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πŸ”„ How the UK SIM and Global eSIM Work Together

Evie Carter avatar
Written by Evie Carter
Updated over a month ago

Two eSIMs. One Seamless Experience.

If your plan includes a Global eSIM (like Globetrotter, Aero, Forces, RailReach, or Sail), your phone actually runs two SIMs side by side β€” your UK SIM/eSIM and your Global eSIM.

They work together automatically to give you the best signal, the right data connection, and clear, predictable roaming wherever you go.

πŸ’‘ Quick Overview

eSIM Type

Used For

Works In

Includes

UK SIM / eSIM

Calls, texts & local UK/EU data

Zones 1 – 4

Unlimited calls & texts in Zones 1 – 4

Global eSIM

Data roaming in 205 destinations

Zones 1 – 6

Global data (no overage or day passes)

πŸ’¬ Your UK SIM handles calls and texts while the Global eSIM handles data worldwide.

🌐 Example: Travelling from London β†’ France β†’ Singapore

🏠 In London (Zone 1 – UK)

  • You’re using your UK eSIM for calls, texts, and data (EE network).

  • The Global eSIM is idle in the background.

πŸ‡«πŸ‡· In France (Zone 1 – EU/EEA)

  • Your UK eSIM continues to work exactly as at home.

  • Calls, texts, and data are all included β€” no extra charges.

🌴 In Singapore (Zone 3 – Extended Travel)

  • Your UK SIM still handles calls & texts (unlimited).

  • Your Global eSIM activates for data automatically.

  • UK eSIM data roaming is disabled outside Zone 2 to prevent double charges.

πŸ’¬ You keep your UK number for calls while data routes through the Global eSIM.

✈️ Back in the UK

  • The phone automatically switches back to your UK SIM for everything.

  • The Global eSIM pauses until your next trip.

βš™οΈ Recommended Settings

βœ… Enable Mobile Data Switching

  • iPhone: Settings β†’ Mobile Data β†’ Mobile Data Switching β†’ ON

  • Android: Settings β†’ Network & Internet β†’ SIMs β†’ Allow Mobile Data Switching β†’ ON

πŸ’‘ This lets your phone automatically choose between your UK SIM and Global eSIM for the best data connection.

🚫 UK eSIM Data Roaming Disabled (outside Zone 2)

On plans with a Global eSIM (Globetrotter, Aero, Forces, RailReach, Sail):

  • UK eSIM data roaming is automatically disabled outside Zone 2 to prevent high-cost usage.

  • Beyond Zone 2, the Global eSIM handles all data automatically.

  • You can still make and receive calls and texts in Zones 1 – 4 using your UK number.

πŸ”‹ What Happens in Each Zone

Zone

UK SIM / eSIM

Global eSIM

Calls & Texts

Zone 1 (UK, EU/EEA)

Calls, texts & data active

Optional backup

βœ… Unlimited

Zone 2 (Popular destinations)

Calls, texts & data active

Optional backup

βœ… Unlimited

Zone 3 (Extended travel zone)

Calls & texts only

Data active

βœ… Unlimited

Zone 4 (Additional destinations)

Calls & texts only

Data active

βœ… Unlimited

Zone 5 (High-cost regions)

Calls & texts only

Data active

πŸ’° Charged per minute & per text

Zone 6 (Remote / maritime)

Calls & texts only

Data active

πŸ’° Charged per minute & per text

πŸ’¬ In Zones 3–6, your Global eSIM handles data, while your UK SIM keeps your number for calls and messages.

In Zones 5 & 6, calls and texts are still possible but billed per minute and per text at standard international rates.

🧠 FAQs

Q: Will my calls still work when abroad?

A: Yes β€” your UK SIM handles calls and texts in all zones. They’re unlimited in Zones 1 – 4 and pay-per-use in Zones 5 & 6.

Q: Do I need to switch SIMs manually?

A: No β€” enable Mobile Data Switching and your phone will manage it automatically.

Q: Can I use the Global eSIM in the UK?

A: Yes β€” it connects to all four UK networks for backup and testing.

πŸ’¬ Need Help?

Our UK-based team is available 7 days a week (6 am – 10 pm UK time):

βœ… Next Step

Need to check which countries fall into each zone?

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