Planning an overseas trip can be exciting, but figuring out how to stay connected without breaking the bank can be a challenge. Airtel, one of India’s leading telecom providers, offers a range of international roaming plans designed to cater to both short-term and long-term travellers. Whether you’re heading abroad for a quick business trip or an extended stay, Airtel has you covered with its innovative postpaid plans.
In this article, we’ll dive into the details of Airtel’s short trip and long stay international roaming packs, helping you choose the perfect option for your next adventure.
International Roaming Packs for Short Trips
For travellers embarking on brief international journeys, Airtel provides a variety of short-term packs that offer generous data and voice allowances across several countries. Here’s what you need to know:
Unlimited Data Packs
Airtel has introduced India’s first unlimited international roaming plans, which provide unlimited data usage in many countries. These packs eliminate the need to select country- or zone-specific plans, ensuring seamless connectivity wherever your travels take you.
Daily and Weekly Packs
Airtel’s short-term packs come with flexible validity options, ranging from one day to one week, making them ideal for quick business or leisure trips. Pricing starts at competitive rates, ensuring affordability for brief stays.
Automatic Activation and In-Flight Connectivity
One of the standout features of Airtel’s short trip packs is their automatic activation upon landing overseas. This means you’ll be connected instantly without any extra steps. Select packs even offer in-flight usage, allowing you to stay online during your travel.
24×7 Support and App Control
Airtel provides round-the-clock customer support via call or WhatsApp for any roaming-related queries. Additionally, you can manage your pack, track usage, and handle billing through the user-friendly Airtel Thanks app.
Here’s a sample short trip pack for 2025:
Feature | Details |
Price | Starts from ₹648 |
Data | Unlimited or 1GB |
Voice | 100+ minutes |
Validity | 1 day, 5 days, 10 days |
Long Stay/NRI International Roaming Packs
For customers staying abroad for extended periods, including NRIs, Airtel has introduced specialised long-stay packs that offer substantial value and convenience. Let’s take a closer look:
1-Year Global IR Pack (₹4,000)
- Data: 5GB usage abroad over the year
- Voice: 100 minutes for international use
- Domestic Benefits: While in India, the same plan provides 1.5GB daily data and unlimited calls, valid for one year
- Seamless Switching: Use the same number abroad and in India without separate recharges
- Coverage: Valid across 189 countries, ideal for frequent flyers and global professionals
- Unified Experience: No need for multiple recharges or local SIMs; a single plan works globally
Key Features and Benefits
- Global Reach: One pack works in several countries, covering all major travel destinations
- Unlimited Data Options: First-in-India offering for truly unlimited data usage on international roaming
- In-flight Roaming: Stay connected even while flying; in-flight packs start at ₹196
- User-Friendly: All packs can be managed and monitored through the Airtel Thanks app for complete control
- Automatic Renewal: For frequent travellers, auto-renewal ensures continuous service without manual intervention
- Superior Value: Airtel claims its international roaming packs are more affordable than most local SIM options, providing better value and convenience
- 24×7 Support: Dedicated international roaming helpline and WhatsApp support for assistance worldwide
Comparison Table: Short Trip vs. Long Stay Airtel IR Packs
Feature | Short Trip Pack | Long Stay / NRI Pack |
Typical Validity | 1-10 days | 1 year |
Data Benefit | Unlimited or fixed (e.g., 3GB) | 5GB total or 2GB-2.5GB/day |
Voice Benefit | 100+ minutes | 100 minutes total |
Price Range | Starts ₹648 and up | ₹3,599, ₹3,999, ₹4,000 |
Countries Covered | 189 | 189 |
In-Flight Roaming | Select packs | Select packs |
Domestic Use | No (IR only) | Yes (1.5GB/day + unlimited calls) |
Best For | Tourists, business travel, and short trips | NRIs, expats, long-term travellers |
Activation | Automatic on landing | Automatic on landing |
Support | 24×7 call & WhatsApp | 24×7 call & WhatsApp |
App Management | Yes (Airtel Thanks app) | Yes (Airtel Thanks app) |
How to Choose the Right Plan
- Short Trip: If your travel is under two weeks, choose a short-duration unlimited or fixed-data pack for maximum flexibility and instant connectivity.
- Long Stay: For stays of several months or frequent international commutes, the ₹4,000/year NRI pack or the higher data yearly packs (₹3,599 or ₹3,999) offer unbeatable convenience and value, especially for those who want to keep their Indian number active both abroad and at home.
Airtel’s international roaming packs provide a comprehensive solution for travellers, ensuring they stay connected with the same number and enjoy affordable, hassle-free roaming services tailored to their travel duration and needs.
By offering a range of postpaid plans with features like unlimited data, automatic activation, in-flight connectivity, and 24×7 support, Airtel has revolutionised the international roaming experience for its customers.
So, whether you’re a short-term tourist or a long-term expat, Airtel has the perfect international roaming plan to keep you connected without the stress of managing multiple SIMs or worrying about exorbitant charges.
Consider exploring Airtel’s postpaid plans for your next international trip and enjoy a seamless, worry-free travel experience.
References
- https://www.airtel.in/ir-packs/
- https://www.airtel.in/press-release/04-2025/airtel-announces-new-plans-to-revolutionize-international-roaming-ir-experience/
- https://www.91mobiles.com/recharge-plans/airtel-prepaid-roaming-international
- https://economictimes.com/industry/telecom/telecom-news/airtel-unveils-new-international-roaming-plans/articleshow/120607493.cms
- https://telecomtalk.info/airtel-launches-new-international-roaming-pack-india/993302/
Disclaimer: The information provided in this blog, including but not limited to prices, promotional offers, and other time-sensitive data, is accurate at the time of publication. These details are subject to change without prior notice. Readers are advised to check official sources or platforms for the most up-to-date information.