Can You Make Phone Calls With An eSIM?

Short answer: Yes, you can make phone calls with an eSIM, but there’s an important distinction to understand.

Most travel eSIMs are data-only, without traditional voice calling. However, you can still make calls using VoIP applications (WhatsApp, FaceTime, etc.) with any data-only eSIM. Some providers also offer specialized apps like Yabb that provide virtual phone numbers, international calling, and texting capabilities alongside your eSIM data plan.

What Exactly Is an eSIM, Anyway?

Remember when you had to physically swap tiny SIM cards every time you changed carriers or traveled abroad? Those days are rapidly becoming history, thanks to eSIM technology.

An eSIM (embedded SIM) is basically a digital version of the traditional plastic SIM card permanently built into your device. Instead of physically inserting a card, you download and activate your mobile plan digitally which is great if you want a second data plan for traveling without the roaming fees.

Have you ever wondered why something so small had to cause so much hassle? Well, that tiny piece of plastic has been streamlined into a thumbnail-sized chip embedded in your phone that can store multiple profiles.

The Truth About eSIMs and Phone Calls

Here’s what you need to know: most travel eSIMs are data-only and don’t support traditional voice calling directly through your phone’s dialer app.

This is especially true for travel eSIMs from providers like eSIM4, which primarily focus on giving you affordable data connectivity while abroad rather than traditional calling services.

That said, you can absolutely still make calls with a data-only eSIM—just not in the traditional way you might be used to.

How to Make Calls With a Data-Only eSIM

Even without traditional calling capabilities, there are several effective ways to make voice calls with your data-only eSIM:

VoIP Calling Apps

With a data-only eSIM providing internet access, you can use apps like:

• WhatsApp – Popular worldwide for both calls and messaging
• FaceTime – Perfect for calling other Apple users
• Skype – Good for calling landlines (with credits)
• Facebook Messenger – Widely used for casual calls
• Google Meet/Duo – Great video calling options

These apps use your internet connection rather than traditional cellular networks and often provide better call quality than standard mobile calls.

Specialized eSIM + Calling Solutions

Some innovative providers have created all-in-one solutions for travelers. For example, eSIM4 offers an optional mobile app where users can:

• Manage their eSIM data plan
• Purchase a virtual phone number for receiving calls
• Make international calls at affordable rates
• Send and receive text messages

This approach gives you the flexibility of a full phone service without the high costs typically associated with international calling plans.

Voice-Enabled eSIMs: The Exception Rather Than the Rule

While most travel eSIMs are data-only, there are exceptions:

Full-Service Carrier eSIMs

Major carriers and their international equivalents offer eSIM plans that include:

• Traditional voice calling minutes
• SMS messaging
• Mobile data

These work exactly like regular physical SIM plans but in digital format. They typically come at similar price points to traditional plans.

Why Most Travel eSIMs Don’t Include Voice Calling

There are good reasons why companies focus on data-only offerings:

• Lower costs – Voice services require additional licensing and infrastructure
• Simplified regulatory compliance – Data-only services face fewer telecommunication regulations
• Focused user experience – Most travelers primarily need data for navigation, translation, and staying connected
• Better compatibility across different countries and networks

The Smart Traveler’s Setup: Dual SIM Strategy

Here’s where the magic happens for international travelers. Most modern smartphones support using both your physical SIM and an eSIM simultaneously:

• Keep your home SIM active for receiving important calls and texts
• Use a data-only travel eSIM from providers like eSIM4 for affordable internet
• Use VoIP apps for most of your calling needs

This strategy gives you the best of both worlds: you stay reachable on your regular number while avoiding excessive data roaming charges.

Virtual Numbers: Your Global Phone Solution

One of the most practical solutions for travelers is using a virtual phone number service alongside your data-only eSIM.

Services like those offered through eSIM4’s mobile app allow you to:

• Get a local or international phone number that isn’t tied to a physical location
• Receive calls from people using traditional phone services
• Make outgoing calls to regular phone numbers at reasonable rates
• Text like normal without needing the recipient to have special apps

This approach effectively turns your data-only eSIM into a full-featured phone service.

Setting Up Your eSIM for Calling Success

To maximize your calling capabilities with an eSIM, follow these steps:

1. Choose the right eSIM provider – Look for those with good coverage in your destination
2. Ensure your phone is compatible – Most newer smartphones support eSIM technology
3. Download necessary calling apps before you travel
4. Consider a virtual number service if you need to be reachable by traditional calls
5. Test everything before departing – Make a test call using your chosen apps

Once set up, you’ll have reliable communication capabilities wherever you go.

Common Questions About eSIM Calling

“Will people be able to call my regular number if I use an eSIM?”

If you’re using a dual SIM setup with your home SIM still active, yes. If you’ve switched entirely to a data-only eSIM, they’ll only be able to reach you through apps or by calling your virtual number (if you have one).

“Are calls over VoIP apps as reliable as regular calls?”

Often they’re actually better! With a good data connection, VoIP calls typically offer clearer sound quality than traditional cellular calls. However, they do require a stable internet connection.

“Do I need a special phone for eSIM calling?”

You need an eSIM-compatible device, which includes most phones released in the last few years. iPhones (XS and newer), Samsung Galaxy (S20 and newer), Google Pixel (3 and newer), and many others support eSIM technology.

Real Benefits of eSIM Calling While Traveling

Using an eSIM with VoIP calling or a virtual number while traveling offers distinct advantages:

• Dramatic cost savings compared to traditional roaming
• Better call quality through high-speed data networks
• Flexibility to call from anywhere with internet access
• Easy switching between different numbers or profiles
• Enhanced privacy by not giving out your personal number

One traveler saved over $200 on a week-long business trip by using an eSIM4 data plan with VoIP calling rather than an international roaming package from their home carrier.

Is a Data-Only eSIM Right for Your Calling Needs?

An eSIM with VoIP calling could be perfect for you if:

• You primarily communicate through apps already
• You’re traveling internationally and want to avoid roaming charges
• You’re comfortable using digital solutions rather than traditional calling
• You want the flexibility to have multiple phone numbers

However, a traditional voice-enabled plan might still be better if:

• You absolutely need to make emergency calls in areas with poor data coverage
• You frequently call people who don’t use smartphones or calling apps
• You rely heavily on SMS for two-factor authentication

Looking Ahead: The Future of Calling Is Digital

As technology continues to advance, the distinction between “traditional” calls and internet-based calling is rapidly blurring. Major carriers are increasingly supporting technologies like:

• VoLTE (Voice over LTE)
• VoWiFi (Voice over WiFi)
• RCS messaging (the successor to SMS)

These developments are making the transition to eSIM-based communications smoother than ever.

With providers like eSIM4 offering innovative solutions that combine data eSIMs with virtual calling capabilities, travelers now have more flexible, affordable options for staying connected globally than at any point in history.

The old question of “can I make calls with an eSIM?” is transforming into “which eSIM calling solution works best for my specific needs?” – and that’s a much better question to be asking.