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Browse destinationsWhat data-only means
A data-only eSIM includes mobile data but no included carrier voice calls or SMS service. Internet-based calling and messaging apps can still use that data. A bank code sent by SMS goes to the number the bank has on file, usually your Australian number, not to the data-only travel line.
Make the phone do one thing at a time
Check the selected plan and order email for its exact data, validity, coverage and any voice/SMS inclusion rather than relying on the words eSIM or travel data. A travel eSIM and your Australian SIM can have different jobs, so check the data line, roaming setting and automatic switching separately instead of assuming one change controls all three.
Keep the setup timing simple
Buy before travel, then add the eSIM after landing. Use airport Wi-Fi only after you can sign in and open a normal webpage. If that does not work, use hotel Wi-Fi or another steady trusted connection. Save the setup email before you fly, but do not scan the QR code, tap a quick-install prompt, install or activate the travel eSIM before you leave.
Set the travel line for data on your phone
Choose your phone
iPhone
Open Settings > Mobile Service, Cellular or Mobile Data. Choose Mobile Data, select the travel eSIM, then open that travel line’s options only if the order email says it needs Data Roaming. Keep the Australian line’s Data Roaming off unless you deliberately use home-carrier roaming.
Samsung Galaxy
Open Settings > Connections > SIM card manager. Under Primary SIM or Preferred SIM card, select the travel eSIM for mobile data and switch Auto data switching off unless support says otherwise. The roaming control can vary by Galaxy model, so use it only when the order email identifies the travel line.
Google Pixel
Open Settings > Network & internet > SIMs. Under Your primary SIMs, choose the travel eSIM for Mobile data and keep Automatic data switching off unless support has advised otherwise. Follow the order email for the travel line’s roaming setting.
Other Android
Search Settings for SIM, mobile network or mobile data. Select the travel eSIM for data, keep automatic data switching off if the phone offers it, and use only the roaming or APN instructions supplied for your own order.
What the phone should show now
If the step above does not work as expected, stop here. Keep a cropped screenshot of the setting or error, then contact us before changing other settings. Do not include QR or activation details unless we ask.
Keep these cost and line-selection boundaries in place
- Do not assume a data-only eSIM always includes voice, SMS or a local number.
- Do not assume bank-code delivery via the travel eSIM.
If the data line still looks wrong
Email hello@thesimshop.com.au with the order number, exact phone model and a screenshot of the SIM or Mobile Data screen with QR and activation details hidden. Say which line is currently selected for data and whether the Australian line’s roaming is off.
Sources and checks
Information checked: 19 July 2026.
These links support the phone menus and safe setup checks used in this guide. Phone labels can vary by model and software version, so follow the screen on your own device and the instructions in your order email.
