Best dual-SIM phones for travelling

Dual-SIM phones allow you to use two SIM cards in a single device. This can be super handy for separating work and personal use, using different carriers for cost savings or coverage, or when travelling internationally.

There are three ways to use dual-SIM:

1. Two physical SIM cards
2. One physical SIM and one eSIM
3. Two eSIMs

So without further ado, here’s everything you need to know about dual-SIM phones, how to get them and which models should be at the top of your list.

How do dual-SIM phones work?

There are three ways to use dual-SIM. Here’s how each set-up works in practice:

1. Two physical SIM cards

Some dual-SIM phones have two physical slots for SIM cards, as well as circuitry that allows two mobile network connections to be made at the same time.

This means you can put two different SIM cards into your phone at once, and then choose which to use for each call you make or text you send. You can also choose which to use for data.

Usually, your phone will stay connected to both networks, so you can take texts and calls from either line. However, most phones won’t let you accept a call on your second line if you’re already on a call on the first.

Your two SIM cards might be called SIM1 and SIM2, their names might be based on the networks you’re using, or you could even be able to rename them to whatever makes sense, like “Personal” and “Work”.

2. One physical SIM and one eSIM

Think of this like having a physical SIM card and a digital one hiding inside your phone.

This setup works in much the same way as having two physical SIM cards, but instead of a second physical SIM card, these phones support an eSIM (embedded SIM). This is a digital SIM card built into the phone’s hardware.

To use an eSIM, you simply need to set it up with a carrier. Once it’s set up, you can make calls, send texts and use data on both the physical SIM and the eSIM.

The cool thing is that you can change your eSIM carrier or plan without messing with a physical card. Perfect if you travel a lot and want to switch to a local carrier temporarily.

3. Two eSIMs

With a dual eSIM phone, you can set up two digital SIMs on your device with different carriers.

You can easily switch between the two eSIMS in your phone settings, so you can always use the one that makes the most sense at the time. This is particularly handy if you travel for work and need to use different networks for your coverage.

Find out how to get a giffgaff eSIM.

How to get a second SIM card

Thankfully, this is the easy part! Just pick up a free SIM card from your favourite mobile network (that’s giffgaff, right?) and you’re ready to go.

How to get a dual-SIM phone

Dual-SIM phones have become much more mainstream, particularly phones that have a physical SIM card slot and the ability to add an eSIM. Chances are, if you have a recent model from a popular brand, it has the ability to support an eSIM and you just haven’t noticed.

A phone that supports eSIMs can easily become dual-SIM. You can simply add and remove the eSIM whenever you need it, so there’s no need to mess around trying to remove a physical SIM card.

Best dual-SIM phones for travelling

So, onto the best dual-SIM phones for travelling.

Oppo Find N2 Flip

The Oppo Find N2 Flip is perfect for travelling. The Oppo has the ability to support both a physical SIM and an eSIM. So if you’re off on a holiday you can just add an eSIM for a week and then remove it. Or, if you’re doing more extensive travelling, you can add and remove a local eSIM each time you enter a new country.

This Oppo is also a foldable phone, making it lightweight and small enough to carry in your pocket without worrying about losing it on your travels.

Get your Oppo Find N2 Flip refurbished from giffgaff.

iPhone XS

The iPhone XS is the earliest iPhone model that supports eSIMs. And it doesn’t just support one extra eSIM; you can add up to 8 eSIMs to your iPhone XS along with your physical SIM card.

So, if you’re a frequent traveller, you can add an eSIM each time you go to a new country and not have to worry about removing it. You’ll be able to keep it on your phone until you go back.

Buy an iPhone XS refurbished from giffgaff

Google Pixel 7 Pro

Most of Google phones offer eSIM support, but the Google Pixel 7 Pro is one of the best dual-SIM phones for travelling.

Not only does the Google Pixel 7 Pro support an eSIM as well as your physical SIM, it also has one of the best cameras on the market. You’ll be able to take fantastic photos of all your destinations and keep in touch with your friends and family using a local eSIM.

The Google Pixel 7 Pro is available refurbished from giffgaff.

Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra

The Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra is a great dual-SIM phone for travelling. It can support up to five eSIMs along with your physical SIM card.

It’s a fairly recent release, only debuting in 2022, so you’re safe in the knowledge the software will be supported for a long while yet. It also has an extremely long battery life of up to 30 hours; perfect for when you spend all day sightseeing.

The Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra is available to buy refurbished from giffgaff.

Motorola Razr 40

If you’re in the market for something a little newer, why not give the Motorola Razr 40 a try?

It may only support one additional eSIM alongside the physical SIM card, but it’s still an excellent dual-SIM phone for travelling.

Like the Oppo Find N2 Flip, the Motorola Razr 40 is foldable, making it perfect for sliding into your pocket or stowing away in your hand luggage. Plus, as it’s foldable, you can take hands free selfies on your travels. Just prop the phone up and snap away.

You can buy the Motorola Razr 40 new from giffgaff.

iPhone 15 Pro

If you’re the type to get the latest gadget as soon as it’s released, then the iPhone 15 Pro is the one for you.

Kitted out with Apple’s best camera yet, the iPhone 15 Pro is the ideal phone to take on your travels. It’s simple to add up to 8 eSIMs to your iPhone 15 Pro, letting you travel from country to country as simply as possible.

You can buy the iPhone 15 Pro new from giffgaff.

Get your very own giffgaff eSIM

We’ve told you all about the phones, but did you know you can also get an eSIM from giffgaff? Just follow our step-by-step guide and you’ll be on your way.