Question
Is there an eSIM that allows you to have a phone in Spain (Spaain based phone number) for non-WiFi calling? Would like to keep US based phone number for future return to US but also have the ability to make non-WiFi calls in Spain.
US-based service is AT&T with iPhone 15. Don’t want to use the AT&T international plan, as it is too expensive. Will be in Cantabria for a year initially.
Answers
These are the answers of Spainguru’s Facebook group members:
“You can have two eSIMs on your phone at the same time. The reason it probably didn’t have a number was if it was one of those eSIMs through an app like Airalo since yes, those just give you data and not an actual phone number.
When you get to Spain just head to any mobile store (Vodafone, Orange, etc.) and tell them you want a plan. You’ll get an eSIM with data & a phone number. The iPhone can run two at the same time. When you make calls you will be able to choose which number to make the call from. Your phone will be able to receive calls as normal. Hope this helps!”
“Your phone can usually have 2 eSIMs running at the same time. If your AT&T plan is a physical SIM you can leave that in and configure your settings to run off the Spanish eSIM.
Most, if not all, phone companies in Spain that offer a mobile plan will offer an eSIM option. You can use that while in Spain. I have Vodafone and I can still receive calls from Spain when I’m visiting the USA through the eSIM.”
“Orange offers a holiday eSIM with a phone number. It is really pricey though. I too have the iPhone 15. I think that once you get to Spain you will be able to get one from Orange.”
“We can both offer you local eSIM (we are Spanish operator) and host your U.S. number (we are a U.S. operator as well). In Spain we have the brands Costanet (mainly consumer – mobile and fiber internet) & Comtalk (b2b market only). Contacts are month to month based / no long term commitment.”
“Transfer your US number to something cheaper than paying AT&T monthly just to keep the number. We used MagicJack and it’s like $50 a year. Do it before you leave the US.”
“Yes, DIGI eSIM.”
“I have two eSIMs on my iPhone and can toggle the phone numbers on and off. In Spain, there are a handful of mobile phone companies that you’ll be able to use to get an eSIM for your iPhone. I have O2, for about €10/mo.”
“I have this with Vodafone.”
“Lobster Mobile- get a number in Spain and choose an eSIM option.”
“For a great deal get on a Lobster plan. All calls to USA are FREE. Buy a cheap Chinese phone in Spain for €60-80 and you’re set. On your USA ATT phone leave a message to call you on your euro phone # through WhatsApp. That way USA people pay no $$. And you call back on your euro phone on lobster network. You put your iPhone and watch on airplane mode while in Spain. Use your USA phone for texting and FB FREE on internet. Turn OFF roaming in your ATT phone.”
Conclusion
Navigating the use of eSIMs in Spain while maintaining a US number involves a variety of options.
From utilizing dual eSIM capabilities on modern smartphones to exploring specific offers from Spanish and international mobile providers, expats can effectively manage their communication needs across borders.
Setting up before departure, particularly converting a US SIM to a more affordable plan or using services like MagicJack, can also offer significant savings.
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