Data-Only eSIMs: Calls, SMS, WhatsApp and Your Number

Reviewed 3 September 2026 · Tavi Support and Product Team · How we verify information

A travel eSIM connecting a phone across a softly illuminated globe

A data-only eSIM supplies internet access. It does not give you a new phone number, traditional voice minutes or outgoing SMS. You can normally keep your usual SIM active for its number while choosing the travel eSIM for data.

Short answer: use Tavi as the cellular-data line; keep your home line for voice and SMS only; turn off data roaming and cellular-data switching on the home line. That keeps internet apps on the prepaid travel plan while preserving your regular number.

What still works?

WhatsApp, FaceTime, iMessage, Signal, Telegram, email, maps and browser calling services use internet data. They can work through the travel eSIM without changing the phone number already associated with the app. Apple explains that an iPhone uses one cellular-data network at a time, so selecting the travel line for data is the important choice—not simply installing it. See Apple’s Dual SIM guidance.

Set up the two lines on iPhone

Label the new eSIM “Tavi” or “Travel” so the two lines are easy to distinguish.
In Settings → Cellular, leave both lines on if you want to receive calls and SMS on your usual number.
Open Cellular Data and select the Tavi line.
Turn off Allow Cellular Data Switching. Otherwise, iPhone may use the other line when it considers the selected data line unavailable.
Open the Tavi line’s Cellular Data Options and enable Data Roaming, because travel eSIMs commonly use partner networks.
Open the home line’s Cellular Data Options and leave Data Roaming off if your home carrier could charge for international data.

Menu labels vary slightly by iOS version and region. Apple’s current roaming instructions show the same per-line path: Cellular Data, choose the line, then Cellular Data Options. Apple’s data-roaming reference.

Can I receive bank SMS codes?

Usually, keeping the primary SIM on lets it receive calls and SMS, but that availability and any charge are controlled by the home carrier. Before departure, check whether your carrier charges for receiving SMS or calls while abroad. Keeping the home line on is not the same as using it for data.

Will WhatsApp change my number?

No. WhatsApp normally remains registered to the number already attached to the account. Decline any prompt to change it unless you intentionally want a new identity.

Two easy mistakes to avoid

Turning on roaming for the wrong line: Tavi’s plan is prepaid, but your home carrier sets the charges for its own line.
Deleting the travel eSIM after the trip: do not remove it until you no longer need its data or installation details. eSIM activation credentials are commonly single-use.

Why choose data only?

Most travellers already communicate through internet apps. A data-only product is simpler, avoids managing a temporary number, and lets the regular SIM remain reachable. Tavi plans are data only, so choose your primary line for voice and SMS and Tavi for cellular data.

Need help with a purchased eSIM?

Contact support@taviesim.com with the order email, destination and phone model. Never send a QR code or complete activation secret.

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