TextNow alternative for numbers outside the US and Canada

Updated 2026-10-22 · By the Smart Messaging team (Smart Messaging Inc.)

Short answer: TextNow mainly offers US and Canadian numbers, so if you need a number in the UK, Germany, Australia or elsewhere, you need a different service. Smart Messaging offers real mobile, local and toll-free numbers in 181 countries, including +1 numbers, with unlimited incoming SMS and calls, SIP, call forwarding and a browser dialer, kept as long as you want.

TextNow is a popular app for calling and texting, and it mainly offers US and Canadian numbers. If you live elsewhere, or you need a number in the UK, Germany, Australia or another country, you will need a different kind of service. This guide compares the needs that usually matter and shows how Smart Messaging fits them.

Why people look for an alternative

Apps like TextNow are built around North American numbers, which suits many users in the US and Canada. The search for an alternative usually starts when someone needs something different: a number in another country, a number to keep long-term, or a line for a business.

Most people type "virtual number" into a search engine at this point. That phrase covers many products, so it helps to be clear about what you need before you pick one.

Need 1: the right country

The first question is simple: where should the number be from? A family member abroad, a client in Europe or a bank in your home country may all expect a local number.

Smart Messaging offers real numbers in 181 countries, including mobile, local (geographic) and toll-free types where available. The US and Canada are covered too, with +1 numbers of 10 digits, so you can hold a North American number next to numbers from other countries in one account.

Need 2: reliable SMS verification

Many people want a second number for sign-ups, account recovery or two-step verification. For this, a real mobile number from a national numbering plan is usually the strongest choice, because it receives SMS and calls like a SIM.

Smart Messaging numbers work with WhatsApp, Telegram, Instagram, Facebook, Google, TikTok and thousands of other services. If any app doesn't accept your number, or codes don't arrive, the 7-day replacement guarantee lets you switch to a new number in the same country free, with one click, up to 2 times.

Need 3: keeping the number

A number used for accounts and contacts is only useful if it stays yours. Losing it can lock you out of services that send recovery codes by SMS.

With Smart Messaging you keep the number as long as you want. Renewals are charged automatically from your wallet, so keep it topped up and the number stays active.

Need 4: business use and SIP

Freelancers and small companies often need more than an app on one phone. They want a number that several devices can use, that forwards to a mobile after hours, or that connects to a phone system.

SIP credentials for Zoiper, Linphone, MicroSIP, Bria, 3CX, Asterisk, FreePBX and other SIP software
Call forwarding to any phone number
A browser dialer for calls from any computer
An online dashboard where SMS appear in real time
500 outgoing SMS and 1,000 outgoing calling minutes per month on every plan

Quick comparison checklist

What to compare	With Smart Messaging
Countries	do you need numbers outside the US and Canada? Smart Messaging covers 181 countries.
Number type	mobile for verification, local for a familiar area code, toll-free for customers.
Incoming SMS and calls	unlimited on every Smart Messaging plan.
Ownership	keep the number as long as you renew it.
Access	dashboard, browser, SIP apps and forwarding.
Safety net	7-day replacement guarantee, plus a full refund within 7 days if the number is unused.

How to get started

Pick the country and number type you need from live inventory.
Sign up with just an email address. You don't need to live in the country.
Top up your wallet with USDT or USDC on Tron (TRC-20), BNB Smart Chain, Polygon, Base or Solana, then complete the order.
Your number usually goes live within minutes. Receive SMS in the dashboard, and set up forwarding or a SIP app for calls.

Tips if a code doesn't arrive

Enter the number in international format with the correct country code, and check the digits carefully. Wait for the app's timer to finish before asking for a new code, then try the "call me" option if one is offered, since every Smart Messaging number receives calls as well as SMS.

Keep the number renewed so it stays yours for future logins and account recovery. If an app still won't accept it within the first 7 days, take a free replacement from your dashboard.

Pricing

Every Smart Messaging number starts from $1.80 per month, billed yearly ($21.60 per year). The starting price is the same for any number type in any country, and every plan includes the features above.

Included on every plan

Unlimited incoming SMS
Unlimited incoming calls
500 outgoing SMS per month
1,000 outgoing minutes per month
SIP credentials, call forwarding and web dialer
Keep your number as long as you want
Works with WhatsApp, Facebook, Google, Telegram and thousands more
7-day replacement guarantee — free new number if it doesn't work for you
7-day money-back guarantee if the number is unused

Numbers from $1.80 per month, billed yearly ($21.60 per year). Pay with USDT or USDC.

Frequently asked questions

Does TextNow offer numbers outside the US and Canada?

TextNow mainly offers US and Canadian numbers. If you need a number from another country, a provider with international coverage such as Smart Messaging is the usual route.

Can I get a UK or European number without living there?

Yes. You sign up with just an email, and there is no need to live in the country. Availability of mobile, local and toll-free types varies by country.

Are Smart Messaging numbers virtual numbers?

They are used online, which is why people call them virtual numbers, but they are real numbers from national numbering plans that receive calls and SMS like a SIM.

Will the number work for WhatsApp or Telegram verification?

Yes, it receives the SMS and calls these apps use for verification. If an app ever doesn't accept it, you get a free replacement number within 7 days, up to 2 times.

Can I use the number on more than one device?

Yes. Use the dashboard, the browser dialer and SIP apps on several devices, or forward calls to any phone.

How do I pay?

Top up your wallet with USDT or USDC on Tron (TRC-20), BNB Smart Chain, Polygon, Base or Solana. Cards are not accepted at the moment.

Can I get a refund?

If the number hasn't been used for any call or SMS, you get a full refund within 7 days of purchase. If it doesn't work for you, you can also take a free replacement within 7 days.