Whether you’re hopping across continents or taking a weekend getaway, staying connected often means more than just using messaging apps. Our recent weekly poll asked: “Do you ever need to receive calls or SMS while traveling abroad?”

The responses offer a glimpse into how modern travelers balance convenience, cost, and communication needs.

The Poll At a Glance

Nearly 42% rely solely on internet messaging and VoIP, while only a quarter consider voice/SMS essential, and 8% need SMS selectively—for account verification like 2FA.

1. Understanding the Usage Patterns

a) Data‑only Approach: The New Normal (~42%)

Many travelers opt for data‑only eSIMs, using WhatsApp, FaceTime, or Telegram rather than traditional voice or SMS calls. This is particularly common as eSIM providers offer affordable data plans—with global/regional coverage and simple activation via QR code. Users appreciate the convenience, and it’s especially ideal if receiving SMS or calls isn’t a priority.

b) Voice/SMS Still Relevant (33% total)nomad

A quarter of respondents see voice or SMS as essential, likely for emergencies, contacting accommodations, or staying reachable for unexpected needs. Another 8% enable only SMS for two‑factor authentication—keeping their primary number active while using an eSIM for data. User-collected stories highlight that data‑only eSIMs don’t carry your original number, so SMS may not reach you unless you keep your home SIM active.

2. eSIM Phone vs Data Capabilities

Data‑Only eSIMs

• Most affordable and widely available (Airalo, Nomad, Holafly, Saily, etc.)
• Do not include voice/SMS functionality—rely solely on internet apps
• Ideal for travelers who use data extensively but don’t need traditional telecom services.

Full Voice/SMS eSIMs

• Available from select providers like Orange Travel and some European operators.
• Typically more expensive and often include a foreign number (e.g. French country code)
• Can support calls/texts at fixed per-minute/message rates or via Wi‑Fi calling — e.g. Orange provides French-numbered plans with voice/SMS in ~33 countries.

3. Market Trends & Growth Forecasts

Rapid Adoption

• Travel eSIM usage is projected to grow from 40 million users in 2024 to over 215 million by 2028—a nearly 440% increase.
• The global travel eSIM market is expected to grow from USD ≈365 million in 2024 to USD 816 million by 2031, at ~12.4% CAGR

Telco Competition & Consumer Savings

• Traditional carriers are enhancing roaming perks to compete with cheaper eSIM alternatives, especially around holidays when foreign travel peaks.
• Travel reports show that using roaming eSIMs helped a traveler save USD 142 compared to standard roaming passes on a two-week Europe trip.
• Confusion over roaming can lead to surprise bills—eSIMs are touted as a more transparent way to avoid such fees.

4. Recommendations Based on Poll Results

• If you’re in the 41.67% who only need chat or VoIP: a data-only eSIM is efficient, cheap, and easy. Providers like Airalo, Saily, Holafly, and Nomad offer excellent global/regional plans.
• For the 8.33% concerned about SMS/2FA: keep your home SIM active (with data roaming off) to continue receiving messages securely, while routing data through your eSIM.
• For the 25% who find voice/SMS essential: explore providers like Orange Travel, which offer eSIM plans with voice and text service—even if they assign a secondary number—and consider the added cost.

5. Top Provider Breakdown (2025 Scene)

• Airalo: praised as best overall for global coverage, low prices, and availability of voice/SMS plans
• Saily: standout for affordability, ease of use, and customer support—but limited to data-only plans
• Holafly: strong for unlimited data options (up to 90-day packages)
• Nomad: versatile and reliable for short or extended travel; data-focused
• Orange Travel: top option if voice/text services are needed, albeit with a foreign-number model and moderate costs
• Ubigi: Offers full-featured eSIMs including data and voice/SMS in select countries. Great for business travelers needing direct communication.
• Airhub: Versatile eSIM marketplace with strong regional plans and occasional promos. Offers both data-only and full plans in some markets.

Here is this week poll:

Conclusion

The poll reveals a clear generational shift: Internet messaging via data is now dominant for most travelers, with traditional voice/SMS being essential only in specific cases. As eSIM adoption expands—projected to multiply by over 4x by 2028—these digital SIMs are redefining how travelers stay connected globally. Whether you prioritize affordability, verification capability, or direct voice contact, modern eSIM options are available to suit your needs.