Whether it’s for business expansion, remote work, or just staying reachable while abroad, having a local number in a foreign country can help build trust, reduce calling costs, or meet technical needs like two-factor authentication (2FA). In this guide, we’ll break down the different types of numbers, how they work, and how to get an international phone number for your business.
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TL;DR: Getting an International Phone Number for Your Business
“International phone number” usually means a local number in another country, not one global number.
Businesses typically want this to look local, improve sales and support, or meet regulatory needs abroad.
There are 3 main options: Real mobile number: Best for banking, 2FA, legal verification; Virtual local number (DID via VoIP): Best for sales, support, scalability, and remote teams; App-based numbers: Best for short-term or informal use — not reliable for business needs.
Main Questions About Internatinal Phone Numbers
- Can I get an international phone number without being in that country?
Yes. With a virtual local number (DID) from a VoIP provider, you can obtain and manage phone numbers in other countries without physical presence. However, some countries may require business documentation or ID verification.
- Is a virtual number the same as a real local number?
Functionally, yes for most business purposes like calling and receiving calls. However, virtual numbers may not be accepted for SMS verification or banking purposes, which often require a real SIM-based mobile number.
When Do You Need an International Phone Number?
The first step to getting the right international phone number is understanding the use case. Here are the most common business scenarios:
Outbound sales to international markets
If your sales team is calling prospects in other countries, a local phone number significantly increases answer rates. People are more likely to pick up calls from familiar area codes than from foreign or toll-free numbers.Customer support availability in multiple countries
Offering local numbers for support makes your business more accessible. Customers can call without incurring international fees, and your support team can route and handle calls from anywhere via VoIP.Establishing a local presence without a physical office
A virtual local number helps your business appear established in a new market. This improves trust, removes friction in local engagement, and supports region-specific marketing or compliance efforts.Platform-level phone capabilities and compliance
SaaS, fintech, and global platforms often need local numbers to enable in-app voice/SMS features, user verification (2FA), or to meet regional telecom requirements. Some use cases require real mobile numbers, while others can rely on virtual DIDs.
How to Get an International Phone Number?
To get an international phone number, you have 2 options: getting a real local mobile number; getting a virtual local number (a DID number); or get an app that gives you a number from another country.
Below, we’ll break down the most common options, starting with the most traditional: getting a real local mobile number using a SIM or eSIM.
Option 1: Getting a Real Local Mobile Number (SIM or eSIM)
This method gives you an actual phone number issued by a local mobile operator in the country you’re targeting. It’s the same kind of number locals use — tied to a physical SIM card or eSIM — and it’s the most reliable when you need full functionality, including SMS verification and banking support.
Buying a Local SIM in the Country
This involves purchasing a SIM card directly from a carrier or store in the country. You’ll often need to show local identification or proof of address due to telecom regulations. It gives you a real mobile line with voice, SMS, and data, and it’s usually accepted by banks and for government use. However, it requires physical presence and can be difficult to maintain remotely.Using eSIMs That Include a Phone Number
eSIM providers offer digital alternatives to physical SIM cards. Some of them include real mobile numbers — not just data plans. This option offers convenience and works across many newer smartphones, but coverage, number availability, and SMS reliability vary by provider and country.Keeping Your Home-Country Number for Verification
Some businesses or founders choose to keep their home-country number active with a low-cost mobile plan, using it primarily for 2FA, banking, or other verification needs. This is especially useful if you don’t want to risk losing access to accounts tied to your original number.
This option is best when you need a real mobile number for official purposes — not just voice routing or a local presence.
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| What it is | A real mobile phone number issued by a local carrier in the target country, delivered via a physical SIM or eSIM |
| Pros | Accepted by banks and government services; works reliably for SMS, 2FA, and voice; fully recognized as a local mobile number |
| Cons | Often requires physical presence or local ID; harder to manage remotely; limited scalability for teams; higher ongoing costs |
| SMS & 2FA Support | Strong – typically works for banking, WhatsApp, Google, and other verification services |
| Remote Management | Limited – usually tied to a single device or user |
| Scalability | Low – not practical for multi‑country or multi‑team setups |
| Best Fit When | You need maximum trust and compatibility (banking, legal, government, or personal verification use cases) |
| Not Ideal When | You need local presence for sales/support, centralized call routing, or numbers across many countries |
Option 2: Getting a Virtual Local Number (International DID)
For most businesses looking to establish a local presence abroad, without physical offices or managing mobile devices, DID Numbers or Direct Inward Dialing numbers are the most practical, scalable solution.
