Published on October 5, 2026
Landing in India? Get Connected Before You Leave the Airport
You’ve just landed in Delhi or Mumbai. Your family is waiting, someone’s already asking which exit you’re coming through, and you need to message them. But your phone has no signal. Sound familiar?
If you’re flying from Australia to India for a week or longer, a travel eSIM for data alongside your Australian SIM for calls and messages is usually the easiest starting point. You’ll have internet as soon as you land without paying daily Australian roaming charges. If you still have an active Indian number, you can keep that connected for bank OTPs and UPI too.
Here’s how to choose the right eSIM India plan, what it costs in Australian dollars, and how to avoid paying more than you need to.
Which Option Suits You Best?
There are four main ways to stay connected when travelling between Australia and India. The right choice depends on whether you already have an Indian number, how much data you use and whether you want to share your connection with family.
| Option | Best for | Main advantage | Watch out for |
| Travel eSIM | Most Indian-Australian travellers | Internet as soon as you land | Usually data-only |
| Australian roaming | Short trips and convenience | Keep your Australian number active | Daily charges add up |
| Indian SIM on roaming | Receiving Indian OTPs | Keep your existing Indian number | Requires an active plan and roaming setup |
| Local Indian SIM | Longer stays | Affordable local data and calls | Requires registration and activation |
For most people, the combination of a travel eSIM and an existing Indian SIM is the most practical.
You can use the travel eSIM for WhatsApp, Google Maps, browsing and video calls while keeping your Indian number available for banking and other important messages.
Do You Need an eSIM If You Still Have an Indian Number?
Not necessarily. If you already have an active Indian SIM from Airtel or Jio, you may not need to purchase another Indian number.
In fact, recharging your existing Indian SIM with a suitable local plan is usually the cheapest option for data once you’re back in India.
However, there’s one catch. Your Indian SIM might not immediately work when you land if it has expired, been deactivated or needs a recharge.
This is where a travel eSIM becomes useful.
You can install an eSIM before leaving Australia and use it for internet access while you check your Indian SIM, arrange a recharge or sort out any network issues.
What about Airtel eSIM India and Jio eSIM India?
Both Airtel and Jio support eSIM services on compatible devices. If you already have an Indian eSIM, you can generally continue using it rather than purchasing another one.
If you use a physical Indian SIM, you can also keep it in your phone while adding a travel eSIM, provided your device supports dual SIM functionality.
A few things to remember:
- Keep your Indian number active with a valid recharge.
- Check that international roaming is enabled before leaving Australia if you need to receive Indian messages while overseas.
- Incoming SMS availability and charges depend on your operator and plan.
- Jio confirms that incoming text messages are free while international roaming.
- Airtel recommends activating international roaming to maintain access to services and bank messages when overseas.
Most importantly, don’t deactivate or remove your Indian SIM simply because you’ve installed a travel eSIM.
Your Indian number may still be linked to your bank accounts, UPI apps, government services and other important accounts.
Best eSIMs for India Compared
If you’re searching for the best eSIM for India, there isn’t one perfect option for everyone.
Some providers are better for shorter trips, while others offer better value for longer stays or heavier data usage.
We’ve compared five popular providers using their available India plans. Prices are shown in Australian dollars using an indicative exchange rate of US$1 = A$1.423. Actual checkout prices may vary with exchange rates, taxes and promotions.
| Provider | 15-day unlimited plan | Network | Hotspot |
| Saily | Approx. A$85.37 | Jio, Airtel | Check plan restrictions |
| Ubigi | A$65.46 | Airtel | Unlimited |
| Airalo | A$88.23 | VI India | Unlimited |
| Holafly | A$90.36 | Airtel, Jio | 1GB per day |
| Jetpac | 30-day plan approx. A$93.89 | Check at checkout | Check plan restrictions |
Prices are indicative and subject to change. Ubigi’s US$46 15-day unlimited plan and Airalo’s US$62 plan are displayed on their provider pages. Holafly’s listed 15-day price is US$63.50. Saily’s displayed unlimited pricing and Jetpac’s plan duration should be checked at checkout before purchase.
Which eSIM should you choose?
For a short trip
Saily is worth considering if you only need basic internet access. Its entry-level India plan starts at US$3.99 for 1GB over seven days, making it an affordable option if you mainly use messaging, maps and occasional browsing.
For a longer family visit
Ubigi is worth a look. Its 15-day unlimited plan is listed at US$46, which converts to approximately A$65.46. It is a reasonable option if you expect to use plenty of data throughout your stay.
For everyday browsing and social media
Airalo is another popular choice. Its India unlimited plan for 15 days is listed at US$62. It uses VI India as its primary network, so check coverage around the cities and towns you’ll be visiting.
For frequent video calls
Holafly offers unlimited data plans, making it an option for people who regularly video-call family and friends. However, its hotspot allowance is limited to 1GB per day, so it may not be ideal if several family members need to share your connection.
For people comparing longer validity plans
Jetpac offers different data packages, including unlimited options. Its unlimited plans have a fair-use arrangement, with the first 3GB per 24 hours at standard speeds and speeds reduced to up to 1Mbps afterwards. Check the exact duration and price before purchasing.
One important thing to remember: these five providers offer data-only services for the plans compared here. They do not give you a new Indian mobile number or conventional SMS and calling services.
You can still use WhatsApp, FaceTime and other internet-based calling apps.
Also, don’t assume every unlimited plan allows unlimited family sharing. Check the hotspot conditions before buying.
eSIM vs Telstra, Optus and Vodafone Roaming
You might be tempted to use your Australian SIM and forget about buying an additional eSIM.
