Getting an International SIM Card: A Guide for Frequent Travelers

Staying connected to loved ones back home when on an international trip is essential. However, you should activate an international SIM Card and phone plan to stay connected and enjoy affordable calling, texting, or data services without worrying about bill shocks. An international roaming SIM and plan ensures you do not incur excessive charges while travelling abroad.

Consider answering a few questions before your international trips to help you select an international roaming plan:

How many countries will you be visiting?

Check your itinerary to assess if you need an international roaming SIM for one or multiple countries. This way, you can choose a country-specific roaming plan or one with a roaming option in multiple countries.

How long is your trip?

Select an international SIM card and roaming plan for the number of days based on your travel duration. Vi provides IR plans valid for a day, a week, or a month, so you can choose a plan that works best for you.

What will be your requirements while travelling internationally?

Evaluate your needs based on the number of outgoing/incoming calls you might make with your international travel SIM, or the data required on your international travels. With this, you can pick a plan tailored to your specific needs.

Once you know all your requirements, head to the international roaming page via the Vi website or App and select a suitable plan before your foreign travels.

How International Roaming is better than International Sim Card:

1. Seamless Connectivity with Existing Number : No need to change your mobile number — stay connected with friends, family, and banks using your primary number, avoiding confusion or missed messages (especially OTPs).

 

2. Instant Activation & No Physical SIM Hassle : Activate international roaming instantly via app, SMS, or USSD — no need to buy, insert, or configure a new SIM card abroad.

 

3. Trusted Network & Customer Support : You’re still using your home carrier, which means better customer support, bill tracking, and service reliability compared to uncertain service from a foreign SIM provider.

 

4. One Bill, No Multiple RechargesAvoid juggling multiple recharges or currency exchanges. International roaming charges are added to your existing mobile bill or balance — simple and transparent.

 

5. Keep Access to All Indian Services : Many Indian services (bank apps, UPI, Aadhar OTPs) don’t work with foreign numbers. Roaming ensures you keep full access to Indian apps and SMS-based services.

 

Here is How to Buy an International Roaming Plan Online:

All Vi prepaid/postpaid SIM card holders can buy an international roaming pack in 3 simple steps:

1. Visit the International Roaming Packs page and enter your Vi number
2. Select your destination country/countries and duration of the trip
3. Pick a suitable roaming plan and complete your transaction

Your IR pack will get activated for the selected dates.

Why opt for Vi International Roaming Plan?

• Always stay connected with loved ones while travelling internationally
• Schedule activation of the international roaming plan for a future date in advance
• The default international roaming plan for postpaid users protects you when you forget to activate an IR plan
• “Services only” feature that keeps your number active for others to connect with you

To use any of these plans you will require a Vi SIM card that works internationally.

Vi offers roaming plans customised for users’ travel needs. To get your Vi SIM, follow these simple steps:

• Visit the new connection page via the Vi website
• Select a suitable plan to start with
• Fill in your area pin code & contact details
• With Vi, you can even get a number of your choice
• Enter your delivery address for free SIM home delivery
• Get OTP and complete your order

You can order the Vi SIM with any plan of your liking while you are not travelling out of the country. However, whenever you plan to travel abroad, you can purchase an International roaming plan and add it to your Vi SIM.

Inspired to plan your next getaway? Don’t miss our guide to the Top Tourist Spots in Maldives for unforgettable beach escapes, or explore the Best Tourist Places in Thailand from vibrant Bangkok to serene Phuket. Considering Singapore? Compare your options with our Travel SIM vs International Roaming Plans guide. And if Bali is on your bucket list, check out the 10 Best Places to Visit in Bali, Indonesia in 2025 to start mapping your adventure.