Why UAE Roaming to India Is Expensive
UAE carriers (Etisalat/e&, du) offer international roaming packages for India, but the cost is high relative to local Indian data plans. Typical UAE roaming to India can cost AED 30–80 per day for a data package, or AED 2–5 per MB without a package. For a 2-week trip, this quickly adds up to hundreds of dirhams.
Indian mobile data, by contrast, is among the cheapest in the world. Jio and Airtel offer 1 GB/day plans for the equivalent of under AED 2/day locally. An eSIM lets you access these local rates without buying a physical Indian SIM at the airport.
How eSIMs Work for India Travel
An eSIM is a digital SIM embedded in your phone. To use an India eSIM:
- Check compatibility: Verify your phone supports eSIM (most iPhone XS+, Samsung S20+, Pixel 3+).
- Choose a provider: Compare India eSIM plans at providers like Airalo, Holafly, or Nomad.
- Purchase before departure: Buy your India eSIM online. You receive a QR code by email.
- Install in advance: Scan the QR code to download the eSIM profile (requires Wi-Fi). Do this before you travel — you will not need Wi-Fi to activate it in India.
- Activate on arrival: Enable the India eSIM in your phone settings when you land. Set it as your mobile data SIM.
- Keep your UAE SIM: Your UAE physical SIM stays active for UAE calls and SMS. Use internet calling (WhatsApp, FaceTime) for India/UAE calls over the eSIM data.
eSIM Options for UAE Residents Traveling to India
The following are indicative options based on publicly available information. Prices and plans change — verify at each provider before purchasing.
Airalo India eSIM
Network: Multiple networks · Plans: 1 GB – 20 GB · Validity: 7–30 days
One of the most widely available eSIM marketplaces. Plans for India available from USD 4.50. Verify current plans at airalo.com.
- Wide plan range
- Easy app setup
- Good India coverage
Holafly India eSIM
Network: Airtel / others · Plans: Unlimited data plans · Validity: 5–90 days
Unlimited data plans popular with heavy users. Verify current pricing and fair-use limits at holafly.com.
- Unlimited data option
- Simple setup
- Good for long trips
Nomad India eSIM
Network: Multiple networks · Plans: 1 GB – 20 GB · Validity: 7–30 days
Competitive pricing for India. Multiple network options. Verify at getnomad.app.
- Competitive pricing
- Multiple plan sizes
- Network choice
Step-by-Step: Install Your India eSIM
Purchase your eSIM plan
Visit your chosen eSIM provider website and select an India data plan that matches your trip length and data needs. Complete payment — you will receive a QR code and/or an activation code.
Scan the QR code on Wi-Fi
Go to Settings > Cellular/Mobile > Add eSIM > Use QR Code. Scan the QR code from your eSIM purchase email. The eSIM profile will download to your phone. Note: you need Wi-Fi or your existing SIM data for this step.
Label the eSIM
When prompted, label the new eSIM as "India Data" or similar. Set it to be used for data only (not calls/SMS, unless you want to use it for calls too).
Land in India — enable the eSIM
At your destination in India, go to Settings > Cellular and switch your mobile data to the India eSIM. Your phone will connect to an Indian network.
Keep UAE SIM for calls
Leave your UAE SIM active for calls and messages. Use WhatsApp or FaceTime over the India eSIM data for internet calls. Note that incoming calls on your UAE number will still incur UAE carrier roaming charges.
Compare India eSIM Options
Visit our India eSIM comparison page for a current summary of plan options for UAE residents traveling to India.
View India eSIM options →Frequently Asked Questions
What is an eSIM and how does it work for travel?
An eSIM (embedded SIM) is a digital SIM card built into your phone. Instead of inserting a physical SIM, you scan a QR code or enter an activation code to download a mobile plan from a provider. For travel, you purchase a local data eSIM plan for your destination country (e.g., India) before you arrive, then activate it when you land. You keep your UAE number active on your physical SIM for calls and SMS.
Is my phone eSIM compatible?
Most flagship smartphones released after 2018 support eSIM — including iPhone XS and later, Samsung Galaxy S20 and later, Google Pixel 3 and later, and many others. Check your phone settings (Settings > Cellular/Mobile > Add eSIM) or your manufacturer website. Note: some phones purchased in certain regions may have eSIM disabled by the carrier.
How much data do I need for a 2-week trip to India?
For a typical 2-week trip to India with moderate smartphone use (maps, messaging, some video calls), 5–10 GB of data is usually sufficient. If you plan to stream video or use mobile hotspot frequently, 15–20 GB is more comfortable. Most eSIM providers offer 1 GB, 3 GB, 5 GB, 10 GB, and 20 GB plans for India.
Can I use my UAE number for calls while using an India eSIM?
Yes. When using a dual-SIM phone with an India eSIM for data, your UAE physical SIM remains active for calls and SMS. Incoming calls to your UAE number will still ring, but standard international roaming charges from your UAE carrier will apply for those calls. Use WhatsApp, FaceTime, or other internet-based apps over the India eSIM data for free calling.
Which networks do India eSIMs typically use?
India eSIM providers typically partner with one of India's three major networks: Jio, Airtel, or Vi (Vodafone Idea). Coverage quality varies by region — Jio and Airtel generally have the best nationwide 4G/5G coverage. Check which network your chosen eSIM provider uses before purchasing.
Related Guides
remit.ae is an independent information site. We are not affiliated with any eSIM provider. eSIM prices and availability change frequently — always verify at the provider before purchasing. Stack Jewels LLC.