---
title: "SIM Registration Laws by Country | SMS Hallo"
description: "Which countries require SIM card registration, what ID is usually needed, why governments ask for it, what it means for privacy, and where a rented online number…"
canonical: https://smshallo.com/guides/sim-registration-laws-by-country
language: en
last_updated: 2026-09-28
---
# SIM Registration Laws by Country: What They Require and Why

Published 2026-10-01 · Updated 2026-10-01 · 11 min read

**Most countries now require mobile SIM cards to be registered to a named person, usually with a national ID card or passport, and some also collect fingerprints or a face photo. A smaller group of countries, including the United States, Canada and the United Kingdom, has no general registration rule for prepaid SIMs. Governments say registration helps fight crime and fraud; privacy groups warn it creates large databases of who owns which number. The table below lists the rules in 65 countries with a source for each row. This is general information, not legal advice, and laws change, so always check your national telecom regulator.**

## What SIM registration means

SIM registration is a rule that links every mobile SIM card, and the phone number on it, to an identified person. When you buy or activate a SIM, the mobile operator records your name and ID details and, in some countries, your address, a photo or your fingerprints.

In practice this usually happens at the shop counter or in the operator's app. You show an ID document, the operator checks it (sometimes against a national ID database), and the SIM is activated only after the check passes. Many countries also asked existing users to register old SIMs by a deadline and deactivated lines that were not registered in time.

Registration rules mainly matter for prepaid SIMs. Postpaid contracts almost always involve an identity and credit check anyway, because the operator needs to know who will pay the bill.

## Why governments require SIM registration

Governments that adopt registration laws usually give a mix of security and consumer-protection reasons. The most common are:

1. Crime and security: being able to link a number to a person when police investigate kidnapping, extortion, terrorism or other serious crime.

2. Fraud and scams: making it harder to use anonymous SIMs for phone scams, fake SMS messages and SIM-swap fraud.

3. Mobile money and banking: many countries use the phone number as a key for mobile wallets, so the SIM has to be tied to a verified identity under know-your-customer (KYC) rules.

4. Consumer protection: making it easier to recover a lost number, prove ownership of a line, or block stolen SIMs.

5. Digital identity: some governments link SIMs to a national ID system so that the phone becomes part of how people access public and private services.

The practice is now widespread. The GSMA, the industry body for mobile operators, counted 157 countries with mandatory prepaid SIM registration in its 2021 report, up from 155 the year before.

Critics, including Privacy International, argue that the evidence that registration reduces crime is weak, and point out that a 2012 European Commission review found no clear benefit for criminal investigations. Whatever the policy debate, where a law exists, it applies to everyone who buys a SIM in that country.

## What ID is usually needed

The documents you need depend on the country and on whether you are a citizen or a visitor. The common patterns are:

Citizens and residents: a national ID card, often checked electronically against the national ID register. Some countries also accept a driver's license or residence permit.

Visitors: a passport, and sometimes a visa or entry stamp. A few countries issue tourist SIMs that expire after a set period.

Biometrics: some countries, for example in parts of Africa, Asia and the Middle East, require a fingerprint or face check when a SIM is activated, so it can be matched to the national ID system.

Limits per person: several countries cap how many SIMs one person may register, so authorities can spot someone holding an unusual number of lines.

If you are traveling, the simplest approach is to bring your passport to an official store of a licensed operator and ask what they need. Official operator stores are more reliable than street sellers, and a SIM registered to someone else can cause problems for both of you.

## SIM registration by region

The table on this page groups countries by region and shows whether SIM registration is required, what ID is usually asked for, and the source we checked on 2026-10-01. A "Partly" entry means the rule applies only in some cases, for example only to certain kinds of lines, or a rule that has been announced but not fully applied.

Africa has some of the strictest regimes, often with biometric checks and mass deactivation of unregistered SIMs. Many Asian countries tie SIMs to national ID numbers, and several ran large re-registration campaigns in recent years. Most of the European Union requires identification for prepaid SIMs, but a number of European countries still do not. In the Americas the picture is mixed: the United States and Canada have no general rule for prepaid SIMs, while most of the Latin American countries in the table require registration, with Mexico and Chile both bringing in new rules in 2026. Gulf states generally require an Emirates ID, Iqama or similar resident card, often with fingerprints.

Every row is backed by a government page, a regulator page, the text of a law or a reputable publication. Where we could not find a reliable source, we left the country out rather than guess.

