INDIA TRAVEL • DATA ROAMING

India eSIM vs Your Home Carrier’s International Roaming

Travelling to Delhi, Mumbai, Jaipur, Goa or Kerala? Compare an ETravelSim India eSIM on Jio with what your own network charges for roaming in India. ETravelSim prices below are live and shown in your currency.

Factor Home-carrier roaming ETravelSim India eSIM
Typical cost for a 7–14 day trip Home carriers usually bill roaming per day or per MB, and the rate depends on your carrier and plan From $4.00, with plans from 1 GB to Unlimited
Data allowance Often capped or slowed once you pass your plan’s roaming data limit 1, 2, 3, 5, 10, 20 or 30 GB for 30 days, or Unlimited for 7, 14 or 30 days
Plan prices (live) Set by your carrier, by country and by pack 1 GB - 30 Days $4.00 · 2 GB - 30 Days $6.00 · 3 GB - 30 Days $8.99 · 5 GB - 30 Days $12.99 · 10 GB - 30 Days $19.99 · 20 GB - 30 Days $29.99 · 30 GB - 30 Days $36.99 · Unlimited - 7 Days $19.00 · Unlimited - 14 Days $39.00 · Unlimited - 30 Days $59.00
Network in India Depends on the local partner your carrier has an agreement with Jio, India’s largest network (4G / 5G)
Setup before you travel Usually needs a roaming add-on enabled with your carrier in advance eSIM delivered by email instantly; install it before you fly and it activates when it first connects in India
Unlimited plan speed Not applicable 4 GB of high-speed data per day, then unlimited data at 1 Mbps; resets every 24 hours
Hotspot / tethering Often restricted or charged separately while roaming Allowed on GB plans (1–30 GB), not on Unlimited plans
Calls and a number You keep your home number; roaming calls are often charged per minute Data-only eSIM with no Indian (+91) number; WhatsApp, FaceTime and Zoom calls work over data
Paperwork None – it is your existing plan None – no passport or KYC check, unlike a local Indian SIM
  • ✓Keep your home SIM active for calls and bank SMS, and use the eSIM for data in India
  • ✓No passport, visa or KYC check, unlike a local Jio or Airtel SIM
  • ✓Jio 4G/5G, India’s largest network
  • ✓Fixed prepaid price, so no roaming bill when you get home
View India eSIM plans

India eSIM questions

Does the India eSIM work on 5G?

Yes. It uses Jio 5G where available, on a 5G phone, and 4G everywhere else.

What works at 1 Mbps on the Unlimited plans?

WhatsApp messages and calls, maps, email, ride-hailing apps and browsing all work. HD video and large uploads will be slow until your 4 GB of high-speed data resets 24 hours later.

Can I use a hotspot with the India eSIM?

Yes on GB plans (1–30 GB). Unlimited plans are for one device and don't support hotspot, so choose a GB plan if you want to share data with a laptop or another phone.

Do I need a passport or KYC for the India eSIM?

No. You don't need a passport, visa or KYC check to use this eSIM. That's the main difference from a local Indian SIM, which needs ID verification at a store.

Will apps that need an Indian (+91) number work?

Not with this eSIM alone, because it's data only and has no Indian number. Apps that send an OTP to a +91 number need a local number. Keep your home SIM on so your own bank OTPs still arrive.

How do I top up my India eSIM?

Buy India eSIM Recharge on our site using the same email address. The data is added to the eSIM you already have. If the recharge option isn't showing, email support@etravelsim.com with your order number.

What data options are available for the India eSIM?

You can choose GB plans of 1, 2, 3, 5, 10, 20 or 30 GB, valid for 30 days, or Unlimited for 7, 14 or 30 days. Unlimited includes 4 GB a day at full speed, then unlimited data at 1 Mbps.

How do I activate the India eSIM?

Scan the QR code from your email while you're on Wi-Fi before you travel. When you land, set the eSIM as your mobile data line and turn on Data Roaming for that line. Your phone treats it as a roaming line, which is normal. Validity starts on the first connection in India.