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Moving from India to another country for higher education involves more than admission, a visa and flights, as students also need a working phone from the day they land. According to the Ministry of External Affairs, about 12.5 lakh Indian students were enrolled in universities abroad as of January 2025. Hence, it is advised to compare mobile plans before departure, along with deciding how to keep your Indian number active.
Why Should Indian Students Plan Their Mobile Connectivity Before Departure?
Take a scenario where a student lands at London Heathrow late at night and needs to call the accommodation office to collect a key. Without a working local number, they have to rely on airport Wi-Fi, which may not last beyond the terminal.
It is important to note that the Indian number still matters after you leave, as Indian banks send one-time passwords (OTPs) to the mobile number registered with your account. This means that most students need two lines.
Should You Keep Your Indian SIM or Get a Local Mobile Plan?
In most cases, the answer is both, as each line does a different job.
Please note that most recent phones support dual SIM, which means that you can keep both lines on one phone. Once you land, set the local SIM as your default for data and turn off data roaming on the Indian SIM, to avoid roaming charges.
What Is the Difference Between an eSIM and a Physical SIM?
An eSIM and a physical SIM are not types of plan but simply the way a plan reaches your phone. An eSIM is downloaded onto a compatible phone, often before you leave India, whereas a physical SIM card suits phones that do not support eSIM.
Why Should Indian Students Bring Their Own Phone?
Bringing your own device (BYOD) means using the unlocked phone you already own on a local plan, which is the more affordable option for most students. Phones bought on monthly instalments abroad usually need a credit check, which new arrivals do not have, and often stay locked to one carrier until they are paid off.
How Can Indian Students Choose a Mobile Plan for Their Destination?
Plans differ from one country to the next. Unlimit Mobile offers local mobile plans for students in the USA, Canada and the UK, which can be set up before you leave India and do not need a local credit history, ID, address or bank account. Additionally, parents can pay from India through UPI, an Indian debit card or a bank transfer.
Moving to the USA
Postpaid plans from the major US carriers usually need a credit check or a Social Security number, which is why most new arrivals start with a prepaid plan. Unlimit Mobile's US plans run on the T-Mobile 5G network with three-, six- or twelve-month terms.
Moving to the UK
Many UK SIM-only contracts run for 12 or 24 months with a credit check, which makes prepaid plans easier for new arrivals. Unlimit Mobile's UK plans run on the Vodafone 5G network and can be activated before departure.
Moving to Canada
Coverage in Canada can vary a great deal between regions, so it is advised to check it for your city. Unlimit Mobile's Canada plans run on the Telus 5G+ network, and students who open a Student GIC with ICICI Bank Canada or BMO through its referral can earn CAD 120 in Unlimit Coins.
What Should You Check Before Buying a Mobile Plan Abroad?
It is advised to compare each plan on these points:
When Should You Arrange Your Mobile Service?
It is advised to start comparing plans a few weeks before you leave India, and to test calls, texts and data as soon as you land.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I keep my Indian number after moving abroad?
Yes, you can keep your Indian number for bank OTPs and family, as long as you keep it recharged and turn off data roaming once you land.
Can I buy a local eSIM while still in India?
Yes, many providers let you buy a plan and install the eSIM before you travel. However, some plans only start working once your phone connects in the destination country.
Is local mobile service better than international roaming?
For a semester or longer, a local prepaid plan usually costs much less than roaming, along with giving you a local number.
How much mobile data should I choose?
Students who use campus Wi-Fi for streaming may need under 10 GB a month, whereas those who stream daily on mobile data may need 25 GB or more.
Final Thoughts
Before you travel, keep your Indian SIM active for OTPs, compare local prepaid plans for your destination and check that your phone is unlocked, so that you can choose a plan that suits your budget and your stay.
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