Keep Your US Number Active Wherever You Travel
Make seamless calls to keep us number while traveling directly from your browser. Outbound calls don’t require a dedicated number. To receive inbound calls, secure a unique US/Canada digital number ($2.14–$5/month).
Product facts
- Outbound: No dedicated number required.
- Inbound: Requires US/Canada digital number ($2.14–$5/month).
- No apps: Works in Chrome, Safari, Edge, Firefox.
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 callsKeep your SIM and use roaming for incoming SMS and emergency calls. Use StartACall for low friction outgoing calls from browser.
- Frequent travel or long staysForward or port to StartACall so the number reaches you over the internet without roaming or local SIM changes.
- Need to appear local to US callersKeep a US virtual number that rings in your browser and maintains a US presence while you travel globally.
What StartACall Provides
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.