> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.limecall.com/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.limecall.com/virtual-numbers.md).

# Virtual Phone Numbers

Buy or port business numbers, route them to people, teams or your AI, and text from them.

A virtual number is a phone number that belongs to your LimeCall account rather than to a handset. Nothing is plugged in anywhere. You decide what each number does, and you can change it whenever you like.

## What you can do with one

* Publish a local number in a city you have no office in.
* Take a toll-free number so customers are not charged.
* Route each number somewhere different — a person, a team, voicemail or your AI receptionist.
* Send and receive SMS, where the number supports it.
* Keep personal mobiles private while still taking business calls on them.
* Give each campaign or region its own number and see which generates calls.

## Getting a number

Two routes:

**Buy one** — pick from the catalogue and it is live in minutes. See [Buy a number](/virtual-numbers/buy-a-number.md).

**Bring your existing one** — port it from your current provider, keeping the number your customers already know. Takes days to weeks. See [Bring your number (porting)](/virtual-numbers/bring-your-number.md).

{% hint style="info" %}
Numbers require a paid plan. On a trial you can browse the catalogue but not purchase.
{% endhint %}

## Regulatory requirements

Many countries require a verified local address, and some require identity documents, before they will issue a number. This is telecoms regulation, not a LimeCall policy.

Start this early — approval can take several business days and is the usual reason a number takes longer than expected. See [Addresses & verification](/virtual-numbers/address-and-verification.md).

## Deciding who answers

Each number has a destination, set under **Who answers your calls**:

| Destination             | Behaviour                 |
| ----------------------- | ------------------------- |
| **Team member**         | Rings one person.         |
| **Team**                | Rings a group.            |
| **Forward to a number** | Rings an external number. |
| **Voicemail**           | Straight to a greeting.   |
| **AI receptionist**     | Your AI answers, 24/7.    |

You can set a different destination for **When busy**. See [Call forwarding & routing](/virtual-numbers/call-forwarding-and-routing.md).

## In this section

* [Buy a number](/virtual-numbers/buy-a-number.md)
* [Bring your number (porting)](/virtual-numbers/bring-your-number.md)
* [Addresses & verification](/virtual-numbers/address-and-verification.md)
* [Caller ID](/virtual-numbers/caller-id.md)
* [Call forwarding & routing](/virtual-numbers/call-forwarding-and-routing.md)
* [Voicemail](/virtual-numbers/voicemail.md)
* [SMS & messaging](/virtual-numbers/sms-and-messaging.md)
* [US carrier registration (10DLC)](/virtual-numbers/us-carrier-registration.md)
* [Devices](/virtual-numbers/devices.md)