Can I keep my US number when I travel overseas?

Yes. You can keep your number by keeping your carrier SIM active with roaming forwarding calls to a virtual number or by porting the number to a cloud provider like StartACall so calls reach you over the internet.

Do I need to install an app to use StartACall abroad?

No. StartACall runs in modern browsers. Log in and answer calls without installing any application.

Can I forward my carrier number to a virtual number?

Many carriers allow call forwarding. Forward your carrier number to a StartACall virtual number to receive calls in your browser while traveling.

Can I keep my US number while traveling abroad?

Yes. You can either keep your carrier SIM active with roaming, forward calls to a virtual number, or port the number to a cloud provider that delivers calls through the internet.

How does StartACall help me keep my US number while abroad?

StartACall lets you receive and make calls from a US virtual number directly in your browser. Forward or port your existing number to StartACall and answer from any device with no app installs required.

Will I be able to receive SMS?

SMS support depends on your carrier and whether you port or forward. StartACall supports voice and many virtual number SMS flows but verify SMS requirements before porting.

🇺🇸Keep Your US Number While Traveling

Keep Your US Number Active Wherever You Travel

Traveling abroad does not mean losing calls from family, customers, or services. Use StartACall to forward or port your US number and make or receive calls right from your browser with no extra apps.

How It Works

US NumberReady in Browser

🇺🇸

How You Can Keep Your US Number While Abroad

Practical options and the exact steps to receive calls to your US number from anywhere in the world.

Keep Your Carrier SIM

Leave your US SIM active and enable roaming with your carrier. This keeps the number live but may require carrier setup. Use StartACall in the browser to place calls over Wi Fi while traveling.

Call Forward to a Virtual Number

Set conditional or unconditional forwarding to a US virtual number. With StartACall you can buy a US virtual number and receive forwarded calls in your browser instantly.

Port Your Number to the Cloud

Porting moves your number from a mobile carrier to a cloud provider. Once ported, your number lives in the cloud and rings to StartACall so you can answer from any browser without the physical SIM.

Step by Step with StartACall

Create a StartACall account and verify your email.
Buy a US virtual number or start the porting process to move your existing number.
If you prefer forwarding, enable call forwarding from your carrier to the StartACall number.
Open StartACall in your browser and answer calls from anywhere on Wi Fi or mobile data.

Which Option Is Right for You?

Quick guidance to choose between keeping your SIM, forwarding, or porting.

Short trips and occasional calls
Keep your SIM and use roaming for incoming SMS and emergency calls. Use StartACall for low friction outgoing calls from browser.
Frequent travel or long stays
Forward or port to StartACall so the number reaches you over the internet without roaming or local SIM changes.
Need to appear local to US callers
Keep a US virtual number that rings in your browser and maintains a US presence while you travel globally.

What StartACall Provides

Make and receive calls in your browser.

Manage US virtual numbers and porting workflows.

Secure connections and enterprise reliability built on Twilio.

Global reach so callers always connect to your US number.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I keep receiving texts sent to my US number?

SMS behavior depends on whether you forward or port your number and on your original carrier. StartACall supports many SMS flows for virtual numbers but confirm SMS needs before porting or forwarding.

Do I need to install an app to answer calls?

No. StartACall works in modern browsers. Open your account in Chrome Safari or Firefox and answer calls without installing any software.

Is call quality reliable over Wi Fi?

Call quality depends on network conditions. StartACall uses modern codecs and Twilio infrastructure to deliver high quality voice. On stable Wi Fi or mobile data you should get clear calls comparable to regular phone service.

How long does porting take?

Porting time varies by carrier. StartACall guides you through the process and keeps you informed until the transfer completes.