Will calls and SMS still work on my normal number?
Your usual number stays put. A Drift eSIM provides data only: it does not replace your phone number: so your regular calls and texts keep arriving on your home SIM or home eSIM as before. Most travelers keep their home line active for calls and SMS while using the Drift eSIM for data, then make calls over the internet with WhatsApp, FaceTime, or similar apps to avoid roaming charges on the home line.
Data on one line, your number on the other
On a dual-SIM phone you run two lines at once: your home SIM keeps your phone number for calls and SMS, and the Drift eSIM carries data. Set the eSIM as your data line and leave your home line for voice and texts. Your number does not move and nothing changes about how people reach you.
Your home line can still incur your own carrier’s roaming charges for calls and texts abroad. Many travelers turn off data roaming on the home line and keep it only for the occasional call, letting the Drift eSIM handle all data.
Calling and texting while you travel
Because the Drift eSIM is data-only, calls over the internet are the cheap way to stay in touch: WhatsApp, FaceTime, Signal, or Messenger all run on your eSIM data. For SMS, data-based messaging apps avoid your home carrier’s international texting fees. This works the same across Asia.
FAQ
Does a Drift eSIM give me a new phone number?
No. It is data-only. Your existing number stays on your home SIM or home eSIM for calls and texts.
Will I still get my normal calls and texts abroad?
Yes, as long as your home line is active. It stays on your usual number; the Drift eSIM just adds data alongside it.
How do I make calls without roaming charges?
Use data-based apps like WhatsApp or FaceTime over your Drift eSIM data, and keep data roaming off on your home line to avoid its charges.
Browse every setup and troubleshooting topic in the Drift Asia Help Center.