Activate or find a US SIM card phone number with the help of a friend in the United States.
In the United States, there are two common options for phone cards: prepaid and postpaid. They 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 the prepaid amount for calls, text messages, and data services until the balance is depleted.
One of the biggest advantages of this type of phone card is flexibility. Users can control communication expenses and avoid going over budget. In addition, prepaid phone cards do not require signing long-term contracts or providing personal information, 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, and gas stations. These phone cards are usually available immediately after activation and can be changed or canceled with the carrier as needed.
Postpaid Phone Cards:
Postpaid phone cards require users to pay for communication services based on usage after using them. Usually, users need to sign a contract, which may have a certain time limit.
Postpaid phone cards are usually suitable for users who need more talk time, data, and services. These phone cards typically offer larger talk time, text message quotas, and data quotas, as well as additional services and features.
In some cases, postpaid phone cards may require a credit check because users pay monthly fees, so the carrier 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 like Walmart, 7-Eleven, CVS, Sears, Walgreen, Giant Eagle, Best Buy, Radioshack, etc. Many small supermarkets also sell phone cards. In addition, some larger gas stations also sell phone cards. Furthermore, phone cards are also available on websites like Walmart, Target, Best Buy, and eBay.
US Mobile Virtual Operators:
For situations where you only need to occasionally receive registration app SMS or voice verification codes and do not need to use them while roaming in China, purchasing a physical US SIM card is obviously too expensive. This involves monthly 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 that provide 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 brand 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 text messages. 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 text messages and verification codes. These platforms are very useful for short-term verification or temporary needs, but they are not suitable for long-term use due to their temporary nature.
Buying US Numbers on Taobao:
Some Taobao stores 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 that offers prepaid phone cards under the Verizon Prepaid brand, including call, text, 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 call, text, and data needs.
AT&T Prepaid:
AT&T is also a major mobile operator in the United States that offers prepaid phone cards under the AT&T Prepaid brand. Users can choose different plans based on their needs.
Metro by T-Mobile:
Metro by T-Mobile is a subsidiary of T-Mobile that specializes in prepaid services, offering various plans and options.
Cricket Wireless:
Cricket Wireless is a subsidiary of AT&T that offers prepaid services with multiple call, text, and data plans.
Boost Mobile:
Boost Mobile is a subsidiary of Sprint (now merged with T-Mobile) that focuses on providing prepaid services with various plans and features.
Virgin Mobile:
Virgin Mobile is another subsidiary of Sprint that offers prepaid services, targeting young consumers with its unique brand image.
Mint Mobile:
Mint Mobile is a virtual mobile operator that offers monthly plans for calls, text messages, and data.
Simple Mobile:
Simple Mobile is a virtual operator that leases the T-Mobile network to provide prepaid services with multiple 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 that offers prepaid phone cards with call, text, and data plans.
Ultra Mobile Flex Plan:
In addition to PayGo, Ultra Mobile also offers the Flex plan, which allows users to customize their plans based on actual communication usage.
Lycamobile:
Lycamobile is a virtual operator that focuses on international calls, offering the PayGo plan where users can pay based on actual usage while enjoying international calling features.
GoPhone (AT&T Prepaid):
AT&T used to offer prepaid phone cards under the GoPhone brand, 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 actual usage of call time, text messages, and data.
Tello:
Tello is a virtual mobile operator that allows users to pay based on actual usage of call time, text messages, 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 SMS, make calls, and receive calls.
TextNow:
TextNow is an application that provides free US virtual numbers. Users can use these numbers for free SMS and phone calls. It also offers paid options for additional features and services.
Google Voice:
Google Voice is a service provided by Google that allows users to obtain a US virtual number and forward calls and SMS to other phone numbers. It can also be used for voicemail and text transcription.
Burner:
Burner is an application that helps users obtain 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. You can use these virtual numbers to send SMS and receive calls without revealing your real number.
TextMe:
TextMe is an application that allows users to get free US virtual numbers for SMS, voice, and video calls.
2ndLine:
2ndLine allows users to get US virtual numbers for calls and SMS. It is suitable for personal and business use.