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Roamly plans are data only: no phone number of their own, no traditional calls or SMS. In practice that’s rarely a problem.

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Calling and messaging over data

Any app that works on Wi-Fi works on your Roamly data: WhatsApp, iMessage, FaceTime, Messenger, Signal, Telegram, Zoom, Google Meet. Calls and video calls to other app users are free. Need to ring a local restaurant or a landline? Apps like Skype and Google Voice call ordinary numbers for a small fee.

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What happens to my normal number?

Your normal SIM stays in the phone, so your number still works. What it costs depends on your home carrier’s roaming rules:
  • Receiving texts is usually free, so codes from your bank still arrive.
  • Receiving or making calls and sending texts on your normal SIM may attract roaming charges. Check with your carrier before you go.
  • Data on your normal SIM should be off, so your carrier can’t charge you for it. See I’m being charged roaming by my home carrier.
If you don’t need your number while you’re away, switching the normal SIM off for the trip removes any chance of charges. Switch it back on when you land at home and everything is as it was.

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Tips

  • Set up WhatsApp and any app calling before you leave, while you’re on Wi-Fi.
  • Tell the people who ring you to use WhatsApp or FaceTime for the trip.
  • Two-factor codes by SMS need the normal SIM’s line switched on (with data roaming off). If you’ve turned it off, turn it on briefly to receive the code.