Are you travelling abroad anytime soon?:5 budget-friendly international roaming plans every Indian should check

Imagine landing in a new country and not being able to book a cab, check Google Maps, receive a banking OTP, or even call your family. While buying a local SIM at the airport is one option, it can be time-consuming and sometimes expensive. The good news is that Indian telecom companies now offer affordable international roaming plans that keep your existing number active while you travel. Whether you’re heading to Thailand, Dubai, Europe, the US, or Vietnam, these short-term plans can help you stay connected without the hassle of changing your SIM card. Here are five affordable international roaming options worth checking before your next trip. 1. Airtel International roaming pack Airtel offers international roaming packs for popular travel destinations, including Thailand, Singapore, the UAE, Europe, and more. The basic plan starts at ₹1,198 for 10 days and usually includes: The exact benefits vary depending on the country, so it’s a good idea to check the details before recharging. 2. Jio International roaming pack Jio’s global roaming pack starts at ₹1,101 and works across more than 160 countries. Travellers can choose from: Jio also offers dedicated plans for regions such as East Asia, Europe, North America, and Gulf countries, making it easier to pick a pack based on your destination. 3. Vi International roaming plans Vodafone Idea (Vi) offers several international roaming options for travellers visiting multiple countries. Depending on your needs, you can choose plans that include: Whether you’re travelling for a short holiday or a longer business trip, Vi has plans designed for different travel durations. 4. Destination-specific roaming packs can save money If you’re travelling to just one country, a destination-specific roaming plan is often the smarter choice. Most telecom operators now offer special packs for popular destinations such as the UAE, Thailand, Singapore, USA, Saudi Arabia, and European countries. These plans are generally more affordable than global packs, so compare your options before making a purchase. 5. Choose a data-only pack if you mainly need internet Don’t need regular phone calls? A data-only roaming pack could be the best value. These plans are ideal if you mostly use WhatsApp, Google Maps, Uber, email, and Video calling apps. Since internet-based apps handle most communication today, a data-only plan can help reduce your travel expenses. International Roaming vs Local SIM: Which is better? For short vacations of up to a week or 10 days, international roaming is usually the more convenient option. Your Indian mobile number stays active, making it easier to receive banking OTPs, stay in touch with family, and avoid the hassle of changing SIM cards.
However, if you’re planning to stay abroad for several weeks or months and expect heavy data usage, buying a local SIM or eSIM is often the more economical choice. Bonus tip: Check eSIM options before you travel If your smartphone supports eSIM, compare its pricing with your telecom operator’s roaming plans. Many international eSIM providers offer affordable data packs for frequent travellers, especially those visiting multiple countries.