International SIM card: 4 ways to stay online abroad from India

“International SIM” has become the name for any way to get mobile data outside India. In fact there are four, and each one charges you differently.

The 4 ways

Roaming pack from Jio, Airtel or Vi You keep your Indian number and buy an international roaming pack from your operator. Nothing changes on the phone; the price depends on the operator and the destination. ›
Local SIM, bought on arrival Sold at the airport counter or in shops of a local operator. You can only buy it after landing, it needs a free SIM slot, and registration may ask for your passport.
Pocket Wi-Fi router A rented router that a group shares while it stays together. It has to be collected, charged and returned.
Travel eSIM A digital profile you install by scanning a QR code before you fly. Your Indian SIM stays in the phone for calls and OTPs. Needs an eSIM-compatible phone. ›

Before you choose an eSIM, check that your phone supports it: eSIM-compatible phones.

Guides by destination

Thailand SIM card › Dubai & UAE SIM card › USA SIM card › Vietnam SIM card › Bali & Indonesia SIM card › Japan SIM card › Singapore SIM card › UK SIM card › Nepal SIM card › Malaysia SIM card › Saudi Arabia SIM card › Philippines SIM card › China SIM card › Sri Lanka SIM card › Australia SIM card › Canada SIM card › Bhutan SIM card › Maldives SIM card › Georgia SIM card › Asia SIM card › Europe SIM card › International SIM card for multi-country trips from India ›

Travel situations

Hajj and Umrah Data for two to six weeks in Saudi Arabia: operator packs and an eSIM compared. › Students going abroad What to buy for the first weeks abroad. ›

Price and comparison

Travel eSIM: how to choose Roaming pack, eSIM, tourist SIM or pocket Wi-Fi in one table. › eSIM vs physical SIM Dated pack prices, the drawbacks, and when a SIM wins. › What “unlimited” really means The daily high-speed limit on unlimited plans, compared. ›

Regional plans

eSIM for Europe › eSIM for Asia › eSIM for Africa › eSIM for the Middle East › eSIM for Oceania › eSIM for Latin America › eSIM for the Caribbean › eSIM for the whole world ›

To decide

eSIM by country, with prices in ≈ ₹ Every destination in the catalogue, each on its own page. › Jio, Airtel and Vi roaming packs What Indian operators charge abroad, with dated sources. › How much data do I need? Estimate your use before you pick a plan. › eSIM-compatible phones Check your model before you buy. ›

Roaming packs and other sellers’ SIM prices change without notice; each guide gives its source and the date it was checked. Operator and brand names belong to their owners. We are not Jio, Airtel, Vi or BSNL.