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Data-Only eSIM: Your Polish Number, Bank SMS Codes and WhatsApp Abroad
Added: 21.08.2026,
Updated: 21.08.2026,
TL;DR A data-only eSIM (such as XOXO) provides mobile internet only — it does not come with a phone number, SMS or traditional voice calls. Your Polish number and SMS messages, including bank 2FA codes, remain on your primary SIM thanks to Dual SIM Dual Standby (DSDS). When travelling, you can disable data roaming on your primary SIM while keeping it active for incoming SMS. WhatsApp and iMessage can remain linked to your Polish number as long as you do not use the “Change Number” feature. A travel eSIM or mobile router also reduces your reliance on public WiFi.
Planning a trip abroad and want to avoid high roaming bills, but worried about losing access to your Polish number, bank SMS codes or WhatsApp account? You can use a travel eSIM for mobile data while keeping your regular SIM active for your phone number and text messages.
The key is understanding that your mobile data connection and your phone number can be handled by two different SIM profiles at the same time. In this guide, we explain how to configure your phone so you can keep your Polish number, receive authentication codes and use messaging apps while getting mobile internet through a data-only eSIM.
What Is a Data-Only eSIM and How Is It Different from an eSIM with a Phone Number?
A data-only eSIM is an eSIM profile designed exclusively for mobile data. It generally does not provide a traditional phone number and cannot be used for standard cellular voice calls or SMS messages.
This is the main difference between a data-only eSIM and a voice/SMS eSIM, which works more like a traditional SIM card but in digital form.
The easiest way to understand the setup is:
- Mobile internet = data-only eSIM. It provides internet access for maps, browsers, social media and apps.
- Polish number and SMS = your primary SIM. Your regular Polish SIM remains responsible for your phone number, traditional calls and text messages.
XOXO eSIM plans are data-only. They are designed to provide mobile internet abroad rather than a new phone number for traditional calls and SMS.
Messaging apps such as WhatsApp, Messenger, Viber, Telegram and Signal work over the internet. They do not require the travel eSIM itself to have a phone number. As long as your phone has an internet connection, you can continue using these apps.
How to Keep Your Polish Number with Dual SIM (DSDS)
The technology that allows you to keep your Polish SIM active while using an eSIM for data is known as Dual SIM Dual Standby (DSDS).
The basic principle is simple: both SIM profiles can remain active, while you choose which one should provide mobile data.
Configure the lines as follows:
- Primary SIM with your Polish number = calls and SMS.
- XOXO eSIM = mobile data.
Many modern smartphones support a combination of a physical SIM and an eSIM, while some newer devices also support two active eSIM profiles. Exact Dual SIM capabilities vary by phone model and region.
A typical configuration looks like this:
- Install your XOXO eSIM using the QR code provided after purchase.
- Open your phone's mobile network settings.
- Select the XOXO eSIM as the mobile data line.
- Keep your Polish SIM active for calls and SMS.
- Disable automatic mobile data switching if your phone offers this feature.
- Check that both lines remain enabled.
With this configuration, your Polish number stays active while your internet connection is provided by the travel eSIM.
How to Receive Bank SMS and 2FA Codes Abroad
Bank SMS messages and 2FA codes are sent to your Polish phone number, which means they arrive through your Polish SIM rather than your data-only travel eSIM.
You therefore do not need to use your Polish SIM for mobile data just to receive an SMS.
Within the EU/EEA Roam Like at Home area, receiving SMS messages does not carry an additional roaming charge. Outside the EU/EEA, you should check your operator's tariff and roaming conditions, although incoming SMS messages are commonly free on many networks.
The most important configuration is to disable data roaming on your Polish SIM while keeping the SIM itself enabled.
This distinction matters:
SIM enabled + data roaming disabled → your number can remain registered on the network for incoming SMS, while your Polish SIM is prevented from using roaming data.
SIM completely disabled → you will not receive SMS messages on that number until you enable the SIM again.
Before travelling, it is also worth checking whether your bank uses SMS for authentication and whether your mobile operator supports roaming in the destination country.
WhatsApp and iMessage with a Data-Only eSIM
Messaging services work with a data-only eSIM because they use an internet connection rather than traditional SMS infrastructure.
Your WhatsApp account is registered to your phone number, but changing which SIM provides mobile data does not automatically change your WhatsApp number.
When you install a travel eSIM, simply continue using WhatsApp normally. Your chats and account can remain associated with your Polish number.