## What SIM registration means for your privacy

Registration creates a database that links your name and ID number to your phone number. That has real consequences for privacy, even if you have nothing to hide.

Your phone number becomes an identifier. Many apps, banks and shops use your number to find or verify your account. When that number is also officially tied to your ID, it becomes much easier for anyone who gets hold of it to connect your online activity back to you.

Databases can leak. Registration records are held by operators and sometimes by government agencies. Any large database can be breached, and a leak of names, ID numbers and phone numbers is useful to fraudsters.

Access rules vary. In some countries law enforcement needs a court order to see registration data; in others access is broader. Privacy International has warned that registration can make it easier to monitor journalists, activists and minority groups.

Data protection is not always in place. The GSMA's 2021 report found that 37% of the countries with mandatory SIM registration had no comprehensive data protection or privacy framework.

People without ID can be excluded. Privacy International estimates that around 1 billion people worldwide lack a valid government ID, and registration rules can keep them from getting a phone line at all.

None of this means you should avoid registering where the law requires it. It does mean it is worth thinking about where you share your personal number, and keeping it for the people and services that really need it.

## Where a rented online number fits

A number rented online is a different arrangement from buying a SIM in a shop. With SMS Hallo, the mobile line is held by SMS Hallo as the provider, not by the user. You don't receive a SIM card, and you use the number through the SMS Hallo dashboard: an inbox for incoming SMS, sending SMS, and a browser dialer.

SMS Hallo rents real mobile numbers (non-VoIP numbers in each country's local mobile format) in 181 countries. Sign-up needs only an email and password, and while you rent a number, only you see its messages.

Renting a number online does not change which laws apply to you. You must still follow the laws of the country where you live and any country whose services you use, as well as the terms of every app you verify with the number. If a bank, government service or regulated platform requires you to use a SIM registered in your own name, that requirement applies to you, and an online number is not a substitute for it.

SMS Hallo's Acceptable Use Policy (see /acceptable-use) forbids using its numbers for fraud, getting back onto an app after a ban, bulk or fake accounts, or to get past bank, KYC or identity checks. Numbers are meant for legitimate privacy uses: a second number for sign-ups, online selling, dating, travel or work, so your personal SIM number stays private.

## Legitimate reasons to use a second number

People use a second number for everyday reasons that have nothing to do with hiding from the law. Common examples:

Keeping your personal number off marketplaces, dating profiles and newsletter sign-ups, so it is not collected by strangers or data brokers.

Having a local number in a country where you have clients, family or a small business, without traveling there to buy a SIM.

Separating work contacts from personal ones, especially for freelancers and remote workers.

Testing apps and sign-up flows as a developer, within the terms of the services involved.

In each case, the number protects your personal SIM number rather than replacing your legal identity. Guides on /guides/second-phone-number-for-privacy and /guides/is-a-second-phone-number-legal cover these uses in more detail.

## Laws change: check the regulator

SIM registration rules change often. Countries introduce new registration drives, add biometric checks, change which documents foreigners can use, or set new deadlines after which unregistered SIMs are switched off. Courts have also struck down or limited registration laws in some places.

Recent examples from the table show how fast things move. Mexico began requiring every mobile line to be linked to an identified person in January 2026. Chile's mandatory prepaid registration took effect in August 2026. Indonesia added face-recognition checks for new registrations from July 2026. Portugal and Romania both have bills that would end anonymous prepaid SIMs but, as of our check, were not yet law. Romania's Constitutional Court struck down an earlier attempt in 2020.

The table on this page reflects the sources we checked on 2026-10-01. Before you rely on it, check the website of the national telecom regulator or the government ministry responsible for communications in the country you care about, or ask a licensed mobile operator there. If you need a firm answer for your situation, speak to a qualified lawyer. This guide is general information, not legal advice.

## How SMS Hallo helps

SMS Hallo, operated by SMSHallo Inc. (Wyoming, United States, founded 2020), rents real mobile numbers in 181 countries for legitimate privacy uses. Each number includes unlimited incoming SMS and calls, 500 outgoing SMS and 1,000 outgoing calling minutes per month. Prices start from $1.80/month on the 12-month plan ($21.60 billed yearly), the same in every country.

