2 min read
Keeping your number and WhatsApp with a travel eSIM
Your usual SIM stays in the phone. This is what that means for calls, texts and messaging apps.
A travel eSIM doesn’t replace your SIM. It adds a second line to the phone for data, and your usual SIM stays where it is, with your number on it.
Two lines in one phone
With the travel eSIM installed, the phone has two lines. Your usual line keeps your number. The travel line carries your mobile data while you’re away. You choose which of the two the phone uses for data, and you can switch back whenever you like.
Our travel plans are data only. They have no phone number of their own, so they can’t make ordinary calls or send texts.
Calls and texts
Calls and texts to your number still come to your usual line, as long as your own carrier lets that line work where you are. Whether it does, and what it costs, is up to your carrier, so ask before you go.
That includes the one-time codes that banks and other services send by text. They go to your number, not to the travel line, so keep your usual line switched on if you want to receive them.
Data roaming covers data only. You can turn it off for your usual line and leave the line itself on.
WhatsApp and other messaging apps
WhatsApp uses the same internet connection as your browser and email. With the travel line chosen for data, WhatsApp runs over it, and your account stays on your usual number. The people you message see the same number they always do.
Other apps that send messages or make calls over the internet work the same way: they use whichever line carries your data.
One thing to avoid while you’re away is reinstalling WhatsApp or moving it to another phone. WhatsApp confirms a number with a code sent by text or phone call, and to receive it you need your usual SIM in the phone, with calls or texts reaching it where you are.
Before you go, you can add an email address to your WhatsApp account in its settings. If you ever have to register the number again, WhatsApp can then send the code to that email instead.
On an iPhone
An iPhone lets you choose which line iMessage and FaceTime use. Leave them on your usual number, and they keep working over the travel line’s data.
The setting Allow Mobile Data Switching, or Allow Cellular Data Switching on some iPhones, lets the phone use data from both lines. Leave it off if you want all your data to go through the travel line.
Back home
Choose your usual line for mobile data again and turn the travel line off. Keep the travel eSIM on the phone until you’re sure you’ve finished with the plan, because the code on your order page works only once.
When you know where you’re going, the store shows each destination’s plans, with their data, days and price.
Browse destinations