How to Get a Local Phone Number While Traveling Abroad: Using Local Numbers for Business or Calls

Here's the Short Answer

Yes, you can get a local phone number while travelling abroad, but you don't always need one.

If you mainly need mobile data for maps, WhatsApp, email and travel apps, a data-only travel eSIM is usually enough.

If you need to make or receive traditional phone calls, receive SMS messages or have a local number for business, you'll need a plan that specifically includes voice and SMS, a local SIM, or a separate virtual phone number.

Your main options are:

  • Travel eSIM with a local number: Useful if your provider includes voice and SMS.

  • Local SIM: Good for longer stays and regular local calls.

  • Virtual number: Useful for business, customer calls and keeping a separate number.

  • Your existing number with roaming: Convenient, but potentially expensive.

  • WhatsApp or similar apps: Often enough for staying in contact without a local number.

The important thing is to decide what you actually need before buying a plan. A cheap data-only eSIM won't help if the main reason you're travelling is to make traditional local phone calls.

How to Get a Local Phone Number While Traveling Abroad

Getting mobile data abroad is easy now.

Getting an actual local phone number is a slightly different story.

You might be travelling for work and want customers to be able to call you locally.

Maybe you're staying somewhere for several months and need a local number for bookings, deliveries or appointments.

Or perhaps you're simply wondering whether a travel eSIM gives you a local phone number.

The answer depends on the type of eSIM or SIM you buy.

Some travel eSIMs are data-only, while others include voice, SMS and a phone number.

Understanding the difference before you buy can save you from ending up with a plan that doesn't do what you need.

Do Travel eSIMs Give You a Local Phone Number?

Not necessarily.

This is one of the biggest things travellers get confused about.

Many travel eSIMs are designed specifically for mobile data.

That means you can use:

  • Google Maps

  • WhatsApp

  • Email

  • Social media

  • Web browsing

  • Uber and other travel apps

But you may not receive a traditional phone number with the plan.

If you need to make standard phone calls or send SMS messages through the mobile network, you need to check whether your particular plan includes voice and SMS.

Don't assume that every eSIM comes with a phone number.

Data-Only eSIM vs eSIM With a Phone Number

The difference is fairly simple.

Data-only eSIM

You get mobile internet but generally no traditional mobile number.

It's ideal for:

  • Maps

  • WhatsApp

  • Email

  • Social media

  • Travel apps

  • Browsing

  • Video calls through apps

For a normal holiday, this is often all you need.

eSIM with voice and SMS

These plans can include a phone number alongside your mobile data.

They're more useful if you need:

  • Traditional phone calls

  • SMS

  • A local number

  • Business communications

  • Local services that require a phone number

The important thing is to check exactly what the plan includes before purchasing.

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Do You Actually Need a Local Number?

Before looking for one, ask yourself what you want it for.

If you're travelling for a week and mainly need internet access, you probably don't.

Apps have made traditional phone numbers much less important for everyday travel.

You can use WhatsApp, FaceTime, Messenger or other communication apps over your travel eSIM.

For many travellers, a data-only eSIM is simpler and cheaper.

Using WhatsApp Without a Local Number

This is one of the biggest advantages of using a travel eSIM.

You can normally keep using WhatsApp with your existing phone number while using a separate eSIM for mobile data.

For example:

Physical SIM: Your normal UK number

Travel eSIM: Mobile data abroad

Your WhatsApp account remains linked to your existing number.

You don't need to change your WhatsApp number just because you're using a different data connection.

This makes a travel eSIM particularly useful for international trips.

Can You Use WhatsApp With an eSIM Abroad?

What If You Need to Make Local Calls?

This is where things change.

If you need to call a hotel, restaurant, taxi company or local business using a traditional telephone number, a data-only eSIM won't necessarily give you the ability to make that call through the mobile network.

You have a few options.

Option 1: Buy a local SIM

A local SIM usually comes with a local mobile number and can include calls and texts.

This can be a good choice if you're staying in the country for several weeks or months.

The downside is that you'll have to purchase and install another SIM.

Option 2: Buy an eSIM With Voice and SMS

Some eSIM providers offer plans that include a mobile number alongside data.

This gives you the convenience of an eSIM while still allowing traditional calls and texts.

However, availability varies by country and provider.

Always check exactly what you're getting before you purchase.

Option 3: Use a Virtual Number

A virtual number can be useful if you don't need a physical mobile line.

You can use one for:

  • Business calls

  • Customer enquiries

  • A separate work number

  • Forwarding calls

  • Keeping your personal number private

This can be particularly useful for digital nomads and people who work while travelling.

Local Number vs Virtual Number

These are often confused.

