Can You Use an eSIM and a Physical SIM at the Same Time?

If you are considering using an eSIM for your next trip, you might be wondering what happens to your regular SIM card.

Do you have to remove it?
Will your number still work?
Can you keep receiving messages from home?

The good news is that most modern smartphones allow you to use both an eSIM and a physical SIM simultaneously. This setup is often called dual SIM, and it is one of the reasons eSIMs are so convenient for travel.

Here is how it works and what it means for your trip.

Table of contents

• What is a dual SIM?

• Why travellers like this setup

• How your phone decides which SIM to use

• Will I be charged roaming fees?

• Do all phones support dual SIM?

• What happens to calls and texts on my regular number?

• How Pocket Roam travellers typically use dual SIM

• Is it difficult to switch between SIMs?

• When might you turn your home SIM off completely?

What is a dual SIM?

Dual SIM simply means your phone can operate two or more mobile plans at once.

For example, you might:

• Keep your home SIM active for calls and texts

• Use an eSIM for mobile data while overseas

Instead of choosing one or the other, your phone lets each SIM handle different tasks.

Why travellers like this setup

Using both SIMs at the same time allows you to:

• Keep your regular phone number

• Receive SMS message, including banking verification codes

• Stay reachable for friends, family or work

• Take advantage of affordable local data through your eSIM while avoiding high roaming-data costs

Essentially, you get the cost and availability benefits of travel data without having to disconnect from home.

How your phone decides which SIM to use

Most devices let you choose:

• Which SIM handles mobile data

• Which SIM makes calls

• Which SIM sends messages

Standard setup when travelling is:

• eSIM -> mobile data

• Home SIM -> calls and texts

This prevents accidental roaming charges while keeping your number active.

Will I be charged roaming fees?

You can be, but only if roaming is turned on for your primary/home SIM.

To avoid this, simply turn off data roaming for your physical SIM and set your eSIM as the default for mobile data.

Most mobile providers charge separately for calls, messages, and roaming data when overseas, with data being the most expensive. It may feel counterintuitive to use 2 separate SIMs, but you will save significantly by using an eSIM for your data.

Do all phones support dual SIM?

Most newer smartphones do, but not all.

Many recent models from major manufacturers allow:

• One physical SIM

• One or more eSIM profiles

If you are unsure, a quick check of your phone’s specifications will confirm compatibility.

What happens to calls and texts on my regular number?

They still come through.

Even while using an eSIM for data, you can:

• Receive calls
  

• Get SMS messages
  

• Use your normal contact details
  

This is important for travellers who need access to security codes, bookings, or work communication.

How Pocket Roam travellers typically use dual SIM

Many travellers using Pocket Roam eSIMs follow a simple setup:

• Install the eSIM before leaving home

• Keep their physical SIM in the phone

• Turn off roaming for their primary SIM

• Use the Pocket Roam eSIM for data throughout the trip

This gives reliable local connectivity while keeping their home number available.

Is it difficult to switch between SIMs?

Not at all.

Switching which SIM handles data usually takes just a few taps in your phone’s settings. Some devices even allow you to label them, such as “Home” and “Travel,” to make management easier.

Our support team is always happy to help with setup. Reach out via the chat bubble on the right-hand side of the screen.

When might you turn your home SIM off completely?

Some travellers prefer to disable their physical SIM entirely if they:

• Do not want to receive calls

• Want to avoid any possibility of roaming charges

• Plan to communicate only through internet apps

Both approaches work, depending on personal preference.

Final thoughts

Yes, you can use an eSIM and a physical SIM at the same time, and for many travellers, this is the ideal setup. It provides affordable travel data while keeping your regular number active for important messages.

With a few simple settings adjustments, you can stay connected both locally and back home without stress.

• Travelling to Asia this Spring? Check out our full range of local data bundles.
• Search all of our bundles here.

Not sure what bundle is best for you? Reach out to our friendly team.