Keep your number while using an eSIM for travel
Yes, you can usually keep your existing phone number while using an eSIM.
One of the biggest advantages of a travel eSIM is that you can keep your regular SIM active for calls, SMS, and verification codes while using a separate eSIM such as Figabytes for mobile data abroad.
This means you do not have to remove your home SIM, change your WhatsApp number, or give everyone a new number just because you are traveling.
Does an eSIM change your phone number?
Not necessarily.
An eSIM is a digital version of a SIM card. Whether it comes with a phone number depends on the type of eSIM plan you are using.
Your primary mobile carrier may provide an eSIM that includes:
- Your regular phone number
- Calls
- SMS
- Mobile data
A travel eSIM is often designed primarily for mobile data.
With a Figabytes travel eSIM, you can keep your existing home SIM active while using Figabytes as your mobile data connection during your trip.
Can I keep my existing number with Figabytes?
Yes.
On compatible Dual SIM phones, your existing SIM and your Figabytes eSIM can remain active on the same device.
A common travel setup looks like this:
- Home SIM for your existing phone number
- Home SIM for calls and SMS
- Home SIM for receiving OTP and verification messages
- Figabytes eSIM for mobile data abroad
This gives you the convenience of keeping the number everyone already knows while using a separate travel data plan.
Will WhatsApp keep my existing number?
Yes.
Installing a travel eSIM does not automatically change the phone number registered with WhatsApp.
If WhatsApp is already registered with your home number, you can normally continue using the same account while your internet connection comes from your Figabytes eSIM.
Your Figabytes data can be used for:
- WhatsApp messages
- Voice and video calls
- Sending photos and videos
- Receiving messages
- Other internet-based communication
You do not need to change your WhatsApp number simply because you installed a travel eSIM.
Can I still receive SMS and OTP codes?
Yes, provided your home SIM remains active and your mobile carrier allows your line to connect while abroad.
This can be useful when receiving:
- Banking verification codes
- Login authentication codes
- Booking confirmations
- Airline notifications
- Security messages
Your home carrier's roaming policies still apply. Receiving calls, sending SMS, or using other carrier services abroad may result in charges depending on your plan.
Before traveling, check your carrier's roaming policy and make sure your mobile data is assigned to Figabytes.
Can I use my home SIM and Figabytes at the same time?
Many modern smartphones support Dual SIM functionality.
Depending on your device, this may allow you to use:
- One physical SIM and one eSIM
- Two active eSIMs
- Multiple stored eSIM profiles with selected lines active
A useful travel setup is to give each line a different purpose.
Your home line
Use your regular SIM for:
- Your existing phone number
- Calls
- SMS
- OTP and verification codes
Your Figabytes line
Use your Figabytes eSIM for:
- Mobile internet
- Maps and navigation
- Social media
- Ride-hailing apps
- Browsing
- Hotspot when supported by your plan
This lets you stay reachable on your normal number while using your travel eSIM for data.
How do I make sure Figabytes uses mobile data?
After installing your Figabytes eSIM, make sure your phone is using the correct line for mobile data.
On iPhone
- Open Settings
- Go to Cellular or Mobile Data
- Select Cellular Data or Mobile Data
- Choose your Figabytes eSIM
- Open the Figabytes line settings
- Enable Data Roaming when required
You may also want to review Cellular Data Switching.
If enabled, your iPhone may use another line for data in certain situations. Turning it off can help you maintain more control over which SIM is being used for mobile data abroad.
On Android
Menu names vary depending on the manufacturer, but generally:
- Open Settings
- Go to Connections, Network & Internet, or SIM Manager
- Open your SIM settings
- Select Figabytes as your preferred mobile data SIM
- Enable Data Roaming for the Figabytes line when required
Before using mobile data abroad, confirm that your home SIM is not selected as your primary data line.
Will my home SIM use roaming if I keep it active?
It can, depending on your settings and carrier.
Keeping your home SIM active does not automatically mean you will be charged. However, your carrier's international roaming rules still apply.
