Three products that are often confused. Only two of them give you a US phone number, and only one is built for living outside the US.
A US virtual number gives you a +1 number in an app that works anywhere with internet. A US carrier SIM or eSIM line gives you a full mobile line with texting and 911, but needs roaming abroad. A travel data eSIM gives you internet only, with no phone number. Many people abroad combine a virtual number with a data eSIM.
| Feature | US virtual number (TripoSIM)This product | US carrier SIM or eSIM line | Travel data eSIM |
|---|---|---|---|
| What it is | A +1 number in an app, over the internet | A line from a US mobile carrier | Mobile data only, from a travel eSIM provider |
| Has a US phone number | Yes | Yes | No |
| Works outside the US | Yes, anywhere with internet | Only with roaming, often expensive | Internet in the countries it covers |
| Receive texts | From US and Canadian senders | Yes | No |
| Send texts | No | Yes | No |
| Calls to 911 | No | Yes | No |
| WhatsApp and app verification codes | Yes, receives the codes (OTP SMS) | Yes | No number to register |
| Needs a US address or SSN | No | Usually | No |
| Typical cost | $100 a year or $12.99 a month | Monthly carrier plan | Per data package |
| Best for | Being reachable on a US number from abroad | Living in the US full time | Internet while traveling |
Most travel eSIMs sold online are data-only. A few carriers sell eSIM voice lines, but those usually require US residency and still roam abroad. The TripoSIM US number is neither: it is an app-based number with 300 minutes a month to the US and Canada, incoming calls and US texts, and it works over Wi-Fi or mobile data, including a travel eSIM, where internet calling is allowed.
Two plans with the same number, minutes and app.
$100per year
About $8.33 a month, paid once a year
Renews yearly until you cancel
$12.99per month
Cancel the renewal anytime. $155.88 over 12 months
Renews monthly until you cancel
Prices in US dollars as published by TripoSIM. Payments are not refunded, except a full refund if your number is not delivered within 72 hours, or where local law requires. Checkout continues on TripoSIM. Right after payment you complete an ID check with a selfie, then choose from the numbers available.
No. The number works inside the TripoSIM app next to the SIM you already have. It works over Wi-Fi, a travel data eSIM or a local SIM, although some countries restrict internet calling. It is not a carrier SIM or eSIM phone line.