How to get a US phone number while living abroad
Getting a US phone number from abroad can be trickier than you’d expect. Traditional US carriers often ask for a Social Security number (SSN) or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) for postpaid credit checks, a US residential address, and sometimes a US-issued payment card. None of this is convenient when you live thousands of miles away and just need a phone number.
The good news? You don’t need to move to the US to get a US number. You can use an eSIM with a US phone number, sign up for a virtual number through a VoIP app, get a free or temporary number, or buy a prepaid US SIM. If you’re running a business, a cloud phone system is another option worth considering.
Get an eSIM with a US phone number
One of the easiest ways to get a US phone number from outside the US is through an eSIM with a phone number. Saily gives you a real US wireless number (+1) in the same app as your mobile data, without needing a physical US SIM card, a carrier contract, or a US address.
A Saily US number costs US$1.99/month, with call and SMS plans starting at US$0.99. Receiving texts is included, and you can keep the same number for as long as your subscription stays active. You’ll need to verify your identity, but there’s no need to visit the US.
To get a US phone number with Saily:
Open the Saily app and go to the phone number section.
Choose a US phone number and purchase your subscription.
Complete the required identity verification.
Activate your number and add a call and SMS plan if you need one.
Your number works alongside your Saily eSIM data plan, so you can manage both in one place. For more details, see how Saily phone numbers work.
Get a virtual US phone number (VoIP apps)
Another way to get a virtual US phone number is through Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) services like Google Voice, TextNow, or Talkatone. These apps let you make calls and send texts over the internet, so you don’t need a physical SIM card or a traditional mobile plan.
What can you do with a VoIP number? Make and receive calls, send texts over Wi-Fi, sign up for many social media accounts, and keep a second phone number without paying for a traditional mobile plan. However, Google Voice’s free personal service generally requires you to be in the US and have an existing US number for setup, while other free apps may restrict features abroad.
What can’t you reliably do with a VoIP number? Use it for banking, payment services like Venmo and Zelle, or SMS verification with apps that block VoIP numbers. Free providers may also recycle your number after a period of inactivity, which makes them a risky choice for important accounts.
Free and temporary US phone numbers
If you only need a US number for a quick sign-up or a few texts, a free or temporary number might sound tempting. Apps like TextNow offer free numbers, although you may have to put up with ads, limited features abroad, and the possibility of losing your number after a period of inactivity. Some free services may also collect or monetize usage data.
You can also find websites offering temporary US numbers for receiving SMS codes. The problem? These numbers are often shared, meaning other people may be able to see incoming messages, including your verification codes. Many services block public SMS numbers altogether.
If you already subscribe to Saily Ultra Premium, there’s another option because a US number is included at no extra cost, along with 50 call minutes and 50 texts per month. Unlike an ad-supported free number service, it’s a dedicated number you can keep while your subscription remains active.
Get a prepaid SIM or eSIM from a US carrier
If you need a US number for regular calls, banking, or government services, a traditional carrier might be worth considering. Major providers like T-Mobile, AT&T, and Verizon offer prepaid plans, as do smaller mobile virtual network operators (MVNOs) that use their networks.
You don’t necessarily need to buy a physical SIM card, either. T-Mobile, AT&T, and Verizon offer prepaid eSIM activation options online or through their apps. However, buying an eSIM online doesn’t automatically mean you can activate it from overseas. For example, T-Mobile and Verizon require customers to be physically in the US for certain prepaid activations.
Prepaid plans commonly cost around US$30–50/month, although cheaper options exist. You may also need a US address, ZIP code, or accepted payment method, and using your number abroad depends on the carrier’s roaming and Wi-Fi calling policies.
The main advantage is that you get a conventional US mobile number, which is generally better suited to banking, government accounts, and SMS verification than a VoIP number. However, acceptance still depends on the service you’re registering with.
For more information, check our team’s guide to prepaid SIM cards in the USA.
Use a cloud business phone system
Need a US phone number for work rather than personal use? Cloud business phone systems let you set up a US line without opening an office in the country. Providers such as RingCentral, OpenPhone, and Dialpad offer features like call forwarding, voicemail-to-email, and shared numbers for multiple team members.
They’re particularly useful for companies and freelancers working with American clients. You can give customers a local US number while answering their calls from practically anywhere.
