How to get a US phone number in 2026

A US phone number can be useful for more than just US residents traveling or living abroad. It can help you access US-only services from anywhere in the world and receive SMS verification codes. Fortunately, getting an American phone number no longer requires being in the US or signing a long-term carrier contract. With the help of an eSIM, you can easily obtain a US phone number via the provider’s app wherever you are.

If you’re looking for how to get a US phone number overseas, note that not all eSIMs offer the same level of reliability and functionality. Some services provide free numbers but with limitations, while others offer only temporary access. Certain providers might even require an existing US number to complete registration.

In this article, I’ll discuss how to get a real, persistent US phone number that works for calls, texts, and verification codes. This way, you can understand the available options before choosing a solution.

Why you may need a US phone number

A US phone number can be useful for much more than making calls and sending texts. Here are some common reasons why people choose to get one:

• Accessing US-based apps and services. Many websites, apps, and online platforms based in the US require a US phone number for account creation and verification.
• Connecting abroad. For frequent travelers, having a US number means US-based clients can reach them without paying international calling rates.
• Receiving verification codes. Many services now require two-factor authentication (2FA) for security purposes. Some only send SMS verification codes to US phone numbers.
• Managing life abroad. Expats and digital nomads often need a US number for banking, package deliveries, online accounts, and other services they continue to use from overseas.
• Protecting privacy. A secondary phone number is useful when you don’t want to share your primary number for marketplace listings, short-term rentals, or one-time bookings.
• Reducing spam on your main number. A separate US number can be convenient for signups, registrations, and promotions, keeping unwanted calls and messages away from your personal number.

Ways to get a US phone number

A carrier plan isn’t the only way to get a US phone number. In fact, in some cases, you don’t even need to be in the US to get one. Below are several methods for obtaining a US phone number, depending on your needs, budget, and location:

• VoIP apps. Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) services like Google Voice and TextNow provide a US phone number at little to no cost. These apps work over an internet connection and are easy to set up. However, many VoIP numbers are treated as non-mobile numbers, which means banks and financial institutions might not accept them for SMS verification or 2FA authentication.
• Prepaid SIM card. US carriers, such as AT&T and Verizon, offer prepaid SIM cards that include a real US mobile number. While you can use it for verification and 2FA authentication, you need to be physically present in the US to purchase and activate the SIM card.
• Carrier plan. A postpaid mobile plan from a US carrier gives you a permanent US phone number and full mobile service. However, it often requires a US address, a credit check, and a long-term contract – so it might be less practical for travelers or people living outside the US.
• eSIM with a phone number. If you’re not in the US, an eSIM is one of the easiest ways to get a US phone number. You can activate it remotely on most modern smartphones in minutes, and it doesn’t require a physical SIM card. Some providers, including Saily, now offer eSIM plans that include a US number for verification, calls, and texts.

What is a Saily phone number?

Developed by the creators of NordVPN, Saily is a travel eSIM that offers mobile data plans in more than 200 destinations globally. Recently, Saily introduced a dedicated US phone number feature that can be added via its app.A Saily phone number works as a second line on your existing smartphone. This way, you can keep your primary number private while using a separate number for travel, online accounts, and signups. However, unlike temporary virtual numbers, a Saily number is persistent. As long as your subscription remains active, you can keep the same number regardless of which data, calling, or SMS plan you’re using.

Another advantage is that this number supports incoming and outgoing calls, text messages, and 2FA verification codes. You can receive unlimited SMS messages without an active calling plan. Outgoing calls can be made to local numbers within the active plan's coverage area, while incoming calls can be received from anywhere in the world.

Finally, you can manage everything in one place. You can access and control data plans, calling minutes, SMS services, and your phone number directly via the Saily app.

Get a Saily phone number

Saily phone number pricing

A Saily phone number is affordable, even for budget-conscious users. A dedicated US phone number costs just $0.89/month. For this price, you can receive unlimited SMS messages from anywhere in the world, including 2FA authentication and verification codes.

