Virtual phone numbers in the US let you receive calls and messages as if you were in the United States, regardless of your physical location. They use an internet connection and don’t require SIM cards or telephone lines.
A virtual phone number can provide many advantages, including accessing local services, staying in touch with people, and avoiding spam calls and scams. Read on to explore how to get a US phone number and the benefits of virtual numbers.
Why you need a US phone number
Anyone with ties to the United States — including people outside the country — might benefit from a US phone number. Here are the most common reasons to get an American number:
Accessing US services
Many US-based apps, platforms, and services require US phone numbers for registration. Without the right digits, you might not be able to shop online, create social media profiles, use delivery services, or more. A US phone number could also be needed for subscriptions or loyalty programs available exclusively within the United States.
Staying in touch with US contacts
If you have family, friends, and other contacts in the US, having a US phone number makes it much easier to keep in touch with them. While making international calls is usually costly, contacting US phone numbers within the country is often free or inexpensive.
Managing short-term interactions
You may want to use a virtual US phone number for temporary communication, like when posting an ad on Craigslist, participating in surveys, or registering for a conference.
Like a burner phone, a virtual number adds a layer of separation between you and unknown people you interact with. You can safely respond to potential buyers, businesses, or event organizers without exposing your primary US phone number.
Reducing spam calls
Already have a US phone number but tired of all those spam calls? A virtual number lets you keep your regular American phone number private, making it harder for spammers and telemarketers to reach you. If you use a USA virtual phone number for online sign-ups, your main line will stay free from unwanted calls or texts.
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Get alternative numberWhat are the benefits of having a US phone number?
Having a local phone number — complete with that treasured +1 prefix and a US area code — comes with many perks. From simplifying international communications to making traveling a breeze, here are the top benefits USA phone numbers provide:
1. Access to exclusive deals
Many businesses provide location-specific discounts, offers, loyalty programs, and memberships. To access these perks from US companies, you may need a US number.
With US digits, retailers can send you targeted offers via SMS or app notifications. You’ll also be in the loop about local deals, promotions, and special events.
2. Seamless communication
The high cost of contacting a foreign number might limit how much you can communicate with your US-based friends or family. Having a US virtual phone number lets your contacts avoid international call fees and reach you quickly without the hassle associated with cards or apps.
In addition, using a US number — even if it’s outside the country — frequently offers a more stable connection and provides better call quality than calls to an international number. This means having a US telephone number gives you clear, uninterrupted conversations with your American contacts.
3. Convenience while traveling
A local phone number while traveling in the US can be useful in multiple situations.
Want to book a cozy Airbnb? Wandered off too far from your hotel and need to get a Lyft? Spent the whole day exploring, and now DoorDash is the only thing you’ve got energy for?
You’ll likely need a US phone number for any of the above. Virtual numbers will do just fine, and they’re usually flexible enough to work on any mobile device with an internet connection.
4. Reduced spam
Regular phone numbers are tough to keep private, so it’s easy to start drowning in unwanted calls and messages. A second US number lets you keep spam and distractions away from your main number, ensuring it stays private and free from interruptions.
You can set up a vanity virtual number exclusively for the less important things in life: getting public Wi-Fi, signing up for online newsletters, etc. Your cell phone won’t be bombarded with unsolicited calls or SMS messages, as these will make their way to your virtual number.
How to get a US phone number
Here are the main ways to get a US number:
Virtual phone numbers
Virtual numbers are standalone numbers that work over the internet or mobile networks. They forward incoming calls to your actual number or an app, eliminating the need for a physical SIM card or additional device. These local numbers — complete with a US country and area code — give you a virtual presence regardless of your physical location.
Virtual phone numbers are becoming increasingly popular because they promote privacy, manage spam, and simplify online sign-ups.
Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP)
Some virtual phone number providers use VoIP technology to make and receive calls over the internet. These kinds of voice calls are becoming increasingly popular, with the global market for mobile VoIP expected to grow 21.1% by 2031.
One of the top VoIP services is Google Voice, but its free version is only available to those already in the USA. However, a paid version of Google Voice is available to businesses outside the US.
Similar free VoIP apps include TextNow, TextFree, and Talkatone, but these also have restrictions on use outside the US.
Physical SIM cards
Another option for those in the US is simply getting a physical SIM card. Cards are available from US mobile carriers like AT&T or Verizon, but you can also pick them up from retail stores like Walmart or Target.
Users can choose between signing a contract or getting a prepaid SIM. Either way, keep in mind that not all phones work with every carrier due to factors like network compatibility or existing SIM locks, so it’s worth double-checking your device first.
Cloud business phone systems
Cloud phone systems are comprehensive tools designed with business users in mind. These provide US phone numbers along with advanced tools like call routing, call forwarding, and voicemail-to-email transfer. Cloud platforms are popular with small businesses looking for a cost-effective way to facilitate communication between employees and customers.
Business phone systems typically come with more bells and whistles than virtual numbers, so individual users may find them too complex or expensive for their needs.
