Can I use both roaming and eSIM on the same trip?

Yes. You can keep roaming on for calls and texts and set the eSIM as the default for data, so data uses the eSIM plan and voice uses your home operator.

Which is cheaper, roaming or eSIM?

It depends on your operator’s roaming rates and the eSIM plan. For moderate to heavy data use abroad, eSIM is often cheaper; for very light use, roaming may be similar or simpler.

Do I need to turn off roaming to use eSIM?

No, but you should set the eSIM as the default for data so that data use does not go over your main line. On most devices you choose which line is used for data.

Will my phone number work with eSIM?

Your existing number stays on your main SIM. The eSIM may have its own number (if the plan includes one) or be data-only. For outgoing calls you can often choose which line to use.

Is eSIM the same as buying a local SIM?

Not exactly. A local SIM is physical and bought in the country; an eSIM is digital and can be bought before you travel. Both can give you local or regional rates.

What happens to my home plan when I use eSIM abroad?

Your home plan is unchanged. You are simply using a second plan (the eSIM) for data. Billing for the eSIM is separate from your main operator.

Can I get a local number with eSIM?

Some eSIM plans include a local number for calls and texts; many are data-only. Check the plan details.

Does using eSIM affect my contract at home?

No. The eSIM is a separate product. Your contract with your home operator is not changed by adding an eSIM.

Why would my operator charge me while I use eSIM?

If your device still uses your main line for data (e.g. you did not set eSIM as default for data), data will go over roaming. Set the eSIM as default for data to avoid that.

Can I use eSIM in my home country?

Some eSIM plans are valid only abroad; others allow use at home. Check the plan’s validity. If it is travel-only, use it when traveling and your main SIM at home.

eSIM vs roaming: what's the difference?

When you travel, you can use your home operator’s network (roaming) or a separate data plan such as an eSIM. Both give you mobile data abroad, but the way they work and how you are charged differ. This guide explains the difference so you can choose what fits you.

Definition

Roaming means using your existing SIM and subscription on another operator’s network abroad; your operator bills you according to your plan or pay-as-you-go roaming rates. An eSIM for travel is a separate data plan (often from a different provider) that you add to your device and use instead of, or in addition to, your main line.

How it works

Roaming: You leave your SIM as is and use your phone abroad; the network switches to a partner operator and you use data, calls, and texts as per your contract. eSIM: You install a travel data plan on your device before or during the trip and, in settings, choose to use that plan for data (and optionally for calls) so that data use is drawn from the eSIM plan rather than from your home operator.

Benefits and limitations

Roaming: Simple (no setup), same number, but often expensive for data and subject to fair-use limits. eSIM: Often cheaper for data and more control over usage, but requires a compatible device and a one-time setup; you may not have a local number unless the plan includes one.

Comparison with alternatives

With roaming you use one SIM and one bill; with eSIM you add a second plan and use it for data (or more). Roaming is operator-led; eSIM plans are often sold by third-party providers and use local or regional networks. For data-heavy use abroad, eSIM is often more cost-effective; for occasional use or if you need your home number for everything, roaming can be simpler.

Frequently asked questions

Can I use both roaming and eSIM on the same trip?: Yes. You can keep roaming on for calls and texts and set the eSIM as the default for data, so data uses the eSIM plan and voice uses your home operator.
Which is cheaper, roaming or eSIM?: It depends on your operator’s roaming rates and the eSIM plan. For moderate to heavy data use abroad, eSIM is often cheaper; for very light use, roaming may be similar or simpler.
Do I need to turn off roaming to use eSIM?: No, but you should set the eSIM as the default for data so that data use does not go over your main line. On most devices you choose which line is used for data.
Will my phone number work with eSIM?: Your existing number stays on your main SIM. The eSIM may have its own number (if the plan includes one) or be data-only. For outgoing calls you can often choose which line to use.
Is eSIM the same as buying a local SIM?: Not exactly. A local SIM is physical and bought in the country; an eSIM is digital and can be bought before you travel. Both can give you local or regional rates.
What happens to my home plan when I use eSIM abroad?: Your home plan is unchanged. You are simply using a second plan (the eSIM) for data. Billing for the eSIM is separate from your main operator.
Can I get a local number with eSIM?: Some eSIM plans include a local number for calls and texts; many are data-only. Check the plan details.
Does using eSIM affect my contract at home?: No. The eSIM is a separate product. Your contract with your home operator is not changed by adding an eSIM.
Why would my operator charge me while I use eSIM?: If your device still uses your main line for data (e.g. you did not set eSIM as default for data), data will go over roaming. Set the eSIM as default for data to avoid that.
Can I use eSIM in my home country?: Some eSIM plans are valid only abroad; others allow use at home. Check the plan’s validity. If it is travel-only, use it when traveling and your main SIM at home.

When this solution makes sense

Roaming makes sense for short trips, low data use, or when you want a single bill and no setup. eSIM makes sense when you want more or cheaper data abroad, prefer to separate travel data from your main line, or your device supports eSIM and you are comfortable with a short setup.

Last updated: February 8, 2025