Apps decide which numbers they accept, so SMS Hallo backs every rental with three guarantees: a 7-day free replacement (swap for another available number in the same country, free, up to 3 times, keeping your plan and expiry date), "works or 100% refund" (if the number doesn't work with the app you rented it for, request within 7 days and get back 100% of what you paid), and a 7-day money-back guarantee (a full refund within 7 days, no questions asked, if no call or SMS has been made or received on the number).

If an account matters to you, keep the number renewed or turn on auto-renew, because an expired number may later be given to someone else. Browse available countries at /numbers.

| Country | Region | SIM registration required | ID usually needed | Sources |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nigeria | Africa | Yes | National Identification Number (NIN) linked to the SIM | Checked 2026-10-01 |
| Kenya | Africa | Yes | National ID, service card, passport or alien card | Checked 2026-10-01 |
| South Africa | Africa | Yes | Identity document plus proof of residential address (RICA) | Checked 2026-10-01 |
| Ghana | Africa | Yes | Ghana Card; passport or ECOWAS card for non-resident foreigners; face and fingerprints captured | Checked 2026-10-01 |
| Uganda | Africa | Yes | National ID number; passport for foreigners | Checked 2026-10-01 |
| Tanzania | Africa | Yes | NIDA national ID card or number with fingerprint (biometric) registration | Checked 2026-10-01 |
| Egypt | Africa | Yes | Original national ID in person; passport and residency for foreigners | Checked 2026-10-01 |
| Morocco | Africa | Yes | National ID card (CNI) or other official ID, plus signed contract | Checked 2026-10-01 |
| Rwanda | Africa | Yes | National ID with biometric check and live photo; passport for foreigners | Checked 2026-10-01 |
| Zambia | Africa | Yes | National Registration Card; passport or work permit for non-Zambians | Checked 2026-10-01 |
| Ethiopia | Africa | Yes | Kebele ID, driver's license or passport; passport and local address for visitors | Checked 2026-10-01 |
| Cameroon | Africa | Yes | Original national ID card, passport, consular card or residence permit | Checked 2026-10-01 |
| India | Asia-Pacific | Yes | Proof of identity and address documents; Aadhaar e-KYC is optional | Checked 2026-10-01 |
| Pakistan | Asia-Pacific | Yes | CNIC with fingerprint verification (NADRA) | Checked 2026-10-01 |
| Bangladesh | Asia-Pacific | Yes | National ID with biometric verification | Checked 2026-10-01 |
| Indonesia | Asia-Pacific | Yes | National ID number (NIK) with face-recognition check (from July 2026) | Checked 2026-10-01 |
| Philippines | Asia-Pacific | Yes | Valid government-issued photo ID; passport and more for foreigners | Checked 2026-10-01 |
| Thailand | Asia-Pacific | Yes | Thai national ID card; passport for foreigners | Checked 2026-10-01 |
| Malaysia | Asia-Pacific | Yes | MyKad or MyPR; passport or permit for foreigners (originals only) | Checked 2026-10-01 |
| Singapore | Asia-Pacific | Yes | NRIC, work permit card or passport | Checked 2026-10-01 |
| China | Asia-Pacific | Yes | Resident Identity Card (real-name registration) | Checked 2026-10-01 |
| Japan | Asia-Pacific | Yes | Identity confirmed at contract for voice SIMs | Checked 2026-10-01 |
| South Korea | Asia-Pacific | Yes | Korean ID; passport or residence card for foreigners | Checked 2026-10-01 |
| Australia | Asia-Pacific | Yes | Identity verified before activation (ID documents or other approved methods) | Checked 2026-10-01 |
| New Zealand | Asia-Pacific | No | None required by law | Checked 2026-10-01 |
| Vietnam | Asia-Pacific | Yes | Citizen ID details plus facial biometrics | Checked 2026-10-01 |
| Sri Lanka | Asia-Pacific | Yes | National Identity Card (NIC) | Checked 2026-10-01 |
