How to Get a Real U.S. Phone Number While Abroad: The Ultimate Guide

Introduction

Traveling or living abroad offers an exciting mix of opportunities and experiences, but it also comes with its own set of challenges. One such challenge is maintaining access to U.S.-based services and clientele, which often require a U.S. phone number for account creation or customer communication. (Updated October 2025)

In 2025, with remote work and digital nomadism more prevalent than ever, having a reliable U.S. phone number while abroad has become essential. Whether you’re managing a business from Bali, studying in Europe, or simply traveling long-term, you need a solution that actually works. While options like OpenPhone and Burner Phone offer a quick fix, they come with a significant drawback: their VoIP-based numbers aren’t accepted by a wide range of websites and services for verification. This limitation can be frustrating when you’re trying to run a business, access banking services, or stay connected with U.S.-based platforms.

Enter MobileSMS.io. Unlike VoIP services, we offer real, sim-card-based U.S. phone numbers that function just like a regular U.S. phone number. With MobileSMS.io, you’re not just renting a number; you’re securing a lifeline to an array of services and opportunities. It’s not just a better option; it’s the real solution you’ve been looking for.

Why MobileSMS.io is the Real Deal

• Real Sim Card Numbers: In the digital age, verification processes have become more stringent. Many services, ranging from social media platforms to financial institutions, don’t accept VoIP-based numbers for verification. In fact, as of 2025, over 70% of major U.S. financial services and government platforms explicitly block VoIP numbers for security reasons. MobileSMS.io steps in to fill this gap by offering phone numbers tied to real sim cards. This ensures that you’ll face no limitations or compatibility issues when you need to verify your accounts. You get a number that works universally, just like any local U.S. number would. This includes compatibility with two-factor authentication (2FA) systems, banking apps, government services, healthcare portals, and even dating apps that require phone verification.
• Long-Term Rentals: One of the unique features that set MobileSMS.io apart from competitors is the flexibility in rental periods. We understand that your needs may extend beyond a few days or weeks, especially if you’re running a business or spending an extended time abroad. That’s why we offer long-term rentals of U.S., UK, and Netherlands phone numbers for periods ranging from 30 days to 60 days, 90 days, and even year-long options. Our customizable options mean you get a phone number solution that suits your exact needs, giving you one less thing to worry about. Plus, with automatic renewal options, you never have to worry about losing your number during critical business moments.
• Unlimited Verifications: With MobileSMS.io’s long-term phone rentals, you aren’t restricted to using your number for a single verification. Throughout your rental period, you can receive unlimited SMS verification codes, giving you the freedom to use your number for multiple websites, apps, or services. No more switching between disposable numbers or dealing with failed verifications. It’s a one-stop solution for all your verification needs. This is particularly valuable for entrepreneurs managing multiple accounts, digital marketers handling various client campaigns, or anyone maintaining separate personal and professional profiles.
• Premium Service: At MobileSMS.io, we believe that quality should never be compromised. We offer a hassle-free rental process, top-notch customer support, and a 99.9% uptime guarantee. Our commitment to excellence ensures that your experience is not just convenient but also reliable. Our dashboard provides real-time SMS viewing, instant notifications, and comprehensive message history, so you never miss an important code or message.
• Privacy Protection: In 2025, privacy concerns are at an all-time high. Our service ensures your personal number stays private while still allowing you to maintain a U.S. presence. Each number is exclusively yours during the rental period—no sharing, no privacy breaches, and complete control over who has access to your number.

Steps to Get a U.S. Phone Number While Abroad

Step 1: Navigate to MobileSMS.io

Visit our user-friendly website where you’ll find an array of services designed to meet your communication needs. You can rent a real non-VoIP USA Phone Number here. The entire setup process takes less than 5 minutes, and your number is active immediately after purchase—no waiting periods or complicated verification processes.

Step 2: Select Your Country

You’ll be prompted to choose the country for your new phone number. In this case, you will select the United States from the dropdown menu. We offer numbers from various U.S. area codes, allowing you to choose one that matches your business location or personal preference. Popular choices include New York (212, 917), Los Angeles (310, 323), Chicago (312, 773), and many more metropolitan areas.

Step 3: Opt for a Fully Dedicated, Private USA Phone Number

When prompted to choose a “Service,” you have two options: “All Services” and “All Services – Premium.” Let’s break down what each of these offerings entails:

• All Services: This option provides you with a fully dedicated phone number, meaning you’ll receive every SMS sent to this number, including verification codes for any service. The “All Services” 30-day rental plan is perfect for most users, offering excellent value at an affordable price point. Before you can start receiving SMS messages, you’ll need to activate the phone number via the MobileSMS.io dashboard. The activation process is straightforward but essential for the service to function. This option is ideal for budget-conscious users who don’t mind the one-time activation step.
• All Services – Premium: Like the regular “All Services” option, this premium variant also allows you to receive all incoming SMS messages. The key difference lies in its always-active status. There’s no need to manually activate this number on the dashboard; it’s constantly ready to receive SMS verification codes 24/7. This option is perfect for business users who need immediate availability or those managing time-sensitive verifications across different time zones. The premium service also includes priority customer support and faster SMS delivery speeds during peak hours.

By offering these two distinct options, we aim to provide flexibility in meeting your specific needs. Both options support unlimited verifications and work with all major U.S. services.

