How to Get a Virtual Number: Quick Guide & Expert Tips

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What if your phone number wasn’t tied to a SIM card, desk, or zip code but built to grow with your business?

Not just to place calls, but to drive smarter, faster, and more scalable conversations. That’s the flexibility a virtual number delivers. Whether you’re managing remote teams, scaling outbound campaigns, or automating client touchpoints, knowing how to get a virtual number isn’t just useful, it’s essential.

At Vitel Global, we don’t just provide numbers- we design sales-ready, AI-integrated communication systems built to connect, convert, and scale effortlessly.

This guide breaks down the exact steps to get started and helps you architect a business communication strategy that’s agile, intelligent, and revenue-ready from day one.

What is a Virtual Phone Number?

A virtual phone number operates over the internet using VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) technology and not a physical SIM card or a traditional landline. It is a cloud-based communication gateway developed to appear and function like a standard number. It comes with many added benefits like flexibility, global reach, and deep business integrations.

So, what is a virtual telephone number used for?

• To appear local in a different city or country while operating remotely
• To separate personal and business calls without juggling two phones
• To enable smart routing, call recording, and analytics without hardware

And yes, it’s how you build a professional presence, whether you’re a startup, an e-commerce brand, or a global enterprise scaling through AI-driven funnels.

How to Get a Virtual Phone Number in 3 Easy Steps

Let’s get to the action. Here’s how to get a virtual number without tech stress or telecom jargon.

1. Choose the Right Virtual Phone Provider

Don’t just Google how to buy a phone number online and click the first ad. You need more than a number—you need a provider that supports your business logic. Look for:

• VoIP-based infrastructure
• CRM integration (Salesforce, HubSpot, Zoho)
• Global number availability
• Auto-attendant and call routing
• Scalable pricing for remote teams

Vitel Global stands out here. Our AI-powered backend doesn’t just assign numbers—it streamlines your entire communication stack, automating workflows at every stage of the sales funnel.

2. Sign Up and Set Your Preferences

Once you’ve selected a provider, create an account. You’ll typically:

• Select the country and area code
• Decide between local, toll-free, or international numbers
• Set your forwarding preferences (mobile, softphone, VoIP desktop)

Some users ask, “How do I get a virtual number in another country?”. The answer: providers like Vitel Global offer a global inventory with no extra hardware required. Setup takes minutes, not weeks.

3. Pick Your Number Type: Local vs. Toll-Free vs. International

Let’s break this down.

• Local Numbers: Best for appearing native to a region (e.g., 212 for NYC)
• Toll-Free Numbers: Ideal for customer support, national branding
• International Numbers: Perfect for global sales teams looking to enter new markets

Whichever you choose, make sure your system supports portability and multi-device sync. That way, your number stays yours, even if your team or tech stack changes.

Why and How to Get a VoIP Number?

Because not all VoIP numbers are created equal. As businesses move to the cloud, the question isn’t just how do I get a VoIP phone number—it’s how to get one that drives ROI.

Here’s what the right virtual number offers:

• Call forwarding to multiple endpoints (great for hybrid teams)
• Call recording & analytics for QA and training
• Auto-attendant & IVR for smart routing and better customer experience
• Integrations with CRMs, helpdesks, and calendars

With Vitel Global, your VoIP number is more than a number, it’s your revenue-generating asset.

How Do I Get a Virtual Number That Looks Local?

Local presence matters—even when you’re operating globally.

Here’s how to get a virtual number with a local feel:

1. Choose your target city or region (e.g., London, Delhi, NYC)
2. Pick the area code that aligns with customer trust
3. Use dynamic call routing to forward those calls to your team anywhere in the world

Bonus: Customers are far more likely to answer calls from familiar area codes. And your sales reps? They’ll love the increased pickup rate.

Benefits of Using Virtual Phone Numbers for Modern Businesses

Virtual phone numbers aren’t just a digital switchboard—they’re a strategic asset for smart, mobile-first businesses. Let’s unpack why.

1. Mobility and Freedom from Physical Lines

No desk. No wires. No limits.

With a virtual number, your business isn’t tied to a physical address or SIM card. You can:

• Run support teams across time zones
• Let remote employees answer calls from any device
• Forward calls to mobile, softphone, or even VoIP headsets

Need to move fast without compromising reach? This is your answer.

2. Cost-Efficiency Without Cutting Features

Ask any growing business how to get a VoIP number, and cost is always part of the conversation.

Here’s the good news: virtual numbers:

• Eliminate landline installation costs
• Offer predictable, scalable billing
• Include features like voicemail-to-email, analytics, and IVR at no extra cost

You’re not just saving—you’re investing in a smarter infrastructure.

3. Better Customer Experience

Want to look big while staying lean? Virtual numbers help you:

• Appear local in multiple regions
• Route calls to specific departments via IVR
• Create branded caller IDs that boost trust and recognition

With Vitel Global, your callers never hear a missed ring or confusing prompt. Our system auto-directs them to the right place—every time.

