How to get an eSIM with phone number

Rachel Tran

|

Published: August 2024

Having an eSIM with phone number offers significant convenience when traveling as it allows you to stay fully connected.

eSIMs are gaining popularity for their convenience, affordability, security, and ease of use. There are two categories: local eSIMs and travel eSIMs (aka international eSIMs). Local eSIMs work like traditional SIM cards, offering calling, texting and data. Travel eSIMs, on the other hand, often focus on data only, which may not include a phone number.

While a travel eSIM with phone number offers the most flexibility, getting one usually comes with additional requirements from providers. This article guides you through the process of obtaining an eSIM with phone number, reveals alternative solutions, and helps you decide which is the best eSIM option for your needs.

I. What is an eSIM with phone number?

An eSIM with phone number is essentially a digital SIM card embedded in your phone that comes with both data and a phone number, allowing you to make and receive calls and text messages and access the Internet concurrently.

It can replace a physical SIM card fully. However, to use an eSIM with phone calls, your device must be eSIM compatible.

Most local SIMs come with phone number, while some travel eSIMs may only offer data only plans. You should check the plan’s description carefully before buying a travel eSIM.

Is it hard to get an eSIM with phone number?

Probably yes. Travelers may find getting an eSIM with phone number taking more time and effort. While local mobile operators often offer this service, finding eSIM plans with calling features calls from international providers can be challenging.

Besides needing an eSIM compatible phone, you must meet varying requirements from local operators in the country you are visiting, which may vary from country to country.

This is why many tourists choose data only eSIMs for their simplicity and convenience. Depending on your needs, you can choose the suitable option.

II. Why buy an eSIM with phone number?

Some noticeable reasons why choose to buy an eSIM with calls and texts:

• You can enjoy calls, texts and data, just like a traditional SIM card.
• You can get a local number that gives easier communication and lower roaming costs.
• You can still maintain your existing number, use two numbers on one device. One for personal/local and one for work/international.

Phone numbers of travel eSIMs are mainly used for local calls. But, this seems not too advantageous because there are many applications nowadays like WhatsApp, Skype or Telegram,… which allow us to make calls and text messages using cellular data instead of a phone number.

Thus, a data only eSIM can be an alternative to an eSIM with phone number.

III. How much does a travel eSIM with phone number cost?

Depending on the destination you will visit, the mobile carrier you choose, and the duration of your trip, the price of a travel eSIM with phone number may vary, but often starts from $7.

For example, if you buy travel eSIM Thailand with phone number, the unlimited eSIM plan used for 8 days with a phone number costs $12.9.

IV. How to get an eSIM with phone number?

When you are going to travel, you can get a travel eSIM with a phone number in two ways:

1. Combine a data-only eSIM with a temporary phone number app

This method is like creating your own eSIM with “a phone number package” by combining two separate services.

It includes 02 steps:

Step 1: Get a data-only eSIM: Pick a data plan based on how much travel data you need from a provider like Gigago, Holafly, Airalo, etc. These data packages provide internet access but not calls/texts. They are widely available and more affordable than an eSIM with calling included.

Then, install your eSIM, whether you have an iPhone, Samsung, or Google Pixel phone.

Step 2: Get a temporary phone number (virtual number)

This way only works if you use a special app, such as Hushed. These apps provide you with a virtual phone number that works over the Internet (VoIP). You can make and receive calls, send texts or set up voicemail using eSIM’s cellular data.

Think of it like making calls using WhatsApp, but with a regular phone number.

While this method gives you more flexibility to choose data plans that fit your needs and budget, combining two services means you have to pay for two services and deal with two customer supports. Besides, temporary phone number apps may not work in all countries, so you need to research compatibility in advance.

► Read more: The smart way to use WhatsApp internationally

2. Buy directly from a local operator

Buying eSIM with phone number directly from local operators offers the simplicity of having one plan and one provider for both data and calling. A significant advantage is that local operators often provide wider and more reliable coverage within their country.

However, this option often requires more research in advance and may involve a visit to the store upon arrival to buy and activate the eSIM. Also, the procedure for acquiring an eSIM with phone number varies by provider and destination.

Typically, you will need to present a passport and a passport-style photo. Other documents can be required depending on the operator’s specific regulations. .

V. How to get an eSIM with phone number from local operators

Below we introduce some popular carriers that support eSIM services in some common destinations:

1. Local operators in Thailand with eSIM phone number

In Thailand, there are two major mobile operators offering eSIM services for tourists, DTAC and AIS. Their eSIM plans all come with phone numbers. You can see more details about getting eSIM with these operators from our guides:

• How to get and activate DTAC eSIM Thailand

2. Canada eSIM with phone number

Canada operators offer eSIM services at high prices. Two biggest mobile operators in Canada are Rogers and Bell, which we also have guides for eSIM obtaining:

• Guide to get and activate a Rogers eSIM Canada
• Guide to get and activate a Bell eSIM Canada

3. Operators with eSIM in UK – Europe

In the UK, and other European countries, the availability of eSIM options with phone number is varied. Because the UK is no longer part of the EU’s free roaming regulation, so if you have a plan to travel between UK and other European countries, you will need to pay for roaming charges.

We have compiled detailed guides on how to get an eSIM with popular local operators in the UK.

• Guide to get and activate a Vodafone eSIM in the UK
• Guide to get and activate an EE eSIM in the UK
• Guide to get and activate a O2 eSIM in the UK
• Guide to get and activate a Three eSIM in the UK

4. Mobile operators in Australia offering eSIM

Australia is also a popular destination for many travelers around the world. This country has two major local operators which offer eSIM services, namely Optus and Telstra.

• Guide to get and activate a Telstra eSIM in Australia
• Guide to get and activate an Optus eSIM in Australia

VI. What to prepare to buy an eSIM with phone number?

The requirements for buying an eSIM with phone number can vary depending on the country and the specific mobile operator. Each operator has its own procedures and requirements, so it is always best to confirm directly with your chosen eSIM provider.

Below we list the most common requirements for buying an eSIM with phone number:

• Have an eSIM compatible device
• Have your phone unlocked
• Have personal documents like a passport for international use
• Have the IMEI of your phone

VII. International eSIM with mobile data vs. Local eSIM with phone number

Instead of buying a local eSIM with phone number, tourists can buy an international eSIM with mobile data only for convenience. Though you will not have a regular phone number for making calls, you can stay connected with people back home through online applications.

You can buy, set up and activate it online at home before departure, without having to present personal documents.

We make a comparison table between these two options:

VIII. Gigago eSIM for tourists: Alternative for eSIM with phone number

A better alternative for eSIMs with phone numbers is using Gigago eSIMs.

Here is what Gigago offers:

• eSIM plans for more than 200 countries and territories in the world.
• Various plans, from data only to data with calling minutes and texts.
• Make unlimited calls through VoIP apps like Telegram, Skype, WhatsApp.
• Foreign eSIM availability on both websites and apps.
• The plans are diversifying, from data-only to data and voice + SMS. With eSIM plans from Gigago, you can call as much as you want through VoIP apps like Telegram, Skype, WhatsApp.

Note: Not every plan for Gigago comes with a phone number. So you should double check with your carrier before purchasing.

So which eSIM plans to choose?

• An eSIM with phone number can be good if you need a local line to make analog calls and SMS when traveling.
• An eSIM with data only will be a good alternative if you only need the Internet and can communicate through apps.

IX. FAQs