The downside is the price and complexity. Most services charge a monthly fee per user, and their extra features can be overkill if all you need is a number for occasional texts or verification codes.
Virtual vs. real US phone numbers: What’s the difference?
Not all US phone numbers are created equal. While both virtual and real mobile numbers let you receive calls and messages, the difference becomes important when you need to verify your identity, access your bank account, or sign up for certain services.
A real US mobile number, also called a wireless number, is issued through a mobile carrier network and registered as a wireless number. Most banks, apps, and services that use two-factor authentication (2FA) accept these numbers for verification. You can also use them for regular calls and texts, including through Wi-Fi calling when supported by your provider.
A virtual US number, on the other hand, typically uses VoIP technology to handle calls and texts over the internet. These virtual phone numbers are often cheaper and easier to get, making them a popular choice for personal and business use. But there’s a catch: many banks, payment apps, and verification systems can identify them as VoIP numbers and refuse to send verification codes for security reasons.
So, where does Saily fit in? Although you get and manage your phone number through an app, just like other virtual numbers, Saily provides a real US wireless number. This makes it a better option for services that reject VoIP numbers, although acceptance for specific apps, banks, and verification systems isn’t guaranteed.
What is the best way to get a US phone number?
The best way to get a US phone number depends on how you plan to use it. Do you need a personal number to receive verification codes, a second line to contact American clients, or a local presence for your business? Some services offer a single number for everyday calls and messages, while others come with advanced features you may never need.
Check the table below to see how the main options compare:
Method | Price | Works abroad | Verification, 2FA and banking | SSN needed |
|---|
Saily eSIM + US number | US$1.99/month + call/SMS plan | Yes | Many verification services supported; banking varies | No, but ID verification required |
|---|
Saily Ultra Premium | Included in Premium subscription | Yes | Same compatibility as Saily phone numbers | No, but ID verification required |
|---|
VoIP apps | Free to low cost | Depends on provider | Often rejected by banks and some 2FA services | No, but setup restrictions may apply |
|---|
US carrier SIM/eSIM | Often US$30–50/month | Depends on roaming and Wi-Fi calling | Generally accepted, but not guaranteed | Usually required for postpaid credit checks; generally not prepaid |
|---|
Cloud business phone | Paid plans per user | Yes, with internet access | Varies; banking often unsupported | Usually no; business details may be required |
|---|
For travelers and digital nomads, an eSIM with a US number is often the ideal solution for staying in contact without paying for an expensive international plan. Long-term expats may also prefer keeping one dedicated number, while a basic VoIP app can be enough for occasional sign-ups. If your priority is a professional US presence, a cloud phone system offers additional business tools.
For banking and government accounts, a traditional carrier number is generally the safer choice. Saily also supports many verification services, but its numbers may be identified as VoIP by some platforms. Before signing up, check which apps support OTP and 2FA with a Saily phone number.
Features like dark mode may make an app nicer to use, but number compatibility, pricing, and reliability should come first. You can also compare an eSIM vs. an international plan before deciding.
Can you use a US number for verification (WhatsApp, Venmo, banks)?
Yes, but whether a US number works for verification depends on how the service classifies it. Traditional mobile numbers are generally accepted, while VoIP numbers may be rejected, particularly by banks and payment apps.
Saily reports that its phone numbers commonly work with WhatsApp, Venmo, PayPal, and Wise. However, some services may identify Saily numbers as VoIP, so successful verification isn’t guaranteed.
Summary: What to consider when getting a US phone number
Before choosing a US phone number, think about how you’ll use it, how long you’ll need it, and what you’re willing to pay. A few things worth checking:
Price: Free VoIP apps, numbers starting at around US$1/month, or traditional carrier plans costing US$30+/month.
Calls vs. texts: Do you need to make calls, receive messages, or both? Check whether extras like call recording are included.
Verification: VoIP numbers are often blocked by services that require SMS verification.
Banking: If you need a number for Venmo or your bank account, check which providers they accept.
Duration: A temporary number might work for a short trip, but long-term communication calls for something more reliable.
Privacy: A second number lets you keep your personal phone number private.
Connectivity: Check whether your provider, including options like Google Fi, supports international use and whether your phone is unlocked.
Want a US number without a traditional carrier contract or a long wait? Get a US phone number with Saily or check out Saily Ultra, which includes a US number with its Premium subscription.
