Keep Your Number Abroad: WhatsApp, Viber and Bank Codes with a Travel eSIM

The most common question about travel eSIMs: "Will I lose my number?" No. A travel eSIM is a second line in your phone, just for data. Your usual SIM stays where it is, and you choose which line does what. Here is how it works and the settings to get right.

Two lines, two jobs

• Your usual SIM keeps your number for normal calls and text messages, including SMS codes from your bank.
• The travel eSIM handles mobile data: maps, WhatsApp, Instagram, email.

Almost every phone that supports eSIM can use both lines at once.

WhatsApp and Viber keep your number

WhatsApp and Viber are linked to your account, not to the SIM that carries the data. When the eSIM provides the internet, WhatsApp still shows your usual number, and your chats, groups and contacts stay exactly as they are. Do not reinstall WhatsApp or change the number in its settings: there is nothing to change.

Bank codes and SMS

SMS messages arrive on your usual SIM even when its data roaming is off. Receiving texts abroad is free on most plans, so one-time codes from your bank or from online shopping keep working. Keep the usual SIM switched on, and just turn its data roaming off.

The settings that matter

iPhone

1. Settings → Mobile Data → Mobile Data: choose the travel eSIM.
2. Open the eSIM's line and turn on Data Roaming.
3. Open your usual line and turn Data Roaming off.
4. Turn off Allow Mobile Data Switching, so the iPhone does not fall back to your usual SIM's data.

Samsung and other Android phones

1. Settings → Connections → SIM manager → Mobile data: choose the travel eSIM.
2. Turn on data roaming for the eSIM, and off for your usual SIM (under Mobile networks for each SIM).
3. Turn off Auto data switching if your phone has it.

Calls: what still costs money

• WhatsApp and Viber calls use the eSIM's data, so they cost nothing extra. A one-hour video call uses about 0.5 GB.
• Normal calls on your usual number are charged at your operator's roaming price, and on some plans you also pay to answer calls abroad. Ask family to call you on WhatsApp instead.
• Wi-Fi calling, if your operator supports it, can make normal calls cheaper over Wi-Fi or the eSIM's data. Check with your operator.

After the trip

Switch mobile data back to your usual SIM when you get home. You can keep the travel eSIM switched off in the phone until the plan ends, and if your plan supports it, you can add more data to the same eSIM for the next trip.

Ready?

Pick your destination on rrugo.com/esim, then follow our guide to install your eSIM. Not sure your phone supports it? See which phones support eSIM.