One of the biggest fears travelers have when switching to a local SIM card is losing access to their WhatsApp, iMessage, or Telegram.
"If I take out my SIM, will my chats disappear? Will my friends still be able to message me?"
The good news is: With an eSIM, you don't have to choose. You can keep your home number for calls and texts while using a SimlyGo eSIM for cheap data. Here is exactly how to set it up.
The Magic of "Dual SIM"
Most modern phones (iPhone XR and newer, most Samsungs) are "Dual SIM." This means they can handle two connections at once:
- SIM 1 (Your Home Card): Stays active for calls, SMS, and WhatsApp.
- SIM 2 (SimlyGo eSIM): Handles all the internet data (Maps, Instagram, Web).
Because your home SIM stays inside the phone, WhatsApp doesn't even realize you've left the country!
Step-by-Step Setup Guide
1. Install your eSIM
Scan your SimlyGo QR code before you fly. Label the new plan "Travel".
2. Configure your Settings
Go to Settings > Cellular (or Mobile Data). Set your "Default Voice Line" to Primary (Home) and your "Mobile Data" to Travel (SimlyGo).
3. Turn off Data Switching
Make sure "Allow Cellular Data Switching" is OFF. This ensures your phone never accidentally uses your expensive home data.
4. Open WhatsApp
When you land and turn on your phone, WhatsApp might ask: "Do you want to switch to the new number?"
ALWAYS CLICK "KEEP MY NUMBER".
💡 Pro Tip: To be 100% safe from roaming charges, you can turn off "Data Roaming" specifically for your Primary SIM, but leave it ON for your SimlyGo eSIM. This way, you can still receive SMS texts (like bank OTPs) for free, but you won't use a single byte of expensive data.
Traveling doesn't mean disconnecting. With a SimlyGo eSIM, you get the best of both worlds: cheap local data speeds and your familiar home number.