# What is a Virtual Phone Number?

A *virtual phone number* is a standard [telephone number](https://www.twilio.com/en-us/phone-numbers) that is not locked down to a specific phone. A virtual number can route a voice call or text message to any phone or workflow. With virtual numbers powered by an API, complex software workflows can be built that are triggered by calls and texts.

## Virtual Phone Numbers and the Twilio API

With Twilio, you can get instant access to [local, national, mobile, and toll-free](https://www.twilio.com/en-us/phone-numbers) virtual numbers in 50+ countries. You can programmatically [search for available phone numbers via API](/docs/phone-numbers/api/availablephonenumber-resource) and [purchase numbers via the same API](/docs/phone-numbers/api/incomingphonenumber-resource). Or, [log in to find and purchase phone numbers](https://www.twilio.com/console/phone-numbers) via the Twilio Console.

Below are just a few of the ways virtual numbers can be used.

### International Local Presence

Using a local number allows foreign business to have a local presence in multiple countries.

Due to the high cost of international long distance, customers are *far* more likely to dial a local number. Similarly, individuals with friends and family in other countries can use a [TwimlBin](https://www.twilio.com/blog/introducing-native-twiml-bins-powered-by-the-twilio-cloud-html) to setup their virtual number with call forwarding. This allows their loved ones to call them on a local number.

### [Call tracking](https://www.twilio.com/en-us/use-cases/call-and-text-marketing/call-tracking)

Businesses use virtual phone numbers to track the effectiveness and conversion rates of marketing campaigns. By putting a unique phone number on each campaign (e.g. different search engine ads, billboards, or magazine ads) marketers can track which ad received the most calls.

### [Masked / Anonymous Calling](/docs/proxy)

Marketplaces and on-demand services can use virtual phone numbers to anonymize interactions. For example, [Lyft allows riders and drivers to call each other without revealing their personal phone numbers](https://customers.twilio.com/249/lyft/).

### [Direct Inward Dialing](/docs/glossary/what-direct-inward-dialing-did)

Businesses can give each employee their own phone number and route the call into their extension using Direct Inward Dialing (DID). DID allows callers to skip a queue or phone tree and ring directly through to the phone of the specific person they want to get in touch with.