You do not have to give up your number to use a travel eSIM. With a dual SIM phone, your home SIM keeps your number for calls and texts while the travel eSIM carries the mobile data.
How it works
A dual SIM phone holds two lines at once, most often a physical SIM plus an eSIM. Your home SIM stays as it is. The travel eSIM is a second line that you choose for mobile data, so websites and apps use it while calls and texts still go to your usual number.
A data-only eSIM has no phone number of its own, which is exactly what makes this setup work.
Set it up in four steps
- Install the eSIM while you have Wi-Fi: follow the iPhone setup guide or the Android setup guide.
- Give each line a clear label in the phone's SIM settings, for example "Home" and "Travel".
- Choose the travel eSIM as the line for mobile data.
- Switch data roaming on for the travel eSIM line, and off for the home SIM.
Menu names differ between phones and software versions; look for the mobile service, cellular or SIM settings.
What to switch on and off
| Setting | Home SIM | Travel eSIM |
|---|---|---|
| Mobile data | Off | On |
| Data roaming | Off | On |
| Calls and texts | On, if you want to receive them | Not used (data-only) |
Calls, texts and security codes
Calls and SMS still use your home SIM. Depending on your carrier, receiving them abroad may cost extra, and some carriers do not deliver SMS abroad unless roaming is on for that SIM. Check your carrier's roaming terms before you travel.
- Messaging apps such as WhatsApp use the travel eSIM data, so they work as usual.
- Banks and websites that send security codes by SMS send them to your home number. Before you travel, switch code delivery to an authenticator app where you can, or make sure your home SIM can receive SMS abroad.
- Wi-Fi calling, where your carrier offers it, lets you call over Wi-Fi without mobile data.
If your phone has only one line
Phones that support eSIM but not two active lines can still use a travel eSIM by switching lines, but then your home number is not reachable while the travel eSIM is the active line. Check that your model supports dual SIM in the device compatibility list.
Before you go
- Confirm your phone is unlocked; see carrier lock.
- Install the eSIM before you travel, on Wi-Fi, but switch it on when you land if the plan starts at first connection.
- Keep your home SIM in the phone.