You have five realistic options. Only some of them let you sign up from outside the US, and they differ a lot on texts, calls and how long you keep the number.
The simplest way is an app-based US number that sells to people outside the US, such as the TripoSIM US Virtual Number: pay, pass a short ID check, pick an area code and use it in the app. Google Voice is built for users in the US. A US carrier line, your old US number or a free number can work in narrower cases.
Most people outside the US end up choosing between these five. The table shows what each one gives you as of October 2026. "Sign up from abroad" means you can start it without already living in the US or holding a US number.
| Option | Sign up from abroad | Has a US number | Send texts | 911 | Typical use |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| App-based US number (TripoSIM) | Yes | Yes | No, receive only | No | Living abroad and staying reachable by US contacts |
| Google Voice (free personal) | No, US users | Yes | Yes | No, paid Voice plans only | People already in the US with a US phone |
| US carrier or prepaid SIM/eSIM line | Often hard | Yes | Yes | Yes, in the US | People who spend real time in the US |
| Keep, port or park your old US number | Yes, if you already have one | Yes | Depends where it ends up | Depends where it ends up | Keeping a number your banks and contacts know |
| Free and temporary numbers | Sometimes | Yes, for a while | Sometimes | No | Throwaway sign-ups you can afford to lose |
This is a US +1 number that lives in an app and works over Wi-Fi or mobile data. The TripoSIM number includes 300 outgoing minutes a month to the US and Canada, incoming calls, voicemail and texts from US and Canadian senders. It receives verification codes (OTP SMS) from apps, including WhatsApp. It is a VoIP number, so sending texts and 911 are not included. See how the number works.
Google describes its personal Voice plans as for individual users in the US, with US numbers only. Setup texts a code to a phone you already have, so in practice you start with an existing US number. Google may also reclaim a number after 3 months without use. If you can't meet those conditions, read Google Voice alternatives outside the US.
A real carrier line can send texts and call 911. It is built for people in the US, though. Activation from abroad can fail, and while you are overseas you pay roaming or keep a plan running for a line you rarely use. Compare a virtual number with a carrier line.
If you already have a US number, keeping it is often the best move for your bank and old contacts. The FCC says not to cancel your old service before the new provider starts the transfer, or you can lose the number. We cover the choices in keep your old US number or get a new one.
Free apps and public SMS sites cost nothing, but they can be reclaimed when you stop using them. Codes on public inbox sites can be read by anyone. Details in free vs paid US numbers.
TripoSIM sells to people in almost any country, except sanctioned countries, so you can buy it from all 12 countries below. Whether internet calls work well is a separate question. It depends on local rules and on your mobile network or Wi-Fi. We only describe a restriction where we found a source we can link to. Where we have not reviewed one, the row says so. That is not a promise that nothing is blocked.
| Country | Can you buy? | Internet calling notes | Last checked |
|---|---|---|---|
| United Kingdom | Yes | We have not reviewed a source for this country. Check local rules and test calls on your network. | 2026-10-28 |
| Canada | Yes | We have not reviewed a source for this country. Check local rules and test calls on your network. | 2026-10-28 |
| India | Yes | We have not reviewed a source for this country. Check local rules and test calls on your network. | 2026-10-28 |
| Pakistan | Yes | We have not reviewed a source for this country. Check local rules and test calls on your network. | 2026-10-28 |
| Nigeria | Yes | We have not reviewed a source for this country. Check local rules and test calls on your network. | 2026-10-28 |
| Philippines | Yes | We have not reviewed a source for this country. Check local rules and test calls on your network. | 2026-10-28 |
| Mexico | Yes | We have not reviewed a source for this country. Check local rules and test calls on your network. | 2026-10-28 |
| Brazil | Yes | We have not reviewed a source for this country. Check local rules and test calls on your network. | 2026-10-28 |
| Germany | Yes | We have not reviewed a source for this country. Check local rules and test calls on your network. | 2026-10-28 |
| United Arab Emirates | Yes | Internet calling is regulated by the TDRA. Check the current rules and test calls on your network before you rely on them. Source: TDRA FAQs. | 2026-10-28 |
| Saudi Arabia | Yes | The regulator lifted its ban on internet calling apps that meet its rules in September 2017. WhatsApp calling was not included at the time. Check how calls behave on your network today. Source: Arab News, Sept 21, 2017. | 2026-10-28 |
| Egypt | Yes | WhatsApp calls have been blocked on and off on some networks since 2015, according to Mada Masr (November 2022). Other internet calls can be affected too. Test on your network. Source: Mada Masr, Nov 25, 2022. | 2026-10-28 |
Texts from US senders reach your number on the US side and then appear in the app over your internet connection. If calls are patchy, try Wi-Fi and mobile data separately. Our guide to making your US number ring reliably has more fixes.
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.