Store Locator
Message Us On WhatsApp
Help Center
Find A Store
Activation Guides
Travel eSIM Explained
eSIM Compatible Handsets
Phone Unlocking
Contact Us
Sim Local Logo
United Kingdom
United States
Europe
Thailand
France
Australia
Global Plans
See All Destinations
About Sim Local
Why Choose Sim Local
Our Networks
Testimonials
Careers
Partners
Affiliates
Blog
EN$
Language
Currency
  • Destinations
  • About Us
  • Help
  • Log In

Hight light text

What Is a Dual SIM Phone?

New block

dual SIM phone used to mean a phone with two physical SIM slots—great for travellers or anyone juggling work and personal numbers. Today, it also includes phones with eSIMs, allowing a mix of physical and digital SIMs for even more flexibility—either physical SIMs, eSIMs, or a combo of both.

This lets you use two phone numbers or mobile plans on the same phone. Handy if you want to keep work and personal calls separate, or if you’re travelling and want a local data plan to avoid data roaming charges.

There are two main types of dual SIM setups:

  • Dual SIM, Dual Standby (DSDS): This is the most common type. Both SIMs can receive calls and texts, but only one is active at a time. If you’re on a call on SIM 1, SIM 2 goes quiet until you're done.
  • Dual Active SIM: This setup lets both SIMs stay active—even during calls. It’s less common, but useful if you need to stay available on two lines simultaneously.

How Do Dual SIM Phones Work?

In short? A dual SIM phone lets you juggle two mobile plans on one device—no need for a second phone or fiddling with SIM cards using a bent paperclip.

Here’s how it works: your phone connects to two networks and lets you switch between them.

You can:

  • Make or receive calls and texts from either number
  • Choose which SIM to use for mobile data
  • Label SIMs (e.g. "Work" and "Travel") so you don’t mix them up

Related Articles