How to Get Foreign Number Easily and Legally in 2025

Few people know but getting a foreign phone number is easier than it seems, even despite the current location. This number can be mobile or virtual, and it allows you to receive and make calls, send messages, and in some cases, verify your identity via online services.
Would you like to have such a universal foreign number? Then read the article and remember how to get foreign number in a few minutes.
Why Do People Need a Foreign Phone Number?
If you do not know in which situations you might need a foreign number or eSIM carriers, then here are the most common options:
- Remote work β a convenient connection using a local number for remote work.
- International calls β profitable calls abroad using a local number.
- Travel β no roaming and stable communication during trips.
- Online registration β access to services that require a specific country number (banks, marketplaces, or social networks).
- Privacy β a virtual number can be used to protect personal data.

How to Get a Foreign Number: Key Options Explained
Here are the main ways to get a foreign number:
- eSIM global technology is a digital SIM card that can be activated remotely.
- Online services, such as Sonetel, eSIM Plus, CloudSim, etc., provide virtual numbers.
- Mobile applications such as TextNow, Dingtone, etc., allow you to get a number from another country directly on your smartphone.
- Telecom operators provide online SIM cards with numbers from other countries for travel or business.
Each method suits different tasks β from one-time registration to constant communication with foreign contacts. Therefore, the choice depends on the specific purpose of use.
Using Apps to Get a Foreign Number
One of the easiest ways to get a foreign number is to use services such as:
- TextNow β toll-free numbers in the USA and Canada, with the possibility of calls and SMS via the Internet.
- Dingtone β a wide range of numbers, with support for voice communication, messages, and call forwarding.
- Skype β allows you to buy a number in more than 25 countries, ideal for business communication and receiving calls.
These applications work over the Internet, do not require a SIM card, and are suitable for smartphones, tablets, and PC.
How to Get Foreign Number Online in Minutes
Here is a short guide on how to get a foreign number easily and quickly:
Step 1: Choose a platform or a service: eSIM Plus, Sonetel, etc.
Step 2: Create an account: only five minutes and your account will be created.
Step 3: Choose a country and a numberβs type: mobile, virtual, etc.
Step 4: Make a payment: choose a tariff plan and pay.
Step 5: Activate a number: after payment, you can activate the number and use it fully.
*Note: Everything works online β without trips to the office and without a physical SIM card.
How to Get Foreign Number for Free
If you want to get a toll-free number, you can do so using the following services:
- Dingtone β offers free numbers for bonus points that can be earned inside the app.
- TextNow β gives you a toll-free number from the USA or Canada, and works via Wi-Fi.
- Sonetel β provides a free trial period with a real international business number.
*Discover: How to Make a Anonymous Call? Get Acquainted with the Useful Methods.
Pros and Cons of Free Foreign Number
A foreign phone number offers both the pros and cons of using such communication tools:
Advantages | Disadvantages |
---|---|
βοΈ Quick receipt without documents. βοΈ Ideal for one-time registration. βοΈ The ability to use it without a SIM card. βοΈ For free or with minimal effort (for example, for bonuses). | β Limited number validity period. β Ads are often present. β Poor communication quality or delays. β Restrictions on receiving/outgoing calls and SMS. |
Thus, a foreign number is ideal for travel or remote work but not for permanent use.
Using eSIM to Get a Foreign Number
eSIM is a digital SIM card embedded in a device. To get a foreign number, just follow these steps:
Step 1: Choose an eSIM service: eSIM Plus, Airalo, Nomad, etc.
Step 2: Choose a country and a tariff plan.
Step 3: Scan a QR code and activate an eSIM.
After payment and activation, you will be able to fully use the virtual phone number online both in your country and abroad.

