INTERNATIONAL eSIM FOR INDIAN TRAVELLERS

International eSIM vs International Roaming: What Indian Travellers Should Know

One question comes before every trip abroad: use your Airtel, Jio or Vi roaming pack, or buy a prepaid international eSIM? Here is how they compare, and a Matrix eSIM for every popular destination.

Factor Indian carrier IR pack Matrix international eSIM
Typical cost for a 7-10 day trip Operator packs commonly cost ₹1,199 – ₹3,999 for a few GB, and the price changes by country From ₹589 for a small plan; the destination table below shows the starting price for each country
Data allowance Usually 1 – 5 GB per pack 1 GB up to 50 GB, and Unlimited plans on most destinations
Bill shock risk Yes – usage beyond the pack is billed at standard rates None – fixed prepaid data only
Your Indian number Works abroad on the roaming pack Stays active on your physical SIM for calls and OTPs; the eSIM carries the data
Setup Buy and activate a pack with your operator before you fly Delivered by email or the GoMatrix App; scan the QR code and it activates automatically
Hotspot / Tethering Restricted on some roaming packs Allowed on limited-data plans (check the plan page)
KYC Not needed – it is your existing plan Required under Indian DOT guidelines; delivery stays instant once KYC is done
Best suited for Very short trips with light usage Anyone who uses maps, bookings, cabs and social media every day abroad
  • ✓Compare before you fly: the table below shows the starting price for every popular destination
  • ✓Keep your Indian SIM for OTPs and calls; the eSIM only carries data
  • ✓Fully prepaid with no bill shock when you return
  • ✓Instant delivery over email or the GoMatrix App
See all Matrix eSIMs

International eSIM questions

What is an international eSIM?
An eSIM is a digital SIM that you install by scanning a QR code. An international eSIM gives you prepaid data in the country you are visiting, while your Indian SIM stays in your phone.
Is an international eSIM cheaper than Airtel or Jio roaming?
For most trips that use more than a little data, yes. Operator packs commonly cost ₹1,199-₹3,999 for a few GB, while Matrix eSIMs start at ₹589. Prices change, so check both on the day you buy.
Will my Indian number still work?
Yes. The eSIM runs next to your physical SIM. You keep your Indian number for calls and OTPs and use the eSIM for data.
Which countries can I buy a Matrix eSIM for?
Matrix has eSIMs for Thailand, Vietnam, Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia, the UAE, the USA, Europe, Japan, Saudi Arabia, China and many more. The destination table on this page links to each one.
Do I need to complete KYC?
Yes. KYC is required under Indian DOT guidelines. Delivery stays instant once KYC is completed.
Will my phone work with an eSIM?
It needs to be an unlocked, eSIM-enabled phone. You can check your model on the handset compatibility page.
Can I use hotspot with an international eSIM?
Hotspot is allowed on limited-data plans. Unlimited plans may not include it, so check the plan page for the destination.
When should I install the eSIM?
Install it before you fly or as soon as you land. Validity starts when the eSIM is installed, so check the plan page for the destination.

Matrix eSIMs by destination

Starting prices for the smallest plan on each destination page. Every plan page shows the full current price list.