What Is a Data-Only eSIM — And Do You Need Voice?
A data-only eSIM gives you mobile internet without a new phone number. Here's what that means in practice, and how to keep using your home number for calls.
When you buy a travel eSIM, you're almost always buying a data-only plan. That means you get mobile internet — 4G/5G for browsing, maps, WhatsApp, and streaming — but no new local phone number, no ability to make traditional calls, and no SMS capability on the eSIM itself.
For most travellers, this is exactly what you want. Here's why.
What is a data-only eSIM?
A data-only plan allocates a set amount of mobile data — say 5GB, 10GB, or 20GB — valid for a specified number of days. Your phone connects to local networks at your destination and uses that data for internet access. No phone number is assigned, so traditional calls and SMS don't work through the eSIM.
| Feature | Data-only eSIM | Voice + Data eSIM |
|---|---|---|
| Mobile internet | Yes | Yes |
| Local phone number | No | Yes |
| Traditional calls | No | Yes |
| SMS | No | Yes |
| WhatsApp / FaceTime | Yes (uses data) | Yes |
| Keep home number active | Yes (dual SIM) | Depends |
| Typical cost | Lower | Higher |
Can I still receive calls and texts?
Yes — on your home number. This is the key point most people miss. With dual SIM, your phone runs two plans at once: your home SIM (which keeps your phone number) and the Vyroam eSIM (which handles data). Calls and texts still come in on your regular number.
Dual SIM in practice
Set your Vyroam eSIM as the mobile data source, and leave your home SIM active for calls and texts. You'll use local-rate data while staying reachable on your normal number. Just make sure your home carrier's roaming is set to 'calls and SMS only' to avoid accidental data charges on the home line.
Wi-Fi calling: the solution for voice
If you want to make calls without paying international rates, Wi-Fi calling is your answer. It routes calls through internet data instead of the traditional network — so you can call any number as if you were home, using your Vyroam eSIM's data.
Enable Wi-Fi calling on iPhone
Settings → Phone → Wi-Fi Calling → On. Your home carrier must support this feature.
Enable Wi-Fi calling on Android
Settings → Connections → Mobile Networks → Wi-Fi Calling → On. Path varies by manufacturer.
Make calls normally
Dial any number through your regular phone app. Calls travel over data (your Vyroam eSIM) instead of the voice network — at no extra cost.
Apps like WhatsApp, FaceTime, and Google Meet also make calls over data, so if your contacts use those, you're fully covered without needing Wi-Fi calling at all.
Do you actually need a voice eSIM?
Voice eSIM plans are available but cost significantly more. For most leisure travellers, they're unnecessary. The combination of dual SIM (for incoming calls on your home number) and app-based calling (WhatsApp, FaceTime) covers every practical situation.
Voice eSIM makes sense if: you're travelling for business and need to receive calls on a local number, you're in a country where app calling is restricted, or your home carrier doesn't support international roaming at all.
Find a data plan for your trip
Data-only eSIM plans from $1.99. No new number, no complications — just fast local internet.