US Phone Number for Non-Residents

If you run a US LLC from outside the US, you’ll eventually need a US phone number. Banks ask for one during verification. Payment processors want one for 2FA. Some services flat-out won’t work without a US number.

I got my US number years ago through Google Fi (back when it was still called Project Fi) and later ported it to Google Voice, which I still use today. But if I were starting from scratch now, I’d go straight to Tello — it’s simpler, cheaper, and avoids the catch-22 of Google Voice requiring an existing US number to sign up. Most other VoIP options get rejected by banks for verification anyway.

Why Tello

Tello is a US mobile carrier that runs on the T-Mobile network. What makes it work for non-residents:

• No US address required to sign up — You can create an account from anywhere
• Real US phone number — Not a VoIP number, which means it works for bank verifications and 2FA where VoIP numbers get rejected
• eSIM support — No need to receive a physical SIM card in the US
• Cheap plans — Starting at $6/month for unlimited texts + 2 GB data
• No contract — Cancel anytime, no commitments
• WiFi calling — Make and receive calls over WiFi when you’re outside the US

What You’ll Use It For

A US phone number for your LLC is a utility — you won’t use it for daily calls. It’s there for:

• Bank verifications — Mercury, Relay, and other US banks send SMS codes during setup and login
• Two-factor authentication — US services that require SMS-based 2FA (PayPal, payment processors, etc.)
• Business credibility — If you’re presenting yourself as a US business, having a US phone number is expected. Clients and partners notice when the contact number is a foreign one

For this purpose, Tello’s cheapest plan ($6/month) is all you need.

Plans & Pricing

Tello uses a “Build Your Own Plan” model — you pick your data and minutes separately. Unlimited texts are included with every plan. Free calls to 60+ countries are included with any calling plan.

For most non-resident LLC owners, the $6/month plan is all you need — unlimited texts covers all SMS verifications, and you likely won’t need minutes if you’re just using it as a utility number.

How to Sign Up

1. Go to Tello — Use my referral link (you get $10 in Tello credit)
2. Build your plan — Pick the cheapest option if you only need it for verifications
3. Choose eSIM — Select eSIM instead of physical SIM during checkout
4. Activate — Follow the instructions to add the eSIM to your phone
5. Enable WiFi calling — In your phone settings, turn on WiFi calling for the Tello line so you can receive calls and texts from anywhere

Tips for Non-Residents

• Keep the plan active — If your plan lapses, you may lose your number. Set up auto-pay.
• Save the number everywhere — Update your bank profiles, payment processors, and any US accounts with this number.
• Enable WiFi calling — With WiFi calling turned on, you can receive SMS verification codes and calls over WiFi even when your Tello SIM isn’t connected to a cellular network. This is what makes it work from anywhere in the world.

Alternatives

Tello isn’t the only option, but it’s the one I recommend because it’s cheap, reliable, and works for verifications. Here are others I’ve tried:

For most non-resident LLC owners, Tello’s $6/month plan is the simplest and most cost-effective solution.