📱 Can NRIs Keep Indian SIM Cards While Living Abroad? A 2025 Guide

Staying connected to India is crucial for NRIs — not just for chatting with family and friends, but also for receiving important OTPs, bank alerts, and government notifications. A common question arises: Can NRIs legally keep their Indian SIM card active while living abroad?

The answer is yes, but with conditions. This detailed guide covers everything NRIs need to know about keeping their Indian SIM cards functional from outside India, including legal rules, how to prevent deactivation, and the best SIM card options for global use.

✅ Yes, NRIs Can Keep Indian SIM Cards — But With Conditions

Indian telecom operators allow NRIs to retain SIM cards while abroad, but with some important guidelines.

📜 As per TRAI (Telecom Regulatory Authority of India) and DoT (Department of Telecommunications) rules:

Here are the key rules to understand:

Rule Explanation

Indian SIMs are intended for domestic use Primarily to be used within Indian borders

Long-term use abroad is considered international roaming Prolonged usage overseas may breach the terms of service

SIMs inactive for 90 days may be deactivated Telecoms periodically recycle unused numbers

🔔 Bottom Line: You can keep your SIM, but must keep it active, either by using it periodically or recharging it.

🔄 How to Keep an Indian SIM Card Active Abroad

Here are some ways you can retain and use your Indian number from outside India:

1. 📡 Use International Roaming Packs

Almost all major providers — Jio, Airtel, and Vi — offer international roaming (IR) plans.

• Plans range from daily, weekly to monthly
• You can receive OTPs, SMS alerts, and calls
• Some even allow Wi-Fi calling, saving on roaming charges

💡 Tip: For occasional use, choose SMS-only or incoming-call-only packs — these are far cheaper and perfect if you mainly need OTPs.

2. 🔋 Keep Minimum Recharge Active

Even if you’re not using the SIM regularly, maintain a valid recharge every 2–3 months.

• Use ₹10–₹100 top-ups or validity extension packs
• Prevents inactivity deactivation
• Good for those not using roaming but want to keep the number alive

3. 🌐 Switch to Wi-Fi or Global Features

Some providers (notably Jio) support:

• Wi-Fi Calling: Allows you to receive calls even when not connected to a mobile network
• App-based access: Use apps like MyJio or Airtel Thanks to check balances, recharge, and manage services from abroad

4. 👥 Nominate a Trusted Person in India

Give the SIM to a trusted friend or family member in India:

• Let them insert it in a dual-SIM phone
• They can use it occasionally to keep it active
• You still get your OTPs and alerts forwarded or accessed remotely

🛑 When Will Your Indian SIM Be Deactivated?

Telecom operators may permanently deactivate your Indian SIM card in the following cases:

• ❌ No recharge, usage, or incoming SMS/calls for 90+ days
• ❌ SIM flagged for suspicious or unauthorized international use
• ❌ Violation of fair usage policies (especially on roaming)

⚠️ Risks of Deactivation:

• Permanent loss of your Indian mobile number
• Inability to receive OTPs for:
• Banking
• UPI transactions
• Aadhaar/PAN
• Mutual fund and stock platforms

🛑 When Can a SIM Card Be Deactivated?

Indian telecom providers can deactivate SIM cards if:

• No activity (calls, SMS, recharge) for 90 days or more
• No incoming/outgoing calls for a long time
• Regulatory concerns (suspicion of misuse, fraud, etc.)

🔒 Deactivation leads to permanent number loss and can affect your access to Indian bank accounts, UPI, Aadhaar OTPs, etc.

📲 Best Indian SIM Options for NRIs

Operator International Roaming SMS Reception Abroad Good for NRIs?

Airtel ✅ Yes ✅ With recharge ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Jio ✅ Yes ✅ Wi-Fi + roaming ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Vi ✅ Yes ✅ With recharge ⭐⭐⭐

BSNL ❌ Limited ❌ Not reliable abroad ⭐⭐

📌 Note: Choose a provider with strong digital services and international support.

💡 Top Tips for NRIs with Indian SIM Cards

• 📱 Use Dual SIM phones: Keep Indian SIM + local SIM active together
• 🔗 Link Indian number to UPI, bank accounts, Aadhaar, PAN
• 📥 Use Indian number for WhatsApp: Use local SIM for mobile data
• 🔁 Avoid frequent SIM switching: May cause network registration issues
• 📲 Download & use telecom apps:
• MyJio App (Android/iOS)
• Airtel Thanks App (Android/iOS)
• Vi App

🔐 Legal Perspective: Is It Legal to Use an Indian SIM Abroad?

Legally, Indian SIMs are intended for domestic use. However:

• Short-term and moderate international use via roaming is allowed
• Excessive long-term use abroad may violate the terms of service
• No current law explicitly bans keeping an Indian SIM overseas

✅ As long as you maintain recharges and don’t misuse the SIM, you are not breaking any laws.

✈️ What To Do When You Visit India

• ✅ Carry original ID proofs (Aadhaar, PAN, Passport) — for any SIM verification
• ✅ Visit your telecom provider’s store if your SIM needs reactivation
• 🔁 Update your contact details with banks, Digilocker, income tax portal, etc., if needed

📌 Final Thoughts

Keeping your Indian SIM card active abroad is not only possible, but also highly recommended for any NRI. From receiving OTPs to maintaining WhatsApp and banking access, your Indian number is your digital identity back home.

🛠️ With the right mix of:

• Periodic recharges
• International roaming plans
• App-based management
• and dual SIM convenience

You can safely retain your Indian mobile number, avoid deactivation, and stay connected for years, no matter where in the world you are.

🔗 Quick Resources & Links

• Jio International Roaming Plans: Jio IR Plans
• Airtel Thanks App: Airtel IR
• TRAI Official Website: www.trai.gov.in
• DoT Guidelines for SIM Cards: www.dot.gov.in