How to Get a US Phone Number When Living Overseas
Many American expats find themselves needing a US phone number while living abroad. A US number is often required for banking, credit cards, and other services that use two-factor authentication. However, it can be challenging to get a working US number outside of the country. This guide will walk through the best options to get a US phone based on Redditor experiences.
Why You Need a US Number Abroad
As an American living overseas, you likely still have financial and other ties back in the US. Many banks, credit card companies, and other services now require two-factor authentication for login and transactions. This means that after your password, you need to input a one-time code sent via text message or automated phone call.
Without a US number, it becomes very difficult to access these services. Banks especially tend to block non-US numbers from receiving verification codes.
As one Redditor in r/expats explains:
“Currently living in Japan, but dealing with US banks, credit cards, double verification stuff is getting incredibly obnoxious without a US phone number.”
Challenges Getting a US Number Abroad
Most virtual phone services require you to already have a US number to verify your account. As one Redditor notes:
“Google Voice requires you to have a US (or maybe Canada) number to forward to when you make an account, so it just recreates the same problem.”
In addition, many banks block non-US IPs or virtual phone services from receiving verification codes. So getting a VOIP number does not always solve the problem.
One expat explains his experience:
“You can try Google Voice, but many banks are not sending SMS to virtual/VOIP numbers. Otherwise you will have to get service from a US provider.”
Solutions for Getting a US Number Overseas
Here are some options that redditors have found to work for getting a verification US number abroad:
1. Port Your Existing Number to a VOIP Service
If you already have a US cell number, look into porting it to a VOIP provider that provides SMS/calling over wifi like Google Voice or OpenPhone. Some users have success keeping banks numbers whitelisted this way.
2. Use a Friend or Family Member’s Number
As a short-term solution, you can have a trusted contact forward you verification texts and calls. But this can be inconvenient for both parties.
3. Purchase a US SIM Card
Some online providers will ship SIM cards abroad. You can then get a plan with limited talk/text for just verification purposes. Users recommend Tello or Google Fi for this.
4. Get US Number VOIP App
Apps like OpenPhone and TextNow provide US numbers and wifi calling/SMS. OpenPhone works for receiving verification calls. But text verification is hit or miss.
5. Travel Back to the US
As a last resort, some expats plan a trip back to the US to solve account verification issues in bulk. Then they can update and whitelist their foreign number after.
| Provider | Cost | Verification Success |
|---|---|---|
| Google Voice | Free | Low |
| OpenPhone | $10/month | Medium (works for calls) |
| Tello | $5/month | High |
| TextNow | Free | Low |
Getting US Phone Number While Abroad
Getting a US phone number while overseas takes some creativity. For optimal verification success, a real US SIM card or ported number is best. VOIP numbers work for some but are blocked by many services.
Consider combining options like a trip home to update your foreign number, using a friend’s number temporarily, and signing up for a minimal cell plan. With some effort, you can maintain access to essential US accounts from abroad.
Just called Tello.
I’m overseas, but the number has to be activated on the phone from within the USA. No way from abroad.
Also, very hard to find the “$5 plan”, though it exists.