These numbers look and behave like local phone numbers in the country of your choice, but they aren’t tied to a SIM card or physical phone line. Instead, they’re managed in the cloud by VoIP providers and can route calls and messages to any device, app, or contact center — anywhere in the world.
Let’s break down what they are and how they work.
What Is a Virtual Local Number (DID)?
A virtual local number (or DID) is a phone number that isn’t physically connected to a SIM card or on-premise phone line. Instead, it’s hosted in the cloud by a VoIP provider, who handles the routing of calls and messages.
To anyone dialing it, a virtual number looks exactly like a regular number from that country — complete with the correct local or national area code. But behind the scenes, it can forward calls to any destination you configure: a softphone app, a VoIP desk phone, or a global contact center.
This difference is what makes virtual numbers so powerful for businesses. You can instantly create a local presence in another country without local infrastructure, and manage everything remotely.
How VoIP Providers Offer Local Numbers Worldwide
VoIP providers partner with telecom carriers across the globe to offer local numbers (DIDs) in dozens — or even hundreds — of countries. Once you choose a country and number type, the provider allocates it to your account and enables routing options such as:
Voice calls: forwarded to a mobile number, landline, SIP address, or VoIP app.
SMS (if supported): received through a dashboard, API, or app.
SIP trunking: direct integration with your PBX or contact center software.
Call forwarding and IVRs: custom call handling for sales or support workflows.
These numbers are provisioned instantly in most cases, with some countries requiring identity verification or local documentation.
Types of Virtual Numbers Available
When choosing a virtual number, it’s important to understand the different formats available. Each type has different characteristics, pricing, and compliance rules depending on the country and provider.
Local (Geographic) Numbers
These are tied to a specific city or region — for example, a 212 area code for New York or a 020 code for London. They’re ideal when you want to appear local to customers in a particular city. These numbers are often recognized and trusted by callers and work well for sales or support teams targeting regional markets.National Numbers
These are not associated with any specific city but still appear local to the country. They can often be dialed from anywhere within the country at local rates. National numbers are useful when you want broad coverage without targeting a single region — for example, if you serve all of Germany rather than just Berlin.Mobile-Format Virtual Numbers
These look like mobile numbers but are virtual (not tied to a SIM). They can be useful in countries where people expect to interact via mobile, or where mobile caller ID increases answer rates. However, SMS support may vary, and some services (e.g., banks) may not accept them for verification.Toll-Free Numbers
While not technically local numbers, toll-free numbers let callers reach your business for free and are often used for inbound customer service. They’re better suited for centralized support than localized outreach.
Pros and Cons of Virtual Local Numbers (DIDs)
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Easily provisioned and managed remotely | May not work for SMS verification or 2FA (e.g., banks, government sites) |
| Instantly creates a local presence in target markets | Not all numbers support outbound SMS or caller ID customization |
| Scalable — manage dozens of numbers across countries from one platform | May require documentation depending on country (proof of address, ID) |
| Lower cost than physical mobile lines or office setup | Call quality can vary based on provider and routing infrastructure |
| Flexible call routing to SIP, VoIP apps, or contact centers | Some numbers may be flagged as VoIP or spam by certain carriers |
| Supports automation, IVRs, CRM integrations, and call analytics | Requires basic VoIP or SIP knowledge to configure optimally |
Option 3: Apps That Give You a Number From Another Country
Some businesses and individuals turn to mobile or desktop apps that offer numbers from other countries. It could be a quick and affordable way to get an international phone number, but they come with limitations, especially for professional use.
Let’s break down what’s available and when this option makes sense.
Consumer Apps (Skype, Hushed, TextNow, etc.)
Many apps offer “virtual numbers” from different countries that can send/receive calls and sometimes SMS. These include:
Skype Numbers: Longstanding option with local numbers in several countries.
TextNow / Hushed / Burner: Apps for secondary numbers, often used by travelers or freelancers.
While these are inexpensive and easy to use, they often come with issues:
Caller ID may not be reliable.
SMS support is inconsistent.
Numbers may get recycled or flagged.
They rarely support business features like call routing, IVRs, or integrations.
These apps are best suited for temporary or low-risk use, not long-term business communication.
