Picture this: you’ve just landed in a new country, your phone connects to the local network instantly thanks to your eSIM, but then a question pops into your head: “My eSIM is data-only… how do I make a phone call?” It’s a common concern for savvy travelers who choose affordable, data-focused eSIMs. The good news? You absolutely can make and receive calls, and it’s often cheaper and easier than a traditional phone plan.
The secret lies in using your data connection to its full potential through Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) apps. Let’s break down how you can turn your data-only eSIM into a global communication powerhouse.
Ready to get started? Try a free eSIM from Yoho Mobile and test it out for yourself!
What Exactly is a Data-Only eSIM?
First, let’s clarify what a data-only eSIM is. Unlike a traditional SIM card that comes with a specific phone number for calls and texts, a data-only eSIM provides you with one thing: high-speed mobile internet. Think of it as a portable Wi-Fi connection that lives inside your phone.
This is perfect for travelers because most of what we do on our phones today—from navigating with Google Maps to posting on Instagram—relies on data. By stripping away the traditional phone number, providers like Yoho Mobile can offer much more competitive and flexible data packages, saving you from expensive international roaming fees.
The Power of VoIP: Calling Over the Internet
This is where the magic happens. Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) is a technology that allows you to make voice and video calls using an internet connection instead of a traditional phone line. If you’ve ever used WhatsApp call, FaceTime Audio, or Skype, you’ve already used VoIP!
With a stable data connection from your Yoho Mobile eSIM, these apps work just as well abroad as they do at home. You can call anyone else who has the same app for free, or even call regular landlines and mobile numbers for a small fee using services like Skype Out.
Step-by-Step Guide: Making Calls with Your Data-Only eSIM
Ready to start making data only eSIM calls? It’s a simple, three-step process.
Step 1: Get a Reliable Data Connection
Your call quality depends entirely on your internet speed. That’s why choosing a high-quality eSIM is crucial. Yoho Mobile offers robust, high-speed data plans in over 200 countries and regions. Whether you’re traveling across Europe or backpacking through Southeast Asia, you can get a plan that fits your needs.
Simply choose your destination, select your data package, and install the eSIM in under a minute. For iOS users, it’s even easier—no QR code scanning needed, just tap ‘Install’ after purchase. Before you buy, make sure to check our eSIM compatible devices list.
Step 2: Choose Your Favorite VoIP App
Most of us already have these on our phones. The key is to ensure the person you’re calling also has the app installed for free app-to-app calls. Here are the most popular choices:
- WhatsApp: Ubiquitous, easy to use, and offers encrypted voice and video calls.
- FaceTime Audio: Perfect for calling other Apple users. It offers crystal-clear quality and uses surprisingly little data.
- Skype: A classic for a reason. Great for app-to-app calls and offers competitive rates for calling actual phone numbers (landlines and mobiles).
- Telegram/Signal: Known for their security features, both also offer excellent voice and video call functionality.
Step 3: Start Calling!
Once your eSIM is active and you have your app ready, just open the app and call your contact as you normally would. Your phone will automatically route the call over your eSIM’s data network. It’s that simple! You’re now making an international call without paying a cent in roaming charges.
Top VoIP Apps for Travelers: A Quick Comparison
| App | Best For | Calling Landlines/Mobiles? | External Link |
|---|---|---|---|
| Calling other WhatsApp users worldwide | No | Official WhatsApp Website | |
| FaceTime Audio | High-quality calls to other Apple users | No | Apple Support Page |
| Skype | Calling other Skype users and phone numbers | Yes (Paid, low rates) | Official Skype Website |
| Google Voice | Getting a free US number for calls/texts | Yes (Free to US/Canada) | Official Google Voice Website |
Why Yoho Mobile is Your Perfect Partner for VoIP Calling
Using VoIP apps abroad requires a data plan you can count on. That’s where Yoho Mobile shines.
- Flexible Plans: Don’t pay for what you don’t need. With Yoho Mobile, you can build your own plan by combining countries, data amounts, and days to create the perfect package for your trip.
- Global Coverage: Stay connected in the most popular destinations and off-the-beaten-path locations with our extensive network.
- Peace of Mind with Yoho Care: Ever worried about running out of data mid-call? Yoho Care has your back. Even if your plan’s high-speed data is depleted, we provide a backup connection to ensure you’re never completely offline.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How do I use WhatsApp with a data-only eSIM?
It’s easy! WhatsApp is tied to your primary phone number, not your SIM card. As long as your WhatsApp account is already set up, you can install a Yoho Mobile data-only eSIM and continue to use WhatsApp with your original number to make calls and send messages over the data network.
Can I receive calls on a data-only eSIM?
Yes, you can receive calls through any VoIP app. If someone calls you on WhatsApp, Skype, or FaceTime, it will come through just like a regular call, as long as you have a data connection. However, you cannot receive traditional calls to a phone number, because the eSIM doesn’t have one.
Is making international calls with eSIM data cheaper than roaming?
Almost always, yes. Roaming charges from traditional carriers can be incredibly expensive, often several dollars per minute. In contrast, a VoIP call uses a small amount of data. A 1GB data plan from Yoho Mobile could give you hundreds of minutes of talk time on an app like WhatsApp, making it a far more cost-effective solution.
Which VoIP app is best for international travel?
This depends on your needs. For calling other smartphone users, WhatsApp is the most universal. For calling landlines or businesses (like a hotel or airline), Skype is an excellent and affordable choice. For Apple users, FaceTime Audio provides fantastic quality.
Conclusion: Stay Connected Without the Bill Shock
Having a data-only eSIM doesn’t mean giving up on voice calls. It means upgrading to a smarter, more affordable way of communicating. By pairing a flexible and reliable data plan from Yoho Mobile with your favorite VoIP apps, you can talk for hours, share video calls from anywhere, and leave the fear of roaming charges behind.
Ready to travel smart? Explore Yoho Mobile’s eSIM plans today and unlock seamless global connectivity.