I just purchased a new iPhone and I need to understand how dual SIM works. So, as I understand it, I would go to a cell phone carrier (like Boutique Orange) in Paris. Rather than purchase a SIM card, I purchase a data plan and I would scan a QR code into my phone to activate the second SIM card. Does this cover phone calls, text and data, or just data? Do I need to turn off my primary SIM card on my phone? Can I just place my primary SIM in airplane mode to prevent any unwanted charges? I am really confused about how it works. Has anyone used dual SIM and can explain it to me? Thanks for any help you can provide.
Posted by
Portland, Oregon
5687 posts
Having dual SIM cards means, of course, that you can have two SIM cards in the phone at once. It makes the most sense if you already have a SIM for home service you might want to use occasionally but might want to get a second SIM in Paris just for cheap data, local calls, etc. Having two SIM slots is a convenience so you don't have to keep swapping them if you want to use both around the same time.
Or does your new phone have an "eSIM" built in? Then you can activate a plan without buying a physical SIM card, if your eSIM isn't being used by your current mobile service. If it is being used already by your existing service...then you'd buy a second physical SIM for the phone for local data.
I've never used an iPhone for this. My old Android dual SIM phone had the ability to control each SIM individually - enable/disable, etc. I'm guessing an iPhone is similar - you'd be able to control them separately.
Posted by
Portland, Oregon
5687 posts
This may help:
Posted by
755 posts
If you have an iPhone with an eSIM, this recent thread will be helpful eSIM for travel . The OP had an iPhone with eSIM. Her carrier used the regular SIM for her service, and left the eSIM blank. In order to get a pay as you go SIM (only available as a physical SIM), she had her carrier move her regular service to the eSIM.
I just checked the Orange website and they will only activate an eSIM for a regular monthly service plan (not available for travelers without a permanent local residence and French bank account). So you would need to be sure your local carrier service is on the eSIM. Then you will be able to use the Pay as you go plans like Orange Holiday in the regular SIM.
Posted by
Hampshire, UK
406 posts
Not sure I can add much here except to say that I've used a dual sim android phone for several years, and it has proved invaluable when travelling.
I try and buy the best data only deal available in the country I'm visiting, and this sometimes means no local calls or texts.
In this case I disable data on my normal sim, set all data transactions to the new sim - and then tend to use Whatsapp, Google Hangouts or messenger to stay in touch.
The only place where I have regretted my choice of sim was Rome - my data only Italian sim card did not allow me to send or receive text messages, so I was unable to register for the free wifi available at many points in the city (Which required an Italian mobile number and a confirmatory text in reply) - this was some years ago, it may have changed since then.