Calls and SMS with eSIM

You've purchased a travel eSIM from Simcardo and wondering how you'll make calls and send messages? Let us explain.

Simcardo eSIM = Data Only

Our travel eSIM plans provide mobile data for browsing, navigation, social media, and everything else requiring internet. They don't include a traditional phone number for calls and SMS.

Why? Because most travelers today communicate via the internet – WhatsApp, FaceTime, Messenger. And that's exactly what you need data for.

How to Make Calls with a Data eSIM

With an active data connection, you have several options:

Internet Calls (VoIP)

These apps enable free calls over the internet:

• WhatsApp – Voice and video calls, popular worldwide
• FaceTime – For calls between Apple devices
• Messenger – Calls via Facebook
• Telegram – Secure calls and messages
• Skype – Classic for international calls
• Google Meet / Duo – For Android and iPhone

Call quality depends on internet speed. With Simcardo eSIM, you have access to fast LTE/5G networks, so calls are usually excellent quality.

Calling Regular Phone Numbers

Need to call a regular phone number (not an app)? You have options:

• Skype credits – Buy credit and call any number worldwide
• Google Voice – In the US, offers calling to US/Canada numbers
• Your home SIM – Use your regular SIM for outgoing calls (watch roaming charges)

What About SMS?

Similar to calls, you can't send SMS through a data eSIM. But alternatives are great:

• WhatsApp / iMessage / Telegram – Messages over internet are free and often faster
• Your regular SIM – For receiving important SMS (verification codes, etc.) keep your home SIM active

Dual SIM Advantage

Most modern phones support dual SIM – two SIM cards simultaneously. Ideal setup for travelers:

• Slot 1 (your regular SIM): For calls, SMS, and receiving verification codes
• Slot 2 (Simcardo eSIM): For affordable mobile data

This way you stay reachable on your regular number while having cheap data for internet. More about how dual SIM works.

How to Set It Up

iPhone:

1. Settings → Cellular
2. Cellular Data → Select Simcardo (for surfing)
3. Default Voice Line → Select your regular SIM (for calls)

Android:

1. Settings → SIM manager
2. Mobile data → Simcardo
3. Calls → Your regular SIM
4. SMS → Your regular SIM

Receiving Calls and SMS on Your Number

If you keep your regular SIM active (even just for calls), people can still call and text your original number. Your phone will:

• Receive calls through your regular SIM
• Receive SMS through your regular SIM
• Use data through Simcardo eSIM

Important: Incoming calls and SMS on your regular SIM may incur roaming charges from your home carrier. Check terms beforehand.

WiFi Calling

Some phones and carriers support WiFi Calling – calls over WiFi instead of cellular network. If your carrier supports it:

1. You can make and receive calls on your regular number over WiFi
2. Works even when you don't have cellular signal
3. With Simcardo data, you can use hotspot as "WiFi" for WiFi calling on another device

Practical Tips

• Download communication apps beforehand – Install WhatsApp, Telegram, etc. while still at home
• Inform contacts – Tell friends and family you're best reached via WhatsApp
• Save important numbers – Hotels, airports, embassy – in case you need to make traditional calls
• Check home SIM roaming – If planning to receive calls, learn about roaming prices

Summary