Jon Sidor
Virtual phone numbers in the US let you receive calls and messages like 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 for the USA can provide many advantages, from accessing local services or keeping in touch with people there to 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 — may want a USA 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 contacting an international number is usually expensive, calling and texting US phone numbers within the country is often free or quite affordable. Having a virtual US number can make communication with those in the US much simpler.
Managing short-term interactions
You may want to use a virtual US phone number for short-term purposes where temporary phone communication is needed, such as posting an ad on Craigslist, participating in surveys, or registering for a conference. Providing a virtual phone number allows you to safely respond to potential buyers, businesses, or event organizers without exposing your primary USA 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.
What 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 having to mess around with cards or apps.
In addition, calling 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
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?
A local phone number while traveling in the US can be useful in multiple situations. Virtual numbers are also flexible enough to work on all your mobile devices 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
There are two main methods of getting a US number without having to be in the US or have a US SIM card: virtual phone numbers and cloud business phone systems.
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. Virtual number services like Surfshark’s Alternative Number are a user-friendly, low-cost way to secure a US number.
Fun fact: Virtual numbers often use VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) technology like Google Voice to make calls. VoIP service providers let you make and receive phone calls over the internet, and the global market for mobile VoIP is expected to grow 21.1% by 2031.
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. In most cases, the best option for personal use is a virtual phone system.
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. Secondary 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, other platforms only provide premium solutions at a higher price that offer advanced features like call recording and call routing that the average user might not need.
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 click, 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
Surfshark’s Alternative Number is more than a virtual phone number. As part of the broader Surfshark cybersecurity suite, 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 comes with a bundle of other cybersecurity tools included in Surfshark’s all-in-one suite that brings enhanced security 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, click Set up next to Alternative 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. Click 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.
Frequently Asked Questions
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 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 comes bundled with Surfshark VPN, so you can receive a US phone number, enhanced privacy while you browse online, and more with a single cybersecurity suite.
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.
