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International Phone Use

INTERNATIONAL CALLING PLANS | We highly recommend that you check your cell plan to see if international calls to India are included. These days most phone plans will include India and it may be free. But I would check. If not, consider an international calling plan. They can be affordable, you can discontinue it after you return home, and they allow you to access the Indian networks without expensive roaming charges. Another option is to use wi-fi to talk via FaceTime. Keep in mind that wifi can be a bit spotty, so should you need to make calls, an international calling plan or an eSIM is the safest option.
INDIAN NETWORKS |The Indian cell networks are actually quite good, and with the exception of some rural areas the reception is usually very good. When using an international calling plan you will see the name of the Indian network on your phone’s interface. Vodafone is a popular one. This tells you that you are on the Indian network to make your call or text. If you don’t have an international calling plan it will also mean that you are being charged huge fees to use their network. Those fees can add up to hundreds of US dollars and a very shocking bill when you get home.
eSIM | An eSIM (embedded SIM) is a digital SIM card built into your device, allowing you to activate your home mobile plan (a T-Mobile network, for example) using the Indian network without a physical SIM card. eSIMs offer convenience and flexibility, especially for international travel. If you have an iPhone 14 or newer, you already have an eSIM built into your phone. Apple has a help page with instructions on how to use eSIM on their phones. Once the eSIM is activated on your phone, you can purchase an inexpensive India eSIM plan with Airalo.
INTERNATIONAL DAY PASSES | Some US cell providers, such as AT&T, have “per-day” international day pass plans that charges a fixed fee per day (AT&T is $12), and only activates the charge when you text or make a call. You are charged only for that one day and you may use the Indian networks as much as you want that day only. If you don’t anticipate many texts or calls with family back home, or none at all, it may be better to choose the per-day plan.
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