If you also need to make and receive calls or send text messages, you’ll need to add a separate calling plan. Starting at $0.89/month, these plans are tailored to specific destinations. You can choose from different tiers based on the number of calling minutes and SMS messages included – all valid for 30 days.

Choose a plan that matches your expected usage, as included minutes cover both incoming and outgoing calls. This will help you avoid running out of minutes before the end of the billing period.

As an added benefit, all Saily plans earn 3% back in Saily credits, which can be used for future purchases within the app.

How to get a US phone number with Saily: step-by-step guide

Getting a US phone number with Saily only requires downloading the provider’s app. Here’s how you can do it in a few simple steps:

1. Download the Saily app on your device and create an account

   

2. Tap Get a phone number and pick your plan

   

3. Complete identity verification in the app

   

4. Follow the in-screen instructions to activate your number
5. If needed, you can also add a calling and texting plan for your destination

   

Get a US phone number with Saily

Everything you should know about Saily

Saily is a travel eSIM created by the digital security company Nord Security. The company is known for its strong commitment to cybersecurity and privacy. Naturally, Saily eSIM is packed with security features, helping travelers to browse safely and privately abroad.

Nord Security’s product suite includes NordVPN, a password manager, NordPass, a file encryption and storing tool, NordLocker, a business VPN, NordLayer, an identity theft protection system, Coveron, and a next-gen threat exposure management platform, NordStellar.

Saily plans and coverage

Saily offers a broad coverage in more than 200 countries and territories. Plans are flexible, starting at $1.79/GB for 7 days, and go up to unlimited data plans for up to 30 days. Besides local plans, there are also regional plans, covering entire zones like Europe, Asia, Africa, and the Americas, and a global plan, including 121 countries in one plan.

Cruise travelers can use Saily’s cruise plans, with options ranging from 0.5GB to 10GB and prices starting at $16.99 for 1–30 days. These data-only plans work on more than 25 cruise lines and automatically connect to a secure satellite network when the ship is 12 nautical miles or more from shore.

The provider also includes a nice bonus with every plan. You receive 3% cashback in Saily Credits on regular plans, 8% cashback on Saily Ultra subscriptions, and additional credits through special promotions or by sharing a unique Refer a Friend code.

Saily Ultra

Saily Ultra is an unlimited global data plan for travelers who have heavy data needs and remote workers. Besides global eSIM data in over 120 locations, this plan also includes 8% cashback in Saily credit, priority 24/7 support, and access to NordVPN’s security products. You also get travel perks like access to airport lounges, fast-track services, and Uber vouchers to make your traveling easier.

Therefore, while the price for this premium plan is higher than Saily’s regular plans, you get exclusive perks that would cost more if paid separately.

Other features and information

Saily offers more than just mobile data. The provider recently introduced a persistent US (+1) phone number for $0.89/month that lets users make calls, send texts, and complete security verifications for US services. It’s a convenient choice for travelers, as the number remains the same across destinations.

Activation requires a quick identity verification within the app and a compatible device. If you have any questions during the process, you can always contact Saily’s 24/7 customer support and get assistance. One of Saily’s biggest advantages is that the eSIM only needs to be installed once. You don’t need to download and activate a new eSIM for every country. You can simply switch between destinations using the same eSIM. Additionally, when you run out of data, you can top up your plan directly in the app and continue using your service without interruption.

Security features

Since Saily was created by a security company, it’s not surprising that it includes strong security features in every plan. You get an ad blocker, a virtual location, and web protection – everything you might need for safe browsing while abroad.

Saily’s ad blocker blocks annoying ads while saving mobile data and reducing distractions online. A virtual location feature lets you change your virtual location to access your home content and browse more privately, as your connection becomes encrypted. Lastly, web protection blocks malicious sites and helps you limit online trackers.