This is probably a stupid question but I've never used an eSIM before so want to make sure I don't accidentally get roaming charges on my usual SIM.

I have a trip planned to the Netherlands and Germany next month, 7 days. I plan on getting data only eSIMs for my wife and I. I'm not entirely sure what carrier I'm going to use yet and would love suggestions if people have them, but my question is - we currently have physical Verizon SIMs in unlocked iphones. When we activate the eSIMs do we need to take out the physical Verizon SIMs like we would if we were swapping physical SIM cards? I ask because I plan on buying a data only eSIM so I don't want to get roaming charges if I happen to get any texts during the trip (I wouldn't actually respond to texts or answer any non emergency phone calls).

You don't mention the type of phone you have - but it sounds like one with physical and eSIM capabilities - so not a new iPhone.

If you want to be certain to avoid roaming charges, I think the best course of action is to just remove the existing Verizon physical SIMs. It is too easy to make a mistake and end up with a roaming charge. If you need to call regular phone numbers you can use Skype or Google Voice.

As far as a choice of eSIM carrier - you can read the posting to see what people like. I suggest the Vodafone eSIM that gives you 10 GB for 10 days for $13. https://travel.vodafone.com/europe-esim

Thanks for the suggestion and the link. We'll err on the safe side and just remove the physical SIMs - and the phones are an iPhone 12 pro and an iPhone 13 pro. Purchased unlocked from Apple so they've never been carrier locked or had any Verizon stuff loaded on them.

Removing the physical SIM means you won't be able to receive SMS messages or voice calls on your existing line.

Just switching off Data Roaming on the physical SIM line will ensure you won't get any roaming charges.

I'd suggest NOT removing the physical SIM. It's far too easy to lose, and then you'll have real problems. You shuld be able to disable it and/or turn off data roaming.

Turning off data roaming does not turn off roaming phone calls. So an incoming call conditionally forwarded to voicemail or accidentally answered could incur roaming charges. You just tape your removed SIM card to the inside of your phone case and you won't lose it.

Indeed -- but turning it off in the SIM manager (Android) or switching "Turn on this line" to off (iPhone) has the same basic effect as remving the SIM.

Since you have iPhones, I suggest researching IMS which has been discussed in this thread and others. You can enable WiFi calling using the data of the eSIM to send and receive calls/texts without roaming. Test your wifi calling wth Verizon before your trip.

Agreed - that's a better solution than turning off data roaming.

If I'm understanding correctly, I can use Skype to send SMS and make voice calls which will appear to come from my Google Voice number for a small fee (worldwide credit) and I'll be able to receive calls and SMS to the GV number in GV (not Skype?). Similar for a normal US phone number. I can power this with eSIM data.

You can make calls to any place in the world on Google Voice using the GV app, not sure what the value add is of using Skype in your situation.

SMS. GV won't send texts to non-US numbers even if you have credits. Alas, not everyone has WhatsApp for text messages.

Actually, once you are out of North America, pretty much everyone has Whatsapp - but I get you can't depend on that.

Also, although it is likely that Skype will spoof a Google Voice number for outgoing calls and SMS - I would test it before depending on it.

Yes, but it's the spread between pretty much everyone and everyone.

And yes, testing is essential. Calls to a US number show my GV #. Sending texts appears to work to non-US numbers, but I don't know how to confirm receipt or caller ID.

You don’t need to remove the SIM card. When you go to settings/cellular you will see that you have the Verizon SIM in primary and the eSIM in secondary. Before you land overseas, turn primary off and secondary on. In secondary turn data roaming on and Wi-Fi calling on. Your eSIM should activate itself within a few minutes of landing. I use Google Voice to make phone calls. Before you leave the US set your Verizon phone number to forward to your Google Voice number. You have to do it before you leave, you can’t do it from overseas. Also if you have previously used TravelPass on Verizon you need to disconnect this. You can’t do it turn it off from the Verizon web site. I don’t think you can do it from the app. So that takes care of your data and your phone. You will not receive messages, other than iMessages. To see your messages, every day when you on Wi-Fi, turn secondary off and primary on,with data roaming off on primary. Your texts will download. Then reverse, turn Primary off, secondary on again. This mat sound complicated but it is very easy if you just follow the logical steps. I generally use Airalo but I have used other providers also.