Virtual SMS number
A virtual SMS number is a mobile number without a physical SIM card: you send and receive SMS messages with it over the internet. Incoming messages appear in real time in your online dashboard and can be forwarded automatically to a webhook or e-mail address.
At SMSBOX you choose between a shared number (you receive via your own keyword on the shared number) or a dedicated number that belongs exclusively to your organization. Besides Belgian numbers, we also supply virtual numbers in the Netherlands, Germany, Italy, Spain and the United Kingdom; other countries on request. Want to know more about all the ways to receive messages? See Receiving SMS.
What can you do with a virtual number?
Two-way communication
Send and receive on the same number: your customers simply reply to your messages.
Sender on outgoing SMS
Use the number as the sender on your outgoing SMS, so recipients can respond directly.
Forwarding to webhook or e-mail
Every incoming message is automatically forwarded to your software (HTTPS webhook) or mailbox.
Auto-responder
Have incoming messages answered automatically — ideal for confirmations and opt-ins.
For every incoming message, the webhook forwards a payload containing msgid, timestamp, sender, message and keyword to your own software — ready for automatic processing.
Keyword, dedicated number, SIM hosting or shortcode?
| Feature | Keyword on shared number | Dedicated virtual number | SIM hosting | Shortcode |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Your own number? | No, shared with other users | Yes, exclusive to your organization | Yes, your own SIM card hosted by us | No, shared short number |
| Keyword required? | Yes, it identifies your account | No | No | Yes, per campaign or action |
| Send and receive? | Mainly receiving (0.25 credit per incoming message) | Yes, fully two-way | Yes, on your existing number | Receiving and replying automatically |
| Ideal for | Starting with inbound SMS at low cost | Professional two-way communication and verifications | Connecting your existing mobile number online | Voting campaigns and registrations |
What does a virtual number cost?
You rent a dedicated virtual number per month, with no setup costs. Sending is simply settled with your SMS credits. Prefer to start at low cost? A keyword on the shared number has no monthly fee, only 0.25 credit per incoming message. Need a number in another country? We arrange that on request, with a price per country.
| Product | Monthly price | |
|---|---|---|
| Virtueel BE nummer Popular Receiving + sending | from € 25.00 /month * | Order |
| Virtueel NL nummer Receiving + sending | from € 25.00 /month * | Order |
| Toll-Free-Number US/Canada (+1) Required for SMS to the US | from € 5.00 /month * | Order |
| Other country Germany, Italy, Spain, UK and more | On request | Contact us |
* Minimum term: 3 months. All prices excl. 21% VAT.
Receiving is free up to 1,000 SMS/month (0.15 credit/message thereafter). For sending costs, the SMS gateway rates apply. Only local SMS traffic is possible.
Virtual number in other countries
A virtual SMS number does not have to be a Belgian number. If you work with customers abroad, we give you a local number in that country: recipients see a familiar national number and reply at their own local rate. Belgian and Dutch numbers can be ordered online straight away; for the other countries you request the number and we take care of the activation.
- Belgium (+32)
- Netherlands (+31)
- Germany (+49)
- Italy (+39)
- Spain (+34)
- United Kingdom (+44)
- United States (Toll-Free)
- Other country: on request
Availability, features and price vary per country; we confirm them before you order.
Looking for a free (06) number?
The honest answer: completely free virtual numbers are almost always public disposable numbers. They are shared with thousands of others, which means anyone can read along with your messages — including verification codes. For accounts and verifications that is plainly unsafe.
At SMSBOX a free account is enough to receive privately via your own keyword on the shared number, from 0.25 credit per incoming message. Would you like a number that is genuinely your own? Besides Belgian numbers we also offer Dutch (06) and foreign virtual numbers, including in Germany, Italy, Spain and the United Kingdom — ask about current availability and rates per country.
A number for account verifications
With your own virtual number you receive verification codes (OTP) online, without giving away your private number. Because the number is yours alone, this is safe — unlike public disposable-number sites. Do bear in mind that some services block certain number ranges for verification.
Activating a virtual number in 3 steps
- Create an account — create a free SMSBOX account, without a subscription or setup costs.
- Choose a number or channel — in the customer portal, choose a keyword on the shared number or request a dedicated virtual number.
- Set up receiving and forwarding — decide how incoming messages are processed: in real time in your dashboard, forwarded to a webhook or e-mail address, or answered automatically.