How to Get a Virtual Phone Number for Travel? Top Providers

Travelers use a virtual phone number to stay connected globally without high roaming fees. It offers flexibility across devices, secure OTP access, and a reliable line for personal or business use.

• Keep Your Primary Number Private: If you need to share a number with hotels, taxis, or new contacts, you can use your virtual number without exposing your private number.
• Lower Roaming Costs: Instead of paying high roaming fees, you can use data or Wi-Fi for calls and texts through your virtual number.
• Create Local Presence: If you’re in another country, a virtual number with a regional area code lets people call or text you without paying international charges.
• Flexibility across devices: You can use the same virtual number on multiple devices, phone, tablet, or laptop, as long as you have internet access.
• Secure OTPs and Verifications: If you’re logging into apps or banking services while traveling, a virtual number allows you to receive SMS codes from anywhere.
• Maintain a Professional Image: Business travelers can keep a dedicated line for client calls. Using a stable virtual number shows reliability, even if you are moving between countries.

To get a virtual phone number for travel, choose a provider, create an account, select a plan, and choose and purchase a number. Then, complete verification and install the VoIP app for calls.

Start by deciding what you need the number for, like calls, texts, OTPs, or app logins like WhatsApp and Telegram. Also, note the countries you’ll visit and how long you’ll need the number.

Select one provider that clearly supports a virtual phone number for travel and has reliable customer support. Compare them based on coverage, pricing, and features such as call forwarding, voicemail, or caller ID.

After choosing a reliable provider, create an account by entering your email, setting a secure password, and adding basic details like name and location. You’ll also need to accept the provider’s terms and policies.

Pick a local, mobile, or toll-free number in your destination. If you rely on SMS for banking or app verifications, make sure your selected number type supports it.

Some countries require identity checks before activating a number. You may need to upload an ID or address proof. This step makes your virtual number for travel compliant and ready to use.

Select a suitable plan, monthly or pay-as-you-go, and complete the payment. Enable auto-renewal or keep track of renewal dates to avoid losing service while abroad.

Download the provider’s app on your phone and log in with your account. Then, set up features like caller ID, voicemail greeting, and call forwarding rules.

Update your travel apps, bank accounts, and messaging platforms with the new number. Keep an eye on your call balance or plan usage and top up when needed.

Calilio, Google Voice, OpenPhone, Grasshopper, Numero eSIM, TextNow, Dialpad, RingCentral, Sonetel, and AVOXI are popular providers of virtual phone numbers for travel.

Calilio is one of the best choices for travelers and digital nomads who want a reliable virtual phone number. Travelers can choose virtual numbers from 100+ countries and use them across devices without worrying about roaming charges or losing access to OTPs. Whether you’re moving between continents or working remotely, Calilio keeps your communication seamless.

Calilio's strength lies in the blend of affordability and advanced features. Beyond call forwarding and voicemail, Calilio provides AI-generated call reports that summarize conversations, detect sentiment, and highlight follow-ups. These tools help digital nomads stay organized while traveling.

Features:

• Global Calling and Virtual Numbers
• AI Call Summary, Transcription, and Sentiment Analysis
• VoIP Calling and SMS
• VoIP Call Recording and Monitoring

Pricing:

Google Voice is a VoIP service provider that gives you a free US-based virtual phone number for travelers. It integrates directly with your Google account, so you can manage everything from Gmail, Google Calendar, or its dedicated mobile app. For travelers who mainly need to stay connected with people in the United States, Google Voice is a convenient and cost-effective option.

A key benefit of Google Voice is its voicemail transcription feature, which turns voicemails into readable text inside your inbox. While it doesn’t offer the global reach of other providers, it stands out for being free, easy to set up, and highly useful for US-based communication while abroad.

Features:

• Free U.S. or Canadian Number
• Voicemail Transcription
• Integration with Google Workspace
• Advanced Spam Filtering

Pricing:

OpenPhone offers a reliable virtual phone number, especially for business travelers and digital nomads. The solution integrates directly with tools like Slack, HubSpot, and email, making it easy to keep all your communication in one place. For travelers who work on the move, this means you can manage calls, texts, and customer details without switching between multiple apps.

The platform also includes features made for teams, such as shared phone numbers, so multiple users can handle calls and messages from one line. It is a strong option for remote professionals who need both mobility and business-level features.

Features:

• Shared Phone Numbers
• Auto-replies and Voicemail Transcription
• Integration with HubSpot, Zapier, and Email
• Business Hours

Pricing:

Grasshopper is a virtual phone system built for entrepreneurs and small businesses that want to project a professional image while traveling. It offers multiple extensions on a single number, allowing you to manage business and personal calls separately. This setup makes it feel like a full business phone system, even if you’re just one person running things abroad.

One of Grasshopper’s standout features is its custom greetings and call forwarding, which allow you to create a mini phone system for your business, even as a solo traveler. It also includes voicemail transcription, call forwarding, and the ability to send business texts from your virtual number.

Features:

• Dedicated Local, Toll-free, or Vanity Numbers
• Call Handling with Multiple Extensions
• Custom Greetings and Call Routing
• Instant Response with Text Back

Pricing:

For frequent travelers, Numero eSIM provides virtual phone numbers with eSIM data plans in a single app. Instead of juggling local SIM cards, you can activate mobile data through an eSIM while also using a virtual number for calls and texts. This makes it especially valuable for travelers who need internet and calls the moment they land in a new country.

Beyond convenience, Numero gives you local numbers in multiple countries along with stable connectivity, which makes it easier to manage calls and SMS wherever you go. It also works smoothly with apps like WhatsApp and Telegram, keeping your accounts active abroad.

