How to Receive SMS Codes Abroad Without Paying for Roaming

Short answer: You can usually receive SMS abroad without paying for data roaming by keeping your home SIM switched on for calls and texts only, with data roaming turned off for that line, and using a travel eSIM for internet. If you would rather switch the home line off completely, or need a UK, Australian or Brazilian number that works over the internet, an eSIM Signal virtual number shows its SMS in your online account from anywhere.

Why codes become a problem on holiday

The usual travel advice is "turn off roaming", and it is good advice for data. But many people then switch the whole home SIM off, and suddenly:

• the bank wants a code to approve a card payment
• an airline app sends a check-in code
• a hotel or rental platform verifies a new login
• a delivery back home needs a reply

None of those come through, because the line that receives them is off. The fix is to separate data (which roams expensively) from SMS (which often does not).

Method 1: keep the home SIM on for texts only

On a dual SIM phone you can keep your home line active for calls and SMS while turning data roaming off for that line only, and use a travel eSIM for all your internet.

1. Install the travel eSIM at home on Wi-Fi, following how to install an eSIM.
2. On arrival, set the eSIM as the line for mobile data and turn data roaming on for the eSIM only.
3. Leave the home line on for calls and messages, with its data roaming off.
4. Check your home tariff. Receiving texts while abroad is free on many plans, but not all; incoming calls can be charged.

Our dual SIM travel setup guide has screenshots for iPhone and Android, and eSIM vs roaming explains where the real roaming costs hide.

See travel eSIM plans for EuropeSee plans

Method 2: switch codes to an app or email

Many banks and online services let you replace SMS codes with an authenticator app, an in-app approval or an email code. These work on any internet connection, including hotel Wi-Fi and your travel eSIM.

• Set this up before you travel: many services ask for an SMS code to change security settings.
• Keep backup codes somewhere safe and offline.
• Do not remove SMS completely if the service uses it to recover a lost account.

Method 3: use a virtual number that shows SMS online

If the service needs a number from a specific country, or you want your home SIM off entirely, a virtual number is the cleanest option. Texts arrive in your eSIM Signal account instead of on a SIM, so you read them over any internet connection.

• UK (+44), Australian (+61) and Brazilian (+55) mobile numbers
• Free, unlimited incoming SMS, plus outgoing SMS charged per message
• SMS only: no calls
• No SIM card and no contract

Get a virtual phone number for SMSGet a number

It is a new number, so it suits services you can point at it: shops, travel apps, marketplaces and sign-ups. For your bank, check whether it accepts virtual numbers before you switch, because some do not. Our virtual phone number for SMS verification guide explains this in more detail.

Method 4: use Wi-Fi calling on your home line

Some networks support Wi-Fi calling abroad, which can deliver texts over Wi-Fi when there is no network signal. Support varies a lot by network, phone and destination, so treat it as a bonus, not a plan.

A pre-flight checklist

1. Check your phone supports eSIM on our supported devices page.
2. Install a travel eSIM for your destination and leave it off until you land.
3. Decide what happens to the home SIM: on for texts only, or off completely.
4. Move non-bank services that need codes to an app, email or a virtual number.
5. Test one code before you leave, so you know where it arrives.
6. Write down the settings path for data roaming on your phone; you will need it on arrival.

Tip: if a bank code fails abroad, do not keep requesting new ones. Many banks lock the account after a few attempts. Connect to Wi-Fi, check the home line is on, and request one code.

Common mistakes

• Turning off the home SIM and then needing a code from it at a checkout.
• Turning data roaming on for every line instead of only the travel eSIM.
• Changing security settings on arrival, when the service wants a code sent to a number you have switched off.
• Expecting a data-only travel eSIM to receive SMS codes. Travel eSIMs give you internet; they are not a replacement number.
• Using a public "receive SMS free" website for anything important. Anyone can read those messages.

Frequently asked questions

Can I receive SMS abroad with roaming turned off?

Usually, yes. Turning off data roaming stops internet charges but does not stop the line from receiving texts, as long as the SIM itself stays on. Check your tariff, as some charge for texts received abroad.

Will I get bank codes if I use a travel eSIM?

You will get them on your home line if it stays switched on. The travel eSIM itself is for data and is not designed to receive SMS codes.

Can I read SMS online while abroad?

Yes, if the number is a virtual number. Messages to an eSIM Signal number appear in your online account and can be read over any internet connection.

Do I need a dual SIM phone?

For keeping your home line on alongside a travel eSIM, yes. Most phones that support eSIM can run two lines at once.

Can a virtual number receive calls?

Not with eSIM Signal. Our numbers are SMS only and do not make or receive calls.