Obtaining a USA based virtual phone service while living abroad
Posted by These-Ingenuity8234@reddit | expats | View on Reddit | 56 comments
I'm in need of a phone number in the USA and I currently live abroad. Does anyone have any information on how to obtain a USA based number without having a currently existing phone number? I was looking into Google Voice but that requires an existing number in the States also.
Jealous_Hyena5465@reddit
You can get a US number abroad through services like Tello, Skype, or KrispCall (virtual phone number) without already having a US number. Google Voice is harder because it usually requires US verification first.
I’ve seen a lot of people recommend Tello since setup is simple and plans are flexible.
Right-Glove6374@reddit
This is pretty straightforward to solve. A few options depending on your use case:
If it's just for calls and SMS a virtual number provider is probably your cleanest option. What's the main use -personal or business?
These-Ingenuity8234@reddit (OP)
I use Tello and it's been good to me thus far.
Interesting_Run_5757@reddit
I've been using Tello for a while now and it's been working great for me, but I'm curious, has anyone tried using these services with online banking or other secure sites that require a US phone number for 2FA?
avanillaoatmilklatte@reddit
Tello just stopped letting people activate eSIM’s from abroad in August 2025. Learned the hard way 😭
mungarachirantan@reddit
try callhippo at $1 per month
arjundua12@reddit
Tell
Moa_reality@reddit
hi! i'm also looking for a virtual number! i'd like to know which one worked best for you? pls and thank u sm!
CodFirm2414@reddit
I'm using Dialaxy rn for US Number. I'm using it for 10 benjamins.
Sweet_Estimate_574@reddit
Check out Get Virtual Num — it gives you a US-based virtual number that works anywhere, no existing US number needed.
Gullible_Eagle4280@reddit
Tello is what you’re looking for. I signed up from Mexico and was assigned a new US number. I did subsequently port my existing number, best part is it’s really inexpensive, like $7 USD a month.
These-Ingenuity8234@reddit (OP)
That is really encouraging thank you!
Gullible_Eagle4280@reddit
Calling seems to work the same as far as I can tell. Just so you know, your minutes are used whether you’re using WiFi calling or mobile/cell calling. The cheapest plan ($11) is 100 minutes so I went up to the next up plan that has 300 minutes for $12.
ResearchBasedSales@reddit
Would any cell phone work? It says you need a Tello phone or one not under contract. I am looking for something cheap where my international reps can call into the US and be assigned a US number.
Gullible_Eagle4280@reddit
They have physical SIM cards or eSIM so any phone will work as long as it’s not tied to a carrier (unlocked). I’m in Mexico and was able to port my T-Mobile number over to my iPhone (using eSIM) while in Mexico which was great.
ResearchBasedSales@reddit
TY!
Intelligent_Pie1798@reddit
I had the same issue when I moved abroad and needed to keep a US number. Google Voice wasn’t really an option for me either. I’m not 100% sure what’s best for everyone, but what worked for me was CloudTalk. They gave me a US number without needing an existing one, and I could manage it all online. It was super easy, and it made things a lot less stressful.
Hungry_Inevitable806@reddit
Hey, when I moved abroad I ran into the same problem and didn’t have a US number to start with. I tried a couple of options, and CloudTalk was one that let me set up a US-based virtual number without needing an existing one. I’ve kept it ever since for calls and verifications, and it’s been straightforward to manage from outside the States. Might be worth looking into if you ever want an alternative to Tello.
These-Ingenuity8234@reddit (OP)
great to know. If Tello ever fails to meet my expectations I'll give this company a try. Thank you!
Garypope1963@reddit
I am in The Philippines and it is not possible to activate Tello from here sadly as per customer service .... "Please be advised that the Tello service can only be activated while in the U.S. To fully activate your eSIM on your device, you need to have access to our network. Unfortunately, we do not have coverage in the Philippines".
These-Ingenuity8234@reddit (OP)
this is true. but you can use their services over wifi. So you can get a number and place calls/receive text messages while on wifi. Using their carrier service to activate an eSIM will only work if you're in the country where that service is offered.
Phone calls and text messages worked fine for me since I just needed a constant number for my USA accounts. Then when I visit the USA I can activate an eSIM and use that number as normal.
Newsreadervn@reddit
Cost of openphone
Newsreadervn@reddit
Cost of text me app
Newsreadervn@reddit
Virtual us sim number
magnusdeus123@reddit
We use OpenPhone.
diamond_bay@reddit
How does it work? Most of the reviews I'm seeing of the company is that they overcharge a lot.
These-Ingenuity8234@reddit (OP)
I haven't heard of this and it looks pretty great! Do they provide eSIM for your number too?
magnusdeus123@reddit
No it's just a service to get a VOIP that mostly works for anything. We've been using it for a few years. The eSIM part I recommend JetPac.
move2usajobs-com@reddit
I'm currently using two virtual phone numbers from Zadarma, and honestly — they’ve been absolute lifesavers.
I use my Israeli number primarily for banking, while my American number handles everything else — from registrations to sharing contacts.
What I love most is the seamless functionality: automated voicemail, SMS support, and even Telegram alerts. All my voicemails are conveniently delivered straight to my email inbox — no hassle at all.
I'm genuinely impressed with how smooth and reliable the service has been.
