Google Voice has made life easier for millions of Americans since its launch. As part of Google Workspace, it gives users a virtual phone number, which comes with helpful features like free domestic calls and low-cost international calls.
Going further, you also get services, such as voicemail transcription, call forwarding, and seamless integration with the Google ecosystem. Because of these benefits, it has become a trusted choice for both individuals and businesses in the US.
However, acquiring a Google Voice number is limited to the United States only. In fact, strict regulations and compliance rules prevent Google from offering it worldwide. Even in some supported regions, you still face restrictions. Therefore, in this blog, we will explore the different ways you can get a Google Voice number outside the US.
Key Highlights:
- Google Voice is officially available only in the US, but businesses in selected countries can access it through Google Workspace.
- Strict regulations limit its global availability, making it harder for individuals outside the US to sign up directly.
- VPNs, US-based Google accounts, and virtual US numbers are common workarounds for individuals in both supported and unsupported regions.
- Businesses can acquire a Google Voice number through SIP Link Standard or Premier plans, available via Google partners in supported countries.
Features Included with Your Google Voice Number
Google Voice offers several features for businesses as well as personal users. The Google Voice platform allows you to make and receive calls and provides unlimited text facilities.
With Google Voice phone number, individuals and businesses can get several features including real-time voicemail playback, creating call-forwarding rules, call recording, blocking unwanted callers, switching phones, and making conference calls. All the mentioned factors help in the growth of the businesses and are suitable for the daily application of individual users.
Countries Supported by Google Voice Excluding the US
Google Voice is available in selected countries only. Here is the Google Voice-supported countries’ list:
- Belgium
- Canada
- Denmark
- France
- Germany
- Ireland
- Italy
- Netherlands
- Portugal
- Spain
- Sweden
- Switzerland
- UK
Additionally, Google’s Session Initiation Protocol (SIP) Link is also available in these nations.
Furthermore, Google Voice has expanded its service to more countries through the SIP Link. Here, you must purchase a SIP Link Standard or Premier plan to connect your carrier phone numbers to Google Voice if you are in the following countries.
| Continent | Countries |
| Asia | Hong Kong, Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, Taiwan, Thailand, Vietnam |
| Oceania | Australia, New Zealand |
| Europe | Finland, Israel, Norway, Romania |
| South America | Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Peru |
| North America | Mexico |
| Africa | South Africa |
However, these subscriptions can only be purchased through a Google partner and not directly from the Admin console.
Can I Get a Google Voice Number Outside the US?
Yes, you can get a Google Voice number outside the US. Acquiring a Google Voice number is straightforward in supported countries but difficult in countries where Google Voice is not officially available. It is supported in Chrome OS, macOS, and Microsoft Windows, and limited functionality may be available on other operating systems.
Get US Phone Numbers Outside of USA Conveniently in 2 Minutes!
How to Get a Google Voice Number Outside the US Within Supported Countries
To get a Google virtual phone number within the supported countries, first subscribe to a Google Workspace plan. Then, purchase the appropriate Google Voice licenses, assign them to yourself or your users, and then set up the numbers.
- Step 1: Buy Google Workspace
As Google Voice is an add-on to Google Workspace, your organization must have a Workspace account to begin with. So, if you don’t already use Workspace, you need to buy a Business or Enterprise plan first. - Step 2: Choose a Google Voice Plan
The Starter plan is restricted to the US. So, only the Standard and Premier plans are available even in the supported countries. Therefore, choose a plan that fits your organization’s needs. - Step 3: Purchase Google Voice Licenses
Next, buy Voice licenses from the Google Admin Console. However, if your country does not support first-party calling, you will need to purchase a SIP Link Standard or Premier license through a Google partner. - Step 4: Assign Licenses to Users
Once you have the licenses, assign them to the employees who need Google Voice phone numbers. Now, each licensed user will be able to use its features within Workspace. - Step 5: Set Up Phone Numbers
In supported countries with first-party calling, you can assign Google Voice numbers directly. In other regions, you will need SIP Link to connect your existing carrier numbers to the app. - Step 6: Start Using Google Voice
After setup, you or your employees can start using the services on the web or mobile app with a Google Voice Number.
