data only esim google wallet/Whatsap

We have an iPhone 13 and use the wallet on our phone as well as WhatsApp and used an Airalo eSIM two different times as of now. At least for WhatsApp the phone number is only needed to set up the service. You don’t need to do anything more. I am not sure about the wallet. We put or credit cards on it before we left home and used it with no problem so I can tell you that we had no problem using the credit cards on the wallet or in using WhatsApp.

We did carry our credit cards with us as a backup but the phone is so much easier since I usually had it in my hand to take pictures.

I just used WhatsApp in Borneo and Singapore with an Airalo eSIM. No issues using it with my regular sim turned off. I suspect with the wallet, they just need the phone number to text a code to verify at setup and then it should be good to go.

KB is right te Google Wallet - the phone no is only needed for setup, ditto with WhatsApp, so perfectly fine to have a data only eSIM. The only issue you (hopefully won't) come across is that if your bank detects suspected fraudulent activity, they may call or text you in your US number.

The only issue you (hopefully won't) come across is that if your bank detects suspected fraudulent activity, they may call or text you in your US number.

Very true, which is why one needs to keep one's US SIM installed rather than removing it when one uses a European SIM.

Very true, which is why one needs to keep one's US SIM installed rather than removing it when one uses a European SIM.

That's true, but you're using an eSIM, there's no need to remove the US SIM. You just switch it back and forth in the settings.

That's true, but you're using an eSIM, there's no need to remove the US SIM. You just switch it back and forth in the settings.

That was my point, though clearly I didn't make it clearly enough.

I'd picked up on the OP saying that his wife has Tracfone service and "no possibility of using it in Europe", so thought he meant she wouldn't have roaming (and hence access to her US service to receive calls/texts from the bank. Not being an American I wasn't sure what Tracfone was :)

But generally yes, if you use an eSIM, keep your physical SIM installed for important inbound calls and texts. I have a dual SIM phone so do the same.

Thank you all for the replies. Very helpful information.

I'd picked up on the OP saying that his wife has Tracfone service and "no possibility of using it in Europe", so thought he meant she wouldn't have roaming (and hence access to her US service to receive calls/texts from the bank. Not being an American I wasn't sure what Tracfone was :)

This is correct...sorry for the jargon. :-) Tracfone does not support international anything but it's inexpensive. No roaming...no cell plan at all. I recently got her a phone with esim capability that she uses with the limited service here. But not much, I think she may go through a grand total of 10GB of data a year. So, she is not current with technology or using it much...still uses a flip phone for everyday life but is learning. My phone will work in Europe and all the "is it you making this purchase" texts go to that phone.

We haven't been to Europe since cell phones were less common so this is all new to us. It is very helpful to have the clarification that she can use Whatsap and Google Wallet with a data only/no possibility of her US sim working scenario. We've been reading tons of information but couldn't ever seem to pick that out.

Much appreciate the help!!!!

Another twist, not mentioned, is that you do not need cell service or data to use Apple or Google wallet. The NFC communication works independently of a connection. You should connect to service or WiFi periodically, daily is suggested.

Please enlighten me as to why people pay way more for eSim than they would for physical Sim? Why not just do roaming if cost is no problem? I really don't see the advantages at this point.

Please enlighten me as to why people pay way more for eSim than they would for physical Sim? Why not just do roaming if cost is no problem? I really don't see the advantages at this point.

1. People don't pay more for eSIMs than for physical SIMs. Not sure why you thought they do.

2. Using either travel SIMs or eSIMs is purely a cost saving tactic. If cost is not a concern, as you suggest there's no purpose served.

Using either travel SIMs or eSIMs is purely a cost saving tactic. If cost is not a concern, as you suggest there's no purpose served.

And even if the cost for roaming is more than what a SIM or eSIM is, the savings may not be worth the hassle.

When I travel, I use my regular cell service, Google Fi, for that I pay $10 per Gig of Data, but no other cost, except for cost of calls. I do use more data when traveling, and for the cost of 2 or 3 Gigs, I could get a SIM with 10 or 20 Gigs of data...but, it just is not worth the hassle of getting the SIM, switching back and forth, etc. Even maxing out my cost (after 10 gigs data is free) it is still a bargain in total.

Paul, for you it's a hassle. For some of the rest of us, it's a bit of a game. ;o)

The reason we aren't just adding roaming to my wife's phone is simply because it is not an option. Her regular service in the US doesn't participate in any international roaming.

The Airalo esim is working great in France and UK. We got a minimal amount of data since she doesn't use much with top-off potential.

As a twist, I did just put roaming on my plan with a different company that does have international capacity and my data has not worked in France. I'll have to discuss with my carrier when I return but I was able to use wifi to get an esim so I could continue working.

"People don't pay more for eSIMs than for physical SIMs. Not sure why you thought they do.'

It's not a question of eSIM v physical SIM, but more whether it's worth buying a SIM with a local carrier or buying a travel eSIM. In mt experience, travel eSIMs can work out to be a bit more expensive. But they have the convenience factor in their favour v having to go to a shop in the country you're visiting and buy a physical SIM with a local carrier.

And on the roaming v SIM debate, I have roaming as well - my carrier charges $10 a month for almost unlimited data roaming for most countries so it's worth it. I do have a local physical SIM for some countries where I know I'll need to make calls to fixed phone lines, or I want people to be able to call me on the normal phone network.

I've not found a local cell provider in the UK who will sell me a short term SIM plan.

My wife, yes, but then again she gets whatever she wants, wherever she goes.

That’s so odd. I have never had an issue getting an EE or Vodafone shop in London sell me a SIM card and plan. Years ago there was occasionally an issue with activation which required a return visit to the shop. They changed years ago to pre activated cards. Often I have service before leaving the shop.

"I've not found a local cell provider in the UK who will sell me a short term SIM plan."

All the carriers offer pay as you go - I'm not sure why you weren't offered one of the many options available.

All the carriers offer pay as you go - I'm not sure why you weren't offered one of the many options available.

I require eSIM, which the providers tell me they can't give me without a permanent UK address. I have no idea why they have such a rule; you'd need to ask them.

EDIT: Apparently this is not a rule everywhere. The shops in Edinburgh have no problem selling me a PAYGO plan, including eSIM. Why I got a different message in London and Bristol is a mystery. Unfortunately I already spent more online with Sparks. Working well, though.