Features:

• Virtual Phone Number with Global eSIM Data Plans
• Free U.S. Number
• Alternate Phone Number for Privacy and Verification
• Manage Multiple Phone Numbers

Pricing:

TextNow is a cost-effective virtual phone number provider for travelers who need a simple way to stay connected with unlimited talk and text. It provides a free U.S. or Canadian number that works over Wi-Fi, giving you a consistent line for calls and messages without paying monthly fees.

In addition to its free Wi-Fi-based service, TextNow offers an optional SIM card that connects you to a nationwide 5G network. This upgrade lets you enjoy unlimited talk and text along with free data for selected apps, ensuring you can stay connected even without Wi-Fi.

Features:

• Free U.S. or Canadian Number
• Unlimited Talk and Text
• Optional, Affordable SIM Card
• Scheduled Messages (iOS) and Voice Notes

Pricing:

Dialpad is an AI-powered communication platform built for digital nomads and professionals who need more than a basic phone line while traveling. It brings calls, messages, and video meetings together in one system, and its mobile and desktop apps let you stay connected and productive from anywhere.

Digital nomads benefit most from Dialpad’s Voice Intelligence (Vi™), a feature that captures conversations instantly and organizes them into clear summaries. This helps you keep track of conversations, follow up on tasks, and stay organized while working on the move.

Features:

• AI-powered Voice Intelligence (Vi™)
• Unified Communications
• Global Access
• Multi-channel Communication

Pricing:

RingCentral provides a virtual phone number for travel with reliable global communication. Its Global RingEX plan provides local PSTN support in 45 countries and virtual numbers in over 99, giving travelers and digital nomads a consistent presence no matter where they are.

Its strength lies in offering enterprise-grade reliability with features like multi-level IVR, advanced call analytics, and integrations with Microsoft Teams and Salesforce. Designed for professionals who need more than just basic calling, RingCentral ensures seamless communication across borders.

Features:

• Global Platform (RingEX™)
• Team Messaging, Video, and File Sharing
• Real-time Call Analytics and Call Logs
• Call Flip

Pricing:

Sonetel is a versatile provider of virtual phone numbers that caters to both travelers and digital nomads. Its standout benefit is the “free forever” plan for incoming calls, allowing travelers and freelancers to create a local presence abroad at no cost.

With coverage in 80+ countries and flexible pricing, Sonetel combines affordability with scale. Features like call forwarding, voicemail, and optional AI call summaries make it a smart, budget-friendly choice for anyone seeking a virtual phone number for travel.

Features:

• Business Phone Numbers in 50+ Countries
• Local Rate Call Forwarding
• Custom Caller ID
• VoIP Call Recording

Pricing:

AVOXI offers a virtual phone number for business travelers needing global reach. With coverage in 150+ countries, it delivers high-quality voice service and reliable connections, making it one of the most trusted platforms for international travelers.

Beyond global reach, AVOXI stands out for its advanced call management and analytics. It offers intelligent call routing that directs calls to the right person or department anywhere in the world.

Features:

• Cloud Voice Network and Carrier Connectivity
• No Setup Fees and Contracts
• Call Forwarding and Routing Flexibility
• Custom Caller ID and Click-to-Call

Pricing:

This list of the 10 best providers of a virtual phone number for travel was selected based on global coverage, ease of use, pricing, features, and scalability for travelers. We reviewed each provider’s official website and product pages to verify their features, coverage, and pricing.

When selecting a virtual number for travel, check whether the provider offers numbers where you’re going, supports OTPs via SMS, and fits your budget. Also, make sure the service works across devices, delivers clear calls, and includes strong customer support.

• Global Coverage: Check if the provider offers numbers in the countries you plan to visit.
• Call & SMS Support: Make sure the number supports both calling and text messaging, especially if you need OTPs.
• Pricing & Plans: Compare subscription fees, pay-as-you-go rates, and renewal charges to avoid hidden costs during travel.
• Ease of Setup: Look for providers that activate your virtual phone number for travel instantly with minimal technical help.
• App and Device Compatibility: Ensure the number works across iOS, Android, and desktop so you can stay connected on any device.
• Call Quality and Reliability: Look for providers known for clear audio and stable connections over Wi-Fi or mobile data.
• Extra Features: Prioritize essentials like call forwarding, voicemail, caller ID, and multi-device access for smooth usage abroad.
• Customer Support: Ensure the provider offers 24/7 customer support.

To use a virtual phone number for travel effectively, connect to strong Wi-Fi or data, keep the app active, and save local emergency contacts. It’s also important to track your usage and secure the account with two-factor authentication.

1. Use Reliable Internet Connections: Connect to strong Wi-Fi or a local data plan to keep calls and messages clear.
2. Keep the App Active: Allow the app to send and receive notifications, so OTPs and messages arrive instantly.
3. Save Emergency Contacts: Save local emergency numbers alongside your virtual number for safety.
4. Monitor Your Usage: Track call minutes, texts, and balance to avoid sudden interruptions.
   Secure Your Account: Enable two-factor authentication and use strong passwords to protect your number from unauthorized use.

A virtual phone number for travel is the easiest way to cut roaming costs, stay connected, and protect your privacy on the go. For business travelers and digital nomads, it ensures you never miss a call, OTP, or client update, no matter the country. By choosing the right provider, you gain flexibility, security, and global reach at an affordable price.

Among all the providers, Calilio stands out as a smart choice. With coverage in 100+ countries, affordable pricing starting at just $12/month, and advanced features like call forwarding, voicemail, and custom caller ID, it’s designed to keep travelers reachable and in control. Whether you want to manage OTPs securely, take client calls professionally, or keep costs low, Calilio offers everything in one platform.

Get a virtual phone number from Calilio in minutes, and travel with confidence.