4. Professionalism Without Overhead

Even solo entrepreneurs can appear enterprise-ready. With features like:

• Custom greetings and business hours
• Multi-user call management
• Real-time insights for every interaction

You build instant credibility—without needing a receptionist or hardware setup.

Security and Reliability of Virtual Phone Numbers

So, how secure are virtual phone numbers?

If you’re using a provider like Vitel Global, it is indeed very secure.

We deploy enterprise-grade encryption and secure VoIP protocols. Your calls and data are protected with:

• End-to-end call encryption
• Admin-based access controls
• IP whitelisting and real-time monitoring

And since virtual numbers are cloud-based, they’re less vulnerable to outages or hardware failure. This means:

• 99.99% uptime
• Near zero-downtime onboarding
• Disaster recovery built-in

In short: Secure, stable, and scalable.

Advanced Features That Transform Communication

Virtual numbers do more than connect calls—they automate communication.

Here’s what else you get:

1. Call Forwarding Made Smarter

Not just redirection—intelligent routing.

Send calls to:

• Devices based on time-of-day
• Teams based on caller input (press 1 for Sales)
• Agents based on CRM tags

Missed calls? Not with Vitel Global.

2. Call Recording & Analytics

Your calls are data goldmines.

Track:

• Peak call times
• Lead-to-call conversion rates
• Response times by rep or department

And with built-in AI call scoring or simply sentiment analysis, every conversation helps optimize your sales funnel.

3. Real-Time Transcription and Notes

Every call is transcribed in real-time.

• Auto-generate follow-ups
• Train new agents faster
• Ensure compliance and QA documentation

Transcriptions sync directly with your CRM or helpdesk.

Common Use Cases Across Teams and Industries

You don’t need a massive team to use virtual numbers. Just a clear goal.

1. Sales Teams

Use local caller IDs for higher pickup rates. Track which regions convert better. Route hot leads automatically.

2. Support Teams

Enable distributed agents. Use IVR to segment inquiries. Record every interaction for quality control.

3. Founders & Freelancers

Separate business and personal calls. Keep a professional image. Scale without a second phone.

4. Global Brands

Use international numbers for regional presence. Maintain global consistency with centralized analytics. Route by language, time zone, or campaign source.

Google Voice Alternative- Try a Smarter Virtual Number

If you’re asking, how do I get a virtual number that’s better than Google Voice?—You’re already ahead.

While Google Voice is free, it’s limited in:

• Feature depth
• Business compliance
• Call routing flexibility
• CRM integration

Vitel Global goes beyond:

• Smart auto-attendants
• Team call queues
• International coverage
• AI-powered call insights

So, if you’re scaling or automating your workflows, don’t settle for a sidekick. Get the full suite.

Comparing Virtual Phone Number Providers

Vitel Global displays a competitive and feature-rich choice for businesses looking for a comprehensive, secure, and globally accessible virtual phone number service.

How to Port Your Existing Number to a Virtual Number Setup

Yes, you can keep your old number. Here’s how to get a virtual phone number by porting your existing one:

1. Choose a trusted VoIP provider (like Vitel Global).
2. Share your current carrier’s Letter of Authorization.
3. Submit identification and billing documents.
4. Wait for the confirmation, usually 1 to 4 weeks.
5. Done, your number stays yours, but smarter with the virtual number.

Pro Tip: Keep your old service active until porting completes. Downtime- “Near Zero”.

Comparing Virtual Number Providers: What to Look For

With Vitel Global, you don’t just get a number—you get a growth-ready infrastructure.

Final Thought – Numbers Aren’t Just Functional, They’re Foundational

Your phone number isn’t just for calling—it’s your business’s voice, brand, and bridge to your market.

So, if you’re still asking, how do I get a virtual phone number that’s ready for enterprise scale? It’s time to rethink your business phone system, not just your digits.

Opt for Vitel Global

• Activate your first AI-powered virtual number in minutes
• Route smarter. Convert faster. Engage better.
• Experience zero-downtime while onboarding

Enhance your business communication with the virtual phone numbers.

Get a Free Demo

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is a virtual phone number?

It’s a cloud-based number that works over the internet instead of physical lines. You can call, receive, and manage it from anywhere.

2. How do I acquire a virtual phone number?

Just pick your provider, choose a number, select your plan, and activate. It’s all online—no hardware needed.

3. What are the benefits of using virtual phone numbers?

Flexibility, cost savings, multi-device access, local presence, CRM syncing, and automated call handling.

4. What advanced features do virtual phone numbers offer?

Call forwarding, call recording, AI-based analytics, real-time transcription, IVR, voicemail-to-email, and softphone compatibility.

5. How secure are virtual phone numbers?

With providers like Vitel Global, virtual phone numbers are very secure. You get encryption, admin control, and fraud detection integrated into the single platform.

 

Published: April 18th, 2025