How to Keep Your US Phone Number When Moving Abroad

Senior Writer: Priya Naha

Published : July 19, 2021

In search of a US phone number? Here’s everything you need to know about getting a virtual US number while abroad.

What is the most convenient and affordable way to get a US phone number when traveling abroad, whether in Europe or elsewhere? Let’s take a look at how to have a US phone number overseas.

How to Get a US Phone Number While Moving Abroad?

Getting a US phone number while living abroad is simpler than you might think. There are two popular methods to get a US phone number while living abroad: via virtual phone service providers and VoIP apps. Let’s take a closer look at both.

A. Via Virtual Phone Services Providers

Virtual phone services are a popular choice for obtaining a US phone number overseas. These services allow you to choose a US number and use it to make and receive calls, as well as send texts. Follow these steps to get a US phone number overseas via virtual phone services providers:

Step 1: Choose a Service Provider: Select a reliable virtual phone service like CallHippo, RingCentral, or Grasshopper.

Step 2: Sign Up: Create an account on the chosen service provider’s website or app.

Step 3: Select a US Number: Browse through available US numbers and pick one that suits your needs.

Step 4: Set Up Your Device: Link the virtual number to your smartphone, tablet, or computer.

Step 5: Configure Settings: Customize features like voicemail, call forwarding, and text messaging through the service’s dashboard.

By following these steps, you can easily get a US phone number and stay connected with family, friends, or business contacts while living abroad.

B. Via VoIP Apps

Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) apps are another excellent option for getting a US phone number while living abroad. Here’s a detailed guide to getting a US number using VoIP apps.

Step 1: Download a VoIP App: Choose a reputable VoIP app like Skype, WhatsApp, or Vonage and download it on your device.

Step 2: Create an Account: Register and create an account within the app.

Step 3: Select a US Number: During the setup process, choose a US phone number from the available options.

Step 4: Verify Your Identity: Complete the identity verification process if required by the app.

Step 5: Start Using the Number: Begin making and receiving calls, sending texts, and utilizing other features with your new US number.

Following these steps, you can get a US phone number via a VoIP app. This will help you maintain effective communication no matter where you are living abroad.

What Does It Cost To Get A US Phone Number Overseas?

The price varies greatly depending on the carrier; however, if you obtain a US phone number from CallHippo while traveling abroad, you can budget for the following expenses.

We have also provided you with a list of the phone number charges for some other countries.

You May Also Read : How to Get Free USA Number from Any Country?

How to Keep Your US Phone Number When Moving Abroad?

Moving abroad doesn’t mean you have to lose your US phone number. Here are the five popular ways that explains how to keep US phone number abroad:

1. Port Your Number to a Virtual Phone Service: Services like Google Voice, Skype, or a virtual phone system provider like CallHippo allow you to port your existing number. This way, you can make and receive calls over the internet without incurring hefty international charges.
2. Switch to a VoIP Service: Voice over Internet Protocol or VoIP services, such as CallHippo, CloudTalk, or Ooma, let you use your US number anywhere. You just need a reliable internet connection to keep using your number as if you were still in the US.
3. Forward Your Calls: Set up call forwarding from your US number to your new international number. This can be done through your current phone service provider. However, keep in mind there may be charges for forwarded calls.
4. Use a Dual SIM Phone: If you prefer to keep your physical SIM card, consider using a dual SIM phone. This way, you can have a local SIM for your new country and retain your US SIM for your old number.
5. Number Parking Services: Consider using a number parking service. These services allow you to keep your number for a small fee without needing a full-service plan. This option is convenient if you’re figuring out how to keep a US number when moving abroad without incurring high costs.

Following these methods will help you keep your US phone number when moving abroad– ensuring you don’t miss important calls and can stay connected with ease.

Advantages Of Porting Your US Phone Number To A Virtual Phone Service Provider

If you are moving abroad from the United States, keeping in touch with friends, business colleagues, and family is on your priority list. Since your US phone number is your identity, it is evident that you don’t want to lose it.

You can enhance business profitability by investing in a US phone number service provider to port your number and retain your existing US phone number. Here are some advantages of why your business should invest in the perfect business phone solution available in the US.

