How to Get a US Phone Number from Outside the US?

A US phone number helps you look local, reach customers with ease, and access services that require an American line, even when you live overseas. It further lowers your calling costs, keeps you connected with family/relatives, and protects your privacy when you need a separate number.

Plus, you can set it up from anywhere, which makes it a simple way to grow your reach and stay connected.

1. Reaching Customers with Ease: A US number makes sales and support smoother. You can make calls from anywhere, and the caller still feels they were contacted from a local office.
2. Accessing US-Only Services: Many apps and platforms in the US, including banking and payment tools, need a US number for signup or OTP codes. A US line removes this barrier.
3. Lowering Your Communication Costs: When making international calls to the US, roaming fees add up fast. A US number helps you avoid those charges and keep your budget steady.
4. Staying Close to Family: If your relatives live in the States, a US number helps them call or text you without paying international rates, and vice versa.
5. Improving Privacy and Safety: You can keep your main number private. Use a US number for online forms, listings, or one-time conversations.
6. Making Travel Easier: If you plan a short stay in the US, a local number helps with bookings and ride services. It also gives you cheaper local calling options.
7. Accessing Local Services: Most US platforms expect a local number for account recovery or customer service calls. A US number keeps these tasks smooth.
8. Strengthening Your Market Reach: If you plan to sell in the US, a local number helps you build trust and handle customer requests without delay.
9. Simple Setup from Anywhere: You do not need to be in the US to get the number. You can use VoIP providers or buy it through a carrier, based on what suits your work.

To get a US phone number from overseas, you need a stable internet connection, a valid ID, and a working payment method.

• Reliable Internet Connection: Since you buy and manage your US virtual number online, you need a steady connection to sign up and complete the setup.
• Valid Identification: Many providers ask for ID verification for security and compliance. Be ready to share a passport, driver’s license, or another approved document during sign-up.
• Valid Payment Method: You must have a payment option that the provider accepts. Most services take credit or debit cards, and some also allow PayPal or other online payment methods.

To get a US phone number from abroad, first decide on a VoIP service/virtual phone number provider. Then, create an account, subscribe to a plan, pick your US number, complete the payment, and start using it for calls, texts, and everyday communication.

• Step 1 - Decide on a provider: Choose a VoIP service provider offering US virtual phone numbers to international users. Compare features, pricing, and user feedback before you pick one.
• Step 2 - Sign up with the provider: Create your account through the website or app. Follow the basic setup steps they provide.
• Step 3 - Subscribe to a plan: Most providers offer different subscription plans. So, choose the plan that fits your budget and your calling or messaging needs.
• Step 4 - Get a US number: Browse the available area codes and select the US number you want to use. Additionally, some providers may ask for an identity proof for verification purposes.
• Step 5 - Complete the payment: Confirm your choice and finish the payment process to secure your number.
• Step 6 - Wait for activation: Most services activate your new number shortly after payment. Some may take a little longer.
• Step 7 - Start using your US number: Once activated, you can make and receive calls, send texts, and manage your communication from anywhere.

1. Calilio: Calilio is one of the best US phone number providers. It offers numbers from all 50 states, so you can choose the area code that fits your work or personal needs. Moreover, with every new subscription, you receive a free US phone number, and you can add extra numbers starting at just $2.
2. EasyRinger: Having plans starting at $10 per month, EasyRinger is another reliable provider for getting a US virtual phone number from abroad. Choose the United States from its country list and select a number from the available options. After choosing your number, enter your email to receive the details of your new setup.
3. CloudTalk: CloudTalk’s US numbers start at $6 per month, and, like others, the process to acquire one is easy. Sign up and log in to your account, start the number order, and select the US to view all the available options. Then, select the region or area code, and buy and wait for the number to activate.
4. Avoxi: Avoxi lets you get a US virtual number by selecting the United States as your country, choosing the number type you want, and picking from the available options. You can also forward calls to your preferred phone if needed. Pricing varies based on the kind of number you choose, and you can add extra features at an additional cost.
5. Ooma: Ooma lets you get a US phone number by choosing your preferred number on their site and selecting how many users will make or receive calls with it. Once you provide this information, the provider shows you the pricing based on your setup. Then, you can decide whether to create and activate your account to start using the service.

When getting a US phone number from abroad, check the pricing, the type of number you need, and the key features the provider offers. Make sure the service supports good call quality, strong security, and SMS or OTP messages if you rely on them. If you plan to send business texts, confirm that the provider follows A2P 10DLC rules.

1. Pricing: Check both the cost of the number and the monthly subscription fee. Some providers charge extra for specific area codes or numbers, so review the full pricing before you decide.
2. Type of Phone Number: Choose the type of number that fits your needs. A local number helps you look present in a specific city, a toll-free number gives you nationwide reach, and a vanity number offers a custom, easy-to-remember option for stronger branding.
3. Features You Need: Look at what each provider offers. Call forwarding, voicemail, texting, Interactive Voice Response (IVR) menus, and integrations with tools you use can shape your daily workflow. Make sure the plan you choose includes the features that matter to you.
4. Hidden Forwarding Costs: Many providers charge extra when you forward calls from your US number to your phone overseas. Check the per-minute fees so you know what you will pay each month.
5. Security: Choose a provider that protects your data with strong measures like end-to-end encryption and GDPR (General Data Protection Regulation) compliance. This keeps your calls, messages, and account details safe.
6. SMS and OTP Support: Not all virtual numbers can receive verification codes from banks or apps. If you depend on OTP messages, confirm that your provider supports them.
7. Call Quality and Reliability: Some low-cost services lack stable connections. Choose a provider known for good call quality, especially if you plan to use the number for business.
8. Customer Service: Pick a provider known for reliable support. You can check Google reviews or rating sites like Capterra and G2 to see how well they handle customer issues.
9. Business Compliance: If you plan to send business text messages, you must meet the A2P 10DLC rules. In most cases, this means registering your business and getting an EIN before you can send approved SMS traffic to the United States.
10. International Reach: If you will call or text customers in multiple countries, check whether the provider supports international calling and messaging without steep added charges.
11. Number Ownership: Some services may reclaim your number if you stay inactive for a long time. Make sure you understand the rules so you can keep your number active.

Getting a US phone number from abroad opens new possibilities, whether you want to stay close to family, access US-only services, or build a stronger presence for your business. The key is to choose your provider carefully.

Look at the price, the type of number, the features you rely on, and the rules you must follow if you plan to send business texts. These points help you pick a number that stays reliable, secure, and useful in your daily communication.

Among the providers mentioned above, Calilio makes this process simple for both personal and professional needs. Every new subscription includes a free US virtual phone number, and you can add more numbers at a low cost. Plus, we also handle A2P 10DLC compliance for you, so your messages reach customers without trouble.