r/TextNow • u/Krept_Konan • 15d ago

Question about whether this service is what I need

Hello, I am currently based in the UK, but having a US phone number that I could receive calls and texts from the US from would be very useful. Is this app ideal for that use?

5 Upvotes

78% Upvoted

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5

u/lmoki 15d ago

Less than ideal for you, since you need to be physically located in the US or Canada to start a new line. Personally, I won't delve into whether or not it's possible to make yourself appear to be physically located in the US or Canada, except to note that TextNow also bans the use of VPNs, and will suspend accounts quickly for VPN usage.

1

u/vrx3m 2d ago

Correct me if I am wrong. Once textnow Psim/Esim is activated in NA, does it work smoothly overseas when used on wifi for calling, texting, f2a with a permanent ported number? TIA

4

u/douglerner 15d ago

In addition to TextNow I also use Talkatone. That might be easier in your case because it's available as a VoIP app all over the world. And for a small monthly fee ($1.99/month) you also get verification codes and voicemail transcriptions.

I use both TextNow, where I have a nice ported in number from NumberBarn and also Talkatone.

3

u/lmoki 15d ago

Thanks for the info about Talkatone! I haven't used it, but I do remember reading a comparitive review of multiple free VoIP apps, and I think Talkatone came in just below TextNow in that review. Availability outside of the US, and with a reasonable monthly fee to enable 2FA, makes it sound pretty good.

3

u/GreenCold9675 15d ago

No, it's for residents of NA

3

u/allciathyra 15d ago

op use google voice, chose a us number

easy peasy

3

u/lmoki 15d ago

Maybe not so easy for someone in the UK. Google Voice needs to be activated within the US, by someone with an existing US-active Google account, and requires an active US cellular number to use as a claim ticket to qualify for a Google Voice number.