Planning to use your Etisalat SIM while traveling to India? You can activate international roaming, but it comes at high costs. Here’s how it works and a better alternative that saves money.
Can Etisalat Be Used in India?
Yes, Etisalat (UAE) supports international roaming in India. Your phone connects to local partner networks including Airtel, Jio, and Vi (Vodafone Idea). Both voice calls and data work, but data charges can be extremely high unless you activate a roaming pack beforehand.
How to activate Etisalat Roaming Before Your Trip
Activate roaming before boarding your flight using one of these methods:
Via My Etisalat UAE App (easiest option): Open the My Etisalat UAE app, navigate to Roaming → Travel Packs, and select an India or World Pack that suits your trip duration.
Via USSD code (quick method): Dial *177# on your phone, choose roaming offers from the menu, then select and activate your India pack.
Via Etisalat website: Log in to etisalat.ae, go to the Roaming section, choose India as your destination, and purchase a roaming pack.
Activate at least 24 hours before departure to ensure the pack is active when you land.
Etisalat Roaming Costs in India
Roaming charges vary depending on whether you purchase a pack or use pay-per-use rates:
Daily roaming packs typically cost:
- 1-day pass: AED 35-50 (includes 100-200MB data)
- 7-day pass: AED 200-300 (includes 500MB-1GB data)
- Data-only packs: AED 100-150 for limited MB
Pay-per-use rates without a pack:
- Incoming calls: AED 3-5 per minute
- Outgoing calls: AED 5-8 per minute
- Data: AED 1.05-1.50 per MB
Warning: Without activating a pack, streaming a single 10-minute video could cost AED 150-200. Background app updates can generate AED 300-500 in daily charges.
Common Problems with Etisalat Roaming in India
Even after activation, travelers frequently encounter these issues:
No signal after landing: Your phone might not automatically connect. Go to Settings → Network Operators → Search Networks, then manually select Airtel or Jio.
Data not working: verify that Data Roaming is enabled in your phone settings. Some Etisalat plans require separate data roaming activation even after purchasing a travel pack.
Pack not activated properly: Sometimes purchases don’t process immediately. Check your Etisalat account balance or call customer service before departure to confirm activation.
Slow speeds: Roaming data is often throttled compared to local connections, even on 4G networks.
Unexpected charges: Your pack may expire mid-trip, switching you to expensive pay-per-use rates without warning.
The Better Alternative: India eSIM
Instead of paying high roaming charges, get an India eSIM from esimindia.net—instant activation, full-speed data, prices from $5.50. Many UAE travelers now use this approach.
Key benefits:
- Instant setup via QR code with no store visit required
- Plans from $5.50 for 3-30 day options
- Full 4G/5G speeds on premium networks (Jio, Airtel, Vi)
- No passport or ID documentation needed
- Use dual SIM: keep Etisalat active for calls/OTPs, use eSIM for all data
Cost comparison:
- Etisalat 7-day roaming: AED 200-300 (~$55-80) for limited data
- India eSIM 7 days: $10-15 with generous data allowance
You save AED 150-250 per week while getting better speeds and more data. The eSIM connects to the same local networks as Etisalat roaming but without the premium markup.
Quick comparison:
| Feature | Etisalat Roaming | India eSIM |
| Setup | Must activate pack | Scan QR code |
| 7-day cost | AED 200-300 | $10-15 (AED 37-55) |
| Data allowance | 500MB-1GB | 10-20GB |
| Speeds | Often throttled | Full 4G/5G |
| Activation time | Up to 24 hours | Instant |
| Documents needed | Sometimes | None |
Is Your Phone Compatible?
Works with:
- iPhone XS and newer (except China/Hong Kong models)
- Samsung Galaxy S20+, S21, S22, S23, S24 series, Z Fold3+, Z Flip3+
- Google Pixel 4 and newer models
Doesn’t work with:
- iPhones from China/Hong Kong, iPhone 8/X and older
- Some US Galaxy FE versions, budget Android devices
Quick check: Go to Settings → Mobile Data. If you see “Add eSIM,” your device supports it. Verify your model at esimindia.net’s compatibility page.
Bottom line: Etisalat roaming works in India but costs AED 200-300+ per week with limited data and potential connectivity issues. An India eSIM from esimindia.net costs $10-25 for the same period with 10-20x more data, full speeds, and instant activation. Order before your flight, scan a QR code, and land already connected.