Virtual Numbers vs eSIMs - What Should You Choose?

Whether you travel abroad regularly for personal or business purposes, you may be struggling to find a cost effective way to make calls. eSIMs or virtual phone numbers are often considered. eSIM technology and virtual phone numbers are transforming the way individuals and businesses communicate. Together, these calling solutions deliver seamless connectivity and provide huge cost savings to travellers and businesses alike.

From maintaining a consistent business identity across borders to enabling flexible mobile access for families or individuals travelling or working abroad, eSIMs and virtual numbers are popular options for international calling.

• What is a virtual number?
• What is a digital eSIM?
• What is the difference between a virtual number and an eSIM?
• Business use cases - Who Uses Virtual Numbers vs eSIMs?
• Travel use cases - Virtual Numbers vs eSIMs
• Virtual numbers or eSIM, which option is better?
• Frequently Asked Questions

What is a virtual number?

Virtual numbers are not tied to a fixed-line. This means you can make or receive calls from anywhere, providing you have an internet connection. The most common way to access a virtual phone number is via a VoIP service provider. Generally, these companies offer competitive, cost-effective packages that help you save expenses on local and international calls.

Having a virtual number is the key to unlocking ultimate flexibility for both personal and business purposes. ​​From a business perspective, virtual numbers allow companies to open offices around the world in minutes without spending anything on phone equipment or a physical office.

Zadarma provides virtual numbers for most major countries, toll-free numbers for free customer calls and mobile phone numbers with SMS capabilities. The virtual number allows users to receive calls to virtual phone numbers via the internet, or forward them to any phone number.

What is a digital eSIM?

eSIM stands for Embedded Subscriber Identity Module. An eSIM is the same as a regular SIM, except it comes permanently embedded in the smartphone device. A digital eSIM replaces the need for a physical SIM card that can be ejected from one phone to another. eSIMs are proving popular today as they have been designed to supersede old-fashioned physical SIMs.

There is no longer a need for the removable plastic card inside your phone. It is important to note, however, that some eSIMs are data-only. These provide internet access without a phone number and do not support traditional voice calls or SMS.

The digital eSIM is a practical solution for commuters, expats and businesses across B2B and B2C industries.

Zadarma offers an affordable data-only eSIM for internet access worldwide. This is a digital SIM card for your device, which allows you to easily use internet connection in over 150 countries.

What is the difference between a virtual number and an eSIM?

An eSIM, is embedded directly into a device, eliminates the need for physical SIM cards, perfect for frequent travelers looking to avoid data roaming costs. Zadarma’s eSIM provides mobile internet access only and does not include a phone number, calls, or SMS.

On the other hand, a virtual number provides an actual phone number. This allows businesses in particular to have the flexibility to establish a local presence anywhere in the world without the expense of physical offices. The eSIM provides mobile data connectivity, while the virtual number handles voice calls and messaging.

Together eSIMs and virtual numbers, create a fully digital communication setup that works almost anywhere in the world. This combination is especially useful for international trips.

Business use cases - Who Uses Virtual Numbers vs eSIMs?

A virtual number can provide a company with a specific phone number signifying local or national presence. For example, a business who is based in Liverpool can have a local US virtual number. This could incentivise more local US customers as the business appears to be local.

A virtual number with the US prefix creates the impression of a local office, even if the operation is based in the UK or further overseas. This perceived proximity enhances trust and increases the likelihood of a customer reaching out.

Another example is of a Spanish travel agency. The travel company may offer bespoke holiday packages specifically targeting British tourists. The agency can use a UK virtual number to appear more approachable and professional to attract UK customers.

An eSIM can be used for business and personal use, providing mobile data connectivity without the need for a physical SIM card. However, it does not include a phone number.

For example, a business commuter may like to have the flexibility of having their own personal number and then a separate virtual number for business use. In this instance they can use their business virtual number through their eSIM mobile data connection.

International businesses entering new markets may opt for a virtual number. A local virtual phone number advertised on your website provides a cost friendly option, as the call will only be charged at local rates.

Travel use cases - Virtual Numbers vs eSIMs

When travelling, SIMs are an easy way to access the internet when Wi-Fi is not available. While the option to purchase a physical SIM card is still available in tourist countries, there are several advantages to choosing an eSIM while traveling.

For example, a family who is travelling outside of Europe, may opt for an international eSIMs as they can be much cheaper than using your communication provider's roaming add-ons. Add-ons are often costly depending on your network provider and the location of where you are roaming.

In contrast, adding a virtual number can eliminate roaming charges and ensure you remain contactable when you travel. For instance, a family may visit their holiday home in Spain every school holiday and may opt for a virtual number. Equally, expats and long-term travellers, who are travelling and staying in a location for longer periods of time, would benefit from a virtual number.

In this situation, they may wish to use a local virtual number while they are on holiday at their second home. A virtual number keeps you reachable over the internet without paying roaming fees or maintaining an old SIM. You can also have several phone numbers on a single device.

Virtual numbers or eSIM, which option is better?

Which is best? An eSIM or virtual number? This is a common question. The answer will depend on your use case. A digital eSIM is often the most affordable option for travellers who just need the internet. A virtual number is cost-effective for ongoing calling and messaging.

Often ecommerce stores or offshore businesses looking to attract an overseas target audience will opt for virtual numbers. This is because marketplaces and customers trust sellers with a local contact number. A local number on a website will boost buyer confidence. Either way, owning eSIMs and virtual numbers create smarter, more efficient communication solutions when travelling abroad.