How to Activate International Roaming?

Travelling abroad, whether for business, education, or vacation, calls for seamless connectivity. Most travellers rely on their mobile data for maps, banking OTPs, social media, and international calling. But without an active international roaming plan, using your mobile network overseas can lead to unexpectedly high roaming charges.

At Vi, we prioritise convenience and affordability for our customers. That’s why we offer a wide range of international roaming (IR) packs designed to give you unlimited calling, data benefits, and a stress-free travel experience. With just a few clicks, you can enable roaming on your Vi SIM and travel with complete peace of mind.

This comprehensive guide walks you through how to activate international roaming in Vi, explains what international roaming is, why it matters, and how you can manage it easily from any device.

What Is International Roaming Service?

International roaming is a telecom service that allows you to use your Indian mobile number abroad to make calls, use mobile data, and send/receive SMS. Instead of purchasing a new SIM card in every country you visit, your home network (Vi) partners with mobile operators overseas to provide uninterrupted connectivity in foreign locations.

With Vi international roaming packs, you enjoy benefits like:

• Unlimited incoming & outgoing calls (depending on the pack)
• High-speed data for social media, navigation, and video calls.
• SMS services to receive crucial OTPs and banking notifications.
  

This ensures that your phone stays active, even thousands of miles away from India.

Why Is International Roaming Important?

Stay Connected Abroad Without a Local SIM

Purchasing a local SIM every time you travel can be inconvenient, especially if you’re hopping between multiple countries. International roaming lets your existing Vi SIM do the work, and you remain reachable on your original mobile number.

Safer Alternative to Public Wi-Fi

Public Wi-Fi networks are often unsecured, making your personal data vulnerable. With Vi’s roaming data, you can browse, shop, and access sensitive information securely without depending on risky public networks.

Maintain Access to Banking and OTPs

When travelling, you may need to:

• Log in to banking apps
• Approve transactions
• Receive OTP-based authentication
  

Without roaming, you could miss important SMSs, disrupting payments and transactions.

Ensure Emergency Communication Availability

During emergencies, missed flights, lost passports, or medical situations, you need instant access to phone and data services. International roaming ensures help is always just one call away.

How to Activate International Roaming on Vi

Enabling roaming on Vi is quick and easy. The following steps explain how to activate international roaming in Vi via the Vi website and Vi App.

Step 1: Visit the Vi International Roaming Page

Go to the International Roaming page on the Vi website.

Step 2: Enter Your Number and Destination Country

Enter your 10-digit Vi number, choose the country you’re travelling to, and browse international roaming packs.

Step 3: Choose and Activate Your Pack

Pick the roaming pack that best suits your travel duration and usage (unlimited plans available).

Step 4: Confirm Activation via OTP

You will receive an OTP on your Vi number. Enter it to complete your Vi roaming activation. Your roaming pack is now active, and you’re ready to travel.

With this simple process, you can activate international roaming with Vi in just a few minutes.

How to Activate International Roaming on Android and iPhone

For Android Users (Via Vi App)

1. Download the Vi App from Google Play.
2. Sign in with your 10-digit mobile number and verify via OTP.
3. Go to Main Menu → International Roaming.
4. Select the destination country and choose a plan.
5. Complete payment and enjoy active roaming.
   

For iPhone Users (Via Settings & Vi App)

1. Open Settings → Mobile Data → Mobile Data Options.
2. Enable Data Roaming.
3. Open the Vi App → Go to International Roaming → Choose pack.
4. Activate and confirm via OTP.
   

Confirm international roaming Activation Status

Once done, restart your phone and verify:

Android:
Settings → Network & Internet → SIMs → Roaming ON

iPhone:
Settings → Mobile Data → Mobile Data Options → Data Roaming ON

With this, your Vi international roaming activation is complete.

International Roaming Packs for Vi Postpaid Users

Vi postpaid users enjoy flexible international roaming plans designed for short and long international trips.

Key advantages for postpaid customers:

• Unlimited calls to India.
• High-speed data usage.
• SMS access for OTP-based services.
• Packs available for single or multiple countries.
  

Exclusive benefit for REDX Postpaid Users:

REDX plans come with an international roaming pack absolutely free, valid for 7 days. These plans also include airport lounge access and lifestyle perks. If you travel frequently, REDX is one of the smartest choices to save on International Roaming costs.

International Roaming Packs for Vi Prepaid Users

Vi also supports prepaid international roaming packs!

You can choose from:

• Unlimited calling packs.
• Data-only packs.
• Combo packs with validity ranging from a day to up to 1 year.
  

Vi prepaid roaming packs are affordable and flexible, making them ideal for holiday travel.

With prepaid, you can monitor spending and stay within your budget while maintaining connectivity abroad.

Tips Before You Travel Abroad

Check Coverage in Destination Country

Vi provides international roaming services across 140+ countries. Verify that your destination is supported on the Vi website before travelling.

Monitor Data Usage Abroad

Streaming or video calling can consume data quickly. Use the Vi App to track usage and avoid high charges.

Prefer Add-On Data Packs or Local eSIMs When Needed

If you run out of data mid-trip, purchase:

• Add-on data packs
• Country-specific international roaming boosters
  

Download Essential Apps (including Vi App) on Wi-Fi Before Departure

Download before you board:

• Maps (with offline mode)
• Banking apps
• Airline apps

This ensures a smoother travel experience.

Conclusion

International roaming doesn’t need to be complicated or expensive. Vi brings you transparent, flexible, and value-packed International Roaming plans, so you stay connected with ease wherever you go. Whether you need unlimited calls, high-speed data, or OTP access for banking apps, Vi roaming makes it seamless. Simply choose your pack, confirm via OTP, and travel confidently. With this guide, you now know how to activate international roaming with Vi, how to manage the process from any device, and how to pick the right pack for your travel needs.

Still planning your next adventure? Before you go, check out our guide on International Roaming vs. Travel SIM Cards: Pros and Cons - it'll help you choose the best option for staying connected while traveling!