When using an eSIM while traveling abroad, many people wonder whether they really need a local phone number or whether a data-only eSIM is enough.
If you mainly use Google Maps, translation apps, social media, LINE, or WhatsApp, a data-only eSIM is usually enough.
However, if you want to call hotels or restaurants, receive SMS messages, or use a local phone number as your contact number, you may need an eSIM with a phone number or your regular SIM.
Do you need a phone number when traveling abroad?
For a short sightseeing trip, you often do not need a local phone number.
As long as you have internet access, you can usually:
- Use Google Maps
- Check train and bus routes
- Use translation apps
- Check hotel and flight reservations
- Contact family and friends through LINE or WhatsApp
- Use social media and email
All of these can be done with mobile data, so a data-only eSIM is usually sufficient.
A phone number may be useful in situations such as:
- Calling a hotel or restaurant directly
- Calling a hospital or transportation company
- Receiving SMS verification codes
- Receiving calls from shops or delivery services
- Providing a local phone number as your contact number
Data-only eSIM vs. eSIM with a phone number
| Feature | Data-only eSIM | eSIM with a phone number |
|---|---|---|
| Internet access | Available | Available |
| Phone number | Usually not included | Included |
| Regular phone calls | Not available | Depends on the plan |
| SMS | Not available | Depends on the plan |
| LINE / WhatsApp | Available | Available |
Even if an eSIM comes with a phone number, voice calls and SMS may not always be included.
Before purchasing, check whether the plan supports calls and SMS.
For plans with a phone number, please see eSIM Plans with a Phone Number.
Can you make calls with a data-only eSIM?
You cannot make regular mobile phone calls with a data-only eSIM, but you can use internet-based calling apps.
- LINE
- FaceTime
- Messenger
- Zoom
- Google Meet
If you mainly contact family or friends, a data-only eSIM may be enough.
However, if you need to call a hotel, shop, or other regular phone number, you will need a line that supports voice calls.
If you need to receive SMS
There are two main ways to receive SMS while traveling abroad.
1. Use an eSIM with a phone number
If the eSIM supports SMS reception, you can receive messages on the phone number provided with the eSIM.
However, some eSIMs include a phone number but do not support SMS.
2. Keep your regular SIM active
If your phone supports Dual SIM, you can keep your regular SIM active for SMS while using your travel eSIM for mobile data.
This is useful if you want to continue receiving verification codes from banks, credit card companies, or other services on your usual phone number.
Can you use an eSIM phone number for SMS verification?
If the plan supports SMS reception, you may be able to receive verification codes.
However, it may not work with every service.
Banks, credit card companies, and other services may reject temporary or prepaid phone numbers.
For important accounts, using your regular phone number is generally safer.
Using your regular SIM and travel eSIM together
If you want to receive SMS on your regular number while using your travel eSIM for internet access, you can use the following setup.
| Setting | Regular SIM | Travel eSIM |
|---|---|---|
| Line | ON | ON |
| Mobile data | Do not use | Use |
| Data roaming | OFF | Follow the plan instructions |
If your phone has an automatic data switching option, it is also a good idea to turn it off.
Will keeping your regular SIM on cause high roaming charges?
Simply keeping the SIM turned on does not always result in high charges.
However, charges may apply if you:
- Use mobile data on your regular SIM
- Turn on data roaming
- Make phone calls overseas
- Receive phone calls overseas
- Send SMS messages
Charges vary by carrier, so check your international roaming rates before departure.
Who should choose an eSIM with a phone number?
- Travelers who want to call hotels or shops directly
- People who want a local phone number
- People who need to receive SMS
- Long-term travelers or students studying abroad
- Business travelers who need regular phone calls
Who should choose a data-only eSIM?
- Short-term travelers
- People who mainly use Google Maps or social media
- People who communicate through LINE or WhatsApp
- People who do not need a local phone number
- People who want to keep costs lower
What to check before buying an eSIM
For an eSIM with a phone number, check:
- Whether a phone number is actually provided
- Whether voice calls are supported
- Whether SMS sending and receiving are supported
- How long the phone number remains valid
- Whether calls or SMS require additional fees
For a data-only eSIM, check:
- Whether your smartphone supports eSIM
- Whether the validity period matches your trip
- Whether the data allowance is enough
- Whether tethering is supported
- Whether the plan covers your destination
You can check supported devices on our eSIM Compatible Devices page.
When should you install your eSIM?
In most cases, it is best to install the eSIM before departure while you have a stable Wi-Fi connection.
However, some plans start their validity period as soon as the eSIM is installed.
Always check the activation conditions before setting up your eSIM.
For detailed instructions, please see our eSIM Setup Guide.
After arriving at your destination
- Turn on your travel eSIM
- Select your travel eSIM for mobile data
- Turn on data roaming for the travel eSIM if required by the plan
- Turn off data roaming for your regular SIM
- Turn off automatic data switching
After setup, turn off Wi-Fi temporarily and check whether mobile data is working correctly.
If calls or SMS do not work
Check the following:
- Whether your plan supports calls or SMS
- Whether the eSIM line is turned on
- Whether the phone is connected to a local network
- Whether the plan has already started
- Restart your smartphone
Even if the service is not working, do not delete the eSIM immediately.
Some eSIMs cannot be reinstalled once deleted because the QR code cannot be reused.
If you have connection problems, please see What to Do If Your Japan eSIM Is Not Working.
Things to keep in mind when using an eSIM with a phone number
- Check the phone number expiration date
- Avoid registering a temporary number with important accounts such as banks
- Check call charges
- Check SMS sending fees
- Check whether emergency calls are supported
With short-term plans, the phone number may stop working once the plan expires.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I always need a local phone number when traveling abroad?
No. If you mainly use maps, social media, translation apps, LINE, or WhatsApp, a data-only eSIM is often enough.
Can I make phone calls with a data-only eSIM?
You cannot make regular phone calls, but you can use internet calling apps such as LINE, WhatsApp, and FaceTime.
Can a data-only eSIM receive SMS?
Usually not. If you need SMS, use your regular SIM or an eSIM plan that supports SMS reception.
Does an eSIM with a phone number always support calls and SMS?
No. Support depends on the plan, so check the available features before purchasing.
Can I use my regular phone number overseas?
You may be able to use it if your mobile carrier supports international roaming.
Is it safe to delete an eSIM if it does not work?
Do not delete it immediately. Some eSIMs cannot be reinstalled after deletion.
Summary
You do not always need a local phone number when traveling abroad.
If you mainly use Google Maps, social media, translation apps, LINE, or WhatsApp, a data-only eSIM is often enough.
If you need regular phone calls or SMS, consider choosing an eSIM with a phone number.
You can also keep your regular SIM active for SMS and use your travel eSIM for mobile data.
Choose the type of eSIM that best matches how you plan to use your phone during your trip.
