How to Get a US Phone Number Outside the US

You are in London, Tokyo, or Buenos Aires and need a US phone number. Maybe your bank requires one, a job application asks for it, or you want to sign up for a US-only service. Getting a +1 number from outside American borders used to mean asking a friend stateside for help. Now it takes 30 seconds and costs under a dollar.

This guide covers every method available: virtual number services, VoIP apps, eSIMs, and traditional carriers. We compare cost, reliability, and which method works for which use case.

Why You Might Need a US Number Abroad

The demand breaks down into clear categories:

• American expats — US citizens living abroad need American numbers for banking (Chase, Bank of America), government services (IRS, Social Security), health insurance portals, and 2FA on existing accounts.
• Remote workers — People working for US companies from outside the country need US numbers for Slack verification, corporate tools, and client communication.
• International students — Students applying to US universities or managing US-based scholarship portals need phone verification.
• Travelers — People visiting the US who want to set up ride-hailing, hotel, and food delivery apps before arrival.
• E-commerce sellers — Amazon US, eBay US, and Shopify stores targeting the American market require US phone verification.
• Digital marketers — Creating US-targeted social media accounts benefits from US numbers for Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook verification.

Method 1: Virtual Number Services (Fastest, Cheapest)

Virtual SMS verification services like VerifySMS provide US numbers specifically for receiving verification codes. This is the fastest and most affordable option for one-time verifications.

How it works:

1. Sign up at verifysms.app.
2. Add $1 to your balance.
3. Select USA and the service you need (Google, Instagram, etc.).
4. Get a US number instantly.
5. Use the number for verification and receive the code in your dashboard.

Pros: Cheapest option, instant, no contracts, works from anywhere.

Cons: Temporary numbers, receive-only, not suitable for ongoing 2FA.

Method 2: Google Voice

Google Voice provides a free US phone number that can send/receive texts and calls. The catch: you need an existing US number to set it up.

Workaround: Use VerifySMS to get a temporary US number, verify Google Voice with it, then use Google Voice as your permanent US number. This two-step process gives you a free, long-term US number for under $0.50 total.

This method works, but Google occasionally reclaims inactive Voice numbers. Use the number at least once every few months to keep it active.

Method 3: VoIP Apps (Skype, TextNow, Hushed)

Several VoIP apps provide US numbers with varying levels of functionality:

VoIP apps give you a full US number for calls and texts, but their SMS verification success rate varies. Platforms like Instagram and Google have learned to identify VoIP number ranges. For a deeper comparison, see our articles on VerifySMS vs Hushed and VerifySMS vs Burner.

Method 4: US eSIM

eSIM providers like Airalo, Holafly, and T-Mobile eSIM offer US numbers attached to data plans. This gives you a "real" US number on your phone.

Important note: Many travel eSIMs provide data only — no phone number or SMS capability. Make sure the eSIM plan explicitly includes a US phone number with SMS if that is what you need.

Method 5: US Prepaid SIM (International Shipping)

Some US carriers ship prepaid SIM cards internationally or let you activate online. T-Mobile, Mint Mobile, and Visible offer plans that can be set up before you arrive in the US.

Pros: Real carrier number, highest verification success rate, works with banking and strict platforms.

Cons: Costs $15–30/month, requires compatible phone, may need a US shipping address for the physical SIM.

Which Method Should You Choose?

Tips for Success

• Start with the cheapest option — Try a virtual number first. If the platform accepts it, you save money. If not, escalate to VoIP or eSIM.
• Set up 2FA properly — After verifying with a virtual number, switch to app-based 2FA (Authy, Google Authenticator) so you do not depend on the number long-term.
• Keep Google Voice active — If you get a Google Voice number, send at least one text per month to prevent it from being reclaimed.
• Watch for VPN conflicts — Some platforms flag accounts created with a US number but from a non-US IP address. This is usually not a blocking issue but can trigger additional verification.

For a complete guide on virtual numbers beyond just the US, see our main how to get a virtual phone number guide. And check the US country page for platform-specific details.

Related Articles

• Virtual Phone Numbers in the USA
• How to Get a Virtual Phone Number
• VerifySMS vs Hushed
• Is Using Virtual Numbers Legal?