Planning a trip abroad but don't want to miss important calls to your Italian number? Maybe you're wondering if you can keep your SIM active for calls and texts while using an international eSIM for cheaper internet browsing.
It's a question thousands of travelers ask themselves every day. The good news? Yes, you can do both—and in this article, we'll explain exactly how it works and how to configure your smartphone to take full advantage of this dual connectivity.
THE ANSWER IS SIMPLE
Yes, you can absolutely receive calls on your SIM card from my country and use the internet with a foreign eSIM at the same time.
Most modern smartphones support Dual SIM functionality , which allows you to use two phone lines at the same time: one physical (your home SIM) and one digital (the international eSIM).
In practice it works like this:
My country's SIM card remains active for incoming/outgoing calls and SMS.
The foreign eSIM only manages data traffic (internet)
Configure your phone to assign each service to the correct SIM, and you're done. No crazy data roaming charges, but you'll always be available on your regular number.
HOW IT WORKS TECHNICALLY (DUAL SIM + ESIM)
eSIM-compatible smartphones have a dual SIM management mode :
Dual SIM Setup (Physical SIM + eSIM)
Physical SIM from my country : assigned to calls and SMS
Foreign eSIM : assigned to mobile data
This is possible thanks to the "Dual SIM Dual Standby" (DSDS) feature , present on most iPhones (from XS onwards), Samsung Galaxy, Google Pixel and other recent devices.
What you can do:
Making and receiving calls with an Italian number
Send SMS from my country's SIM
Surf the Internet using a foreign eSIM (often cheaper or with unlimited plans)
What you need to know:
The phone must be unlocked (not tied to a carrier)
You only need to activate roaming on your SIM card in my country if you also want to use it for data (but it's not necessary if you use the eSIM for internet).
In the settings, select which SIM to use for mobile data (choose the foreign eSIM)
Device Compatibility:
iPhone : XS, XR, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16 and Pro/Max versions
Samsung : Galaxy S20+, S21+, S22+, S23, S24, Z Fold/Flip (recent models)
Google Pixel : 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 (all with eSIM)
Others : Oppo, Xiaomi, Motorola (check model specifications)
Check your device directly on the BLIVALE website. If your device isn't listed, contact BLIVALE directly, providing the device brand and model.
If you are thinking of taking a trip alone or with friends or for work, do not forget the importance of staying connected wherever you are. For unlimited Internet connection, contact BLIVALE where you can get unlimited Internet according to the destinations:
For unlimited plans like data BLIVALE guarantees free roaming anywhere in the world, no additional or hidden costs. Don't let the lack of connection stop you; get ready to explore the world with freedom and spontaneity.
PRACTICAL GUIDE: HOW TO SET UP YOUR SMARTPHONE
Step 1: Check eSIM compatibility
Go to Settings > Cellular/Mobile (iPhone) or Connections > SIM Management (Android)
If you see the "Add data plan" or "Add eSIM" option, you are compatible.
Step 2: Install the foreign eSIM
Buy an eSIM from an international provider (such as BLIVALE)
Receive the QR code via email
Scan the QR code from your phone settings
Assign a name to the eSIM (e.g. "Internet Abroad")
Step 3: Set up lines
On iPhone :
Go to Settings > Cellular
Tap "Main line" (My country SIM) > Activate this line
Tap "Secondary line" (foreign eSIM) > Activate this line
In "Cellular Data" select the foreign eSIM
In "Default line" for calls, leave the SIM of my country
Su Android:
Go to Settings > Connections > SIM Management
Activate both SIMs
In "Preferred SIM for mobile data" choose the foreign eSIM
In "Preferred SIM for calls" leave the SIM of my country
Step 4: Turn off data roaming on my country SIM
This avoids accidental charges
My country SIM will still work for calls/SMS
Tips to avoid common mistakes:
Do not physically remove my country's SIM : it remains in the slot, it will be active for calls
Always check which SIM is using data : an app can accidentally use the wrong SIM
Activate your eSIM before you leave : some eSIMs only activate when you connect to a foreign network.
Check coverage : Make sure the eSIM supports the destination country
THE BLIVALE SOLUTION: SIMPLE, GLOBAL, UNLIMITED
If you want to avoid surprises during your travels, BLIVALE offers international eSIM and SIM cards with unlimited free roaming in over 200 countries and regions .
Why choose BLIVALE:
✅ Instant activation : receive the QR code via email and install the eSIM in 2 minutes
✅ Global roaming : works in Europe, Asia, the Americas, Oceania and Africa
✅ Unlimited data : no traffic limits, no surprises on your bill
✅ App management : check consumption, top-ups and plans directly from your smartphone
✅ No hidden costs : fixed, transparent price, no strings attached
With BLIVALE, you can keep your local SIM active for calls and texts, while browsing worry-free with a global eSIM. No hassle, just reliable connectivity wherever you are.
CONCLUSION
Receiving calls on your home SIM and using the internet with a foreign eSIM is not only possible, but it's also the smartest solution for staying connected while traveling without exorbitant costs.
Thanks to Dual SIM technology, you can manage two lines simultaneously: one to stay reachable on your usual number, the other to surf freely abroad.
Our advice? Check your smartphone's compatibility now, configure your lines correctly, and choose a reliable provider like BLIVALE for worry-free connectivity in over 200 countries.
Discover BLIVALE solutions and activate your international eSIM today!