How to Get a Foreign Phone Number for Business
A virtual number is also useful and convenient when doing business abroad. You can use it to receive calls from other countries without being physically there. Here are the most popular services for this:
- Google Voice is suitable for the USA and Canada. A free number, integration with Gmail and Google Meet, convenient for small businesses.
- OpenPhone is a great choice for startups. It offers international numbers, answering machines, and separation of personal and work calls.
- Sonetel provides local numbers in 60+ countries, ideal for customer support abroad.
To register and receive such a number, you will need an email, payment, and business confirmation.
*Discover: What is a Virtual Phone Call? Use The Best Way to Stay Connected!
Is It Legal to Get a Foreign Number?
Almost every country has its own regulation on the legality of using a foreign number:
- USA and EU: Using a foreign number is legal if it was purchased through an official operator. In addition, such a number cannot be used for spam, fraud, or identity concealment in violation of the GPL or other laws.
- China: Obtaining and using a foreign number in China is strictly limited. There may be sanctions for accessing foreign services via VPNs and SIM cards.
- Russia: It is illegal to use a foreign number to bypass locks, authenticate with a fake identity, or engage in illegal activities. However, the use of foreign messenger numbers and SIM cards is acceptable.
Goals like travel, business, or personal communication are usually not pretentious. It is illegal to use a number to deceive, anonymize for criminal purposes, or circumvent government filtering.
Security and Privacy Considerations
In general, using a foreign number is a safe process. However, it is important to choose a trusted service and operator that does not pose risks to security and privacy:
- Identity verification β some services require passport verification, which is not secure.
- Encryption β not all operators and services can provide reliable encryption.
- Data protection β foreign operators are subject to the laws of their countries, so metadata (logs, IP, or location) can be transferred to third parties or authorities.
Step-by-Step Guide: How to Get a Foreign Number
Here is a short instruction, following which you can easily get a foreign number:
Step 1: Choose your goal β determine why you need the number: messengers, business, travel, or service registration.
Step 2: Choose a country β choose a country with a needed code.
Step 3: Choose a provider β use only legal and trusted services like eSIM Plus, Airalo, TextNow, etc.
Step 4: Create an account β create an account, specify the country, and select a tariff.
Step 5: Receive a number β get a foreign number through a special service app.
Step 6: Confirmation and settings β confirm your number and set up 2FA.
*Note: Using the number for anonymous and illegal activities is strictly prohibited.
How to Get a Foreign Number Without a SIM Card
If you want to get a foreign number without a SIM card, then use options such as:
- Virtual numbers β TextNow, Google Voice, Sonetel.
- eSIM β eSIM Plus, Airalo, etc.
To register, you need to create an account, select a country, and pay for a tariff plan. After that, the selected tariff plan and number will be available for use via the Internet.
Can You Use Foreign Number Without a SIM Card
Of course, you can use foreign numbers to register or use messengers, however, with some reservations:
- Telegram β works with any numbers, including virtual ones. After registration, you can hide the number and use a nickname.
- WhatsApp β supports foreign numbers. Registration takes place without problems, the main thing is to have access to an SMS or a call for activation.
- Viber supports foreign numbers but may limit functions if the number is not from your country.
Despite the support, temporary numbers are often blocked. In addition, if it is lost, the user will not be able to restore the account linked to the number.
Things to Avoid When Getting a Foreign Number
Here is a list of things to avoid when using a foreign number:
- Hidden payments β some services may charge a fee later or require a long-term subscription.
- Fake websites β do not use questionable or suspicious websites with fake data.
- Violation of the law β buying a number for anonymity, circumvention of blocking, or fake identity can lead to blocking or criminal liability.
- Scammers β beware of offers in messengers or social networks: these are often stolen or non-working numbers.
- Temporary numbers β do not use temporary numbers for important services.
Check the service you choose, read all the terms, and don’t skimp on security.

Choosing The Right Method for You
A foreign number is a useful tool for both business and everyday travel use. It offers the advantages of mobility and flexibility, as well as the absence of a traditional SIM card.
However, it is important to choose only proven services and telecom operators that will ensure not only data security but also the quality of communication.
Determine the purpose of use, budget, and tariff plan with a list of countries to use, and stay in touch around the clock using a foreign number.