Keep your Canadian phone number while travelling with an eSIM

VoyageSIM eSIM guide

Keep your Canadian phone number while travelling with an eSIM

You can use a travel eSIM for mobile data while keeping your Canadian line for your number, contacts and certain messages. Select the eSIM for data and block data roaming on your Canadian line.

Quick answer: keep your Canadian SIM turned on, select VoyageSIM for mobile data, disable data roaming on the Canadian line and turn off automatic cellular data switching. Calls, texts and Wi-Fi Calling through your Canadian carrier may still generate charges depending on your plan.

Why keep the Canadian line active?

Your phone number belongs to your primary line, not to a data-only eSIM. Keeping that line installed can preserve your number for iMessage, FaceTime and WhatsApp. It may also let you receive regular SMS messages when your carrier supports roaming at your destination.

Canadian line

Keeps your number. It may handle carrier calls and texts, subject to coverage and carrier pricing.

VoyageSIM eSIM

Provides mobile data for browsing, maps, email, WhatsApp, iMessage and FaceTime.

Recommended iPhone setup

  1. Install the eSIM before departure. Do not activate it early if your plan begins when it connects or activates.
  2. Open Settings > Cellular and label the lines clearly, such as “Canada” and “VoyageSIM.”
  3. Select VoyageSIM as the cellular data line.
  4. Turn off Allow Cellular Data Switching so the phone cannot return to your Canadian data plan.
  5. Open the Canadian line and disable Data Roaming. Keep the line on only if you need access to your number.
  6. Enable data roaming on VoyageSIM only when your plan instructions require it, which is common for travel eSIMs.

Recommended Android or Samsung setup

  1. Open Settings > Connections > SIM manager; menu names vary by manufacturer.
  2. Select VoyageSIM for mobile data.
  3. Disable mobile data and data roaming on the Canadian line.
  4. Turn off automatic data switching, when available.
  5. Keep the Canadian line on only if you need it for carrier texts or calls.
Important: disabling data roaming mainly prevents data use on the Canadian line. It does not guarantee that calls, voicemail, outgoing texts or Wi-Fi Calling will be free. Check the current terms of Bell, Rogers, TELUS, Videotron, Fizz or your carrier before leaving.

Receiving bank texts and 2FA codes

A data-only eSIM cannot receive texts addressed to your Canadian number. The Canadian line normally needs to remain active and connect to a roaming partner to receive a banking code. Incoming SMS is often free, but this is not universal. Some banks also restrict foreign logins or offer an authenticator app instead.

Before travelling, set up a backup verification method such as an authenticator app, recovery codes, email or a trusted device. Do not rely on a single text message to access important accounts.

Will iMessage, FaceTime and WhatsApp keep my number?

Usually, yes. These services communicate over the Internet. WhatsApp remains linked to the number already registered unless you choose to change it. On iPhone, verify Settings > Apps > Messages > Send & Receive and your FaceTime settings. Avoid removing your number from iMessage during the trip.

Read our detailed guide to using iMessage, FaceTime and WhatsApp with an eSIM.

Checklist before takeoff

  • Install the eSIM on a stable Wi-Fi connection.
  • Save your installation instructions and QR code email.
  • Activate iMessage, FaceTime and WhatsApp with your Canadian number.
  • Review your carrier’s Wi-Fi Calling rules; eligibility and pricing vary.
  • Download offline maps and essential apps.
  • Keep your bank’s support number somewhere other than your texts.

If the phone still uses the Canadian line

Confirm the selected data line, disable automatic data switching and restart the device. A roaming symbol beside the Canadian line only means it is registered on a foreign network; the critical setting is that Canadian data roaming is off. If you need absolute certainty about carrier charges, turn off the Canadian line temporarily and use VoyageSIM only.

Frequently asked questions

Do I need to remove my Canadian SIM?

No. A dual-SIM phone can keep the Canadian line and use the eSIM for data. Removing the SIM does eliminate accidental use of that line.

Can I receive calls on my Canadian number?

Possibly, but roaming calls may be billed. Wi-Fi Calling can help, although eligibility and pricing depend on your carrier.

Should data roaming be enabled on VoyageSIM?

Often yes, because a travel eSIM connects to a local partner network. Follow the instructions included with your plan. This applies to VoyageSIM, not your Canadian line.

Does an eSIM change my number?

A data-only eSIM does not replace your primary number. It adds a separate Internet connection.

Prepare your connection before departure

Choose a plan for your destination, install it in advance and stay in control of your settings from the moment you land.

Browse VoyageSIM eSIM plans