Note: The following information is for general guidance. For personal use, Google Voice is primarily available only in the United States. You need a valid US phone number to sign up. Once your account is created, you can use the service from other countries. However, for businesses, Google Voice is available in many countries as an add-on to a Google Workspace account.
How to Get a Google Voice Number Outside the US In Unsupported Countries?
Use a US VPN, set your Google account to the US, and get a virtual US phone number for verification. Then, sign up for Google Voice, choose your area code and number, verify it, and complete the setup to start using your new Google Voice number.
Here are detailed steps:
Step 1: Set Up a VPN
Install a trusted VPN and connect to a US-based server. This is because you need to appear as if you are in the States since Google checks your IP’s location during registration. Using a VPN helps you bypass location-based restrictions.
Step 2: Create or Adjust Your Google Account
Next, make sure your Google account is set to the United States. If you already have an account, you can switch the region in your Google settings. Alternatively, you can create a new Google account with the location set to the US.
Step 3: Get a US Phone Number
After that, you will need a US phone number to verify your account. For that, either purchase a number from a reliable US virtual phone number provider. Or, you can even ask a friend or family member in the US to share their number for verification.
Step 4: Visit the Google Voice Website
Once your VPN and US number are ready, visit Google Voice’s official site, sign in using your US-based Google account. At this point, Google Voice will ask you to choose a number.
Step 5: Select a US Area Code and Number
Now, choose the area code you prefer. For example, you can pick New York (212) or Los Angeles (310), some of the US’s most popular area codes. After that, select one of the numbers available under that code, which will be your Google Voice number.
Step 6: Verify with Your US Phone Number
After choosing a number, Google will ask you to verify it by entering your US phone number. Then, Google will send you a verification code through SMS or a call. Now, enter the code on the screen to complete the verification.
Step 7: Confirm and Finish Setup
Once your number is verified, the app will confirm your registration. From this point onward, you can use your new Google Voice number on the web app or the Google Voice mobile app.
Difference in Getting a Google Phone Number Inside and Outside the US
| Factors | Inside the US | Outside the US |
| Availability | Google Voice is officially available for US residents. | It is not formally available for individuals outside the US. |
| Verification | Requires a US phone number for verification. | Requires a US phone number (often via workarounds like virtual numbers or other alternatives). |
| Setup | Easy and straightforward to set up. | A complex process, as it requires both a US IP using VPN and a US number for verification. |
| Number | Allows you to choose a number with preferred area codes. | It only allows you to choose a number with a US area code. |
| Calls and Texts | Free texting and calling features are available within the US and Canada. | Once you acquire a Google Voice number, you can call a US number from abroad free of cost with internet access. |
Constraints on Getting Google Voice Number Outside the US
Google Voice is unsupported outside the US, which makes it inconvenient for users outside the United States. A few constraints are listed below:
- You need to use different methods for using Google Voice outside the US, such as VPNs and other alternatives like temporary numbers.
- A US number is required to set up your Google Voice account.
- You need to use various alternatives to get a US number, for instance, using family or friends’ phone numbers living in the US and using websites that provide temporary phone numbers.
- If none of the above options are available, you should buy a virtual phone number from trusted VoIP providers such as Calilio, Callhippo, and many more.
Conclusion
Getting a Google Voice number outside the US is not as simple as it looks. You often need to rely on VPNs, virtual numbers, or temporary workarounds, which can be quite frustrating and time-consuming. Even then, there’s no guarantee that everything will work smoothly.
Well, the main aim of acquiring a Google Voice number is to have a US virtual phone number with features like call recording, forwarding, and voicemail transcription, among others. Thankfully, there are many Google Voice alternatives that simplify the process.