Short answer: almost never. The travel eSIMs sold by Airalo, Holafly, Saily, Nomad and aloSIM are data-only. There’s no local number, so you can’t send or receive regular SMS or take standard phone calls on them.
So how do I call and text?
Over the internet, using the eSIM’s data:
- WhatsApp, FaceTime, Signal, Telegram, Messenger — voice and video calls work normally.
- iMessage — works; set it to your home number (Settings → Messages → Send & Receive).
- Google Voice / Skype / a VoIP app — if you need to dial a real landline or receive a call on a “number”, this is the way.
The 2FA / bank-code problem
Many banks still text a one-time code to your home number. If your home SIM is switched off or removed while you travel, you won’t get those texts.
Fixes, best first:
- Keep your home SIM active alongside the eSIM. On a dual-SIM phone, leave the home SIM on for calls/SMS and use the eSIM only for data. Incoming SMS is usually free while roaming. This is the simplest answer.
- Switch the bank to an authenticator app (Google Authenticator, Authy, or the bank’s own app) before you leave.
- Use email-based codes where the service offers them.
- If you must remove your home SIM, see whether your carrier offers SMS-over-Wi‑Fi or a companion app that receives texts online.
When you actually want a local number
If you’re staying long-term, renting a flat, or need to receive calls from local businesses (deliveries, tradespeople, a landlord), buy a local physical SIM at your destination instead of — or alongside — the eSIM. That gets you a real local number with calling credit.