| Nepal | Asia-Pacific | Yes | Citizenship certificate; SIM must be in the user's own name | Checked 2026-10-01 |
| Germany | Europe | Yes | ID card, passport or other recognized official photo ID | Checked 2026-10-01 |
| France | Europe | Yes | ID document | Checked 2026-10-01 |
| Spain | Europe | Yes | ID document such as DNI, NIE or passport | Checked 2026-10-01 |
| Italy | Europe | Yes | Identity document; passport or residence permit for non-EU citizens | Checked 2026-10-01 |
| Poland | Europe | Yes | National ID card or passport shown in person | Checked 2026-10-01 |
| Switzerland | Europe | Yes | Passport, ID card or foreigner's permit; copy kept | Checked 2026-10-01 |
| Belgium | Europe | Yes | Belgian eID, EU ID card or passport; online eID and other approved methods | Checked 2026-10-01 |
| Austria | Europe | Yes | Identity checked in store, by bank confirmation or online video ID | Checked 2026-10-01 |
| Greece | Europe | Yes | ID document | Checked 2026-10-01 |
| Norway | Europe | Yes | Passport, national ID card, Norwegian driving license, or BankID/e-ID | Checked 2026-10-01 |
| United Kingdom | Europe | No | None required by law | Checked 2026-10-01 |
| Ireland | Europe | No | None required by law | Checked 2026-10-01 |
| Netherlands | Europe | No | None required by law | Checked 2026-10-01 |
| Czech Republic | Europe | No | None required by law | Checked 2026-10-01 |
| Denmark | Europe | No | None required by law (as of 2021 listing) | Checked 2026-10-01 |
| Portugal | Europe | No | None at present; a bill to require ID was approved by the government in May 2026 | Checked 2026-10-01 |
| Romania | Europe | No | None at present; a bill in Parliament would require ID from 2027 | Checked 2026-10-01 |
| Russia | Europe | Yes | Passport with Gosuslugi check; extra steps and biometrics for foreigners | Checked 2026-10-01 |
| Ukraine | Europe | No | None at present; a bill is under review | Checked 2026-10-01 |
| Turkey | Europe | Yes | Electronic identity verification (chip ID, face or fingerprint); e-passport for foreigners | Checked 2026-10-01 |
| Kazakhstan | Central Asia | Yes | Individual ID number (IIN) or passport data, linked to SIM and phone IMEI | Checked 2026-10-01 |
| United States | Americas | No | None required for prepaid SIMs | Checked 2026-10-01 |
| Canada | Americas | No | None required for prepaid SIMs | Checked 2026-10-01 |
| Mexico | Americas | Yes | CURP plus voter card (INE) or passport (from January 2026) | Checked 2026-10-01 |
| Brazil | Americas | Yes | CPF, photo ID and selfie check for prepaid lines | Checked 2026-10-01 |
| Argentina | Americas | Yes | DNI details, including for prepaid lines | Checked 2026-10-01 |
| Colombia | Americas | Yes | Cédula, foreigner ID card or passport, verified before activation | Checked 2026-10-01 |
| Peru | Americas | Yes | DNI with fingerprint check against the national registry | Checked 2026-10-01 |
| Chile | Americas | Yes | National ID (RUT) or passport (prepaid rule in force from August 2026) | Checked 2026-10-01 |
| Venezuela | Americas | Yes | Cédula or passport, signature, fingerprint and photo | Checked 2026-10-01 |
| Saudi Arabia | Middle East | Yes | National ID, Iqama or passport, verified by fingerprint or Absher | Checked 2026-10-01 |
| United Arab Emirates | Middle East | Yes | Emirates ID; passport and visa for visitors | Checked 2026-10-01 |
| Qatar | Middle East | Yes | Qatar ID for residents; passport for visitors | Checked 2026-10-01 |
| Jordan | Middle East | Yes | National ID with fingerprints; passport for foreigners | Checked 2026-10-01 |
| Kuwait | Middle East | Yes | Not specified in source | Checked 2026-10-01 |
| Oman | Middle East | Yes | Not specified in source | Checked 2026-10-01 |
| Israel | Middle East | No | None required by law (as of 2021 listing) | Checked 2026-10-01 |

