How to Get a US Phone Number From Abroad: A Guide to Phone-Number Apps and Choosing the Right US Number

Let's start with the bottom line. In many cases, you can get a US phone number while you're still abroad, using a "phone-number app." But there's an important catch: a number that can receive ordinary text messages is not the same as a number that works for SMS verification with banks, Google, your Apple ID, and similar services. VoIP-based numbers are sometimes rejected during verification, so it's safest to decide what you actually need the number for before you choose one (as of June 2026).

In this article, we'll walk through how to obtain a US phone number from outside the country, the general characteristics of popular apps, how to choose based on your use case, and an honest table of what these numbers can and can't do. We'll also cover the internet (data) connection you'll need to run these apps in the first place. If you're looking for a US connectivity plan, it's worth reading our US eSIM guide alongside this.

Main ways to get a US phone number from abroad

Broadly speaking, there are a few approaches. They differ in convenience, cost, and how reliably they pass verification.

• Phone-number apps (VoIP-based): These issue a US number inside the app and handle calls and texts over the internet. The advantage is that you can usually sign up even while you're still abroad.
• A local carrier number (prepaid SIM/eSIM, etc.): A number you sign up for once you're in the US. It generally passes verification more reliably, but obtaining and maintaining it can involve extra steps and requirements.
• Help from a friend or family member: Only an option if you have someone on the ground who can assist, so it isn't a general-purpose method.

If your need is "right now, before I travel" or "I want to handle everything within an app," the first option — a phone-number app — tends to be the popular choice.

[Most important] A number that receives texts ≠ a number that passes SMS verification

This is where many people get tripped up. A US number you get through a phone-number app may work fine for texting friends and making calls, yet still be rejected for identity verification (SMS verification) by banks, brokerages, government services, Google, your Apple ID, WhatsApp, and similar services.

That's because these services sometimes configure their systems to block landline or VoIP (internet phone) numbers. There's no guarantee an app number will always pass. It helps to understand up front that an app number is not a universal number that works for any kind of verification — that mindset saves you headaches later.

We cover the thinking around SMS verification in more detail in our articles on SMS verification from overseas and data-only eSIMs and SMS verification. For verifying important accounts, consider keeping a reliable existing number or arranging a local number as a backup.

General characteristics of popular phone-number apps

Below is an overview of commonly cited features. Supported countries, pricing, and SMS support can change, so always check each app's official website or app store listing for the latest details before signing up (reflecting general trends as of June 2026).

Hushed

Often described as a good fit for people who want a disposable or time-limited number. It can offer multiple numbers and prepaid-style usage in some cases.

MySudo

Positioned as privacy-focused, for people who want to keep separate numbers for different purposes. A noted strength is being able to manage numbers, calls, and messages together in one place.

TextNow

Known for plans with a free tier, and frequently described as an easy, low-friction way to get started for personal contact. Its terms can change.

Google Voice

Convenient, but it's often noted that setup and activation can require an existing US phone number, which can be a hurdle if you're trying to get one fresh from abroad. Check the official information for the current requirements.

Choosing by use case (business / personal / temporary)

• Business or ongoing use: Prioritize stability and easy management. If you want to separate purposes, an app that supports multiple numbers is a candidate. If you expect to use it for important verification, don't rely solely on an app number — consider securing a local number too.
• Personal use / staying in touch with friends: If it's mostly calls and texts, a free tier or low-cost app is often more than enough.
• Short-term or temporary use: If you just want a number for a trip or short stay, a disposable or short-term subscription model fits well. Check the cancellation terms before you sign up.

What these numbers can and can't do, at a glance

Task	Phone-number app (VoIP-based) number	Notes
Calling as a US number	Usually yes	Rates and terms depend on the app
Texting with friends and contacts	Often yes	Also depends on whether the other side can receive it
SMS verification for banks, brokerages, government services	Sometimes no	Some systems block VoIP numbers
SMS verification for Google / Apple ID / WhatsApp	Sometimes no	No guarantee it will pass
Get and use it from abroad right away	Yes (sign up in the app)	Google Voice and similar have conditions
Using internet calling apps	Yes (if you have data)	The number app itself also needs data

As the table shows, it's easier to decide if you think of it as "usable for everyday contact, but not always usable for important verification." We explain the underlying logic further in Can you use a phone number, SMS, and calls with an eSIM?

How phone-number apps relate to data connectivity (eSIM)

It's easy to overlook, but phone-number apps only work when you have an internet connection. Calls and texts in these apps run over data (or Wi-Fi). To use them while you're traveling, a stable data connection is essential.

This is where it helps to know that Bloomy eSIM is, at its core, a data-only service. Bloomy itself does not provide a phone number, SMS, or voice calling. However, by giving you a reliable data connection, it makes it easier to use internet calling on apps like WhatsApp, Instagram, and others — as well as the phone-number apps above. If you specifically need a phone number, SMS, or voice calls themselves, consider the number apps or a local number covered in this article as well. You can choose data allowances and durations for the US from our US eSIM guide or comparison page. Please note that connection quality varies depending on the local network, your device, and the area. A fair use policy also applies.

Things to check before you get a number

• Decide your purpose first: Everyday contact or account verification? If it's for verification, plan for the possibility it won't pass and have a backup method ready.
• Check the latest information: Supported countries, pricing, and SMS support change. Confirm the current details on the official website or app store. Pricing is typically shown in USD — check the exact price at the time of purchase.
• Cancellation and maintenance terms: Keeping a number may require an ongoing subscription or continued use.
• Prepare your data connection: Don't forget the connectivity that makes these apps run. For getting ready before a long stay or study abroad, our guide to phone-number apps for studying abroad is a helpful reference.

You'll find related articles on phone numbers and SMS gathered in our phone number & SMS category.

Summary

You can often get a US phone number even from abroad through an app. The key is to understand that it may work for everyday contact but not always for important SMS verification, and to choose based on what you actually need it for. Since pricing and support can change, check each app's official sources for the latest details. And to make sure you have the data connection that powers these apps, browse the US eSIM guide or comparison page to find a plan that matches your destination, data needs, and trip length.