If you’re in the USA and need an Indian SIM card, whether for traveling to India, receiving OTPs for banking, or staying connected with family, you might wonder:
✔ Can I get an Indian SIM card while in the USA?
✔ Which Indian mobile operators offer SIMs for international use?
✔ What are the best ways to get an Indian SIM from the USA?
In this detailed guide, we’ll cover how to get an Indian SIM card in the USA, available options, and alternatives for staying connected with an Indian number.
✔ International Roaming SIMs (From Indian operators like Jio, Airtel, Vi)
✔ Reactivating an Old Indian SIM Card (If it hasn’t expired)
✔ eSIM Activation (Available for certain postpaid plans)
✔ Buying an Indian SIM in India & Using It in the USA
✔ Virtual Indian Numbers & International Forwarding Services
Let’s go through these options one by one.
If you already have an Indian SIM card from Airtel, Jio, Vi (Vodafone-Idea), or BSNL, you can activate international roaming and use it in the USA.
If you’re traveling to India soon, the easiest way to get an Indian SIM card is to buy one in India and then use it when you return to the USA.
✔ Best for: NRIs or frequent travelers to India who want to use the same number in the USA.
Some Indian operators like Airtel and Jio now offer eSIM services, which allow you to activate a virtual SIM without a physical card.
✔ Best for: People who already have an active Indian number and want a digital SIM without swapping physical cards.
If you only need an Indian number to receive OTPs or calls, a virtual number or call forwarding service might be a good alternative.
✔ Best for: People who need an Indian number for online verification, banking, or business.
Some international SIM providers offer Indian numbers that work in multiple countries, including the USA.
✔ Best for: People who travel frequently between the USA & India.
Need help choosing the right option? Join the discussion here:
How to Get an Indian SIM Card in the USA – India Travel Forum
✔ Can I get an Indian SIM card while in the USA?
✔ Which Indian mobile operators offer SIMs for international use?
✔ What are the best ways to get an Indian SIM from the USA?
In this detailed guide, we’ll cover how to get an Indian SIM card in the USA, available options, and alternatives for staying connected with an Indian number.
Can You Get an Indian SIM Card in the USA?
Indian telecom companies do not officially issue new SIM cards outside India due to government regulations. However, you can get an Indian SIM card in the USA through:✔ International Roaming SIMs (From Indian operators like Jio, Airtel, Vi)
✔ Reactivating an Old Indian SIM Card (If it hasn’t expired)
✔ eSIM Activation (Available for certain postpaid plans)
✔ Buying an Indian SIM in India & Using It in the USA
✔ Virtual Indian Numbers & International Forwarding Services
Let’s go through these options one by one.
Get an International Roaming SIM Card from India
If you already have an Indian SIM card from Airtel, Jio, Vi (Vodafone-Idea), or BSNL, you can activate international roaming and use it in the USA.How to Activate International Roaming for Your Indian SIM?
✔ Airtel:- Dial 121 or activate via the Airtel Thanks App
- International Roaming Pack: Starts from ₹699 ($8.50) for 1 day
- Long-term plans: ₹3,999 ($48) for 10GB + unlimited incoming for 30 days
- Activate via the MyJio app or SMS IR START to 53333
- International Roaming Pack: ₹1,199 ($14) for 1GB + unlimited incoming for 14 days
- Long-term plans: ₹5,751 ($69) for unlimited data + calls for 30 days
- Activate via the Vi app or by dialing 199
- International Roaming Pack: ₹699 ($8.50) for 1GB + 100 minutes of calls for 24 hours
- Not recommended as BSNL has limited international roaming support in the USA
Buy an Indian SIM Card in India & Use It in the USA
If you’re traveling to India soon, the easiest way to get an Indian SIM card is to buy one in India and then use it when you return to the USA.✔ Best for: NRIs or frequent travelers to India who want to use the same number in the USA.
Get an eSIM for an Indian Number
Some Indian operators like Airtel and Jio now offer eSIM services, which allow you to activate a virtual SIM without a physical card.✔ Best for: People who already have an active Indian number and want a digital SIM without swapping physical cards.
Use a Virtual Indian Number (VoIP & Call Forwarding Services)
If you only need an Indian number to receive OTPs or calls, a virtual number or call forwarding service might be a good alternative.✔ Best for: People who need an Indian number for online verification, banking, or business.
Buy an International SIM That Works in India & the USA
Some international SIM providers offer Indian numbers that work in multiple countries, including the USA.✔ Best for: People who travel frequently between the USA & India.
Which Option is Best for You?
| Situation | Best Solution |
|---|---|
 Already have an Indian SIM? | Activate international roaming |
| Traveling to India soon? | Buy a new prepaid SIM in India & activate roaming |
| Need an Indian number for OTPs & banking? | Get a virtual Indian number |
| Want a long-term solution for calls? | Use an international SIM card |
| Prefer a digital SIM? | Convert your Indian SIM to an eSIM |
Final Thoughts
While you cannot directly buy a new Indian SIM card in the USA, you can still get an Indian number through the methods mentioned above.Need help choosing the right option? Join the discussion here:
How to Get an Indian SIM Card in the USA – India Travel Forum
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