## Sources

- [Privacy International: Timeline of SIM Card Registration Laws](https://privacyinternational.org/long-read/3018/timeline-sim-card-registration-laws)
- [GSMA: Access to Mobile Services and Proof of Identity 2021](https://www.gsma.com/solutions-and-impact/connectivity-for-good/mobile-for-development/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/Digital-Identity-Access-to-Mobile-Services-and-Proof-of-Identity-2021_SPREADs.pdf)
- [NCC: Revised National Identity Policy for SIM Card Registration](https://ncc.gov.ng/media-center/public-notices/revised-national-identity-policy-sim-card-registration)
- [Kenya Law: Registration of SIM-Cards Regulations](https://new.kenyalaw.org/akn/ke/act/ln/2015/163/eng@2022-12-31)
- [Vuk'uzenzele (SA government): The RICA Act](https://www.vukuzenzele.gov.za/rica-act-register-your-cellphone-help-prevent-crime)
- [National Communications Authority (Ghana): Registration Process](https://nca.org.gh/registration-process/)
- [UNCDF: National SIM verification in Uganda](https://www.uncdf.org/article/2506/national-sim-verification-uganda)
- [TCRA: TCRA Issues *106# for Consumer Protection](https://www.tcra.go.tz/news/tcra-issues-106-for-consumer-protection)
- [NTRA Egypt: Mobile SIM Cards Sales Regulations for Individuals](https://www.tra.gov.eg/en/mobile-sim-cards-sales-regulations-for-individuals/)
- [La Quotidienne: identification of mobile subscribers in Morocco (ANRT rules)](https://laquotidienne.ma/article/actualites-economiques/identification-des-abonnes-mobiles-au-maroc-les-nouvelles-mesures-de-l-anrt)
- [RURA: Regulation No 18/R/SM-ICT/RURA/2024](https://www.rura.rw/index.php?eID=dumpFile&t=f&f=140493&token=553b11e6ea553a8c0b5a478a30f1e84947e5556c)
- [Lusaka Times: ZICTA directs mobile operators to start SIM card registrations](https://www.lusakatimes.com/2012/08/30/zicta-directs-mobile-operators-start-sim-card-registrations/)
- [CYRILLA: SIM Card Registration Directive No. 799/2021 (Ethiopia)](https://cyrilla.org/en/entity/9u7xypxe6nf/toc?page=6&file=1689856894996ckcfh0o2jho.pdf&raw=true)
- [ART Cameroon: FAQ](https://www.art.cm/fr/content/foire-aux-questions)
- [The Daily Star: Buying SIMs without NID card, BTRC decides to cap it to two](https://www.thedailystar.net/news/bangladesh/news/buying-sims-without-nid-card-btrc-decides-cap-it-two-2166391)
- [Komdigi: SIM registration with biometrics](https://portal.komdigi.go.id/kanal-publik/berita-kini/10368)
- [Republic Act No. 11934 (SIM Registration Act)](https://www.lawphil.net/statutes/repacts/ra2022/ra_11934_2022.html)
- [Tilleke & Gibbins: Thailand tightens telecom registration rules](https://www.tilleke.com/insights/thailand-tightens-telecom-registration-data-and-ip-address-rules-to-combat-tech-crime/)
- [MCMC: Documents required for prepaid SIM registration](https://www.mcmc.gov.my/en/faqs/prepaid-registration/what-type-of-documents-can-be-used-for-the-registr)
- [IMDA (IDA): Registration for new prepaid SIM cards](https://www.imda.gov.sg/-/media/imda/files/inner/archive/news-and-events/news_and_events_level2/20051021/annexa.pdf)
- [Internet Governance Project: Real-name registration required for China mobile users](https://www.internetgovernance.org/2010/09/07/real-name-registration-required-for-china-mobile-users/)
- [Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications (Japan): Prevention of criminal use of mobile phones](https://www.soumu.go.jp/main_sosiki/joho_tsusin/d_syohi/050526_1.html)
- [The Korea Herald: foreigner ID checks in mobile registration](https://www.koreaherald.com/article/10593298)
- [ACMA: ID checks for prepaid mobiles](https://www.acma.gov.au/id-checks-prepaid-mobiles)
- [VietnamPlus: Verified subscriber data builds stronger digital shield](https://en.vietnamplus.vn/verified-subscriber-data-builds-stronger-digital-shield-post347438.vnp)
- [Daily Mirror (Sri Lanka): TRCSL on SIMs registered under NICs](https://www.dailymirror.lk/print/breaking-news/Responsibility-of-misusing-sim-cards-must-be-held-by-users-if-not-registered-under-their-NICs-TRCSL/108-271075)
