What Telephone Number to Use When Shopping Online?
Shopping online from US retailers is easy with MyUS, but one question surprises many international shoppers during checkout:
Which phone number should you enter?
Some US stores require a phone number before they'll let you complete your purchase. If you're shipping to your MyUS US address, you might wonder whether to enter the MyUS warehouse phone number or your own.
The answer is simple, and using the correct number can help you avoid delays.
Always Use Your Own Phone Number
When you're shopping online, enter your own phone number, even if you're shipping your purchase to your MyUS address.
Using your personal number allows the retailer to contact you directly if they need to:
- Verify your payment
- Confirm your identity
- Ask about your order
- Notify you of shipping updates
- Resolve issues before your package ships
Many US retailers accept international phone numbers, so you usually don't need a US phone number when placing your order. MyUS recommends providing your own contact number so merchants can reach you if necessary.
Why Retailers Ask for a Phone Number
A correct phone number isn’t just another required checkout field.
Depending on the retailer, your phone number may be used for:
Order Verification
Some stores manually review international purchases or high-value orders. If something looks unusual, they may call or text to verify the purchase before processing it.
Delivery Updates
Although your package is headed to your MyUS suite, retailers sometimes send SMS notifications about shipping progress or delivery confirmations.
Fraud Prevention
Many merchants use phone verification as part of their security process to reduce fraudulent purchases. Remember getting a message from Microsoft about a software update you have no idea about? Yeah, we wanna avoid that.
Customer Service
If there's an issue with stock availability, shipping, or payment, having your number makes it easier for the retailer to contact you quickly.
Should You Use the MyUS Phone Number?
Generally, no.
The MyUS warehouse receives and processes packages, but customer-specific order questions should come directly to you.
If a retailer needs to confirm your order and cannot reach you, your shipment could be delayed or even canceled.
Providing your own phone number helps keep communication between you and the retailer clear and efficient.
Will My International Phone Number Work?
In most cases, yes.
Many major US retailers accept international phone numbers without any issues. Simply include your country code when entering your number.
For example:
- United Kingdom: +44
- Australia: +61
- Canada: +1
- Germany: +49
- Japan: +81
Always double-check that you've entered the correct country code and phone number before completing checkout.
Tips for a Smooth Checkout Experience
A few simple steps can help your order go through without unnecessary delays.
Double-Check Your Shipping Address
Use the complete MyUS shipping address exactly as it appears in your account, including your suite number.
Match Your Billing Information
Whenever possible, use the billing address associated with your payment method. Some retailers verify this information before approving an order.
Monitor Your Email
Retailers often send verification requests by email before calling.
Answer Unknown Calls After Ordering
If you've recently placed an order with a US retailer, it may be worth answering calls from unfamiliar numbers for the next day or two. The merchant may be verifying your purchase.
What If a Store Doesn't Accept My International Number?
While uncommon, some retailers accept only US-format phone numbers at checkout.
If that happens, you have a few options:
- Contact the retailer's customer support for assistance.
- Try checking out through the retailer's mobile app if available.
- Use MyUS Buying Assistant, which can purchase eligible items on your behalf from many US retailers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can MyUS verify my order for me?
No. If a retailer has questions about your purchase, they should contact you directly. That's why it's important to provide your own phone number during checkout.
Will MyUS call me about my order?
MyUS may contact members regarding account or shipping matters through its customer service channels, but retailers should use your personal phone number for purchase-related questions.
Is my phone number shared with MyUS?
You provide your phone number to the retailer when you place your order. MyUS handles your shipping after the retailer delivers the package to your assigned US address.
Shop US Stores with Confidence
Using the correct contact information is one of the easiest ways to avoid delays when shopping from US retailers.
At checkout, use your MyUS shipping address and your phone number so stores can contact you if they need to verify your order or answer questions.
Once your purchases arrive at your MyUS suite, you can consolidate packages, choose your preferred international shipping option, and have your US shopping delivered to more than 220 countries and territories.
Ready to shop your favorite US brands? Create your MyUS account today and enjoy fast, reliable international shipping from the United States.