Step 4: Choose the Duration of Your Rental

Out of the box, these dedicated phone numbers come with a 30-day rental period. You have the flexibility to set up automatic monthly renewals or to extend the rental duration after completing the checkout process. Consider these popular rental options:

• 30-Day Rental: Perfect for short-term travel or testing the service
• 60-Day Rental: Ideal for medium-term projects or extended vacations
• 90-Day Rental: Great for seasonal work or study abroad programs
• Annual Plans: Best value for long-term expats or permanent remote workers

Pro tip: If you’re unsure about the duration, start with the “All Services” 30-day plan and extend as needed. Our flexible system allows you to upgrade or extend at any time without losing your number.

Step 5: Confirm and Pay

Once you’ve made all your selections, proceed to the checkout. Here you can review your order before finalizing it. We accept multiple payment methods including credit cards, debit cards, and cryptocurrency for maximum convenience and privacy. After making the payment, you’ll receive a confirmation email with your invoice and further details. The entire transaction is secured with bank-level encryption to protect your financial information.

Step 6: Receive and Start Using Your Number

After your payment has been confirmed, our system will reserve your new mobile U.S. phone number instantly. You’ll receive an email containing your new number, along with comprehensive instructions on how to use it for various services. This number is ready to use immediately for account verifications, receiving text messages, and more on any website or service that requires a U.S. number. Access your personalized dashboard to view incoming messages in real-time, download message history, and manage your account settings.

Common Use Cases for U.S. Numbers Abroad

Understanding how others use our service can help you maximize its value. Here are the most popular use cases in 2025:

• Business Operations: Maintain U.S. business presence while managing operations from abroad. Perfect for e-commerce, consulting, and remote services.
• Banking and Finance: Access U.S. bank accounts, investment platforms, and payment services that require SMS verification.
• Education: Students abroad can maintain access to university portals, financial aid systems, and academic resources.
• Healthcare: Keep connected with U.S. healthcare providers, insurance companies, and prescription services.
• Government Services: Access IRS accounts, state services, and other government platforms requiring U.S. phone verification.
• Social Media Management: Manage multiple business accounts across platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and LinkedIn.
• Dating Apps: Maintain profiles on U.S.-based dating apps while traveling or living abroad.

Troubleshooting Tips

While our service is designed to work seamlessly, here are solutions to common issues:

• Verification Code Not Received: Check your dashboard immediately as codes typically arrive within 30 seconds. If delayed, try requesting the code again after 2-3 minutes.
• Service Rejects Number: This is extremely rare with our real SIM numbers. Contact our support team immediately for assistance.
• Dashboard Access Issues: Clear your browser cache or try a different browser. Our dashboard works best with Chrome, Firefox, or Safari.
• Message Formatting: Some services send messages in unusual formats. Check the raw message view in your dashboard for complete content.
• Time Zone Confusion: All timestamps in your dashboard are shown in UTC by default. You can change this in your account settings.

FAQs

Can I use my MobileSMS.io U.S. number for multiple services?

Absolutely. Our Long-Term Phone Number Rental option allows you to use your U.S. phone number for an unlimited number of services. Receive as many SMS verification codes as you need from different websites, all during your rental period. No need to juggle multiple numbers—simplify your life with just one! In 2025, our average user verifies accounts on 15-20 different platforms per month, from banking apps to social media to subscription services.

Is MobileSMS.io compatible with websites that don’t accept VoIP numbers?

Yes, absolutely. Our service exclusively provides real sim-card-based phone numbers, guaranteeing seamless compatibility across all websites, apps, and services. You won’t run into the restrictions that VoIP numbers often encounter, like not being able to register on specific websites or apps. This includes compatibility with strict platforms like Venmo, Cash App, Bank of America, Wells Fargo, WhatsApp Business, and government services that explicitly block VoIP numbers.

Can I renew my phone number after the rental period expires?

Certainly! With MobileSMS.io, you have the flexibility to extend the rental period of your U.S. phone number, making it a sustainable, long-term solution that adapts to your evolving needs. Keep your number as long as you like and maintain consistency in your professional and personal communications. We even offer a grace period of 7 days after expiration where you can reclaim your number if you forget to renew on time.

Are there additional features that come with MobileSMS.io’s service?

Yes, we offer a range of premium services to enhance your user experience. From faster SMS delivery to customer support ready to assist you 24/7, our commitment to quality ensures you won’t have to settle for anything less than the best. Additional features include SMS forwarding to email, API access for developers, bulk number management for businesses, and detailed analytics on your SMS usage patterns.

What happens if I miss an important verification code?

Don’t worry! All messages are stored in your dashboard for the entire duration of your rental period. You can access your message history anytime, download it for your records, and even set up email notifications so you never miss an important verification code. Our system maintains a complete log of all received messages with timestamps, making it easy to retrieve codes even days after they were sent.

Conclusion

Obtaining a U.S. phone number while you’re abroad is no longer a complicated or limiting experience. With MobileSMS.io, you’re not just getting a ‘virtual’ number; you’re securing a real, fully functional U.S. phone number. This allows for maximum flexibility and a broader range of capabilities compared to VoIP services. In 2025’s increasingly connected world, having reliable access to U.S. services from anywhere globally isn’t just convenient—it’s essential for business, education, and personal connectivity.

By choosing MobileSMS.io, you’re investing in a solution that offers more than just a phone number. You’re getting peace of mind, convenience, and a range of premium features tailored to meet your specific needs. With our “All Services” 30-day rental plan, you can test the waters with a fully-featured, real U.S. number at an unbeatable price. Why compromise on a limited service when you can have an unrestricted, authentic experience with MobileSMS.io?

Join thousands of satisfied customers worldwide who trust MobileSMS.io for their U.S. phone number needs. Whether you’re a digital nomad in Thailand, a student in Germany, or a business owner in Dubai, we’ve got you covered with the most reliable, compatible, and user-friendly service available in 2025.

Choose smart, choose freedom, choose MobileSMS.io.