- [myRepublica: Use of SIM cards registered under others' names to be restricted](https://www.myrepublica.nagariknetwork.com/amp/news/use-of-sim-cards-registered-under-others-names-to-be-restricted)
- [Telecommunications Act (TKG) section 172, Germany](https://www.gesetze-im-internet.de/tkg_2021/__172.html)
- [BOE: Law 25/2007 (Spain)](https://www.boe.es/buscar/act.php?id=BOE-A-2007-18243)
- [Italian Electronic Communications Code, art. 98-undetricies](https://www.brocardi.it/codice-delle-comunicazioni-elettroniche/titolo-ii/capo-vi/art98undetricies.html)
- [UKE (Poland): Prepaid card registration obligation](https://archiwum.uke.gov.pl/aktualnosci/biezace-informacje/komunikaty/obowiazek-rejestracji-kart-prepaid,5966.html)
- [Fedlex: Surveillance ordinance VÜPF (SR 780.11)](https://fedlex.data.admin.ch/filestore/fedlex.data.admin.ch/eli/cc/2018/32/20240326/de/pdf-a/fedlex-data-admin-ch-eli-cc-2018-32-20240326-de-pdf-a-2.pdf)
- [BIPT (Belgium): Prepaid cards](https://www.bipt.be/consumers/telephone-internet-tv/consumer-protection/prepaid-cards)
- [Austrian ministry Infothek: all SIM cards must be registered by 1 September](https://infothek.bmimi.gv.at/am-1-september-muessen-alle-sim-karten-registriert-sein/)
- [Nkom (Norway): New rules to prevent ID theft](https://nkom.no/aktuelt/nye-regler-skal-hindre-id-tyveri)
- [SÁBADO: Government to require identification of prepaid users](https://www.sabado.pt/dinheiro/detalhe/governo-obriga-operadoras-a-bloquear-fraudes-e-a-identificar-utilizadores-dos-pre-pagos)
- [Privesc.eu: Mandatory identification for prepaid cards (bill)](https://www.privesc.eu/article/112189/5662fd4a-9b2d-4478-9260-322effe8b45c)
- [Izvestia: new procedure for registration and verification of SIM cards](https://en.iz.ru/en/1980384/ana-cernikova-polina-lvova/communication-under-control-how-new-procedure-registration-and-verification-sim-cards-will-work)
- [TehnoFan: Will SIM cards be linked to passports in Ukraine](https://tehnofan.com.ua/2026/09/28/chy-pryvyazhut%CA%B9-sim-kartky-do-pasportiv-v-ukrayini-obhovoryuyut%CA%B9-novi-pravyla/)
- [Cumhuriyet: identity verification rules changed (Official Gazette)](https://www.cumhuriyet.com.tr/turkiye/kimlik-dogrulama-kurallari-degisti-resmi-gazete-de-yayimlandi-telefon-ve-internet-aboneliklerinde-yeni-donem-2511185)
- [The Times of Central Asia: Kazakhstan to curb SIM card issuance](https://timesca.com/kazakhstan-to-curb-sim-card-issuance-amid-rising-digital-fraud/)
- [CRT (Mexico): Guidelines for identification of mobile lines](https://www.gob.mx/crt/prensa/la-crt-aprueba-y-emite-los-lineamientos-para-la-identificacion-de-lineas-telefonicas-moviles)
- [Anatel (Brazil): Cadastro Pré-Pago](https://www.gov.br/anatel/pt-br/dados/utilidade-publica/cadastro-pre-pago)
- [Argentina.gob.ar: Registro de celulares](https://www.argentina.gob.ar/justicia/derechofacil/leysimple/registro-de-celulares)
- [CRC Resolution 7684 of 2025 (MinTIC)](https://normograma.mintic.gov.co/mintic/compilacion/docs/resolucion_crc_7684_2025.htm)
- [Gestión: Osiptel prepaid lines sold with fingerprint identification](https://gestion.pe/economia/osiptel-lineas-prepago-venderan-identificacion-dactilar-usuarios-91825-noticia/)
- [Subtel (Chile): Mandatory prepaid phone registration takes effect](https://www.subtel.gob.cl/fin-a-los-numeros-anonimos-entra-en-vigencia-el-registro-obligatorio-de-telefonos-prepago/)
- [Derechos Digitales: Telephone data retention in Venezuela](https://derechosdigitales.org/11932/sin-lugar-donde-esconderse-retencion-de-datos-de-telefonia-en-venezuela)
- [CST (Saudi Arabia): Service suspension for unverified SIM cards](https://www.cst.gov.sa/en/media-center/news/CITC-announces-the-commencement-of-service-suspension-for-unverified-SIM-cards)
- [Gulf News: SIM registration, what you need to know](https://gulfnews.com/uae/government/sim-registration-what-you-need-to-know-1.1131908)
- [Gulf Times: CRA digital registration service](https://www.gulf-times.com/article/671686/qatar/cra-urges-telecom-consumers-to-experience-new-digital-registration-service)

