One of the biggest concerns when you go on vacation and want to use a modern connectivity method is losing your contacts or WhatsApp conversations. There is a common misconception that changing the way you access the internet means losing access to your usual number. In reality, an eSIM is the perfect solution for staying connected on your home-country number while benefiting from local rates in the United Kingdom.
Here is how you can make this transition without losing a single message and without dealing with complicated settings.
How dual SIM works on your phone
Modern phones that support eSIM technology allow two lines to operate at the same time. This means you can keep your physical SIM card from your home-country operator in your phone to receive important calls or messages, while using an eSIModo eSIM exclusively for data traffic. It is the most logical option because you no longer have to remove anything from your phone with that metal pin that you always seem to lose in your luggage anyway.
WhatsApp is not tied to the physical internet connection, but to the phone number with which the account was registered. As long as you do not uninstall the app, it will continue to work normally, using the data provided by the eSIM. In practice, the app “sees” that it has internet access and does not care whether it comes from a router, a local SIM card, or a digital data profile.
The correct setup to avoid roaming charges
The most important step is configuring your phone immediately after installing the eSIM profile. Go to the connection settings and make sure you have selected the new eSIM as the primary source for “Mobile Data.” At the same time, you should disable the “Data Roaming” option for your primary SIM card. This way, you can make sure that your phone will not use a single megabit through your home-country plan, avoiding additional charges.
By keeping your home-country SIM active only for “Voice,” you will still be able to receive confirmation or bank SMS messages, which are usually free while roaming. However, for any type of messaging, WhatsApp will use the fast 5G network in the United Kingdom provided by eSIModo. Here are some advantages of this method:
- You do not need to tell anyone that you have an “English number.”
- Your family and friends’ groups remain intact.
- You can call anyone via WhatsApp Video without using voice credit.
What to do when WhatsApp asks about the new number
Sometimes, after detecting a change in the data network, WhatsApp may display a message asking whether you want to change your phone number to the one associated with the new connection. It is essential to press the “Keep” button or simply ignore the notification. You do not want to change the number; you only want to use the new internet connection with your existing number.
This small window sometimes appears because the app is trying to be helpful, but for a tourist, the correct option is to keep your current digital identity. Once you have selected this option, the app will not ask you anything else for the rest of your vacation. You will be able to post photos to your Story from the streets of London just as if you were connected to your home Wi-Fi, but with the speed and stability of a local mobile network.
Advantages of using eSIModo over a physical local SIM card
If you chose to buy a physical SIM card in the United Kingdom, you would have to remove your own from the phone. At that point, if WhatsApp disconnects or you need an SMS confirmation code sent to your home-country number, you will be stuck. You would have to turn off the phone, switch the SIM cards, wait for a signal, and so on. It is a tiring process that takes away from your relaxation time.
With an eSIM, everything remains digital and simultaneous. You get high-speed internet for navigation, social media, and VoIP calls, while remaining “reachable” on your usual number for emergencies. It is the most efficient solution because:
- Installation is completed by scanning a QR code sent by email.
- You do not risk losing your physical SIM card from home.
- You have internet as soon as you land, without having to look for stores at the airport.
eSIM Great Britain options from eSIModo
If you’re planning to explore Great Britain soon, don’t let roaming costs ruin your vacation. For a fast and stable connection as soon as you land, we recommend eSIModo. You can activate an internet eSIM for Great Britain in a maximum of 2 minutes, directly on your phone, without having to look for local SIM cards or change your physical SIM.
Here are some available options:
