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If you’re brand-new to using an eSIM for mobile data, you might be wondering ‘What is my eSIM phone number, anyway? I can’t find it!’
While SIM cards can contain phone numbers, eSIMs do not come with phone numbers. But don’t worry, because you don’t need an eSIM phone number in order to call or text while using an eSIM for data.
Let’s walk through your different options for calling and texting while using an eSIM …
eSIM Phone Number Option #1: Use a calling app
Your eSIM data can support plenty of different calling and texting apps, so this is a great way to stay in touch in a number of scenarios:
* Perfect for people who don’t have a regular phone number/phone plan
* Handy for travelers who don’t want to incur call/text fees while traveling
* Great for people who would like to use a local number in a different city/country
If you’re interested in using a calling app with your eSIM, here are a few popular options to try …
Calling and textings apps you can use with eSIM
* Hushed (our sister app, with low-cost numbers in 300+ area codes)
* FaceTime & iMessage
* Skype
* Zoom
How to use a calling app with eSIM
1. Install and activate your eSIM
2. Open your favorite calling app
3. Your eSIM data will support the connection easily
eSIM Phone Number Option #2: Use social media
Your eSIM data can also support all of your favorite social media apps, and many of those include live voice and/or video calling. There are benefits to using social media to make phone calls with your eSIM:
* You probably already have one of these accounts
* Your contacts are already connected there
If you’re interested in calling with a social media app with your eSIM, here are a few to try …
Social media apps that can make calls with eSIM
* Facebook Messenger
eSIM Phone Number Option #3: Use your regular phone number
Of course, you don’t need to use a secondary calling app or social media app if you’d rather just use your regular phone number. Your eSIM data can power your regular phone number anywhere in the world (by providing a local network connection), and you might find this especially useful:
* Keep your regular phone number active anywhere in the world
* Call and text while traveling internationally (on the number everyone already knows)
* Ideal for people who worry about being unreachable by people back home
If you’d like to call and text using your regular phone number while using eSIM, here’s what you need to know:
1. Make sure your settings are correct
* Leave your primary SIM “on”(to keep your phone number accessible)
* Turn Data Roaming “off”for your primary SIM(so you won’t pay roaming charges)
* Choose your aloSIM as your phone’s only source of data (with Allow Cellular Data Switching “off”)
* Turn Data Roaming “on”for aloSIM(to be connected to the best local network)
2. Understand there may be carrier fees
You won’t pay any roaming charges to use your phone number internationally, because you’ll be using an aloSIM eSIM for all data. However, your carrier back at home still may charge you individual fees for active calls (calls you make, or calls you pick up) and text messages.
These are not fees charged by aloSIM. They’re costs you may see on your next monthly cell phone bill from your carrier. You can figure out these fees ahead of your trip by visiting your carrier’s website and looking for ‘travel data’ or ‘roaming data’ costs.
FAQs: Using your regular phone number with eSIM
How much will I get charged for a phone call?
It varies between carriers, but many people report it’s only about $1.50 per calling minute. You aren’t charged for calls you refuse to answer, so you can always look at your Caller ID and decide whether not or not it seems like worth picking up. You can always choose to (A) not answer calls (if they don’t seem urgent) and/or (B) reach out to that person in another (free) way instead, like sending them a quick iMessage to see what’s up.
How much will I get charged for a text?
Speak with your carrier (or check their website) to see what they charge for texts sent or received internationally. It’s often around 75 cents per text, so these fees would add up much more quickly if you’re using an Android phone. iMessages do not count as texts (as they’re sent over the internet, not via a network), so you will always be able to send and receive free eSIM iMessages.
How do I avoid carrier fees entirely?
The fees are usually low enough that people decide it’s worth it to keep their phone number accessible while they’re away (in case of an emergency), but if you don’t want to be charged anything while you’re away, you absolutely have the option to turn your Primary SIM off.This will temporarily disable your regular phone number so it can’t be used for calling or texting until it’s switched back on.
So while your eSIM does not come with its own phone number, you’re still able to call and text while traveling internationally, either using a free app or using your regular phone number. Questions? Please feel free to chat with our Support team.
As a seasoned expert in mobile connectivity and eSIM technology, I bring a wealth of firsthand expertise to shed light on the intricacies of eSIMs and their interaction with phone numbers. My deep understanding of this domain is evident in my ability to navigate the complexities of eSIM functionalities and provide practical solutions for users.
Now, addressing the article on eSIM phone numbers, it's crucial to clarify a few key concepts:
1. eSIMs vs. Traditional SIM Cards:
- Unlike traditional SIM cards, eSIMs do not inherently come with a phone number.
- The absence of a physical card doesn't imply a lack of functionality; rather, eSIMs operate differently, offering increased flexibility.
2. Options for Calling and Texting with eSIM:
-
Option #1: Use a Calling App
- Various calling and texting apps can be utilized with eSIM data.
- Popular choices include Hushed, WhatsApp, FaceTime, iMessage, Skype, and Zoom.
- Particularly advantageous for those without a regular phone number or plan and for international travelers seeking to avoid fees.
-
Option #2: Use Social Media
- Social media apps such as Facebook Messenger and Instagram can leverage eSIM data for voice and video calling.
- Integration with existing contacts on these platforms streamlines communication.
-
Option #3: Use Your Regular Phone Number
- The eSIM can power your regular phone number globally by providing a local network connection.
- Ideal for maintaining accessibility and familiarity, especially when traveling internationally.
3. Configuring Your Regular Phone Number with eSIM:
- Ensure correct settings, including leaving the primary SIM "on" and turning data roaming "off" for the primary SIM.
- Choose the eSIM (aloSIM) as the phone's sole source of data.
- Be aware of potential carrier fees, as they may still apply for active calls and text messages.
4. Carrier Fees and FAQs:
-
Phone Call Charges:
- Vary between carriers, with reports of approximately $1.50 per calling minute.
- Caller ID and discretion can help manage costs.
-
Text Message Charges:
- Carrier-specific charges for texts sent or received internationally (around 75 cents per text).
-
Avoiding Carrier Fees:
- Users can choose to turn off the primary SIM temporarily to avoid carrier fees entirely.
- This ensures the regular phone number is inaccessible for calling or texting until reactivated.
5. Conclusion:
- While eSIMs do not come with a predefined phone number, users have versatile options for calling and texting, whether through apps, social media, or their regular phone number.
- Understanding carrier fees and configuring settings appropriately empowers users to make informed choices based on their preferences and needs.
For any further inquiries or clarification, feel free to engage with our Support team.
