How to keep your home number while using a travel eSIM
You want cheap data abroad, but you also want your bank's security codes, texts from family and the same WhatsApp number. Good news: you do not have to choose.
How it works
Most phones sold in the last few years support dual SIM, usually one physical SIM and one or more eSIMs. Each line can be switched on or off, and you choose which one handles mobile data.
The simple setup for travel:
| Line | Switched on? | Data Roaming | Used for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Home SIM | Yes | Off | Calls and texts to your normal number |
| RoamMore eSIM | Yes | On | All mobile data |
Because your home line has Data Roaming off, it cannot use data abroad, so there are no roaming data charges from that line. Calls and texts on your home line are still billed by your home carrier at its roaming rates, so check those before you go.
iPhone settings
Go to Settings > Mobile Service (called Mobile Data or Cellular on some iPhones).
- Tap your home line, make sure Turn On This Line is on, and switch Data Roaming off.
- Tap your RoamMore line, make sure it is on, and switch Data Roaming on.
- Tap Mobile Data and choose the RoamMore line.
- Turn off Allow Mobile Data Switching, so data never falls back to your home line.
- Under Default Voice Line, keep your home line if you want calls to show your usual number.
For iMessage and FaceTime, open Settings > Messages > Send and Receive and check your home number is ticked.
Android settings
Menus vary by brand. On Samsung go to Settings > Connections > SIM manager. On Pixel go to Settings > Network and internet > SIMs.
- Keep both SIMs enabled.
- Set Mobile data to the RoamMore eSIM.
- Open your home SIM and switch Roaming off.
- Open the RoamMore eSIM and switch Roaming on.
- Set Calls and Text messages to your home SIM.
Bank codes and two step verification
Texts from your bank arrive on your home line as long as it is switched on and has signal from a partner network. To avoid depending on texts:
- Switch to in app approvals or an authenticator app before you leave, where your bank allows it.
- Sign in to important apps at home first, so they already trust your phone.
- If a login is questioned abroad, read our guide on where your eSIM's internet comes out. It explains why.
WhatsApp, iMessage and other apps
Messaging apps use data, not your SIM, once they are set up. They keep your usual number, work over the RoamMore eSIM and do not add roaming charges. Voice and video calls through these apps use data too, so allow for them when you choose your data style.
Want to avoid every possible home carrier charge?
Switch your home line off completely. You will not receive calls or texts until you switch it back on, but messaging apps still work. Some travellers turn the home line on once a day to check for bank codes, then off again.
Quick check before you fly
- Phone is carrier unlocked and supports eSIM
- Travel eSIM installed and named
- Home line Data Roaming off
- Banking apps updated and signed in
- Home carrier roaming rates checked for calls and texts
Prices for popular trips
Cheapest plan with 1GB or more, in US dollars from our catalogue, updated 27 Sep 2026.
Questions travellers ask
Do RoamMore eSIMs come with a phone number?
Not at the moment. Our plans are data only, which is why keeping your home line on for texts is useful.
Will I be charged for receiving texts abroad?
That depends on your home carrier. Many do not charge to receive texts while roaming, but some do, and making calls or sending texts usually costs extra. Check your carrier's roaming rates before you go.
Will WhatsApp still use my normal number?
Yes. WhatsApp is tied to your account, not to the SIM providing data. As long as you do not reinstall it or change number, it keeps working on your usual number over the eSIM's data.
Can I get a local phone number with a travel eSIM?
Not with a data only plan. If you need a local number to receive calls from local businesses, a local prepaid SIM or a plan with voice is the way to go. For most travellers, messaging apps cover it.
My phone only has one SIM slot. Can I still do this?
If your phone supports eSIM, the travel eSIM does not use the physical slot, so you can keep your home SIM in and run both lines together on most recent phones.