How to Access Internet & Phone Services When Travelling Abroad from India (2025 Guide)

Here’s your detailed guide that will help you with accessing internet and phone services while travelling abroad from India. Read on!

If you are travelling from India and have no idea how to make your phone work once you land in any other country? This guide is to help you.

There are four main ways to stay connected:

1. You can enable International Roaming (IR) on your Indian SIM, whether it’s Airtel or Jio or anything else.
2. You can buy a travel eSIM, which is a virtual SIM, before you travel.
3. You can also buy a local tourist SIM or eSIM at your destination.
4. Finally, you can use Wi-Fi calling apps according to the specific country.

There is a quick decision guide right below, and then let’s deep dive into the country-by-country cheat sheet for countries such as Thailand, UAE, Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia, Sri Lanka, Switzerland, Maldives, Vietnam, Cambodia, Qatar, USA, Australia, France, and Canada.

The Two-Minute Decision Guide

• If you need your Indian number for calls, SMS, and OTPs? You can get an International Roaming pack from your Indian carrier because eSIMs give you only data, which won’t receive your Indian SMS or calls.
• If you want just data for WhatsApp or iMessage? You can pick a travel eSIM for wherever your destinations are. The eSIM activates instantly through a QR code. This would be a great option for multiple countries if you just want the data.
• If you are staying more than five days in one country, and want the lowest cost possible? Then, you can buy a local tourist SIM or an eSIM at the airport or even online.
• You can rely on VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol), which will allow you to make phone calls over the internet, such as WhatsApp or FaceTime calls. This works almost everywhere except the UAE – Dubai or Abu Dhabi, where unapproved VoIP is restricted, so use licensed apps.

OPTION A – International Roaming on your Indian SIM

International roaming will allow you to use your Indian number for calls, SMS, and data when you are travelling outside of India. International roaming can be helpful with short-term travellers, new residents abroad, and NRIs maintaining Indian ties. The major Indian SIMS provide International Roaming services such as Airtel, Jio, Vodafone-Idea, BSNL, and MTNL. When choosing the SIM service, consider your destination country, travel duration, and usage.

Keep your Indian number for OTPs, banking purposes, and emergency calls, but the plans are usually pricier for data.

• Airtel International Roaming – The packs will let you use the number in over 180 countries with unlimited data.
• Jio International Roaming – Jio offers prepaid and postpaid international roaming plans. They offer four types of IR plans. You can choose whichever will suit the country you are visiting.
• Vodafone-Idea International Roaming – Vi offers IR plans from 1 to 365 days. The packs have coverage in 70 to 105 countries, depending on the destination.
• BSNL International Roaming – BSNL offers IR services in 476 networks in 195 countries. The company has collaborations with local service providers in countries to provide the coverage.
• MTNL International Roaming – MTNL has no specific plans. You can access roaming services through MTNL’s partnerships with over 350 telecom service providers in 175 countries.

OPTION B – Travel eSIMs – Virtual SIMs

Opting for the eSIM for an international trip is the most popular choice among frequent travellers to avoid the hassle of switching SIM cards.

eSIM will be helpful when there are situations where you must rely on your mobile data. An eSIM is a digital SIM card that will allow you to connect to a local network without removing your SIM card.

A few reputable service providers include:

• Airalo
• Nomad
• Holafly
• Ubigi
• Orange Travel (Europe)

Warnings:

• Most of the travel eSIMs are data-only, as your Indian OTPs will not be arriving with eSIMs, so keep your Indian SIM active on IR if you need OTPs.
• Few eSIMs allow the add-on numbers for receiving calls through VoIP. Check for plan details for further information.

OPTION C – Local Tourist SIM/ eSIM

Mostly, the cheapest plan includes local voice minutes. Travellers who are staying more than five days in a country can opt for this SIM. People who need to make local calls, are budget-conscious, and want reliable coverage without depending on roaming.

Calling & Messaging App – UAE Exception

• In most countries, the calling and texting applications like WhatsApp, FaceTime, Google Meet, and Telegram calls work normally with data or Wi-Fi.
• But in the UAE, unlicensed VoIP, such as WhatsApp calling is restricted by the law. So, you have to use TDRA (Telecommunications and Digital Government Regulatory Authority)-approved apps that are offered through local operators. But you should always check the current TDRA page before travel.

Regulatory references: TDRA guidance confirms that non-approved VoIP is prohibited, and only licensed/approved apps are allowed.

Country-by-Country Cheat Sheet

Power User Tips

• Dual SIM Management – You can set the Indian SIM for calls and SMS and use the Travel eSIM for data.
• APN & Roaming Toggles – You can enable the right SIM for data after landing and use the data roaming for the line you intend to use.
• Hotspot – Check your eSIM or any other service provider’s FAQ, which often allows hotspot.
• Backup eSIM – You can add a second eSIM in case there is any network problem.
• Airport/ City Purchase – Airport kiosk purchases are the easiest, but city shops may offer better bundles sometimes.

Final Tips for Indian Travellers

• Carry your passports to buy local SIMs where KYC is mandatory.
• Scan and save the eSIM QR codes to the cloud the important documents before departure.
• Name your SIMS in your phone clearly.
• Download offline maps and airline, hotel apps before leaving India.
• Keep IR talk time in case you have to talk to your bank while roaming.

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