eSIM phone calls

I am not an Apple person, but on the surface this makes no sense.

The eSim is for cellular data and/or voice through a different carrier than your
home/US provider. If you purchase voice minutes as part of your eSim package,
you can make calls using that eSim.

Wifi calling requires no cellular data connection at all. So (as noted earlier, on
the surface), the eSiM is irrelevant.

Maybe there is some backdoor type of way this works, but it would be just that.
It would have to be if the wifi calling parameter was set, and there was no wifi.
But it would be just as likely that it defaults to nothing as opposed to using the
eSiM if one exists.

I use an eSIM and then make phone calls through what’s app on my iPhone. I haven’t tried anything else with an eSIM, so I’m unsure what works and what doesn’t when not using what’s App.

I think you need an Apple person to answer the OP's question. I believe I've read on this forum that recent Iphones CAN do that, make pseudo-wif calling calls with esim #2 data. But I'd like confirmation.

I can tell you that my recent Android phone cannot do that.

There is an option that works for Android and I'm sure, Apple. That is to take the first person's cellphone (with a data esim), and turn on "wifi hotspot". Then connect the second person's cellphone to that wifi hotspot, and be sure "wifi-calling" is turned on. Then the second cellphone can make calls or texts using it's primary sim (or esim), with the second cellphone's "normal" phone number. I have done this quite a bit in some remote areas where my primary sim network gives me no coverage, but my tablet or backup cellphone can get data from another network, using a Roamless or Bcengi esim. More hassle, but it works.

Hi. Recommend using WhatsApp for texts and calls. As long as the people you want to call text are on WhatsApp, I works great and is free, even for long calls. I only buy ESim for data, and that’s if T-Mobile doesn’t have free data coverage. Have a great trip.

Dual SIM iPhones can make WiFi calls. Either through WiFi or a second eSIM. I haven’t tried recently put did with my old iPhone 11. So probably 3 years ago. I was curious so I tried calling a friend using his cell number while out and about. It took a few rings but the call went through. I haven’t tried recently also received spam texts while away from WiFi so I presume it would work to send one too.

Do note that this probably relies on what capabilities your home cell provider allows. Have a great trip!

Rocket, Thank you. I've seen some references to that also. Apparently the eSIM will connect to it's home system, and then using the WiFi system on your pone the call proceeds through the eSIM's WiFi. Thank again, will have to keep doing research. Thanks, Rob

I'd be cautious about this. Phones capable of wifi calling generally may not be able to use that capability overseas. In my experience (Android only), wifi calling has been limited to my cell plan non-roaming area (i.e. the USA).

jphbucks, Thank you for the information. I had not come across that. Looks like more research and study. We do not leave for Belgium/Netherlands/Switzerland until May so I have some time. It might be tied to the eSIM provider. Will keep looking, but what we really need is the data for mapping, so the wifi calling with our own phone number is kind of an afterthought. Again thanks....Rob