Data-only vs. Phone number eSIMs

Rachel Tran
|
Published: June 2025

Choosing between a data-only eSIM and a phone-number eSIM depends on your travel or connectivity needs. This guide compares these options, using providers like Gigago as an example, to help you decide which is best for staying connected affordably and efficiently.

Data only vs phone number esims

What Are Data-only and Phone-number eSIMs?

Data-only eSIMs provide internet access without a phone number, ideal for using apps like WhatsApp or browsing while traveling. Phone-number eSIMs include data, calls, and texts with a local or international number, offering traditional mobile services.

For example, Gigago offers data-only eSIMs for over 190 countries, focusing on affordable internet access. Data-only eSIMs are typically cheaper and easier to set up, while phone-number eSIMs suit users needing local calls or SMS for specific services.

How Do Data-only eSIMs Work for Travelers?

Data-only eSIMs, like those from Gigago’s store, let you connect to local networks for internet access without a phone number. You scan a QR code to install the eSIM, enable data roaming, and use apps like WhatsApp, Skype, or FaceTime for calls and messages over the internet. Benefits include:

  • Cost savings: Often cheaper than phone-number eSIMs or roaming with your home carrier (e.g., $1.10/GB with some providers).
  • Ease of use: Quick setup with no need for identity verification.
  • Global coverage: Works across borders without number restrictions. However, you can’t make traditional calls or send SMS, so you rely on VoIP apps for communication. Ensure your device is compatible at compatibility checker.

How Do Phone-number eSIMs Work for Travelers?

Phone-number eSIMs provide a local or international number for calls, texts, and data, acting like a traditional SIM. They’re useful for local services requiring a phone number, like booking reservations or receiving OTPs for apps. Setup may involve:

  • Verifying identity with a carrier, which can take longer.
  • Activating via a QR code or carrier app. Drawbacks include higher costs and potential regional limits (e.g., a Thai number may not work outside Thailand). They’re less common for travel due to complexity and availability.
Buy Gigago eSIM, Data only and Phone number included

When Should I Choose a Data-only eSIM?

Choose a data-only eSIM if you primarily need internet access and use apps for communication. They are ideal for:

  • Travelers: Use tourist eSIMs for affordable data in over 190 countries, avoiding roaming fees ($10–$16/day with home carriers).
  • App-based communication: Apps like WhatsApp or Telegram work seamlessly for calls and texts.
  • Budget-conscious users: Data-only plans are often cheaper, with no contracts. You’ll need a stable internet connection for VoIP calls and should disable data roaming on your primary SIM to avoid charges. Contact Gigago’s support if you face setup issues.

When Should I Choose a Phone-number eSIM?

Opt for a phone-number eSIM if you need a local number for specific tasks. They’re suitable for:

  • Local services: Making calls to businesses or receiving SMS for verifications (e.g., banking OTPs).
  • Longer stays: Useful for extended trips requiring consistent local communication. However, they’re more expensive, less widely available, and may require registration with a local carrier. Check plan details, as some numbers may only work in one country, limiting cross-border use.

How Can I Make Calls with a Data-only eSIM?

With a data-only eSIM, you can make calls using VoIP apps over the internet. Popular options include:

  • WhatsApp, Skype, FaceTime: Free calls to others with the same app, requiring only data.
  • Google Voice, Hushed: Provide a virtual number for calling traditional phones, though fees may apply. To avoid charges, turn off data roaming on your primary SIM and ensure your eSIM is the default data line. For dual-SIM phones, keep your primary number active for calls/texts while using eSIM data. Test apps before travel to ensure compatibility.

► Read more: Make calls with data-only esims

How Do I Avoid Roaming Charges with Either eSIM Type?

To prevent roaming charges with either eSIM type:

  • Data-only eSIM: Disable data roaming and cellular data on your primary SIM; use the eSIM for all data, as with Gigago plans.
  • Phone-number eSIM: Check if calls/texts incur extra fees, as your home carrier may charge for using your primary number abroad.
  • Dual-SIM setup: Set the eSIM as the data line and keep your primary SIM for calls/texts only, with data roaming off. Monitor usage in your device settings to stay within plan limits. If issues arise, reach out to Gigago’s support.

Data-only eSIMs, like those from Gigago, are cost-effective and easy for travelers needing internet for apps like WhatsApp or browsing. Phone-number eSIMs suit specific needs like local calls or SMS but are pricier and less flexible. Choose based on whether you need a local number or prefer affordable data. Check device compatibility, disable primary SIM roaming, and explore plans at Gigago’s store to stay connected without surprises.