Receiving phone calls and SMS from another country is an important part of a global lifestyle, whether you're building a remote business or living abroad as an expat.
In our experiences, banks, brokerages, credit card companies, and SaaS services will all require a local phone number in order log into your account, pass two-factor authentication, reset your password, or even complete your transaction.
With a virtual number, you can maintain a local presence in multiple countries, making it easier for service providers or contacts to reach you so you can avoid running into pains with your bank accounts and payments.
In this list, we highlight our vetted virtual phone number services that are suited for remote business owners.
NOTE: Platforms like Paypal, banks, and social media platforms are increasingly declining VoIP numbers due to fraud and risk reasons. While I have used a US VoIP number for years, I am exploring non-VoIP options now.
📢 Disclaimer: Content may contain affiliate links or sponsored content — I will never work with a brand that I don't personally use or believe in.
OpenPhone is a voice over Internet protocol (VoIP) service that allows you to make unlimited calls and texts for a low price — without using any minutes from your phone plan. It is trusted by top brands like YCombinator, Stanford University, and Deel. In terms of functionality, it offers native apps for mobile and desktop, team collaboration features, and integrations with popular tools. A great option for SMBs and startups looking for a modern and affordable phone system.
Google Voice is a voice over Internet protocol (VoIP) phone service for personal or professional use cases. I've used it for personal use, and it works perfectly. You can use the service to make and receive phone calls and send text messages, on your smartphones and the web. For businesses, it also offers advanced call management features.
Number Barn is an inexpensive solution for parking your phone number to maintain the number while going overseas. It offers the affordable option to park or forward one or multiple phone numbers, ensuring that businesses or individuals can securely store their phone numbers, even when they are not actively in use.
Grasshopper is one of the OGs of virtual phone number services (founded in 2003). Grasshopper works with your existing cell phone or landline to give you a second phone number for your business. It also bundles in a variety of features that can help you manage your calls and texts more effectively.
A virtual phone number service provides phone numbers that aren't tied to a specific physical SIM card, mobile device, or landline.
Instead, these numbers use online and cloud-based apps to facilitate communication, enabling users to send and receive calls, as well as SMS messages, regardless of their physical location.
This feature is incredibly valuable not just to travelers but also to remote businesses that aim to establish a local footprint while operating on an international scale.
Virtual mobile numbers bridge the gap between classic telephone and cellular phone systems and our digitally-driven lifestyles’ demand for connectivity without geographical limits.
For anyone juggling two-factor authentication requirements, awaiting critical verification codes, or simply desiring unfettered touchpoints without traditional network limitations, this tool proves indispensable.
Virtual phone numbers are incredibly practical for both personal and professional use.
For personal use, virtual numbers revolutionize how we manage crucial operations like banking logins, resetting passwords, enabling two-factor authentication, and authorizing payments—all without being limited by our location.
They provide a straightforward answer to the widespread need for receiving SMS codes during financial transactions, which can be an issue if roaming services fall short or aren't available.
For businesses, they act as local contact points that make your business seem reachable and friendly no matter where it's actually based. This greatly enhances customer trust and satisfaction by offering an easy-to-use way of communication.
Virtual numbers also simplify the handling of global dealings across sales calls or logistical support by providing one uniform method to reliably communicate with clients worldwide.
Not just over the phone but also through essential text-based exchanges often required in modern commerce operations, including SMS, and messenger apps such as Telegram and WhatsApp that require a local number for registration.
Selecting the right virtual phone number service requires consideration of several key factors:
In today's world where work often happens from kitchen tables and coffee shops, far away from traditional offices, virtual phone number services are becoming essential. Virtual numbers are not just making long-distance calls easier; they’re critical for everything from keeping our personal data safe to making sure businesses run without a hitch.
Choosing the right service that fits what you need like a glove, is key to ensuring your operations stay smooth, polished, and ready to succeed in an online-first marketplace.
As we all get used to this new era of global communication complexity, picking the best virtual phone provider is central to giving your remote lifestyle and business the edge it needs on the international stage.
OpenPhone is our top pick for virtual phone number services, especially if you're looking to ditch traditional phone plan limits. With unlimited calls and texts through VoIP, it's easy to see why giants like YCombinator and Stanford University give it their seal of approval.
Add in smooth connections with well-known software systems, and OpenPhone becomes the go-to choice for small businesses and startups wanting an affordable yet cutting-edge way to communicate.
The cost of a virtual phone number varies widely depending on the provider, features, and country of the number. Prices can range from as low as $1 per month to over $50 per month for numbers with advanced functionalities like call forwarding, SMS capabilities, and international calling options.
Most services offer tiered pricing plans, allowing businesses and individuals to select features that best fit their needs.
The best free virtual phone number service is Google Voice, offering users a free phone number for calls, text messages, and voicemail. It seamlessly integrates with other Google services.
Google Voice provides a comprehensive communication solution for personal use. Ideal for those in supported countries, Google Voice stands out for its ease of use, reliability, and advanced call management for business.
Yes, many virtual phone number providers offer the option of picking your own number. Fancy having a specific area code? You got it. Or maybe you want to spell out something special with a vanity number like your business name or something that’s just plain memorable.
This little personal touch helps your brand stick in people's minds and makes it easier for clients to remember how to reach you.
A virtual phone number is a telephone number without a direct association to a telephone line, used for forwarding messages and calls to a pre-set number.
VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol), on the other hand, is a technology that allows voice communications and multimedia sessions over Internet Protocol (IP) networks. Virtual numbers can be used on VoIP systems, but VoIP encompasses a broader range of internet-based communication services beyond just phone numbers.
If your financial platform rejects your virtual phone number, consider contacting their customer support for alternative verification methods. Some platforms may accept email verification or require additional documentation for security purposes.
Alternatively, look for a virtual phone service that offers non-VoIP numbers, which are often more readily accepted for financial transactions due to their association with traditional telecom networks.
Certainly, your virtual phone number is quite the globetrotter. It works wherever you have internet access, not just where mobile networks reach. This means you can call or text from pretty much anywhere in the world.
It's an ideal tool for frequent travelers and businesses with an eye on international markets, delivering both ease of communication and nice savings on those often steep international charges.
