Before you move to the US, you will be talking to landlords, recruiters, universities and service companies. A US number makes all of that easier. But once you arrive, you will probably want a normal mobile line too, for banking, emergencies and texting. Think of a virtual number as the bridge, not the whole plan.

Who will need to reach you?

Make a list: employer, school office, landlord, moving company, host family, relocation contact. For each one, ask: do they just need to call me, or will they expect me to text back?

The TripoSIM US Virtual Number handles calls in and out with the US and Canada (300 outgoing minutes a month) and receives texts from US and Canadian senders. It does not send texts. If someone will only text you, tell them early that email or a call is better.

The expats page has more on how people use a US number while their move is in progress.

How do you set it up while you are still abroad?

You need a smartphone, an internet connection and an ID document. No US address or SSN.

  1. Choose the monthly or yearly plan. Monthly is cheaper if you only need it for 7 months or fewer.
  2. Pass the ID check, about 2 minutes with a photo ID and a selfie.
  3. Pick an area code. Many people choose one in the city they are moving to; our US area codes guide helps.
  4. Set up the app. On iPhone, add the TripoSIM web app to your Home Screen. On Android, install the TripoSIM app.
  5. Test an incoming and an outgoing call.

Keep your current phone line for any verification that needs a carrier number.

What is your arrival-day plan?

Sort out data before you depend on the app. Airport Wi-Fi is unreliable, and the app needs internet to ring. If you buy a travel data eSIM, check it covers the right dates and places.

Once you are settled, decide whether you also want a US mobile plan with texting, emergency calls and the number type US banks expect. Most people living in the US end up with one.

What do you tell landlords or employers?

Give them the US number as your callback number. You do not need to explain how it works, and it does not prove you already live in the US.

If a form asks for a mobile number, the US number works for calls, and it receives verification codes from apps, including WhatsApp. Keep an email address on file too, so people can reach you when you are offline.

When should you switch to a carrier line?

Consider a US carrier SIM or eSIM once you need local emergency calling or two-way texting with your landlord.

Before you change numbers, update your contacts and the accounts that use the old one. Moving the TripoSIM number to another provider is not something the plan promises, so plan on running both for a while, or on retiring the virtual number cleanly.

If you are leaving the US rather than arriving, the question flips: read keep your US number or get a new one before you cancel anything. Prices for both plans are on the plans page.