How do E-sim apps work for international travel and can I keep my WhatsApp number if I cancel my home country contract?

E-SIM International Travel WhatsApp Number Thailand Philippines Vietnam Laos India Mexico Colombia Bali Portugal data plans mobile services

Feb 3, 2024

a year ago

Barney *******

ORIGINAL POSTER

Hi all, I’m planning a trip, possibly world wide.

I have seen E sim apps available for iPhone but curious to know how these work, I am considering travel to the following countries and would also like to keep my WhatsApp number but maybe cancelling my home country contract (New Zealand).

Any suggestions before I go down the rabbit hole?

Philippines

Thailand

Vietnam

Laos

India

Mexico

Columbia

Bali

Portugal

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TLDR : Answer Summary

The post discusses the use of E-sim apps for international travel, with a focus on maintaining a WhatsApp number while potentially canceling a home contract from New Zealand. Comments suggest various providers like Airalo, the importance of researching local data providers in each country, and tips for transferring WhatsApp communication to a new number while ensuring the original number remains active.

Martin ********

REMEMBER to have both old number and new number active everytime you get new number so you can transfere your whole WA communication onto the new number!

a year ago

Tk *******

In Thailand you’ll need your physical passport to get an e-sim.

a year ago

Declan **********

Airalo

a year ago

Bob **********

You’ll need a new sim for each country

a year ago

Lay *******

I'm pretty sure that you have to keep your phone service in your country if you want to keep your whatsapp number. That is if it's attached to your current phone. If you cancel your phone service and that same number is assigned to another person and they decide to use WhatsApp, then you will lose your whatsapp. At least that's my understanding of it.

a year ago

Pauline *******

Paddy Doyle on YouTube explains it all very simply, he promotes the airalo brand but there are many others. In fact if you're planning world travel he is worth a watch in general for you.

a year ago

Pop ********

I generally get an esim on Arrival , whatever tariff you need ...obviously do a little research before onward travel to next country to which providers are best for data etc ....

a year ago

John ********

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a year ago

Reply to

John ********

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