Most importantly, do not use WhatsApp's “Change Number” feature simply because you have installed a travel eSIM. A data-only eSIM does not require you to change your WhatsApp number.
iMessage
On an iPhone, iMessage can use your internet connection from the travel eSIM while your Apple Account and configured phone number/email addresses remain available for messaging.
It is worth checking Settings → Apps → Messages → Send & Receive after changing your SIM configuration, especially if you disable or re-enable your primary line.
Some countries restrict internet calling or VoIP services. Depending on your destination, WhatsApp voice/video calls or similar services may therefore be unavailable or restricted even when mobile data itself works correctly.
Data-Only eSIM vs Roaming – Cost Comparison
The financial advantage of choosing an eSIM instead of traditional roaming is particularly relevant outside the EU/EEA.
Within the EU, Roam Like at Home means that travellers can generally use their domestic mobile plans without standard roaming surcharges, subject to fair-use limits.
Outside the EU/EEA, the situation can be very different. Mobile data prices depend entirely on your operator, destination and roaming package. In some countries, pay-as-you-go roaming can become extremely expensive.
A travel eSIM offers a different model: you buy a specific amount of mobile data for your destination and know the cost before travelling.
Feature Data-only travel eSIM EU roaming Non-EU roaming Mobile data Included according to package Domestic-like conditions, subject to FUP Depends on operator Polish number Remains on primary SIM Yes Yes Bank SMS Received through primary SIM Yes Usually, subject to operator coverage Cost predictability High High within allowance Can vary considerably Setup eSIM installation required Usually automatic Usually automatic, but potentially expensive For a typical traveller using maps, messaging, social media and web browsing, data consumption can range from several hundred MB to around 1 GB per day. Streaming, hotspot use and video calls can increase that amount significantly.
Security: Why Mobile Data Can Be Better Than Public WiFi
Airports, cafés, railway stations and hotels often provide free WiFi, but open or incorrectly configured public networks can expose users to additional security risks.
Using a data-only eSIM or mobile router reduces the need to connect to unknown public hotspots. Your phone connects directly to the mobile network instead.
This can be particularly useful when accessing sensitive services such as online banking, business accounts or email.
Mobile data is not a substitute for good security practices, however. Keep your operating system updated, use strong authentication and avoid approving unexpected login or payment requests regardless of which network you are using.
How to Configure a Data-Only eSIM – Pre-Travel Checklist
You can install your XOXO eSIM before departure. A typical setup looks like this:
- Choose an XOXO eSIM package for your destination.
- Install the eSIM using the provided QR code.
- Set the XOXO eSIM as your mobile data line.
- Keep your Polish SIM enabled for calls and SMS.
- Disable data roaming on your Polish SIM.
- Enable data roaming on the XOXO eSIM if required for the travel eSIM to connect to its partner networks.
- Disable automatic cellular data switching between SIMs.
- Check that WhatsApp remains registered to your Polish number.
- Verify that your bank and Polish mobile operator support the authentication methods you intend to use abroad.
Before departure, check that your configuration looks like this:
- XOXO eSIM installed
- XOXO eSIM selected for mobile data
- Polish SIM enabled for calls and SMS
- Data roaming disabled on the Polish SIM
- Data roaming enabled on the travel eSIM where required
- Automatic cellular data switching disabled
- WhatsApp still registered to your Polish number
- Bank authentication method checked
XOXO eSIM also supports hotspot functionality, allowing you to share your mobile connection with another compatible device when needed.
FAQ
Does installing an eSIM delete or change my WhatsApp account?
No. Installing a data-only eSIM does not automatically change the phone number registered with WhatsApp. You can continue using your existing account with internet provided by the travel eSIM.Can I receive bank SMS codes while using an eSIM for data?
Yes, provided your Polish SIM remains active and connected to a supported roaming network. The SMS is delivered to your Polish SIM, while the travel eSIM can provide the internet connection.How do I disable roaming data without losing SMS access?
Keep your Polish SIM enabled but turn off data roaming for that line. Do not disable the SIM itself if you need to receive SMS messages.Does a data-only eSIM have a phone number?
A data-only travel eSIM is designed for mobile internet and generally does not provide a traditional number for cellular calls or SMS. XOXO eSIM is a data-only service.Can I use WhatsApp calls with a data-only eSIM?
Yes, where WhatsApp calling is permitted. Voice and video calls use the internet connection provided by your eSIM rather than traditional cellular voice minutes.Watch out for the WhatsApp “Change Number” option: installing a data-only eSIM does not require you to change the number associated with WhatsApp. If you want to continue using your Polish number, simply leave your WhatsApp number unchanged and use the eSIM for mobile data.
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