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Can I Make Calls and Send SMS with eSIM?

With the rise of eSIM technology, travelers and digital nomads are increasingly turning to virtual SIM cards for convenience and flexibility. But an important question remains:

Can you make traditional voice calls and send SMS text messages with an eSIM?

The short answer: Yes, but not with all eSIMs.
Let’s explore the differences between eSIM types, how calling and texting work with eSIM, and which providers offer full voice + SMS capabilities.

Understanding eSIM Plan Types: Data-Only vs. Voice + SMS

Not all eSIMs are created equal. The functionality you get depends entirely on the type of eSIM plan you purchase. Here’s a detailed comparison:

Type of eSIMCan Make Calls?Can Send SMS?Typical Use Case
Data-Only eSIM❌ No (Only via apps)❌ NoShort-term travel, remote work, tourists needing internet access
Voice + SMS + Data eSIM✅ Yes (Traditional calling supported)✅ Yes (Receive/send SMS)Everyday users, business travelers, long-term stays, remote workers

Key takeaway: If you need voice calling and SMS, make sure to choose an eSIM plan that explicitly states support for these features.

Making Phone Calls with eSIM

Voice-Capable eSIMs

Some mobile operators and select eSIM providers offer full-featured eSIMs with calling and SMS enabled. These work just like traditional SIMs — you can dial numbers, receive calls, and use your device’s regular calling features.

These eSIMs are perfect for:

  • Staying reachable with a local number
  • Making local and international calls
  • Business communication while traveling

Data-Only eSIMs

Most global eSIM providers (such as Airalo, Nomad, or Holafly) offer data-only plans, which do not support traditional voice calls. However, you can still make calls through apps such as:

  • WhatsApp
  • Telegram
  • Skype
  • Zoom
  • Signal
  • Google Voice
  • FaceTime Audio

These calls use your data connection (VoIP) instead of your mobile number.

Pro Tip:
If your device supports dual SIM (physical + eSIM), you can keep your original SIM active for calling and pair it with a data-only eSIM for cheaper internet while abroad.

Sending and Receiving SMS with eSIM

Sending and Receiving SMS with eSIM

Just like voice calls, sending and receiving SMS messages (the traditional text message format) requires a mobile number that supports SMS functionality.

✅ SMS-Capable eSIMs

To send and receive SMS messages, your eSIM must:

  • Include SMS services in the plan
  • Assign you a valid mobile number (MSISDN)
  • Be from a carrier that supports two-way messaging

These are typically postpaid or full prepaid eSIMs from national carriers or a select few global providers.

SMS with Data-Only eSIMs

You cannot send or receive SMS through a data-only eSIM. However, messaging apps that work over data include:

  • iMessage
  • WhatsApp
  • Facebook Messenger
  • Viber
  • Instagram
  • Telegram

These use internet data to send messages and are not tied to your phone number.

Important: OTP & 2FA

If you need to receive bank codes, one-time passwords (OTP), or verification messages, keep your primary SIM active via dual SIM setup.

Which eSIM Providers Support Calling and Texting?

Most travel eSIM brands are data-only, but some providers — including traditional mobile operators and niche global carriers — offer full-featured plans. Here’s a comparison:

ProviderVoice CallingSMSTypeNotes
Airalo❌ No❌ NoTravel eSIMData-only, affordable for short trips
Sim Local✅ Yes✅ YesRetail/TravelSupports voice & text; good for Europe
Truphone✅ Yes✅ YesEnterprise/GlobalGlobal number, useful for professionals
Ubigi❌ No❌ NoTravel eSIMHigh-speed data but no voice/text
Local Carriers (e.g. T-Mobile, Orange, O2)✅ Yes✅ YesMobile OperatorFull network access, best for long stays

Dual SIM Setup: Stay Connected Everywhere

If you want to use mobile data from an eSIM and still keep your regular number active for calls and SMS, the best approach is to use a dual SIM configuration:

Benefits of Dual SIM with eSIM:

  • Keep your home SIM active to receive OTPs, messages, and calls

  • Avoid roaming charges by using a local or global data eSIM

  • Easily manage business and personal numbers

  • Compatible with most modern smartphones:

    • iPhone XS and newer

    • Google Pixel 4+

    • Samsung Galaxy S20+

How it works:

  • Slot 1: Your physical SIM (with voice/SMS)
  • eSIM: Your travel data plan
  • Toggle data usage and default line easily in your phone settings

How to Know If an eSIM Supports Voice and SMS

Before purchasing any eSIM, it’s crucial to verify whether it includes calling and texting. Here’s what to look for:

✅ What Indicates Voice/SMS Support:

  • A mobile number is assigned (starts with +1, +44, etc.)
  • Terms like “Voice + Data Plan” or “Full-service eSIM”
  • Carrier mentions “includes local number”
  • Inbound and outbound SMS supported
  • Availability of call minutes or text quotas

❌ Red Flags:

  • “Data-only” mentioned in plan details
  • No mention of SMS or voice
  • Focus on internet access only
  • Extremely cheap price (usually no voice/text)

When in doubt, always check the FAQs or ask customer support.

Final Verdict: Can You Call and Text with an eSIM?

QuestionAnswer
Can I make calls with eSIM?✅ Yes, but only if the eSIM includes voice services
Can I send SMS with eSIM?✅ Yes, if the plan includes SMS
Do all eSIMs support this?❌ No — most travel eSIMs are data-only
Can I use WhatsApp, FaceTime, etc.?✅ Yes — all data eSIMs allow VoIP and messaging apps
What’s the best setup for travelers?✅ Dual SIM: physical SIM for calls/SMS + eSIM for data

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