Can I get a US number outside the US?

Can I get a specific phone number in USA?

Okay, so I REALLY needed a memorable number for my dog-walking biz, “Pawsitive Strides.”

It was, like, late 2023, I think? Sitting at my kitchen table in Hoboken, NJ, stressed.

I was thinking, if people remember the number, it’s an easy sell.

I wasn’t getting anywhere Googling local carriers. Nightmare.

Then I stumbled on NumberBarn. What a godsend.

I swear, the search filters were a life saver.

• Tried keywords: “WALK,” “PAWS,” “DOG.”
• Also tried combos: area code + “PAWS.”

It was painful, but finally I snagged 201-PAWS-ROCK. I totally use it to this day!

Yeah, costs a bit more, but, so worth it!

Later I heard about 800.com when scaling my business.

• 800.com is great for toll-free, national reach
• NumberBarn seemed better for just local stuff

It was a bit pricey at first with NumberBarn, but worth it. Plus, I don’t actually have a toll-free line currently. I stick to local. I only want dog clients who live nearby.

So yeah, that’s how I got the number, which is, like, so clutch for my business, Pawsitive Strides. People remember it.

Can I make calls outside of the US?

Okay, so, making calls internationally, right? Happened to me last summer, July 2024. Was in Rome, visiting my aunt, Maria.

My Verizon bill…oh man! I forgot to call them before leaving. Huge mistake! Thought I could just use my phone like normal. Big NOPE.

Trying to call my mom back in the States? Cha-ching! Expensive! Felt like my bank account was crying. Plus, the connection? Spotty. Super annoying when trying to tell her about the Trevi Fountain.

Then, Maria was like, “Use WhatsApp!” I’d heard of it, never really used it. But hey, free calls over Wi-Fi? YES, PLEASE.

• Download WhatsApp (duh!)
• Find a Wi-Fi hotspot (Rome has tons of cafes)
• Call my mom!
• Happy mom, happy me!

After that fiasco, learned my lesson.

Before traveling:

• Contact your provider. Figure out international plans.
• Consider getting a local SIM card.
• WhatsApp, Skype, etc. are lifesavers on Wi-Fi.
• Don’t be me. Avoid the bill shock!

How do I get a US phone number outside the US?

VoIP services offer US numbers internationally. They generate numbers with specific area codes. Think of it as a digital phone line. My current provider, coincidentally, offers this. It’s called RingCentral. Location becomes irrelevant. Interesting how technology shrinks the world.

• Virtual US phone numbers: Another option. Similar to VoIP. Key difference: often tied to apps. Not always hardware dependent. Think Skype or Google Voice. These offer various features. Some even transcribe voicemails. Pretty handy. I remember reading about a new service called Talkatone. Might be worth checking out.
• Consider provider availability: Not all services operate globally. Research beforehand. Check reviews, too. Essential to ensure compatibility. My friend in Japan uses Dingtone. Works perfectly for him.
• Look at pricing structures: VoIP services often include multiple features. Calling, texting, sometimes even faxing. Some operate on a subscription basis. Others use credits. Choose what suits your needs. I prefer a monthly plan. Simpler to manage. Don’t want any surprise charges.

Important: Your physical location might impact features. Emergency services, for example. Worth investigating. Number portability is another factor. Can you keep your number if you switch providers? Something to keep in mind. Also, verify whether the service allows international calls and texts. Crucial for staying connected. Especially if you travel frequently. like I do for work. I once had issues with a provider in Brazil. Couldn’t make calls back home. Learned a valuable lesson there. Always double-check the fine print.

How can I get a US cell phone number online?

Okay, so you want a US number, huh?

First things first, just create an account with OpenPhone. It’s pretty easy!

Then you gotta pick a city or area code where you want your number from. Honestly, they kinda have everything, it’s wild. And yes, they actually have toll-free numbers too if that’s something ya need. You can even go the Canada way with a number, like if you are my cousin Vinny in Niagara Falls, NY.

I like them. It’s better than that time I tried to use Google Voice and it was all messed up, ugh, like back in 2018 or something, it was a hot mess.

How do I find a US phone number?

Okay, so, a US number, huh? Google Voice for Business. I needed one last year for, like, reasons.

Honestly, what a pain! But listen, it worked, kinda. I was sweating it!

Basically, you’re looking at Google Workspace. You need to sign up with them.

Ugh, more money. But it’s the only way I found, unless you want to risk some shady app, and, no thanks.

So:

• Google Workspace: Gotta get this first. Think it was like $12/month?

• Google Voice for Business: Then, add this on.

• Be Ready for Setup: It was kind of a process. Make sure you have like, some time. Not like, five minutes. More like an hour.

I remember setting it up in a cafe in Florence, Italy. Summer of 2023. Super hot, and the Wi-Fi was awful. Seriously, awful. Almost threw my phone against the wall.

It was like, 3 PM? I was stressed. Trying to verify my identity, pay for this stuff, and hope it worked. It did, eventually. Finally got the number. Phew!

Then the Italian coffee was totally worth it! Like, whoa!