If you're looking for an eSIM with calls and SMS included, it's worth clarifying something from the start: most travel eSIMs are data-only, and that's not a problem because today you call over the internet. Here we tell you what options truly exist, when you need native voice, and how to talk to anyone you want without overpaying.
Are there eSIMs with calls included?
Yes, they exist, but they are a minority. The vast majority of travel eSIMs offer mobile data only, without native voice minutes or SMS. With that data, you can call via WhatsApp, FaceTime, or Telegram at no extra cost, which is how almost everyone calls when traveling today.
The reason is technical and price-related. Data eSIMs use wholesale roaming agreements designed for browsing, not for traditional voice calls. Adding a local number with minutes increases the product's cost and ties it to a specific country. That's why international plans covering 218 destinations forgo native voice in exchange for price and flexibility. Some brands sell "with voice" packages, but they are usually for a single country and at a much higher cost than their data-only equivalent.
Data, voice, and SMS: what each means
Before buying, it's useful to distinguish between three services that people often conflate. Data is your internet connection: it powers maps, WhatsApp, email, and video calls. Native voice refers to calls made over the traditional telephone network, by dialing a number, without relying on an app. And SMS are traditional text messages, now almost only useful for receiving bank verification codes.
When you read "eSIM with calls included," it almost always refers to a plan that comes with a number and native voice minutes. Most travelers don't need this: with a good data eSIM, they can talk for free over the internet and receive important SMS messages on their home SIM, which they leave active in the background. If you want to delve deeper, we have a dedicated guide to eSIMs for calls and SMS with all the nuances.
Calling over the internet: the option almost everyone uses
With plenty of data, calling is free. WhatsApp, FaceTime, Telegram, Signal, or Google Meet allow voice and video calls using very few megabytes: a voice call consumes around 0.5 MB per minute, so even hours of chat won't empty your plan.
Traveler's tip: establish with your contacts that you always call each other via WhatsApp. That way, no matter which country you're in, the call connects just like at home, and you don't pay for roaming or minutes.
For this to work well, you only need a stable eSIM and enough gigabytes. If you frequently make long video calls, factor in a bit more data; we crunched the numbers in our guide on how much data you need for travel. And if you're traveling in Europe, any regional plan will cover you amply: check out the eSIM collection for Europe.
When you do need native voice
There are specific situations where calling over the internet isn't enough, and you want a number that truly dials. These are the most common:
- Booking a taxi, restaurant, or local accommodation that only answers by phone.
- Receiving a call from a hotel, airline, or car rental company.
- Business trips where you're given a contact number and are expected to answer it.
- Rural areas with weak Wi-Fi where an app might fail.
For these cases, you have two sensible approaches: leave your home SIM active just for receiving calls (though an incoming call while roaming can cost a few euros), or buy a local eSIM with a country number if you're staying in the same place for weeks. For a short getaway, it's almost never worth it.
Comparison of calling options
This table summarizes the real alternatives, with their estimated cost and for whom each is suitable. Prices are approximate and vary by destination and operator.
| Option | Estimated Cost | Ideal For |
|---|---|---|
| Data eSIM + WhatsApp/FaceTime | From ~$0.85 per plan; calls free | Most travelers |
| Local eSIM with native voice | Much more expensive, single country | Long stays in one destination |
| Home SIM on roaming (receive only) | €10-20 per day when activated | Receiving a one-off SMS or call |
| Virtual number (Skype, voice apps) | A few euros per month | Those who need to call local landlines |
How to keep your number for SMS
The biggest concern isn't calls, but receiving bank SMS messages while traveling. The solution is simple: modern phones are dual SIM, so you can have your data eSIM active and, at the same time, your home SIM turned on just for receiving text messages.
Receiving an SMS abroad is usually free or very cheap; what's expensive is browsing on roaming, and the eSIM takes care of that. Set mobile data to the eSIM and leave your home line without data, only for SMS and emergency incoming calls. We explain it step-by-step in how to keep your number with an eSIM and in the guide on how dual SIM works.
How to choose based on your trip
The decision is easier than it seems. If you're going on vacation or a getaway, a data eSIM with good gigabytes is more than enough: you call via WhatsApp and leave your home SIM for important SMS. If you're moving or working for months in a country, then a local line with voice and its own number might be worth it.
Think about actual usage, not fear. How many times a year do you dial a number that isn't in your contacts? Almost never. That's why the data eSIM wins in convenience and price for nine out of ten trips. If you have doubts about a specific country, check our destination guides or directly the complete eSIM catalog to choose coverage and gigabytes.
Frequently asked questions
Can I make regular calls with an eSIM?
With most travel eSIMs, you cannot make native voice calls because they are data-only. However, you can call via WhatsApp, FaceTime, or Telegram using that data, and for 90% of people, that's more than enough and free.
Are there any eSIMs with SMS included?
Some local eSIMs with their own number include SMS, but they are expensive and for a single country. The usual and recommended approach is to leave your home SIM on in the background to receive bank SMS messages, as receiving messages abroad is usually free.
Do I receive calls on my number while using the eSIM?
Yes, if you keep your home SIM active alongside the data eSIM thanks to dual SIM functionality. You will receive calls on your usual number, although an incoming call while roaming may incur a cost. Data, on the other hand, travels via the eSIM without roaming charges.
Can I call a local landline with the eSIM?
With a data-only eSIM, you cannot dial landlines via the traditional network, but you can use apps like Skype or voice services that call landline numbers over the internet for a few cents per minute. This is the best solution if you need to contact local businesses.
How much data do internet calls consume?
Very little: a voice call via WhatsApp consumes around 0.5 MB per minute, and a video call about 5 MB per minute. With a normal data plan, you can talk for hours without exhausting it, so internet calls barely affect your gigabytes.
Conclusion
An eSIM with calls included exists, but almost no one needs it: with a good data eSIM, you can call for free over the internet and leave your home SIM for important SMS. It's cheaper, more flexible, and works in any country. Choose your data eSIM based on destination and gigabytes and don't worry about voice minutes.
