How to Make Calls with a Travel eSIM?

Planning a trip abroad? Considering buying a travel eSIM to use your smartphone during your journey and want to learn more about this solution? You’re in the right place!

The first thing to know about travel eSIMs is that they generally work with data-only plans no voice minutes included! But that doesn’t mean you can’t make calls while traveling. Here's how it works.

What is an eSIM?

The term eSIM stands for embedded SIM, meaning a built-in SIM card. But what does that really mean?

A Universal SIM Card

An eSIM is a virtual SIM card that is integrated directly into your smartphone’s components. There’s no need to open your phone or access a SIM slot to install it!

More than just a virtual chip, the eSIM is a universal SIM that can be configured with the settings of any carrier. To activate it, all you need to do is download an eSIM profile containing all the necessary network information. This lets you use your new mobile plan instantly!

Another advantage of the eSIM is that you can have multiple SIM profiles—up to 5—on one device and switch between them as needed. While only two numbers can be active at once, you can still manage several data plans from different destinations.

How an eSIM Works

Using eSIM technology is easy!

Check if your device supports eSIM: most smartphones released after 2020 do, but it’s always good to confirm before buying!
Choose a carrier that offers eSIM plans.
Select your plan and choose eSIM as the SIM type if prompted.
Find your eSIM QR code in your email or customer account.
Scan the QR code with your smartphone and follow the installation instructions!

Once installed, your eSIM will activate automatically. If the network doesn’t show up right away, check your phone settings and make sure your eSIM is set as your primary or secondary line, depending on your preference.

Can an eSIM Make Calls Abroad?

Although eSIMs differ slightly from physical SIM cards, they still support mobile plans! What matters is not the format, but the plan. An eSIM can make calls if your plan covers that destination. You can make and receive calls abroad with your eSIM, but roaming charges may apply depending on your international options.

Types of eSIM Plans

There are two main types of eSIM plans: traditional plans with a phone number, and data-only plans. Travel eSIMs like those from UPeSIM typically fall into the second category.

Phone Plans with eSIM

These are traditional mobile plans offered by carriers or MVNOs. They work like regular mobile plans with a phone number, call minutes, SMS/MMS, and the convenience of eSIM means no physical chip is needed. Great for instant activation!

Data-Only eSIMs

These plans are designed for connected devices (tablets, smartwatches, cars, etc.) and don’t offer call capabilities.

Travel Data eSIMs

These plans are tailored for smartphone users while traveling, providing a data allowance for a specific region or country over a set period (1 to 30 days). You can use GPS, check emails, and post on social media without worrying about roaming charges.

UPeSIM offers international eSIM plans in 200+ destinations to help you save on roaming fees.

Can You Make Calls with a Data-Only eSIM?

Data-only plans do not provide a phone number, so you can’t make traditional calls. However, there are still ways to make calls using these plans!

How to Make Calls with a Travel eSIM

Here’s what you need to know to make calls during your trip while using a travel eSIM.

Why Can’t I Make Calls with My UPeSIM eSIM?

UPeSIM uses data-only plans. Even if it's your primary line, you won’t be able to make traditional calls. But by configuring your smartphone correctly, you can still use it normally during your trip!

Can I Use My eSIM Alongside My Regular SIM Card?

When you install your UPeSIM, it becomes your secondary network. Your main line remains active, so you can still make and receive calls. However, doing so may incur high roaming fees. We recommend using airplane mode and enabling mobile data only to avoid costly calls.

How Can I Make Calls with a Travel eSIM?

There are several options for making voice and video calls while traveling. You probably already use them!

Social Media Messaging Apps

If you have Instagram or Facebook, you can use their messaging apps to call friends and family over the internet—no roaming fees! The only catch: not everyone uses social media. But don’t worry, there are other options!

VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) Calls

VoIP calls are made over the internet instead of a phone network. They convert voice into digital data. Apps like WhatsApp, Zoom, Teams, Google Meet, and FaceTime all use VoIP and are fully compatible with eSIMs. Anyone with an internet connection can use them!