Step-by-Step: How to Get an International Phone Number via a Virtual Provider
Here’s how to do it right:
Choose the country and use case
Select a provider with coverage there
Check regulatory requirements
Choose the number type and area code
Configure routing (forwarding, app, SIP)
Test calls and caller ID
Step 1: Choose the Country and Use Case
Start by identifying both the country where you want a phone number and why you need it. This will guide every other step: from the number format to the provider and setup method.
Common business use cases include outbound sales to customers, local inbound support lines, in-app communication for users, or regulatory requirements for having a local number.
Step 2: Select a Provider With Coverage There
Once you know the country and intended use, the next step is finding a virtual phone number provider that offers reliable coverage in that location.
Here’s what to look for when choosing a provider:
Local number availability in the country and region you need (e.g., Paris vs. all of France)
Number types offered: local, national, mobile-format, toll-free
Call and SMS support, especially if you require 2FA or inbound messaging
Caller ID control and reliable routing
SIP compatibility if you’re connecting to a PBX or contact center
Regulatory support (some countries require business verification or ID)
Make sure to verify that the provider gives you full control of the number (ownership, porting ability, CLI configuration), and avoid those that rely heavily on recycled or temporary numbers.
Step 3: Check Regulatory Requirements
Before activating your number, verify what local regulations apply in the country you’re targeting. Many countries require documentation before you can use a number, especially for geographic or mobile formats.
Common regulatory requirements include proof of identity and address. However, these requirements vary by the type of number and provider. For example, getting a number in Germany or Brazil often requires stricter documentation than in the U.S. or U.K.
Failing to provide the correct documents may result in delayed activation or number suspension, so always confirm what’s needed before proceeding.
Step 4: Choose Number Type and Area Code
Once compliance is clear, decide on the type of number and area code that best fits your goals.
Local (Geographic): Choose a number with a city-specific area code if you want a strong presence in a specific location (e.g., Milan, Tokyo, New York).
National: Opt for these if you’re targeting the whole country and don’t want to appear tied to a single city.
Mobile-format virtual numbers: Use these when a mobile appearance improves pickup rates or messaging experience.
Toll-free: Best for centralized inbound support, though they may be less trusted for outbound or localized marketing.
Also consider dialing costs for your customers — local numbers are often the most cost-effective and familiar format for them.
Step 5: Configure Routing
The next step is to configure where and how incoming calls (and SMS, if supported) are delivered. This is where virtual numbers shine — they’re highly flexible and can route traffic to almost any endpoint.
These are the most common routing options:
Call forwarding to a landline or mobile
Quick and easy setup — ideal for small teams or solopreneurs. Just note that forwarding costs can vary by destination.VoIP app (softphone)
Use a provider’s mobile or desktop app to receive and make calls using your virtual number. No physical hardware required, just an internet connection.SIP trunking to a PBX or contact center
For businesses with existing telephony infrastructure, SIP trunking lets you connect the number to your IP PBX, call center software, or unified communications platform.Custom IVRs or call flows
Many providers let you build interactive voice menus, set hours of operation, or route calls to different agents based on location, language, or purpose.
Step 6: Test Calls and Caller ID
Before rolling your number out to customers or teams, it’s essential to verify that everything works as expected, especially call quality, routing, and outbound caller ID (CLI). Check inbound and outbound calls, SMS, and call quality and latency.
Thorough testing ensures your number performs reliably before customers ever hear it, and gives your team confidence in scaling communications across borders.
Common Problems and How to Avoid Them
Even after setting up an international phone number, many businesses run into issues they didn’t anticipate — especially when using VoIP or app-based numbers. These problems usually stem from technical limitations, a lack of regulatory knowledge, or unrealistic expectations.
Here are the most common pitfalls we have collected from forums and companies’ meetings, along with how to avoid them:
“My Bank Won’t Accept This Number”
Many banks, government sites, and 2FA services can detect VoIP or virtual numbers and reject them for verification. This happens because:
They’re scanning number ranges tied to VoIP carriers
Some virtual numbers can’t receive SMS or short codes
The number isn’t associated with a physical SIM or carrier ID
How to avoid it: If SMS verification is a priority (e.g., for banking), use a real mobile number via SIM or eSIM — not a DID or VoIP number.
“Caller ID Looks Weird or Says Unknown”
Caller ID (CLI) issues are common when outbound calls are made using unconfigured or poorly supported VoIP setups. The recipient may see a blocked number, a generic caller name, or “Unknown.”
