How to Keep Your Number for Texts While Using a Travel eSIM
Use a travel eSIM for data and keep your home SIM for calls and texts. How dual SIM works on iPhone, which settings to change, and how to avoid roaming.
You can use a travel eSIM for mobile data and keep your home SIM active for calls and texts at the same time. This is called dual SIM. It lets you stay reachable on your usual number, for example for bank or delivery texts, while the travel eSIM handles your data abroad.
Can I use a travel eSIM and my normal SIM at the same time?
Yes, if your phone supports dual SIM. Apple says Dual SIM "enables you to have two active phone numbers or SIMs", and that an iPhone with a SIM tray can use a physical SIM and an eSIM together while travelling.
Many Android phones also support a physical SIM plus an eSIM. Check your phone's specifications, and make sure it is eSIM-compatible and unlocked.
Which line uses mobile data?
Only one line can use mobile data at a time. Apple says your iPhone "can use one cellular data network at a time", so you choose the travel eSIM as your data line.
On iPhone, go to Settings > Mobile Data (Cellular on US models) > Mobile Data, then select the travel eSIM. On Android, the setting is usually under Settings > Network & internet > SIMs; the exact names vary by phone maker.
How do I set it up before I travel?
Install the travel eSIM at home on Wi-Fi, label both lines, and set the data line when you land. This takes a few minutes.
- Install your travel eSIM while you are on Wi-Fi. Our install guide shows each step.
- Label the lines, for example "Home" and "Travel". Apple suggests labels such as Business and Personal to tell the lines apart.
- When you arrive, set "Travel" as the mobile data line.
- Leave "Home" switched on for calls and texts.
- Turn off data roaming on your home line, so it cannot use data abroad.
Simnetic tip: Install your Simnetic eSIM at home on Wi-Fi and label it "Travel" straight away, so it is easy to choose as your data line when you land.
Should I turn on "Allow Mobile Data Switching"?
Usually not while travelling. Apple explains that this setting lets data switch to your other line during a call, so with it on, your home line could use mobile data while you are on a call.
If your home line uses data abroad, your home network may charge roaming fees. Keeping the setting off makes it easier to control costs.
Will I pay roaming charges on my home SIM?
You may pay to receive calls or texts on your home line abroad, depending on your network. Data on the home line is the bigger risk, which is why you turn off its data roaming.
Action on your home SIM | Roaming cost? |
|---|---|
Uses mobile data abroad | Charged at your home network's roaming rates |
Receives calls | Depends on your network's roaming tariff |
Receives texts | Depends on your network's roaming tariff |
Is switched on, with data roaming off | No data use on that line |
Ofcom, the UK regulator, says networks must send you an automatic message about roaming costs or limits when you arrive, unless you have opted out. It also says you can set a monthly spending limit, and your provider "can only charge more than the limit if you agree to it".
What if my phone has no SIM tray?
You can still use dual SIM with two eSIMs on many newer phones. Apple says iPhone 13 models and later support Dual SIM with two eSIMs.
In that case your home number lives on one eSIM and the travel plan on the other. The settings are the same as above.
Does the travel eSIM give me a new number?
No. Travel eSIMs are normally data-only and have no phone number, which is exactly why you keep your home line. See does an eSIM come with a phone number? for the full answer.
Ready to set it up? Choose an eSIM plan for your destination.
About the author: Written by the Simnetic team at Domaxit LTD, a London-based provider of prepaid travel eSIM data plans for 217 countries and virtual phone numbers. We check every price and plan detail in our articles against the live Simnetic catalogue before publishing.