It’s certainly convenient, but the cost can add up, particularly if you’re staying in India for two weeks or longer.
Here’s what a 14-day stay could cost using the main Australian roaming options.
| Provider | Daily cost | 14-day total | Data inclusion |
| Telstra Day Pass | A$10 | A$140 | 2GB per day |
| Optus Daily Roaming | A$5 | A$70 | 5GB per day |
| Optus Roaming Pass | A$10 | A$140 | 1GB per day |
| Vodafone $5 Roaming | A$5 | A$70 | Your eligible plan’s included data |
These are indicative totals assuming the roaming service is available on your plan and used every day. Optus Daily Roaming and Optus Roaming Pass are different products with different eligibility requirements.
Telstra’s international roaming day pass provides 2GB of data per day in eligible destinations, including India.
Optus has two relevant options for eligible customers. Daily Roaming provides 5GB per 24 hours for A$5, while its A$10 Roaming Pass provides 1GB per 24 hours on selected postpaid plans.
Vodafone’s A$5 Roaming allows eligible customers to use their included plan data, calls and texts in supported destinations, including India. Additional data charges can apply once your included allowance is exhausted.
For a family staying in India for two weeks, the difference between A$70 and A$140 in roaming charges is worth considering.
A travel eSIM may cost considerably less, particularly if you mainly need internet access rather than Australian calling services.
Turn off data roaming to avoid a surprise bill
If you’re using a travel eSIM, make sure your phone is actually using it for mobile data.
Go into your mobile settings and select your travel eSIM as the preferred data line. Turn off data roaming on your Australian SIM unless you intend to use its roaming service.
You can keep your Australian number active for incoming messages, but check your provider’s charging rules before travelling. Receiving calls, sending SMS or accidentally using mobile data can trigger roaming charges.
How to Set Up Your eSIM Before You Fly
The easiest way to avoid airport connectivity problems is to install your eSIM before leaving Australia.
Here’s how to do it.
Step 1. Check your phone compatibility
Not every phone supports eSIM technology. Check your device model and make sure it is unlocked and compatible with your chosen provider.
Step 2. Choose your India plan
Compare the validity period, data allowance, network coverage and hotspot conditions. If you’re staying for 14 days, choose a plan that covers your entire trip.
Step 3. Purchase your eSIM
Buy directly through the provider’s website or app. You’ll usually receive a QR code or installation instructions.
Step 4. Install your eSIM in Australia
Follow the provider’s instructions to add the eSIM to your phone. Give it a recognisable label, such as India Travel, so you don’t accidentally select the wrong SIM later.
Step 5. Keep your Australian and Indian numbers
If your device supports multiple active SIMs, keep your existing numbers available. Set your travel eSIM as the preferred mobile data line.
Step 6. Activate your plan when you arrive
Some eSIMs activate when installed, while others start their validity when they connect to a supported network overseas. Check your provider’s activation rules before installation.
Once you’ve landed, enable the travel eSIM and data roaming for that eSIM if the provider requires it.
You should now be able to access the internet without relying on airport Wi-Fi.
Diwali Travel Tips to Stay Connected
Travelling home is exciting, but a little preparation can make your arrival much easier, especially during busy festive periods.
Here are a few things worth doing before you leave.
1. Download offline maps
Download Google Maps for your destination before travelling. Network congestion can happen in busy areas, and having offline directions is always useful.
2. Keep your banking apps ready
Check that your Australian banking apps work overseas and that you can receive any necessary verification codes. Keep your Indian number active if your Indian bank relies on SMS OTPs.
3. Set up a family hotspot
If you’re travelling with parents, siblings or children, check whether your eSIM allows hotspot sharing. One connection can be useful for everyone, but remember that sharing data can use up your allowance quickly.
4. Save important addresses offline
Keep your home address, hotel details, airport pickup arrangements and emergency contacts saved on your phone. You don’t want to be searching for these when your connection drops.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. India supports eSIM technology through major operators such as Airtel and Jio. International travel eSIM providers also offer data plans for India. Your phone must support eSIM functionality and be unlocked to use a compatible travel eSIM.
Yes. You can generally purchase and install an international travel eSIM before travelling, regardless of whether you hold an Australian passport or OCI. These plans are separate from purchasing a local Indian mobile connection, which has its own identity verification requirements.
Yes, provided your Indian SIM remains active and your operator supports incoming SMS while roaming. Check your recharge validity and international roaming settings before leaving Australia. A travel eSIM does not replace your existing Indian number or automatically receive its SMS messages.
It depends on how long you’re staying and how much data you need. A local Indian SIM with a suitable recharge can be cheaper for longer visits. However, a travel eSIM can be more convenient because you can install it before departure and connect immediately after landing.
Most international travel eSIMs compared in this guide are data-only, meaning they don’t provide a conventional Indian phone number or standard SMS and voice calling. However, you can still make calls using WhatsApp, FaceTime and other internet-based calling applications.
Ideally, install it one or two days before departure while you’re connected to reliable Wi-Fi. Check whether your provider starts the plan’s validity immediately upon installation or only when it connects to a network in India. This helps avoid using up your plan before your trip begins.
Get Ready for Your Journey Home
Staying connected in India doesn’t have to mean spending a fortune on international roaming. For most Indian-Australian travellers, a travel eSIM alongside their existing Australian and Indian numbers offers a practical balance of convenience and affordability.
Now that your connectivity is sorted, it’s time to plan the journey itself. Explore Gaura Travel’s flights to India, browse our GDeals flight offers or visit the Fly India Sale page for available offers and travel inspiration. Your journey home starts here.