Can I keep my own number while I travel?

Yes. Phones with eSIM can hold two lines at once. Apple lists adding a local data plan when you travel as one of the everyday uses of Dual SIM, and your own number stays on your home line.

How the two lines share the work

• Your home line stays switched on, so your number can still receive calls and texts.
• Your eSIM carries your mobile data at your destination.

Only one line carries data at a time. Apple notes that an iPhone uses one cellular data network at a time, and Google says only one SIM can be the default for data on a Pixel. The line you choose for data decides whose data you use.

Three settings to check

1. Choose your eSIM for mobile data when you arrive. On iPhone: Settings > Cellular (Mobile Data on some iPhones) > Cellular Data, then tap your travel line. On Pixel: Settings > Network & internet > SIMs, then under “Your primary SIMs” tap Mobile data. On Samsung Galaxy: Settings > Connections > SIM manager, then use Primary SIM to choose the eSIM for data.
2. Turn off data roaming on your home line. On iPhone: Settings > Cellular, tap your home line, then Cellular Data Options, and turn off Data Roaming. On Pixel: Settings > Network & internet > SIMs, tap your home SIM and turn off Roaming. On Samsung Galaxy: Settings > Connections > Mobile networks, and turn off Data roaming for your home SIM.
3. Label your lines. Apple suggests labelling your plans once the second one is added. Names such as Home and Travel make every later menu clearer.

What your home carrier may still charge

Calls and texts on your home line are billed by your home carrier at its own rates while you are away. Apple notes that if you keep both lines on, you might still pay roaming fees on your home line. Check your carrier’s roaming prices before you go.

WhatsApp and other apps

Apps that register with your phone number, such as WhatsApp, stay on that number when your data comes from your eSIM. WhatsApp checks that you own your number with a code sent by SMS or phone call when you register, so keep your home line on in case it asks while you are away. On iPhone, Apple says FaceTime and iMessage keep working on your home line even if you use only your travel eSIM.

Does the eSIM include a phone number?

Each plan page has a Calls and texts row that says whether the plan includes a phone number. If the plan is data only, you make calls and send messages through apps.