Keep WhatsApp and bank OTPs working abroad with an eSIM
Your own number doesn't go anywhere. Here is how to set your phone up so WhatsApp, calls and bank OTPs keep working while a travel eSIM carries the data.
Will your bank's OTPs still reach you abroad? Will WhatsApp still work? With a travel eSIM, yes to both, because nothing about your own number changes. The eSIM installs as a second line beside your home SIM, and you simply tell the phone which line does what.
Two lines, two jobs
Your phone holds the eSIM and your home SIM side by side, so there is nothing to remove. Keep the home SIM in and switched on: it is how calls, SMS and bank OTPs reach you. The eSIM carries your data, WhatsApp included.
The settings, line by line
- Keep your home SIM on, with international roaming activated, so SMS and OTPs can reach it abroad.
- Turn Data Roaming off on your home SIM, so that line never uses data abroad.
- Make the eSIM your mobile data line and turn its Data Roaming on. iPhone: Settings › Mobile Service › Mobile Data, choose the travel line. Android: Settings › Network & internet › SIMs, set the travel eSIM for mobile data and turn Roaming on.
- On iPhone, turn off Allow Cellular Data Switching. It stops the phone falling back to your home SIM's roaming data.
Leave calls and SMS on your home SIM. If you chose your usual number for calls when you installed the eSIM, that is already done. The install guide has every screen.
WhatsApp stays on your number
WhatsApp stays linked to your home number and keeps working over the eSIM's data: chats, calls and video calls. You don't change your number, so there is nothing to re-verify.
Calls over FaceTime, Telegram and Google Meet work on the data in the same way.
Bank OTPs abroad
OTPs arrive on your own number, as usual. Keep your home SIM switched on with international roaming activated, and SMS OTPs reach it while the eSIM handles your data.
Many banks also let you approve payments inside their app, which works over the eSIM's data.
What your own operator can still charge
Not data, as long as Data Roaming is off on your home SIM. What's left is calls and SMS on your own number, which your operator bills at its roaming rates. The eSIM itself is prepaid, so nothing is billed after the trip.
Before you fly: a checklist
- Check your phone supports eSIM and is unlocked: dial *#06# and look for an EID.
- Install the eSIM at home over Wi-Fi, and keep your usual number for calls.
- Make sure international roaming is activated on your home SIM, so SMS and OTPs reach you.
- On landing: the eSIM on mobile data with Data Roaming on, and Data Roaming off on your home SIM.
- Open WhatsApp and carry on. Your number hasn't changed.
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