Can I Text With eSIM Data?

When embarking on a vacation or traveling abroad, staying connected with friends, family, or colleagues through text messaging is essential. However, the question arises: Can I text with eSIM data while on vacation? With the increasing popularity of eSIMs, which offer flexible and convenient mobile connectivity, it is crucial to understand how to leverage eSIM capabilities for texting while enjoying your well-deserved getaway.

Continue reading to learn more:

Sending Text Messages With Data-only eSIM

Is it possible? Yes, you can text with eSIM data. However, it is important to note that a data-only eSIM does not have its phone number, so if you want to make phone calls or send text messages while using an eSIM, you have a few options:

• Use Over-the-Top (OTT) Messaging Apps: This is the most common and cost-effective method. Apps like WhatsApp, Signal, Telegram, Facebook Messenger, and iMessage (for iOS) use your eSIM data to send messages, photos, and make calls. This avoids carrier fees entirely.
• Keep your regular SIM on: Another option is to keep your regular SIM card in your phone while using the eSIM for data. This way, you can access your regular phone number for calls and texts without paying roaming charges. You can keep your regular SIM on while keeping Data Roaming off.
• Use third-party apps: You can also use apps like WhatsApp or Facebook Messenger to send messages and make calls over the internet using your eSIM data.
• Leverage Wi-Fi Calling on Your Regular Number: This is a powerful and often overlooked feature. By enabling Wi-Fi Calling on your primary line (with your home carrier) and selecting your eSIM data as the connection, you can send and receive standard SMS/MMS texts and make calls using your regular phone number, all over the internet. This is often the most seamless way to maintain your number without roaming charges.
• Purchase an eSIM with a Phone Number: Many eSIM providers now offer regional or global plans that include a number for calls and texts. Providers like SimOptions have plans that bundle data, minutes, and SMS, providing a true local number experience.

As we mentioned before, it is important to note that most eSIMs are data-only plans and do not come with a phone number. If you plan to use third-party apps for calling or texting over the internet, make sure you have them set up before using your eSIM.

If you use your regular phone number for texting and keep Data Roaming turned off for your regular SIM, you can avoid data roaming charges associated with texting while traveling. However, if you send or receive text messages outside your usual coverage area, your carrier may still charge you for each text sent over their network.

To avoid unexpected charges, contact your carrier to confirm international SMS rates and ensure Data Roaming is disabled on your primary SIM. 

I want to keep using my regular phone number to text while using a data-only eSIM

If you want to maintain the ability to use your regular phone number for calling and texting while traveling, you can keep your regular SIM card active by leaving it “on” in your device settings. Disable Data Roaming for your regular SIM to avoid incurring roaming fees. However, please note that your home carrier may charge you for the individual texts and calls made while you’re abroad since they need to ensure international connectivity.

To have a clear understanding of the charges you may incur, it is recommended to contact your carrier and inquire about the specific costs for calls and texts while traveling.

I am fine with not texting on my regular number for a while

The best method is Wi-Fi Calling over eSIM Data. Here’s how it works:

1. Setup at Home: Before you travel, enable “Wi-Fi Calling” in your phone’s settings for your primary line. Your carrier must support this feature.
2. While Abroad: Ensure your primary SIM is active but has “Data Roaming” turned OFF. In your settings, your primary line will likely show “[Carrier Name] using Cellular Data” or “Wi-Fi Calling.“
3. How it Works: Your phone uses the data from your travel eSIM to connect to your home carrier’s servers. All calls and texts to/from your regular number are routed securely over the internet.

This method allows you to use your regular number for all communications without incurring international roaming charges for texts. Standard international rates from your home carrier may still apply for calls to non-domestic numbers, so always check with them.

If you prefer not to use your regular phone number at all during your travels and are comfortable with not receiving phone calls or texts on that number until you return home, you have the option to turn off your regular SIM. This can be done through your device settings, effectively disabling the SIM without physically removing it. Keep in mind that with the regular SIM turned off, you will not be able to make calls or send texts using that number until you turn it back on.

However, you can still utilize your eSIM data for various messaging options. For iOS devices, you can continue sending and receiving iMessages between iOS devices using your eSIM data.

What Is a More Cost-Effective Approach to Texting With eSIM?

You should consider the following options:

• Utilize Internet-based calling services: Many eSIM providers offer data plans that can be used for Internet-based calling services. These services can significantly reduce the cost of international calls compared to traditional phone calls. Leverage eSIM data plans with apps like WhatsApp, Signal, or iMessage (for iOS).

• The RCS Factor: With Apple’s full support of RCS in iOS 18, the line between SMS and OTT apps is blurring. If you are messaging other Android or iOS users with RCS enabled, your conversations will use data and function like an OTT app, even when using your carrier number. Ensure RCS Chats (Android) or iMessage/SMS (iOS) are configured to prefer data.

• Consider plans with talk and text options: While some eSIM plans are data-only, it is possible to find plans that offer talk and text options as well. One example is SimOptions. Some of their eSIM plans provide an actual phone number, allowing you to make and receive calls and texts without relying solely on data-based communication.

Here’s a quick guide to texting with eSIM

Option 1:

Keep your regular SIM and phone number active while using an eSIM for affordable travel data. However, your carrier may charge you for each text message you send or receive during your vacation. To better understand the potential charges, it is advisable to contact your carrier and inquire about the specific costs associated with texting while traveling.

Option 2:

Turn off your regular SIM and phone number to avoid charges for individual texts. Keep in mind that while your regular number is turned off, you will not be able to send or receive texts using that specific number until you reactivate the SIM.

Cost-Saving Tips for Texting With eSIM Data

Whether you are traveling for leisure or work, keeping communication affordable is key. Here are the most effective ways to save money while texting with a data-only eSIM:

1. Use Internet-Based Messaging Apps

Apps like WhatsApp, Signal, Telegram, Facebook Messenger, and iMessage (iOS) allow you to send texts, voice notes, and media over data, no SMS charges involved.

2. Configure iMessage & RCS Correctly:

iOS: Go to Settings > Messages and ensure iMessage is on. Toggle “Send as SMS” to OFF to prevent paid SMS fallback.
Android: Ensure RCS Chats are enabled in your messaging app settings. This ensures messages use data whenever possible.

3. Choose eSIM Providers With Talk/Text Plans

Some providers like SimOptions offer eSIM plans that include a phone number with limited SMS and voice minutes.

4. Keep Your Regular SIM Off (If You Don’t Need It)

Turning off your physical SIM avoids roaming charges entirely.

5. Use Wi-Fi Whenever Possible

Even with eSIM data, Wi-Fi is your best friend:

• Free in hotels, cafes, airports
• Ideal for large media messages or video calls

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