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

Staying connected with family, friends, and financial institutions in India is a top priority for Non-Resident Indians (NRIs). But many NRIs wonder: Can I keep my Indian SIM card active while living abroad? Will it get deactivated if unused?

In this blog, we break down the rules, options, and tips for NRIs to retain and use Indian mobile numbers legally and conveniently.

**✅ 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:

Indian SIM cards are meant for use within India
Using Indian SIMs internationally long-term may be considered roaming
SIM cards inactive for 90 days may be deactivated

So while it's legal to keep your Indian SIM, you must keep it active and understand how to maintain 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

Major providers like Jio, Airtel, Vi offer international roaming plans (daily, weekly, monthly)
Receive OTPs from banks, Aadhaar, etc., even outside India
Best for short trips or critical access

💡 Tip: Check for incoming SMS-only plans — much cheaper than full roaming!

2. Recharge Periodically

Even without a roaming pack, keep minimum balance or validity recharge every 90 days
Helps prevent deactivation due to inactivity

3. Switch to Global Plans

Jio offers “Wi-Fi Calling” (if SIM is in a compatible phone with active recharge)
Some Indian numbers can receive calls over Wi-Fi even abroad (check with your provider)

4. Nominate Someone in India

Let a trusted person in India use the SIM occasionally or keep the number active on dual SIM
Ensures OTPs and calls remain accessible

🛑 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.

💡 Pro Tips for NRIs with Indian SIMs

Use dual SIM phones to carry Indian and local SIM together
Link your Indian number to UPI, banks, Aadhar, PAN — keep for OTPs
Use Indian number with WhatsApp – switch to international SIM for data
Avoid switching SIM slots too often to prevent network issues
Install telecom apps (like MyJio, Airtel Thanks) to manage recharges remotely

🧾 Legal Note: Is It Legal to Use Indian SIM Abroad?

Indian SIM cards are technically for domestic use, and extended use overseas may breach terms of service. But telecom companies do allow limited international roaming use — so long as plans are active and not misused.

✅ It’s not illegal to keep your SIM abroad — just make sure you keep it active and recharged.

✈️ When You Visit India

Carry your original ID proof (Aadhaar, PAN, Passport) in case you need to re-verify SIM
Update your contact number with banks and government records if changed

📌 Conclusion

Yes, NRIs can keep their Indian SIM cards, but they must be proactive about recharges and usage. Whether it’s for OTPs, WhatsApp, or banking access, maintaining an Indian mobile number helps you stay connected and secure.

With careful planning and the right plan, you can avoid SIM deactivation, save money, and keep your Indian number active for years.