What to consider when getting a US phone number
So, you know you want a US phone number, but you still aren’t sure where to start? Take these factors into account when looking to get a US number:
Privacy protection
When considering a US number, look for options that keep your primary number safe. Alternate numbers with a USA country code are helpful for registrations and non-essential communications because they should let you avoid exposing your personal information to spam calls, scams, and misuse.
Cost
Prices for virtual US numbers vary widely. While it’s possible to get a free US phone number, free options may sell user data and or offer limited capabilities. At the same time, some paid solutions have advanced features that the average user might not need, like call recording and call routing.
It’s important to find a USA phone number provider that fits your price point and delivers the right service for you.
Convenience
Getting a US number doesn’t have to be complicated. Leading virtual number providers make sign-up easy, give you your number in a single tap, and are available in various countries. Tools that require you to download other apps, needlessly extend the whole registration process, or only work in a few countries aren’t worth the fuss.
Why alternative number is a great choice
As a paid add-on to the broader Surfshark cybersecurity suite, alternative number has unique advantages that standard virtual phone numbers lack. It’s a smart, privacy-first solution designed to simplify your life online.
With alternative number, you can generate a virtual US phone number and use it to:
- Receive unwanted calls and SMS messages;
- Avoid spam and robocalls on your primary number;
- Protect yourself from inappropriate attention over the phone;
- Have a local presence when traveling abroad to the US;
- Stay in touch with American contacts (you can answer incoming calls and text messages initiated by others).
On top of that, alternative number is a paid add-on to Surfshark’s all-in-one cybersecurity suite that brings enhanced safety online. Beyond offering a virtual phone number, Surfshark has the following products:
- VPN (Virtual Private Network): Surfshark’s flagship product that boosts your privacy by encrypting your internet traffic and masking your IP (Internet Protocol) address;
- Antivirus: software that shields your files, webcam, and more from malware and unauthorized apps;
- Alternative ID: similar to alternative number, Alternative ID provides you with a second email address for websites and mailing lists you don’t want to spam you, as well as an online alias with an alternative name, surname, and address;
- Alert: a service that notifies you whenever your personal information is leaked online;
- Search: a private search engine that brings you purely organic results that are free from tracking.
With Surfshark, protecting your privacy doesn’t stop with an alternative number — it extends to safeguarding your devices, personal data, and peace of mind.
Step-by-step guide to getting a US virtual phone number
With Surfshark’s alternative number, getting a US virtual phone number can be achieved in two easy steps:
- Get Surfshark: alternative number is available as an add-on to any Surfshark plan. Subscribe to the Surfshark plan that fits your cybersecurity needs and create an account.
- Set up alternative number: after finalizing your purchase, select Set up next to Alternative phone number and generate your US phone number.
If you already have a Surfshark subscription, you can upgrade to alternative number by logging into your profile on the Surfshark website and navigating to Alternative ID. Select Add to plan in the Alternative number field and complete your payment.
Key takeaway: virtual numbers are here to save the day
Whether or not you’re a US citizen, a virtual number is a valuable way to get a US phone number that keeps your primary mobile number free of spam and helps protect your identity.
Don’t limit yourself to SIMs, landlines, or international calling cards — get a US phone number with Surfshark’s alternative number today.
FAQ
Can foreigners get a US phone number?
Yes, foreigners can get a US phone number from a virtual phone number service or VoIP provider. These are legal options for non-US citizens seeking a US virtual telephone number.
Foreigners can also use more traditional means to get a US number, like purchasing a local US SIM card while traveling in the US.
Can I create my own US phone number?
No, you can’t create your own phone number if we’re talking about generating the digits yourself. Some telecommunications providers allow you to choose from a list of pre-generated phone numbers, but creating your own VoIP number isn’t possible in most cases.
Certain virtual number services allow you to pick an area code for your number but generate the rest automatically.
How do I get a US phone number from overseas?
You can get a US phone number while overseas with a virtual US or VoIP number. These services can generate a local number for you, complete with a US country and area code, from anywhere outside the United States. Some services may not have US numbers available, so choose one that works for your chosen country.
What is a virtual USA phone number?
A virtual USA number is an online number that allows you to receive calls on your smartphone, computer, or VoIP system without needing a physical SIM card or connection to a telephone line, even when you’re overseas.
How can I get a free US number?
A few providers online offer free US virtual phone numbers, but these usually have a catch. Free USA number providers tend to limit the functionality of their service to encourage you to pay for unlimited access. Others will overload you with ads, while some may even abuse your personal data for their own gain.
A paid provider typically offers a safer, higher-quality service than a free US option.
Do I need a VPN to get a US phone number?
No, you don’t need a VPN to get a US phone number. You can get one through services that offer US virtual phone numbers, like Surfshark’s alternative number or Google Voice.
It’s worth noting that alternative number is a paid add-on to a broader cybersecurity suite, so you can receive a US phone number, enhanced privacy while you browse online, and more with a single subscription.
Can I get a US phone number with Skype?
As of May 2025, Skype is no longer available for VoIP calls to the USA or any other country. Skype shut down after 20+ years on the market, so users can’t use their Skype account to call contacts in the United States.
Users who lost their Skype number and want to receive calls and messages on a USA phone number can turn to Surfshark’s alternative number instead.
