Can I keep my normal SIM and number while using the eSIM?
Yes. The travel eSIM is added as a second line. Your own SIM card or eSIM, and your number, stay on your phone, and you choose which line does what.
A good setup for most trips
- Mobile data: the travel eSIM.
- Calls and texts: your own line, if you want to stay reachable on your usual number.
- Data roaming: on for the travel eSIM, off for your own line unless your own plan includes the destination.
Your own carrier may charge for calls, texts and voicemail while you are abroad, sometimes even for incoming calls. Check its roaming rates, or turn your own line off if you do not need it.
Set it up
- Open Settings > Cellular > Cellular Data and choose the travel eSIM.
- Turn off Allow Cellular Data Switching, so the phone does not fall back to your own line for data.
- Open Settings > Cellular > Default Voice Line and choose your own line.
- Tap your own line under Settings > Cellular and turn Data Roaming off.
- Open Settings > Connections > SIM manager on Samsung, or Settings > Network & internet > SIMs on Pixel.
- Set Mobile data to the travel eSIM.
- Leave Calls and Text messages on your own SIM.
- If your phone has an automatic data switching option, turn it off.
- Turn roaming on for the travel eSIM and off for your own SIM.
WhatsApp, iMessage and FaceTime
WhatsApp stays registered to your usual number and uses whichever line has data. You do not need to change your number in WhatsApp, and you should not use its Change Number feature for a travel eSIM. iMessage and FaceTime can also keep using your own number while the eSIM provides data.
How many lines can I use?
Most phones that support eSIM can use two lines at the same time and can store more than one eSIM. A few phones allow only one active eSIM at a time; if yours already has an eSIM in use, you may need to turn that one off.
Need help with your settings? Contact support.
Updated November 4, 2026