Can I Make Calls With An eSIM In A Foreign Country?

Luis Rafael
Nov 22, 2024

Can you use your eSIM to make calls in a foreign country?

Staying connected while traveling doesn’t have to be complicated or expensive. With the right steps, With the right steps, you can save time, money, and effort while staying in touch abroad. This guide has everything you need to know!

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What is eSIM Technology?

eSIM is a new way of connecting to mobile networks. Most phones use physical SIM cards that you need to insert into your phone. With an eSIM, the chip is built into the hardware of your device. The software-based SIM can store multiple network provider plans, allowing you to easily change between plans.

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This is a game-changer for travelers. An eSIM provides instant connection via downloadable plans. No need to buy local SIMs or pay for costly roaming. Also, an eSIM, being compact in size, frees physical slots so you can keep your home number active while using an international plan.

 

Use Your eSIM To Make Calls In A Foreign Country: What You Need to Know

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Making a call while traveling overseas using an eSIM: If your plan supports voice services, all you have to do is:

  • Activate Your eSIM: Before traveling, buy an eSIM plan from a trusted provider with international voice services.
  • Change Plans if Necessary: If your eSIM has more than one plan, select the one that is appropriate for where you currently are.
  • Dial the International Format: Always use a full international format—plus country code—when dialing overseas.

Some providers specialize in smooth, low-cost international calling. They offer options to stay connected, without hidden fees or poor call quality.

 

Differences Between Local and International Calls

  • Local Calls: Most of them are free or included in your package if you make them within the country where your eSIM is activated.
  • International Calls: These incur additional charges, as they require the use of foreign networks to connect. International eSIM plans to save one a great deal of money compared to traditional roaming.

For the most part, check your eSIM plan terms to see if it includes international calling in the countries you will be visiting. By using an eSIM to make calls in a foreign country, you can avoid high roaming charges.

 

Data-Only Plans: What You Need to Know

Tourists love data-only eSIM plans. They are easy to use and widely available. In contrast, there is a serious disadvantage in their work.

Limitations of Data-Only eSIM Plans for Voice Calls

  • No Regular Voice Calls: The plans don’t provide regular phone calls or SMS.
  • Dependence on Apps: For voice calls, it depends on the use of internet-based communications apps, such as WhatsApp or Zoom.

These plans are great for browsing, streaming, and social media. But, the lack of regular calling is a disadvantage. In emergencies, app-based communication may fail. This is an issue when contacting less tech-savvy people or emergency services. Therefore, if you need to use an eSIM to make calls in a foreign country, consider a plan that includes voice services.

 

Alternatives for Making Calls When Using Data-Only eSIM

If you have a data-only plan, you’re not out of options. Here’s how to stay connected:

  • VoIP Apps: Use apps like Skype, Google Voice, or Zoom to make voice calls over the internet.
  • Wi-Fi Calling: Most smartphones have Wi-Fi calling, which works with a data-only eSIM if you’re connected to a wireless network.
  • Call Forwarding: Forward your main phone number to a VoIP service that can forward calls to your data plan.

 

Top eSIM Providers for International Calling

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The features and pricing vary greatly, depending on which eSIM provider is selected. Here are some of the best options in detail:

  • Airalo: A platform that has coverage globally but does so at a very affordable pay-as-you-go rate. Great for light users who require data and perhaps occasional calls.

  • Holafly: In general, they specialize in unlimited data eSIMs for travelers. Be it so, it makes them one of the best options among those who call frequently using apps.

  • Nomad: Known for its user-friendly app and wide selection of regional plans.

  • Truphone: Targets business travelers; its plans are quite strong in supporting both data and voice.

  • Yoho Mobile: Offers competitively priced eSIMs with extensive coverage. Known for its flexible “build-your-own-plan” option, it supports fast 4G/5G connectivity, tethering, and seamless QR code setup.

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Evaluate Pricing and Features for eSIM Services

  • International Coverage: Ensure the provider covers you in all the destinations where you will be.
  • Voice vs. Data-Only Plans: If regular calling is needed, check the bundling of voice services.
  • Price Comparison: Costs weighed with data limits, expiration periods, and customer support.
  • Ease of Setup: Choose providers with simple setups, like QR code setup.

Be careful evaluating these factors, so you can effectively use an eSIM to make calls in a foreign country without issues.

 

How to Set Up eSIM for Calls

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All you need to do to get your eSIM going is follow a few simple steps:

  1. Check Compatibility: Just make sure your smartphone supports an eSIM. Most do, like the iPhone XS series onwards, and selected Android Phones like the Google Pixel and Samsung Galaxy series.
  2. Buy a Plan: Buy an eSIM plan that best serves your needs; if it allows international calls, that would be just perfect.
  3. Activate using a QR Code: Your network provider will provide you with a QR code to scan using the network settings area of your phone.
  4. Connection Testing: Enable it and then try to make a domestic or international call with your eSIM. This will ensure you can use your eSIM to make calls in a foreign country without any problems.

 

Troubleshooting Common Issues with eSIM Calls

  • No Signal: Try to check if the device is enabled for roaming.
  • Call Drops or Poor Quality: Therefore, switch to a stronger network or call for help from a provider.
  • Unable to Activate: Restart the phone, and check if the QR code is valid.

 

FAQs About eSIMs and International Calling

What is data calling?

Data calling uses the internet to make voice or video calls via apps like WhatsApp, Zoom, and Skype. It is a method of calling that doesn’t involve regular phone networks but uses pure data.

 

How does WhatsApp work for international calls?

WhatsApp allows you to call another user anywhere in the world for free, using your phone’s internet connection. Just make sure you’re connected to Wi-Fi or mobile data.

 

Can I make calls to landlines using a data-only eSIM?

It does, but only with applications like Skype or Google Voice that allow one to make calls to normal landlines and mobile numbers. Such applications often require buying certain credits in advance for those calls.

 

Can I switch between eSIM profiles during travel?

Yes, most eSIM-capable devices allow smooth switching between plans. So, you can change to a local plan while the main one stays with an eSIM.

 

What should I do if my eSIM fails abroad?

First, check for service issues or network coverage problems. If unresolved, call your provider for assistance and consider purchasing a local eSIM plan as a backup.

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An eSIM makes it convenient to make calls in a foreign country. It covers international calling and changing between plans. It uses eSIM technology to keep you connected anywhere in the world. With the right plan and provider, you can communicate cheaply. You won’t have to sacrifice quality or flexibility.

Learn more about this topic in this article.