## Frequently asked questions

**Which countries require SIM card registration?**

Most countries do, including India, Nigeria, Germany, Brazil and Saudi Arabia. Countries without a general requirement for prepaid SIMs include the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Ireland and New Zealand. See the table on this page for sourced details by country.

**What ID do I need to register a SIM card abroad?**

Visitors are usually asked for a passport, and sometimes a visa or entry stamp. Residents typically use a national ID card or residence permit. Some countries also take fingerprints or a photo. Ask at an official store of a licensed operator.

**Why do governments require SIM registration?**

The usual reasons are fighting crime and phone scams, supporting mobile money under know-your-customer rules, helping people prove ownership of a number, and linking SIMs to national ID systems. Privacy groups question how effective it is against crime.

**Does renting a number online replace SIM registration?**

No. With SMS Hallo the provider holds the line, and you use the number through a dashboard for privacy and sign-ups. If a law or service requires a SIM registered in your own name, you still need one. SMS Hallo's Acceptable Use Policy forbids using its numbers to get past identity or KYC checks.

**Is it legal to use a second phone number?**

In most countries having a second number is generally legal and common. What matters is how you use it: follow local law, the terms of each app, and SMS Hallo's Acceptable Use Policy. This isn't legal advice.

**Do I need to show ID to rent a number from SMS Hallo?**

No. Sign-up needs only an email and password, with no SIM card, ID documents or local address. You remain responsible for following the laws that apply to you and for using the number only for legitimate purposes.

**How often do SIM registration laws change?**

Often. Countries add biometric checks, new deadlines or new rules for visitors, and courts sometimes strike laws down. Our table was checked on 2026-10-01; always confirm with the national telecom regulator.

## Related

- [guides/is-a-second-phone-number-legal](https://smshallo.com/guides/is-a-second-phone-number-legal)
- [guides/second-phone-number-for-privacy](https://smshallo.com/guides/second-phone-number-for-privacy)
- [guides/choose-country-for-verification-number](https://smshallo.com/guides/choose-country-for-verification-number)
- [acceptable-use](https://smshallo.com/acceptable-use)
- [numbers](https://smshallo.com/numbers)

## Related reading

[### Why You Need a Second Phone Number for Privacy and How to Get OneYour phone number links your identity across apps. Learn when to use a second number, what it protects you from, and how to set one up in a few minutes.](https://smshallo.com/guides/second-phone-number-for-privacy)

[### Are Free Receive-SMS Websites Safe? The Real RisksFree receive-SMS websites show every message publicly. Learn the real risks for your accounts and privacy, when they're acceptable, and safer alternatives.](https://smshallo.com/guides/are-free-sms-sites-safe)

[### Is It Legal to Have a Second Phone Number?Is a second phone number legal? A general overview of how rules differ by country, what's generally fine, what isn't, and why app terms matter too.](https://smshallo.com/guides/is-a-second-phone-number-legal)

## More guides

[### Best Second Phone Number Apps: 4 Types ComparedBest second phone number apps compared by type: VoIP apps, one-time activation services, rented real mobile numbers and eSIM plans, with honest trade-offs.](https://smshallo.com/guides/best-second-phone-number-apps)

[### Google Voice Not Available in My Country: What Now?Google Voice not available in your country? See where Google says Voice works, why personal accounts are US-only, and honest options like a rented number.](https://smshallo.com/guides/google-voice-not-available-in-my-country)

[### OTP Not Received? General Fixes That Work for Any AppOTP not received? Check the number format, wait out resend timers, try a call, look for blocked senders and carrier filtering, then know when to switch.](https://smshallo.com/guides/otp-not-received-general-fixes)

Last updated 2026-10-01 · SMS Hallo

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## Key facts (SMS Hallo)
- Real mobile numbers in 181 countries, rented online — no SIM card, no ID documents
- Price: from $1.80 per month on the 12-month plan ($21.60 billed yearly), same in every country
- Every number: unlimited incoming SMS and calls, 500 outgoing SMS and 1,000 calling minutes per month
- Guarantees: Every number is covered three ways: a 7-day free replacement guarantee, a 100% refund if it doesn't work with your app, and a 7-day no-questions money-back guarantee if you haven't used it.
- Payment: USDT or USDC on Tron, BNB Chain, Polygon, Base or Solana
- Support: support@smshallo.com (replies usually within a few hours) · SMSHallo Inc., 650 N Highway 414, Mountain View, WY 82939, United States