This is just not true. I'm from the US, living abroad. I registered for my google Apps account and GV number while in the US (before I moved). I can log into

This is just not true. I'm from the US, living abroad. I registered for my google Apps account and GV number while in the US (before I moved). I can log into GV just fine while abroad (no VPN). My wife also has a google account (non-apps), with a GV number that works just fine while abroad. Since I don't have a 'real' US phone number, my GV account is a software phone only, ringing in Gmail (computer) or Talkatone (iphone). I have also rigged up a Twilio # which forwards to my non-US cell phone so that I can use GV when my 3G connection is not so great. This is the only stupid part of using GV when you are abroad, I'd happily give my money directly to google but instead I have to give it to Twilio for a hacked solution.