2022
Can you get in touch with AT&T to see if there is a way to check your texts online? I think i have been able to do that with t-mobile.
posted by pazazygeek at 6:43 PM on May 21, 2022
posted by pazazygeek at 6:43 PM on May 21, 2022
Response by poster: I can't change the 2FA number, and AT+T no longer provides a service to view messages online. I might be able to call the company that did the test and have the number changed, but they don't open until a few hours before my flight! That is my plan A right now though.
posted by LSK at 6:51 PM on May 21, 2022
posted by LSK at 6:51 PM on May 21, 2022
Best answer: It looks like it's possible to take a test at Schiphol, if they have an appointment available.
posted by pinochiette at 7:04 PM on May 21, 2022
posted by pinochiette at 7:04 PM on May 21, 2022
Does nothing at all happen if you turn on roaming without buying a package?
posted by turkeyphant at 6:13 PM on May 22, 2022
posted by turkeyphant at 6:13 PM on May 22, 2022
This thread is closed to new comments.
It’s fast and not costly.
posted by St. Peepsburg at 6:10 PM on May 21, 2022