P.S. You can register a number from almost any country — which makes it incredibly versatile no matter where you are.
Early-Television3926@reddit
Check out Second Phone—it provides a US-based virtual number that works internationally without needing an existing US number. Way easier than dealing with Google Voice’s restrictions.
DevineCarl896@reddit
If you're in search of a virtual phone number, I suggest trying PVADeals. Their numbers are both affordable and reliable.
Bulky-Tadpole4596@reddit
Check out WeCall. It lets you get a US-based phone number while living abroad without needing an existing US number. It’s a solid alternative to Google Voice and works well for calls, texts, and even verification codes. Definitely worth a look.
DevineCarl896@reddit
If you are looking for a US virtual or non-voip number for SMS or text verification purposes from overseas, try PVADeals numbers. They have affordable and quality numbers. I would recommend them.
barrybulsara@reddit
/u/DevineCarl896 is shilling for PVADeals. Not trustworthy. Check the post history.
Empty-Economics7791@reddit
Simply sign up to vnumber.com services and get a new American phone number - simple and easy within minutes you get a new number
Empty-Economics7791@reddit
vnumber is what you need! vnumber.com you will be paying ONLY $5.99 with them and you will be reveiving the sms to your phone and email - great service
Telecom_VoIP_Fan@reddit
The Zadarma business internet phone service does not require you to have an existing US phone number to get one of their US virtual phone numbers. They have numbers available for cities across the US for a few dollars a month, with no connection fee.
EDCDFW@reddit
Tello works great in Spain. You can activate the esim via wifi wherever you are.
curiouspeppa@reddit
Google Voice doesn't require an existing number in the States - thats only if you want to forward calls. Otherwise, you can 1) go to voice.google.com on your laptop to call or send texts or 2) install the Google Voice app on your phone and call through there
See https://support.google.com/voice/answer/165221?sjid=9018620999300763392-AP#zippy=%2Creverify-a-phone-number
These-Ingenuity8234@reddit (OP)
I attempted to sign up for Google Voice but it's region locked. Used Mullvad VPN to go around that and it still didn't work. I wouldn't be comfortable using a service that could sudden disappear because they discovered I'm in the wrong area.
Also I think you need to verify the first time via text message...not sure because I didn't get that far and this could be worked around.
curiouspeppa@reddit
Ah ok. I had set up Google voice before I moved abroad so didn't have any blocks. I remember helping my sister setup Google Voice and she used a postpaid sim to verify the number. If you don't urgently need a US number and can wait until your next US trip, it's worth getting it. I've used my Google voice number for the last 6 years living abroad, had no problems. But I'm aware of the risk that in the future the product might go away so 🤷♀️
These-Ingenuity8234@reddit (OP)
I'm thinking about doing this on my next visit. But was just seeing what options were out there. Although I do try to steer clear of most of Google's products these days.
Thank you for the info!
slainte2you@reddit
I just used TextMe during a recent trip to the USA. It allowed me to receive text messages from my airline while still being in my country of residence and text/receive calls from people in the US before I left to travel there. Also, once I arrived in the US, I placed and received several calls to/from the US number while still using a phone that had European number.
I had planned to cancel the service after returning to my country of residence but since it worked so smoothly, I think I'll keep it for any activities that require a US number. I didn't try it with a US bank, but it worked well for taxi, hotel, restaurant and airline needs, as well as connecting with people who have US numbers. It costs $9.99 per month, but it's worth it to me.
Also, there is the option to only pay for the service as you need it, but then you lose whatever number you originally chose. I also liked having the option to choose from numerous US numbers because then I could give businesses in my destination the impression that I'm a local. Another perk was that the texts/calls go to all my devices rather than just my phone, giving me multiple ways to answer. I was initially hesitant about how well it would work, but I have no complaints. The only service I tried to use it with that didn't accept the number was Uber, although Lyft worked.
These-Ingenuity8234@reddit (OP)
Alright that is great info! Looks like I'll look into TextMe to see how to compare against Tello mentioned by a different user.
slainte2you@reddit
No, it's just an app, so no eSIM provided. It will work as long as your phone has a data connection or active Wi-Fi.
These-Ingenuity8234@reddit (OP)
Thanks for the info the TextMe website didn't show if they also provided eSIM.
BaronetheAnvil@reddit
Tossable Digits
nonother@reddit
I used OpenPhone for this
i-love-freesias@reddit
Not sure but try Tello. I saw you can buy an eSIM from abroad from them.
These-Ingenuity8234@reddit (OP)
Thank you! I haven't heard of that company I'll check it out.
i-love-freesias@reddit
It’s cheap and working great for me in Thailand.
gadgetvirtuoso@reddit
Google Voice is always my first recommendation because it’s easy to use and free. Works ok mobile to make and receive calls.
Number barn isn’t free but it’s only $2/month for sms and $6/month for some minutes. Their app also isn’t bad.
Both of these option are VOIP numbers so don’t work for all banks and 2FA systems.
aeoveu@reddit
VoIP.ms is one place you can check out. Not the prettiest website, I'll say. Haven't used it personally.
callipygian0@reddit
I used Skype for this
apc961@reddit
Hushed
BAFUdaGreat@reddit
Skype maybe?