Travelling abroad? Here`s a guide to int`l roaming plans to stay connected

Travelling overseas often requires a lot of planning, especially if you don`t travel frequently. While getting your visa in place is very important, finances and luggage secured during their visit, people often forget to get their phones connected with ideal travel packs that will allow them to stay connected with people even while they are travelling around the world.

Whether you`re heading out for a work trip, a summer vacation, or an extended sabbatical, staying connected while abroad is no longer a luxury because it is a necessity not only to show people the beauty around you but also in case of emergencies. 

From navigating foreign cities to handling work calls or sharing travel moments, mobile connectivity keeps everything running smoothly. In 2025, Indian telecom companies are making it much easier than ever before to roam without worry.

Several telecom operators have launched smarter, more affordable international roaming plans to cater to the needs of today`s travellers. With expanded coverage, larger data bundles, free incoming calls, and added benefits like Wi-Fi calling, inflight connectivity, and even baggage protection, these new plans are designed to keep you seamlessly connected—wherever you land.

International roaming rates are nothing to mess around with, so it’s important to know what you’re on the hook for before you travel abroad. With prepaid international roaming plans Indian travellers can enjoy seamless connectivity more than 100 countries — without the hassle of buying local SIMs or depending on unsecured Wi-Fi.

Affordable options (Best for one-day trips)
If you`re heading abroad for less than 24 hours—say a business layover or a quick hop across the border — Jio is currently offering the most budget-friendly option at Rs 499, with 250 mb data and 100 minutes of calling. It’s ideal for data-light but voice-heavy needs. On the other hand, Vi’s Rs 495 pack is voice-focused, offering 50 minutes of calls and no data, making it perfect if you`re reachable but not surfing the web. At the same time, Airtel’s Rs 648 plan has 1 gb data with 100 minutes, and 10 SMSes. Ir also supports instant international activation, and 24×7 support via the Airtel Thanks app. 

In addition, the latter also has kiosks at some of the major Indian airports such as Delhi, Lucknow, Ahmedabad, Trivandrum, Mangaluru and Chennai. For immediate activation, plan advice, and SIM replacements, Jio and Vi both offer auto-activation upon landing, so you’re connected as soon as you arrive.

Short-term plans (Best for trips up to a month)
For vacations or work assignments spanning a week or more, India`s telecom companies offer versatile 30-day options. Airtel’s Rs 2,998 pack shines with 10 gb data, 300 minutes, 20 SMSes, and in-flight benefits like 250 mb data, 100 outgoing minutes, and 100 SMSes. One plan covers 189 countries with no confusion over which zone or pack to select—including transit airports—eliminating the need for multiple packs. On the other hand, Vi’s Rs 2,998 plan offers 5 GB data, 200 minutes, and access in 124 countries—sufficient for moderate usage and easy connectivity across continents. Lastly, Jio’s Rs 3,999 plan gives 4 GB data and 250 minutes, making it a decent all-rounder, especially in global metros.

All three service providers offer usage control and add-ons via their apps, so users can top-up data or voice minutes anytime. Airtel also includes auto-renewal, making it ideal for frequent flyers.

Long-term plans (Best for frequent travellers or expats)
If you`re a digital nomad, expat, or frequent flyer, long-duration plans offer the best value. Jio’s Rs 2,799 pack is the most cost-efficient, with 2 gb data and 100 minutes valid for a full year—perfect for occasional use abroad. While Vi’s Rs 2,997 plan gives you 1.5 gb and 125 minutes across 123 countries, offering steady accessibility over 365 days, Airtel’s Rs 4,000 plan is a choice with 5 GB global data, 100 minutes, 100 SMSes, and daily 1.5 GB data with unlimited calls within India for those commuting internationally frequently.

Jio and Vi offer app-based usage tracking and support, ensuring peace of mind for extended stays; Airtel’s app allows complete control over usage, billing, and top-ups, and their long-term plan includes auto-renewal, removing the need to repurchase packs.