A local mobile number is generally provided through a mobile network and works like a normal phone number.

A virtual number works through an internet-based service.

A virtual number can be useful when you want the appearance and functionality of a local number without taking out a traditional mobile contract.

For example, a UK business owner travelling in France might want a French number so local customers can contact them without having to call an international number.

A virtual number could be a solution.

Using Your Existing Number Abroad

You don't necessarily have to get another number at all.

Your existing SIM can continue to provide your normal number while a travel eSIM handles your mobile data.

This is one of the most useful setups for travellers.

You can potentially have:

Your normal SIM: Calls, texts and your usual number

Travel eSIM: Mobile data

This means you don't have to give up your existing number just because you're travelling.

However, check your home provider's roaming charges before using your normal SIM for calls or mobile data abroad.

Receiving or making calls could still incur charges depending on your plan.

Can You Have Two Numbers on One Phone?

Many modern smartphones support multiple SIM profiles.

That means you can potentially have:

  • Your home number

  • A travel number

  • A work number

all associated with the same device.

Some phones can also have multiple lines active simultaneously.

Exactly what you can do depends on your phone model and mobile providers.

This is one of the biggest advantages of modern dual-SIM and eSIM technology.

Can You Get a Local Number Before You Arrive?

Sometimes.

If you buy an eSIM with a local number, you may be able to set it up before your flight.

Virtual numbers can also often be purchased online before travelling.

This can be useful if you need to give someone your local contact number before you arrive.

However, some local SIMs require you to complete registration or identification when you arrive in the country.

The rules vary considerably between destinations.

Why Business Travellers May Want a Local Number

For business travel, having a local number can be more than a convenience.

It can make communication easier with:

  • Customers

  • Suppliers

  • Hotels

  • Drivers

  • Local partners

It can also prevent international calling charges for people trying to contact you.

A separate business number can also keep your personal number private.

For someone travelling frequently, that separation can be very useful.

What About Receiving Verification Codes?

This is where you need to be particularly careful.

Some services send one-time passwords through SMS.

If you switch away from your normal number while travelling, you may not receive those messages.

That's another reason to keep your normal SIM active if your phone supports dual SIM.

However, don't assume every travel eSIM can receive SMS just because it provides a phone number.

Check the provider's terms.

Can You Use Your Home Number and a Travel eSIM Together?

In many cases, yes.

This is one of the most convenient ways to travel.

Your normal SIM can remain active for calls and SMS while your travel eSIM handles data.

You can then use apps such as WhatsApp over your travel eSIM's data connection.

The exact configuration depends on your phone, but the basic idea is simple:

Keep your number. Change your data.

That means you don't have to completely disconnect from home while travelling.

What Is the Best Option for Different Types of Travellers?

Short holiday

A data-only travel eSIM is usually enough.

Use WhatsApp and other internet-based apps for communication.

Long-term traveller

A local SIM or eSIM with a local number may make more sense.

Business traveller

Consider an eSIM with voice and SMS or a separate virtual business number.

Digital nomad

A combination of travel data and a virtual number can give you flexibility without tying you to one local mobile contract.

Frequent traveller

A multi-country or global eSIM can simplify your mobile data, while keeping your normal number available for calls and SMS.

What Should You Check Before Buying?

Before purchasing any eSIM or local SIM, check:

  • Does it include a phone number?

  • Is it data-only?

  • Are calls included?

  • Are SMS messages included?

  • Can you receive incoming calls?

  • Can you receive verification codes?

  • Which countries does it cover?

  • How long does the number remain active?

  • Can you top up the plan?

  • Are there additional calling charges?

The cheapest plan isn't necessarily the right one if it doesn't include the features you need.

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How RoamEZY Fits Into Your Travel Setup

RoamEZY offers travel eSIM plans designed primarily to keep travellers connected with mobile data across supported destinations.

For many travellers, that's all they need.

You can keep your normal number on your existing SIM while using a RoamEZY eSIM for data abroad.

That means you can continue using apps such as WhatsApp without having to change your existing number.

RoamEZY also offers multi-country and global plans, which can be useful if your trip includes several destinations.

If you specifically need a traditional local phone number for calls or SMS, make sure the particular plan you're considering includes those services before purchasing.

Final Thoughts

You don't automatically need a local phone number just because you're travelling abroad.

For most holidays, a data-only eSIM combined with apps such as WhatsApp is enough.

But if you're travelling for business, staying abroad for a longer period or regularly making traditional local calls, having a local number can be useful.

The important thing is to work out what you actually need before buying.

If all you need is internet access, a travel eSIM can keep things incredibly simple.

Keep your existing number, use your travel eSIM for data and avoid the hassle of swapping SIM cards every time you leave the country.