If you’re traveling abroad and you need more than just data—if you want to make local calls, receive SMS verification codes, or have a local number for convenience—a data‑only eSIM won’t be enough. You need an eSIM that includes a local phone number with voice and SMS capabilities. But not all eSIMs with numbers are created equal. Some come from global providers, some from local carriers, and the features, costs, and coverage vary widely. This guide breaks down the best options for eSIMs with phone numbers, helping you choose based on your destination, trip length, and communication needs.
First, let’s understand the landscape. Most travel‑focused eSIMs (like Airalo, Nomad, Holafly) are data‑only. They give you internet access but no phone number. If you need a local number, you have two main avenues: **local carrier eSIMs** (from mobile operators in your destination country) and **global eSIM providers that offer voice plans** (a smaller but growing category). Local carrier eSIMs typically offer the most reliable voice service, a real local number, and often the best value for longer stays. Global providers with voice options are more convenient—you can buy and install before departure—but their voice offerings are limited to certain countries and may have higher rates.

So, which eSIMs with phone numbers are worth considering? Let’s break them down by region and type.
**Local Carrier eSIMs** are available in most countries. These are prepaid eSIMs from the local mobile operator. They include a local phone number, voice calls, SMS, and data. They’re often the best value for stays of a week or more. Here are some examples:
**United States**: T‑Mobile’s “Tourist Plan” (available at T‑Mobile stores and airports) offers 15GB or 30GB of data, unlimited talk and text, and a US number for around $30–$40 for 30 days. Verizon and AT&T also offer prepaid eSIMs with voice and local numbers, starting around $40–$50 per month. These are ideal if you need a US number for calls or SMS verification.
**Japan**: NTT Docomo’s “Japan Welcome SIM” and IIJmio’s “Japan Travel eSIM” both offer voice and data options. You can purchase them online or at airport kiosks. A typical plan includes 20GB of data, a Japanese number, and sometimes limited calling for around ¥3,000–¥4,000 ($20–$27).
**South Korea**: SK Telecom and KT both offer tourist eSIMs with voice and data. These include a Korean number and can be purchased at the airport or online. Plans start around ₩30,000–₩50,000 ($22–$37) for 10–30GB with voice.
**Thailand**: AIS and TrueMove offer tourist eSIMs with local numbers. AIS’s “AIS Tourist eSIM” includes 15GB of data, unlimited calls within Thailand, and a Thai number for around ฿300–฿500 ($8–$14). Available at airport kiosks.
**Europe**: Many European carriers offer prepaid eSIMs with local numbers. Orange’s “Orange Holiday” eSIM (available in France, Spain, etc.) includes a European number and works across the EU. Prices vary by country.

**Global eSIM Providers with Voice** are a newer option. These providers offer eSIMs that include a local number in select countries, often from a second‑country (like a UK or US number) that roams. This can be convenient if you want to buy everything before departure, but voice quality and SMS reliability can vary. Examples include:
**Holafly** now offers eSIMs with a local number in several countries, including the US, UK, Spain, and Italy. These plans include unlimited data plus a local number for calls and SMS. They’re more expensive than data‑only Holafly plans but offer the convenience of a single purchase.
**Airalo** has introduced “Airalo Local” eSIMs in some countries (like the US, UK, Japan) that include a local number with voice and SMS. These are available for select destinations and can be purchased through their app.
**Nomad** offers voice‑enabled eSIMs in a growing number of countries, including the US, UK, and several European nations. They’re data‑plus‑voice plans with a local number.
**BNESIM** and **KnowRoaming** are global SIM providers that offer eSIMs with a phone number (often a UK or US number) that works in multiple countries. These are good for travelers who visit many countries and want a single number that works across borders.

So which should you choose? Let’s match them to travel scenarios.
**Scenario 1: Short trip to a single country (1–2 weeks), need local number for calls or SMS.** If you’re going to a country like the US, Japan, or Thailand and you need a local number for services like ride‑hailing, restaurant reservations, or SMS verification, a local carrier eSIM purchased at the airport is your best bet. It’s affordable, reliable, and gives you a genuine local number. For example, in Thailand, AIS’s tourist eSIM gives you a Thai number, 15GB of data, and unlimited local calls for around $10. You can set it up in minutes upon arrival.
**Scenario 2: Longer stay (2 weeks or more), need a local number for business or long‑term convenience.** Again, local carrier eSIMs are the way to go. They offer the best value and the most reliable voice service. In the US, a T‑Mobile or Verizon prepaid eSIM with unlimited talk, text, and data for $40–$50 per month is ideal. In Europe, Orange’s prepaid eSIM with a European number and generous data is a strong choice.
**Scenario 3: Multi‑country trip, want a single number that works across borders.** If you’re visiting multiple countries (e.g., a Europe tour or a trip covering several Asian countries), a global eSIM provider with a roaming voice number might be more convenient. BNESIM or KnowRoaming offer eSIMs with a UK or US number that works in dozens of countries. You’ll have a single number for calls and SMS, though rates may be higher than local options. Voice quality is generally good, and you can manage everything from one app.
**Scenario 4: Short trip, want the convenience of pre‑departure setup.** If you prefer to have everything set up before you leave, a global provider with a voice eSIM is appealing. Holafly’s eSIM with a local number in the US or Europe allows you to buy and install before departure, so you have data and a number the moment you land. It’s more expensive than local options, but the convenience is worth it for many travelers.

I recently helped two friends with different needs choose eSIMs with phone numbers.
One friend was traveling to the US for a month for work. He needed a local US number for business calls and SMS verification for banking. I recommended a Verizon prepaid eSIM. He purchased it online before his trip, activated it upon arrival, and had unlimited talk, text, and 15GB of data for $45. The local number worked flawlessly for all his needs.
Another friend was taking a two‑week trip to Thailand, Vietnam, and Cambodia. She wanted a single number that would work across all three countries for receiving SMS from her bank and making occasional calls. I recommended BNESIM’s global eSIM with a UK number. She installed it before departure, and it worked in all three countries. She had data, a consistent number for calls and SMS, and didn’t need to buy separate local SIMs.
A few important considerations when choosing an eSIM with a phone number:
**Registration**: Local carrier eSIMs often require passport registration. This is quick and standard, but be prepared to show your passport.
**SMS verification**: If you need to receive SMS verification codes (for banking, ride‑hailing apps, etc.), ensure the eSIM includes SMS capability. Some voice‑only eSIMs may not support SMS.
**Voice rates**: Check rates for calls, especially if you’ll be calling non‑local numbers. Local carrier eSIMs typically offer unlimited local calls; global providers may charge per minute.
**Number portability**: If you plan to keep the number for future trips, some local carrier eSIMs can be recharged online. Global provider numbers are usually reusable across trips.
Ultimately, the best eSIM with a phone number depends on your destination, trip length, and whether you prioritize convenience or value. For short trips where you want to set up before departure, global providers with voice eSIMs are convenient. For longer stays or when you need a true local number, local carrier eSIMs offer better value and reliability. With the right choice, you can make calls, receive SMS, and stay connected just like a local. For an eSIM with a phone number, local carrier eSIMs offer the best value and reliability for single‑country stays, providing a genuine local number with voice and SMS. Global providers with voice eSIMs offer convenience for pre‑departure setup and multi‑country travel. Choose based on destination, trip length, and whether you need SMS verification.
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