The answer is yes, you can receive SMS messages from your original phone number in France and Spain, but you need to configure your phone settings carefully and be aware of potential costs for anything other than receiving the messages.
Here is the breakdown of how to make this work using your Dual SIM/eSIM functionality:
1. The Key: Keep Your Home SIM Active (But Block Data)
Your home carrier is responsible for receiving the standard SMS text message (like bank OTPs, two-factor authentication codes, etc.) sent to your original phone number.
To receive these messages without incurring massive data roaming charges, you must set up your phone to use the two lines for different purposes:
| SIM Line | Function | Status | Setting |
|---|---|---|---|
| Home SIM/Line | Calls & SMS | ON | Data Roaming: OFF |
| Travel Data eSIM | Mobile Data | ON | Mobile Data: Selected |
By keeping your home line ON but turning Data Roaming OFF for that line, your phone will connect to the local cellular network just enough to receive the low-bandwidth SMS signal, but it won't be able to use your expensive home data plan for internet access.
2. Receiving SMS Messages
- Incoming SMS: In nearly all cases worldwide, receiving a standard text message (SMS) from your home number is free, even while roaming. This is how you will get your security codes, bank alerts, etc.
- iMessage/WhatsApp: Messaging apps like iMessage (iPhone to iPhone) or WhatsApp will use the Travel Data eSIM connection to send and receive messages because they rely on internet data, not the traditional cellular SMS service. These messages will also be free, as they are covered by your data-only eSIM plan.
3. Potential Costs to Be Aware Of
While receiving SMS is usually free, other functions on your home number will likely incur charges:
| Action | Cost Status | Recommendation |
|---|---|---|
| Receiving SMS | FREE (in most cases) | Safe to do. |
| Sending SMS | CHARGED (Pay-per-use roaming rate) | AVOID using your home number to send texts. |
| Receiving a Phone Call | CHARGED (Pay-per-minute roaming rate) | AVOID answering calls on your home number. |
| Making a Phone Call | CHARGED (Pay-per-minute roaming rate) | AVOID making calls on your home number. |
Summary of Setup Steps:
- Install/Activate your new data-only eSIM for France/Spain.
- Go to your phone's Settings (Cellular/Mobile Data).
- Ensure your Home SIM/Line is ON.
- For your Home SIM/Line, find the Data Roaming setting and make sure it is OFF.
- Set your Travel Data eSIM as your primary line for Mobile Data.
- (Optional but Recommended) If your home carrier supports Wi-Fi Calling while abroad, enable it. This will allow you to send/receive calls and texts on your home number over the eSIM's data connection when you are on Wi-Fi, often at domestic rates (but check with your carrier!).
By following these steps, you can use the cheap data from your travel eSIM while keeping your primary phone number active to receive those essential SMS messages.