What bank is it? I faced this problem a few times so I am becoming an expert.
FYI the $3 TMobile sim is now called a paygo ultra mobile sim, only sold in select Tmobile stores.. I had to hunt it down on my last trip, and now will just keep paying the $3 forever. They will NOT sell it online, but I've seen folks sell this for upwards of $50 on amazon.
Google voice is a good option as it's recognized by Bank of America, other VoIP won't be, it's all bank dependent.
Best option, find someone you know in the US, have them receive the SMS to get. you over the current hump, then have them buy/activate, then mail you the ultra mobile sim (specific one called paygo). I've tried many of the apps, but the banks know what falls into the voip bank. There was an online service to receive SMS's on an actual sim and you pay per sms, but I lost that link.