Keeping your Australian number while using a travel eSIM
Short answer: yes. A Telroo travel eSIM is data-only, so it sits alongside your Australian SIM instead of replacing it. Your Australian number stays on your phone. You choose the travel eSIM for mobile data and keep your Australian line for texts and calls, with its data roaming turned off.
How it works
Most recent phones can hold two lines at once: your Australian SIM (physical or eSIM) and a travel eSIM. Apple's support page on Dual SIM, for example, says iPhone XS, XS Max, XR and later models support Dual SIM with an eSIM, and that both lines can make and receive calls and messages. It also notes that an iPhone uses one mobile data network at a time, which is what you want: data from the travel eSIM, nothing from your Australian line.
Before you buy, check that your phone supports eSIM and is carrier-unlocked. Our compatibility guide explains how.
Set it up on iPhone
Menu names vary a little between iOS versions.
- Install the travel eSIM on Wi-Fi before you fly (iPhone guide).
- Give each line a clear label, such as "Australia" and "Japan travel".
- In Settings > Mobile, set Mobile Data to the travel eSIM once you land.
- Turn off "Allow Mobile Data Switching", so the phone does not fall back to your Australian line for data.
- Open your Australian line in Settings > Mobile and turn off Data Roaming for that line.
- Keep the Australian line switched on if you want to receive texts.
Set it up on Samsung Galaxy
- Install the travel eSIM on Wi-Fi before you fly (Samsung guide).
- Open Settings > Connections > SIM manager (the name can differ by One UI version).
- Choose the travel eSIM for Mobile data, and keep your Australian SIM for calls and messages if you want to stay reachable.
- Turn off data roaming for your Australian SIM.
What keeps working on your Australian number
| Service | What to expect |
|---|---|
| SMS, including bank and verification codes | Arrive on your Australian line while it is switched on and connected to a network overseas. Your carrier account must allow international roaming for this; check with your carrier before you fly |
| Standard phone calls | Possible on your Australian line, but your carrier's roaming charges apply |
| iMessage and FaceTime | Work over mobile data. On iPhone you choose which number they use in Settings |
| WhatsApp and similar apps | Run over whatever data connection the phone is using, so they work over the travel eSIM's data |
Whether receiving a text or call overseas costs anything depends on your carrier. As one example, Telstra's International Roaming Day Pass page (checked 16 October 2026) says that receiving an SMS does not trigger a Day Pass charge, but making or receiving calls, sending an SMS or using data does. Check your own carrier's terms before you go.
Common questions
Will my friends see a new number when I message them? Not on WhatsApp or iMessage if they are set to your Australian number. The travel eSIM only provides data; it does not have its own phone number.
Can I turn my Australian SIM off completely? Yes, if you do not need texts or calls. You will then not receive SMS codes until you switch it back on.
Do I need to remove my Australian SIM? No. Leave it in the phone. Removing a physical SIM makes it easier to lose, and you may need it for SMS codes on the way home.
What if the travel eSIM does not connect? Do not delete it. Check that it is selected for mobile data and that data roaming is on for the travel eSIM line if the plan instructions say so, then follow our troubleshooting checklist or contact us.