How to avoid it:
Choose a provider that supports custom CLI/caller ID for your country
Ensure proper SIP header configuration
Avoid cheap VoIP apps that can’t manage CLI rules reliably
“This Number Worked Before, Now It Doesn’t”
Some virtual numbers — especially those from low-cost apps — get recycled, blacklisted, or blocked by certain carriers over time. This can happen if they were previously abused for spam or fraud.
How to avoid it: Use a reputable business-grade provider that offers stable, owned numbers, not recycled ones. Avoid free or disposable services for anything long-term.
“Call Quality Is Bad”
Latency, jitter, or dropped calls often result from weak internet connections, poorly routed traffic, or overloaded apps.
How to avoid it:
Prioritize providers with strong global infrastructure
Use wired internet or business-grade connections
Enable QoS settings for VoIP traffic
Monitor performance using call analytics or monitoring tools
Which Option Is Right for Your Business? (Quick Decision Framework)
Choosing the right type of international phone number for your business comes down to what you’re trying to achieve — not just which number is easiest to get. Each option comes with trade-offs in trust, scalability, cost, and compliance.
| Option | Best For | When to Avoid |
|---|---|---|
| Real Mobile Number (SIM or eSIM) | SMS verification, banking, regulatory compliance, government portals | When you need scalability, remote access, or centralized call management |
| Virtual Local Number (DID) | Sales, customer support, local market presence, VoIP integrations | When you need 2FA, SMS verification, or banking acceptance |
| Toll-Free Number | Centralized customer service, national access, brand trust | When targeting local cities or needing mobile-format visibility |
| App-Based Virtual Number | Temporary use, internal testing, travel communications | For long-term business use, 2FA, or outbound brand reputation |
Here’s a quick framework to help you decide:
If your business needs a trusted number for SMS verification, banking, or legal registration
→ Get a real mobile number via SIM or eSIM.
This ensures compatibility with 2FA systems, compliance requirements, and official documentation.If you’re establishing a local presence to reach or serve customers in another country
→ Use a virtual local number (DID) from a VoIP provider.
These are scalable, affordable, and ideal for sales, support, and marketing teams targeting specific markets.If you need centralized support or want customers to call for free
→ Consider a toll-free number.
Ideal for customer service, especially in countries where toll-free access increases trust and call volume.If you just need a temporary or low-volume number for testing or internal use
→ Apps with virtual numbers can suffice.
But avoid them for customer-facing or mission-critical communication.
Making the right choice saves time, improves performance, and prevents issues with verification, call delivery, and regulatory compliance.
How to Get an International Phone Number With Telxi
If you’re a business looking for a reliable way to get international local numbers we make the process fast, compliant, and scalable.
Here’s how to get started:
1. Choose the Country and Number Type
Telxi offers virtual local numbers (DIDs) in 60+ countries, including major markets like the U.S., U.K., Canada, Germany, Brazil, Australia, and more. You can select from:
Geographic (local) numbers for specific cities
National numbers that work across the whole country
Mobile-format virtual numbers in selected countries
Toll-free options for inbound customer service
2. Pick the Right Plan
Telxi’s pricing is built for growing teams and scalable call volumes. Depending on your use case (sales, support, internal comms), you can:
Choose per-user or per-number pricing
Add international numbers on top of your existing plan
Bundle numbers with SIP trunking, call routing, and analytics
3. Submit Required Documentation
For some countries, Telxi may need you to provide:
Proof of identity or business registration
Proof of address (local or international, depending on the country)
Telxi’s onboarding flow will tell you exactly what’s needed — and support is available to guide you through compliance.
4. Configure Call Routing
Once your number is active, you can route calls to:
VoIP apps (mobile or desktop)
SIP endpoints or existing PBX systems
Forwarding numbers or global teams
Telxi also supports call queuing, IVRs, auto-attendants, and CRM integrations if you need more advanced workflows.
FAQ About International Phone Numbers
- Why don’t banks accept VoIP numbers?
Banks and 2FA services detect VoIP number ranges and often block them due to fraud prevention. These systems typically require physical mobile numbers tied to a carrier SIM for trust and traceability.
- How much does an international/local number cost per month?
Pricing varies by country and provider, but business-grade virtual local numbers typically cost between $5–$20/month per number. Costs may increase with advanced routing features, call volume, or regulatory requirements.
- Can I manage multiple countries from one dashboard?
Yes. Telxi allows businesses to purchase and manage multiple numbers across different countries from a single, centralized dashboard — with tools for routing, analytics, and compliance management.
