Activate or find a US SIM card phone number in the United States
In the United States, prepaid and postpaid are two common options for phone cards, which are suitable for different communication needs and user types. Here is detailed information about these two types of phone cards:
Prepaid phone cards:
Prepaid phone cards require users to top up a certain amount of money before using communication services. Users can use calling, messaging, and data services based on the prepaid amount until the balance is exhausted.
One of the biggest advantages of this type of phone card is flexibility, as users can control communication costs and avoid going over budget. In addition, prepaid phone cards do not require signing long-term contracts or providing real names, making them suitable for temporary stays, short-term travel, or people with a clear communication budget.
Users can purchase prepaid phone cards at various sales points, such as large retailers, supermarkets, convenience stores, gas stations, etc. These phone cards are usually available immediately after activation and can be replaced or canceled by the user as needed.
Postpaid phone cards:
Postpaid phone cards require users to pay fees based on their communication usage after using communication services. Usually, users need to sign a contract, which may have a certain time limit.
Postpaid phone cards are usually suitable for users who require more calling time, data, and services. These phone cards often provide larger calling time, messaging quotas, and data quotas, as well as additional services and features.
Postpaid phone cards may require a credit check in some cases because users pay fees on a monthly basis, so the service provider may need to assess the user's credit status.
When traveling in the United States or having friends in the United States, you can purchase phone cards at official stores, various shops, or supermarkets, such as Walmart, 7-Eleven, CVS, Sears, Walgreen, Giant Eagle, Best Buy, Radioshack, etc. Many small supermarkets also sell phone cards, and some larger gas stations also sell them. In addition, phone cards are also available on websites such as Walmart, Target, Best Buy, and eBay.
US Mobile Virtual Operators
For situations where you only need to occasionally receive SMS or voice verification codes for registering apps and do not need to use them while roaming in China, purchasing a physical US SIM card is obviously too expensive. This involves monthly rental fees and expensive international roaming calls. Therefore, choosing a US virtual phone number seems more appropriate.
As a huge market, the United States has numerous mobile operators, providing consumers with a wide range of choices. In addition to the well-known three major mobile operators Verizon, T-Mobile, and AT&T, there are also many virtual mobile operators competing in the market.
Virtual mobile operators are operators that do not have their own wireless network infrastructure but lease signal towers and networks from other major operators (such as Verizon, T-Mobile, AT&T) to provide communication services. These virtual operators sell phone cards under their own brands and usually attract consumers with more competitive prices and packages. Virtual operators can sell phone cards through online channels, physical stores, or various sales points.
Google Voice is a widely used option that provides a free US virtual number for voice calls and messaging. Other platforms such as Textnow, Twilio, and Dingtone also provide similar services.
Temporary Number Platforms
Temporary number platforms provide temporary virtual phone numbers that can be used to receive SMS and verification codes. These platforms are very useful for short-term verification or temporary needs, but due to their temporary nature, they are not suitable for long-term use.
Buying US Numbers on Taobao
Some Taobao shops offer US phone numbers. However, when purchasing numbers, it is important to be cautious as there are both good and bad sellers on Taobao, and there may be cases of fraud or illegality.
17 Prepaid Phone Card Providers
The prepaid phone card market in the United States is very diverse, with many suppliers offering various prepaid phone card options.
Verizon Prepaid
Verizon is a major mobile operator in the United States, offering prepaid phone cards under the Verizon Prepaid brand, including calling, messaging, and data plans.
T-Mobile Prepaid
T-Mobile is another major mobile operator that offers prepaid phone cards under the T-Mobile Prepaid brand, suitable for calling, messaging, and data needs.
AT&T Prepaid
AT&T is also a major mobile operator in the United States, offering prepaid phone cards under the AT&T Prepaid brand, allowing users to choose different plans based on their needs.
Metro by T-Mobile
Metro by T-Mobile is a subsidiary of T-Mobile, specializing in prepaid services and offering various plans and options.
Cricket Wireless
Cricket Wireless is a subsidiary of AT&T, offering prepaid services with multiple calling, messaging, and data plans.
Boost Mobile
Boost Mobile is a subsidiary of Sprint (now merged with T-Mobile), focusing on providing prepaid services with various plans and features.
Virgin Mobile
Virgin Mobile is another subsidiary of Sprint, offering prepaid services and attracting young consumers with its unique brand image.
Mint Mobile
Mint Mobile is a virtual mobile operator offering monthly plans for calling, messaging, and data.
Simple Mobile
Simple Mobile is a virtual operator that leases the T-Mobile network, offering prepaid services with various plans and options.
TracFone
TracFone is a company that offers multiple brands of prepaid phone cards, including Straight Talk, Net10, Total Wireless, etc.
H2O Wireless
H2O Wireless is a virtual mobile operator offering prepaid phone cards with calling, messaging, and data plans.
Ultra Mobile Flex Plan
In addition to PayGo, Ultra Mobile also offers the Flex plan, allowing users to customize their plans based on their actual communication usage.
Lycamobile
Lycamobile is a virtual operator that focuses on international calls, offering the PayGo plan where users can pay based on their actual usage while enjoying international calling features.
GoPhone (AT&T Prepaid)
AT&T used to offer the GoPhone brand of prepaid phone cards, which is now renamed as AT&T Prepaid.
TracFone
TracFone is a company that offers multiple brands of prepaid phone cards, allowing users to recharge and use communication services as needed.
Red Pocket
Red Pocket is a virtual mobile operator that allows users to pay based on their actual usage of calling time, messaging, and data.
Tello
Tello is a virtual mobile operator that allows users to pay based on their actual usage of calling, messaging, and data.
8 Apps to Get a US Virtual Number
Here are some applications that provide US virtual numbers. These applications typically offer temporary or virtual US phone numbers for receiving SMS, verification codes, and other purposes. Please note that the availability and functionality of these applications may change over time, so it is recommended to conduct proper research and confirmation before choosing to use them:
Dingtone
Dingtone is an application that provides free virtual numbers. Users can use these numbers to send messages, make calls, and receive calls.
TextNow
TextNow is an application that provides free US virtual numbers. Users can use these numbers for free messaging and calling. It also offers paid options for more features and services.
Google Voice
Google Voice is a service provided by Google that allows users to get a US virtual number and forward calls and messages to other phone numbers. It can also be used for voicemail and text transcription.
Burner
Burner is an application that helps users get temporary virtual numbers for short-term activities, communication, or privacy protection. You can create and destroy these virtual numbers at any time.
Sideline
Sideline is an application designed specifically for businesses and professionals. It provides a virtual number for professional communication, including business communication and customer contact.
Hushed
Hushed provides temporary virtual numbers for privacy protection. Users can use these virtual numbers to send messages and receive calls without revealing their real numbers.
TextMe
TextMe is an application that allows users to get free US virtual numbers for messaging, voice, and video calls.
2ndLine
2ndLine allows users to get US virtual numbers for calling and messaging. It is suitable for personal and business use.