eSIM guides
Can I keep my normal phone number while using a travel eSIM?
In most cases, yes. Here's how your regular number and a BrisqNet travel eSIM work together on the same phone.
BrisqNet Team · Published 2026-08-25 · 5 min read
One of the most common questions before switching to a travel eSIM is whether doing so means giving up your normal phone number. For most travellers with a dual SIM phone, the answer is no — you keep both.
How it works
A BrisqNet eSIM is a separate line on your device, installed alongside your existing physical SIM. Most phones released in the last several years support having two active lines at once — one physical SIM and one eSIM. You can set your BrisqNet eSIM to handle mobile data abroad, while your regular SIM stays in the phone for receiving calls and texts on your usual number.
What you need to check
- Confirm your phone supports dual SIM (one physical SIM + one eSIM active simultaneously) — most modern iPhones and Android flagships do, but not every model
- Check with your home carrier what receiving calls and texts abroad costs on your regular SIM, since data roaming and voice/SMS roaming are usually priced separately
- Set your BrisqNet eSIM as the default line for mobile data in your phone's settings, while keeping calls and SMS on your regular SIM
If your phone only supports one active line
Some devices support multiple stored eSIM profiles but only one active at a time, and can't run a physical SIM and an eSIM simultaneously. In that case, you'll need to choose whether your primary line stays active for calls, or whether you rely entirely on your travel eSIM and receive calls to your regular number through an app instead, if your carrier offers one.
Will people still be able to reach me on my normal number?
If your phone supports dual SIM and you keep your regular SIM active, yes — calls and texts to your usual number should still come through, subject to your home carrier's roaming terms.
Do I lose access to my number if I only use the eSIM for data?
No — your phone number lives on your physical SIM (or your primary line), not on the BrisqNet eSIM. Using the eSIM for data doesn't affect your number.