What Is a Virtual Phone Number?
A virtual phone number (also called a DID number or Direct Inward Dialing number) is a telephone number that isn't tied to a physical phone line. Instead, it routes incoming calls over the internet to your VoIP phone system, softphone app, or any device you choose.
Virtual numbers let you establish a local presence in any city or country without needing a physical office there. A customer in Berlin can call your local German number, and it rings on your laptop in Amsterdam.
Why Do Businesses Use Virtual Numbers?
Virtual phone numbers solve several common business challenges:
- Local presence — get a local number in any market you serve, so customers see a familiar area code
- Remote teams — route calls to team members anywhere in the world
- Cost savings — eliminate expensive ISDN lines and phone hardware
- Scalability — add or remove numbers instantly as your business grows
- Professional image — toll-free numbers for customer support, local numbers for sales
Types of Virtual Numbers
Local Numbers
Geographic numbers tied to a specific city or region. When customers call, they see a local area code. This builds trust and reduces call costs for your customers.
National Numbers
Non-geographic numbers that work across an entire country. One number for all your customers, regardless of where they are.
Toll-Free Numbers
Free-to-call numbers (like 0800 in the UK or 800 in the US). Your business pays for incoming calls, making it free for customers to reach you.
Mobile Numbers
Virtual mobile numbers that can receive both voice calls and SMS messages. Perfect for two-factor authentication and customer messaging.
How to Get a Virtual Phone Number
Getting a virtual phone number with DIDfarm takes less than 60 seconds:
- Choose your country — browse numbers in 70+ countries
- Select your number type — local, national, mobile, or toll-free
- Purchase and activate — pay from your wallet balance, number activates instantly
- Connect to your phone system — create a SIP trunk and assign the number
No carrier contracts, no setup fees, no minimum commitment. Cancel anytime.
What Do You Need to Receive Calls?
To receive calls on your virtual number, you need a SIP-compatible device or application:
- Softphone app — like Zoiper, Linphone, or MicroSIP (free)
- IP phone — hardware desk phones from Yealink, Cisco, or Polycom
- PBX system — 3CX, FreePBX, Asterisk, or Microsoft Teams
DIDfarm provides SIP trunk credentials that work with any of these options. You can also set up call flows with IVR menus, ring groups, and voicemail — all from your browser.
How Much Do Virtual Numbers Cost?
Virtual phone numbers from DIDfarm start at EUR 1.49/month with no setup fees. Pricing varies by country and number type. You pay monthly from a prepaid wallet — top up when you need to, no recurring billing surprises.
Compare this to traditional phone lines that cost EUR 20-50/month per line with long-term contracts and setup fees.