To reduce the risk of unexpected roaming charges:
- Set Figabytes as your mobile data line
- Disable Data Roaming on your home SIM
- Enable Data Roaming on the Figabytes eSIM when required
- Review automatic mobile data switching settings
- Check your home carrier's charges for calls and SMS abroad
This setup helps keep your regular number reachable while directing your internet usage through your Figabytes travel eSIM.
Does a travel eSIM give me a new phone number?
Not always.
Many travel eSIM plans are data-only. This means they provide mobile internet rather than a traditional local phone number with calls and SMS.
For many travelers, that is all they need.
Internet-based services can continue working through your Figabytes mobile data connection, including:
- FaceTime
- Telegram
- Messenger
- Other calling and messaging apps
Meanwhile, your existing phone number can remain associated with your home SIM.
If having a local phone number, traditional calls, or SMS is important for your trip, always check the specific eSIM plan details before purchasing.
What happens when someone calls my regular number?
If your home SIM remains enabled and your carrier supports roaming at your destination, calls to your regular number may still reach you.
However, receiving or making traditional calls abroad may result in roaming charges depending on your carrier and plan.
If you prefer internet-based communication, you can use your Figabytes data connection for services such as WhatsApp or FaceTime while keeping your existing number unchanged.
Will iMessage and FaceTime still work?
In many cases, yes.
Your existing number can remain associated with iMessage and FaceTime while you use another eSIM for mobile data.
However, changing SIM settings or disabling your primary line can sometimes affect how your number is registered.
Before traveling:
- Check your iMessage and FaceTime settings
- Keep your home line enabled if you need your number active
- Set Figabytes as the mobile data line
- Avoid changing your registered number unless necessary
This helps maintain your usual communication setup while traveling.
What happens when I return home?
Switching back is simple.
When you return:
- Open your SIM or Mobile Data settings
- Select your home SIM for mobile data
- Restore your normal roaming settings
- Turn off the Figabytes line if you no longer need it
Your existing phone number does not need to change.
Avoid deleting an eSIM until you are completely finished using the plan. Some travel eSIM profiles are single-use and may not be reinstallable after deletion.
Do all phones support using two lines?
No.
Dual SIM and eSIM capabilities depend on several factors:
- Phone model
- Device region
- Carrier restrictions
- Whether the device is unlocked
- Operating system
- Number of simultaneously active SIMs supported
Many recent iPhone, Samsung Galaxy, Google Pixel, and other smartphones support Dual SIM functionality, but capabilities vary between models and regions.
Always check your exact device model and make sure it is carrier-unlocked before purchasing a travel eSIM.
Can I transfer my existing number to Figabytes?
You normally do not need to transfer your existing phone number to use Figabytes for travel.
Your primary mobile plan and a travel eSIM serve different purposes.
A simple setup is:
- Keep your existing carrier line for your phone number
- Add Figabytes as a separate travel eSIM
- Use Figabytes for mobile data abroad
This allows you to keep the number people already use to contact you while adding travel connectivity without physically swapping SIM cards.
What is the best setup for traveling?
For many travelers, the simplest setup is:
Before your trip
- Check that your phone supports eSIM
- Make sure your device is carrier-unlocked
- Choose a Figabytes plan for your destination
- Install the eSIM while connected to Wi-Fi
- Label your lines clearly, such as Home and Figabytes
When you arrive
- Turn on your Figabytes eSIM
- Select Figabytes for mobile data
- Enable Data Roaming on the Figabytes line when required
- Keep Data Roaming disabled on your home line
- Keep your home SIM active if you need calls, SMS, or OTP codes
You can then use travel data while keeping your familiar number on the same phone.
Final thoughts
Using an eSIM does not mean giving up your existing phone number.
With a compatible Dual SIM device, you can keep your home number active for calls, SMS, OTP codes, and messaging accounts while using a Figabytes eSIM for mobile data during your trip.
The key is simple: keep your home line for your number and set Figabytes as your travel data line.
That way, you can stay reachable on the number you already use while enjoying a more convenient way to get connected abroad.
Keep your number and stay connected abroad
Choose a Figabytes eSIM for your destination, install it before your trip, and use travel data without replacing your existing phone number.