1. Reliability

One of the most significant benefits of porting your US phone number to VoIP services is that you are assured of performance. It is reliable, and you can periodically check your messages and receive customer calls and voicemails to ensure you do not miss out on any important messages.

Most modern VoIP service providers specialize in making the porting experience seamless for users.

In addition, they provide customized services like call forwarding and recording for individuals, start-ups, and business persons moving abroad to deliver reliable phone porting services.

Hence, you can move abroad without worries if you have partnered with a VoIP service provider that meets uptime requirements and is a reliable market player.

2. Cost-Effective

Price is the top-most consideration when porting your phone number. However, with some free VoIP service providers, such as Google Voice, most vendors will levy a minimal charge for porting your US phone number.

Make sure to have a budget before discussing porting options with your VoIP provider. Ask them whether you will get unlimited talk time to make international calls. Make sure to clarify any hidden charges or costs to have a fair idea about the pricing structure.

3. Superior User-Experience

Undoubtedly, user experience is essential for anyone porting their US phone number when moving to another country. Apex voice quality, good network connection, and uninterrupted services can positively impact the user experience. So make sure to take free trials while comparing different VoIP service providers.

 This will give you a good idea of their services, get to know their strengths and weaknesses, and improve your customer experience. Check out the user experience on the mobile application and your computer to make an informed decision.

4. Time-Saving

You’ll need to spend a lot of time letting your business partners, family, and friends know about the new number and the costs associated with rebranding your communication with the new number. 

Every minute you don’t spend working on your primary tasks costs you time and money. When you port, you eliminate the needless inconvenience of having to notify everyone and save time and money. 

5. Consistent Communication

Most likely, you’ve been communicating with every client using your company number. Your clients and business associates are accustomed to it by this point. There is no need to notify them before porting your company number.

Your interactions with your clients will continue unabated. If you are porting your customer service number, it is extremely helpful.

6. Support

If there is one aspect you cannot compromise while investing in a VoIP service provider, it is customer support. Since you will be porting your US phone and moving to another country, you must ensure your service provider is responsive to customer problems.

 You should be able to contact the customer support team in case of any questions or technical glitches. 

Most VoIP service providers give utmost priority to customer support. They remain available 24*7 through phone calls, instant messages, chats, and voicemail. 

However, free services such as Google Voice do not provide support, so check this vital aspect before going ahead with a VoIP service provider.

You May Also Read : How to get US Virtual Office with Virtual Address

The Final Word

With our points mentioned above, you have learned how to get a US phone number overseas and ways to keep it!

Moving to another country is now not going to come in the way of your business or personal communication – go ahead and port your phone number with a reliable VoIP service provider. It is a perfect option for many global citizens who settled in the United States of America and planning to move to another country.

The best part about porting your phone number with a VoIP provider is that you can easily move back to your US number if you decide to shift back in a few years. Happy to hear that you can retain your US number while moving overseas. Let us know if number porting has worked for you – leave your comments below to share your thoughts!

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How is the call quality of US virtual numbers when I’m abroad? 

If you decide to retain your US number by porting it to a virtual phone service provider, you can enjoy good calling quality while abroad using VoIP telephony. In addition, there would be no extra charges, and you will never have to worry about outages.

2. What if you move back to the US? 

If you move back to the US again, you can use the same VoIP connection for making calls and sending texts. Of course, you can also port your virtual number to a standard US phone number, but that would limit you from easy accessibility.

3. Can I still use WhatsApp and Telegram?

Yes, you can still use your virtual US number for Whatsapp and Telegram if you move to a different country. The number can also be used for voicemail, calls, and SMS verifications.

4. Can I keep my mobile number if I move abroad?

You can keep your mobile number if you move abroad. To keep it active, do the following:

1. Create a Google Voice account
2. Port your mobile number to Google voice
3. Create a voicemail to let your friends know how to reach you
4. Get a local sim card

Updated : November 19, 2024

Priya Naha

Priya Naha is an experienced technical content writer who focuses on VoIP and telephony technologies.  Her expertise in telecommunication and content marketing allows her to simplify complex topics with real-world knowledge, making her writing relatable, informative, and easy-to-read.  Her direct involvement with VoIP products and solutions makes her a reliable voice in the field.

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