Your Guide to Getting a UK Number Abroad in 2025
Staying Connected While Abroad – Without the Bill Shock
If you’re a UK expat living in Spain, France, Australia, or anywhere beyond British shores, staying reachable on your UK mobile number can feel like a constant challenge — especially with roaming charges creeping back in post-Brexit.
The good news? There’s now a smarter, cheaper way to stay connected to UK clients, family, and services — without paying sky-high rates or juggling dual SIM cards.
In this guide, we’ll show you how virtual UK mobile numbers are helping expats call and receive messages from the UK effortlessly — and why apps like Another Number are built with your lifestyle in mind.
What Is a Virtual UK Mobile Number?
A virtual mobile number lets you receive calls and texts to a UK number, even if you’re living abroad. It works via an app over Wi-Fi or data — no SIM card, no contracts, and most importantly, no roaming charges.
You can:
- Call or text as if you’re in the UK
- Receive verification codes and bank messages
- Keep a “local” UK number for clients, recruiters, and friends
- Avoid paying a monthly UK mobile plan you’re barely using
The Roaming Problem for Expats in 2025
Many UK mobile carriers have now reintroduced roaming charges in the EU and beyond. This means:
- Paying £1+/minute for UK calls while abroad
- Getting charged for incoming calls and texts
- Struggling with delayed SMS verifications from banks or HMRC
And if you’ve switched to a local SIM abroad (e.g. Spain or Australia), you’re often locked out of services tied to your UK number — including 2FA for banking, government apps, or client calls.
The Solution: Another Number for Expats
Another Number by Thumbtel solves this problem perfectly.
Here’s how:
✅ UK mobile number (07…) works globally
✅ Runs over Wi-Fi/data — no SIM, no roaming
✅ Receive calls and texts from the UK while abroad
✅ Use your local SIM for daily life + Another Number for UK presence
✅ Instant setup on iOS & Android
✅ Ideal for expats, digital nomads, long-term travelers
💬 “I’ve been using Another Number since I moved to Spain — it’s perfect for staying reachable to UK clients without keeping a second phone.” — Freelance Designer, Barcelona
Who Is This For?
- Freelancers & contractors with UK clients
- British expats living in Spain, France, Portugal, Australia, etc.
- Students or professionals abroad needing UK SMS or bank access
- People keeping a UK business line while relocating
- Anyone tired of roaming fees and SIM swapping
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I receive calls from the UK while abroad?
Yes — Another Number gives you a UK mobile number that works over Wi-Fi/data. Callers from the UK dial your number as normal.
Can I use it for bank or government SMS codes?
Yes — your UK number can receive SMS verifications, OTPs, and messages just like a standard mobile line.
Can I call UK numbers from abroad?
Absolutely. You can call UK landlines and mobiles directly through the app, often using your data connection or local Wi-Fi.
Do I need to keep a UK SIM active?
No — Another Number works independently of your SIM. You can cancel your UK phone plan if you’re not using it.
How much does it cost?
Just £4.99/month, with a 7-day free trial to test it out. No long-term commitment.
Final Thoughts: Ditch Roaming Fees, Stay Connected
If you’re an expat, remote worker, or part-time UK resident, a virtual UK number is the simplest way to stay connected — minus the SIM juggling and outrageous roaming bills.
Another Number is built specifically for UK users abroad — affordable, professional, and easy to use.
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