Looking to start freelancing in the Philippines? Or are you already freelancing and want to expand your customer base? You might feel limited if you’re stuck looking for clients based in the country, but when many global freelancing sites only let you create an account with a phone number based in a specific region, your options can seem slim.
But there’s a way to get around this: use a non-VoIP number from the required country when you’re signing up. Here, we’re explaining exactly how to do this, including the best online services to use, and which platforms you can use temporary numbers for.
Why You Might Need to Use a Different Number to Verify Your Freelancer Account
Many international freelancing platforms use SMS verification (where you’ll receive a code sent to your phone number, then enter the code when creating an account online) to confirm that you’re a real person. In some cases, when you try to register with a Philippine mobile number, you might not receive the code at all. This could happen if the platform blocks users from certain regions or even just certain types of numbers.
Even if your number isn’t blocked, you might not want to sign up with a Philippines number if you don’t want to tie yourself to your own location. For instance, if you want to look for better-paying work, you may find this easier to do if you’re posing as, say, a US citizen (this can be risky, so proceed with caution).
The Smarter Option That Actually Works
Instead of risking getting your account banned or wasting hours trying free options, the smart option is to verify your international freelancer accounts using a non-VoIP virtual number. Services like https://www.smspool.net/ offer these—they’re essentially numbers that are temporary but real (they come from actual SIMs), with options for every country you might need. You can simply buy and use this number to receive a verification code when you’re creating an account. Once you’ve verified the number, that’s it: you should be logged in and ready to go.
The convenient thing about non-VoIP numbers is that they save you from having to buy a phone from that country or travel there. Everything happens online, making it easy for you to expand into new markets.
You Can Register on More Than Just Job Platforms
Non-VoIP numbers don’t only help you access global freelance marketplaces. For instance, if you want to set up a PayPal or Stripe account in another region, verify social media accounts, launch a test store on Amazon, or create accounts for SaaS tools with country limits, all of this becomes possible with a temporary number for the applicable region.
Takeaway
So, if you thought you could only go global with a local number in a specific region, hopefully this article has encouraged you to think again. Working with international clients is now easier than ever before. Just get your hands on a non-VoIP virtual number to finish the sign-up process, use the code, and get to work.