International roaming

Wi-Fi vs Roaming Plan for Data - Which is Better while Travelling Abroad?

Published on Feb 21, 2024

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Wi-Fi vs Roaming Plan for Data - Which is Better while Travelling Abroad?

Traveling to new places brings is new experiences, personal growth, relaxation, and the opportunity to create lasting memories. International travel, in particular, comes with exotic locales, diverse cultures, and unforgettable experiences. However, a crucial consideration before heading on a foreign adventure is staying connected without blowing your travel budget. In today's hyper-connected world, internet access abroad is no longer a luxury but a necessity. Whether you want to book a cab or share the magic of panoramic views with loved ones back home, staying connected abroad is about safety, navigation, communication, and ensuring a smooth, stress-free journey.

How to Activate Vi International Roaming | Step-by-Step Guide for Android & iOS

So, how do you equip yourself to stay connected seamlessly abroad?

While traveling internationally, one can either use public Wi-Fi, or an international postpaid roaming plan. To help you make an informed decision, here are 5 Key Comparisons between Wi-Fi and International Roaming Plan:

1. Security:

Wi-Fi: Public networks are not encrypted and are usually breeding grounds for cybercriminals who can easily intercept data, steal passwords, and wreak havoc on your digital life. Secured Wi-Fi options like hotel hotspots or portable routers offer better protection but come at an additional cost.
Roaming Plan: Using a roaming plan prioritizes network security and ensures your data remains encrypted and protected, minimizing the risk of cyberattacks or data breaches.

2. Reliability:

Wi-Fi: Availability and connection quality of an open Wi-Fi network can be inconsistent, especially in remote areas or crowded locations. Network drops and slow speeds are common frustrations.
Roaming Plan: Offers seamless connectivity throughout your trip, eliminating the hassle of searching for Wi-Fi hotspots. You can rely on your phone for navigation, communication, and internet access anywhere.

3. Control:

Wi-Fi: Managing data usage on public Wi-Fi can be tricky. You might unintentionally incur charges if you are not careful.
Roaming Plan: Postpaid roaming with flexible plans and add-ons to suit your needs, allows for better control over your spending and prevents bill shock.

4. Cost:

Wi-Fi: Wi-Fi is generally complimentary or inexpensive in designated areas like cafes and hotels. However, unsecured networks can lead to data breaches, incurring potential financial losses.
Roaming Plan: Opting for an international roaming plan tailored to match your requirements before your travels can be more cost-effective than relying solely on public Wi-Fi.

5. Convenience:

Wi-Fi: No prior setup is required to access a public Wi-Fi as you can connect to available open networks. However, switching between networks and ensuring security can be cumbersome.
Roaming Plan: Works seamlessly with your existing phone and plan, eliminating the need for additional devices or configurations. Enjoy effortless connectivity throughout your trip.

Activating an international roaming plan prior to your travels can help you avoid unexpected high bills and save more.

Here is How to Activate Vi Postpaid Roaming:

Go to the International Roaming Plans page on the Vi App or website
Enter your Vi postpaid number and select a travel destination
Based on your travel duration and requirements select a plan
Confirm and proceed to pay

Your pack will be activated once you start using it while roaming internationally.

Postpaid (Individual):   

Price

Validity

Benefits

₹501 (Vi Max 501 UL)

Monthly

Limitless Data
Unlimited Calls
3000 SMS/Month
Free International Roaming: 5GB data, 50mins (Incoming+Outgoing), 25 outgoing SMS, 5 days validity. 1 Free Trip/Year.
Spotify Premium: 3 months free, then auto-renews at ₹139 per month.

- Choose any 1 free from below:

Vi Movies and TV App: Top OTTs in one app (first 3 months free)
JioHotstar: 1-year mobile subscription
Sony LIV: 360 days of mobile subscription
Norton: 1-year Norton 360 Mobile Security cover

₹601 (Vi Max 601 UL)

Monthly

Limitless Data
Unlimited Calls
3000 SMS/Month
Free International Roaming: 7GB data, 50mins (Incoming+Outgoing), 25 outgoing SMS, 7 days validity. 2 Free Trip/Year.
Spotify Premium: 3 months free, then auto-renews at ₹139 per month.

- Choose any 2 free from below:

Vi Movies and TV App: Top OTTs in one app (first 3 months free)
Amazon Prime (6-months trial with paid yearly auto-renewal)
JioHotstar: 1-year mobile subscription
Sony LIV: 360 days of mobile subscription
SwiggyOne: (1 year access to two quarterly membership coupons)
EazyDiner: (1 year access to two quarterly membership coupons)
Norton: 1-year Norton 360 Mobile Security cover

Postpaid (Family)

Price	Validity	Benefits
₹801 (Vi Max Family 801 UL) (Family 2 Line)	Monthly	Limitless Data (Primary+Secondary Member) Unlimited Calls (Primary+Secondary Member) 3000 SMS/Month (Primary+Secondary Member) Free International Roaming: 5GB data, 50mins (Incoming+Outgoing), 25 outgoing SMS, 5 days validity. 1 Free Trip/Year. (Primary+Secondary Member) Spotify Premium: 3 months free, then auto-renews at ₹139 per month. (Primary+Secondary Member) - Choose any 2 free from below: Vi Movies and TV App: Top OTTs in one app (first 3 months free) JioHotstar: 1-year mobile subscription Amazon Prime: 6-month trial with paid yearly auto-renewal Sony LIV: 360 days of mobile subscription Norton: 1-year Norton 360 Mobile Security cover
₹851 (Vi Max Family 851 UL) (Family 2 Line)	Monthly	Limitless Data (Primary+Secondary Member) Unlimited Calls (Primary+Secondary Member) 3000 SMS/Month (Primary+Secondary Member) Free International Roaming: 5GB data, 50mins (Incoming+Outgoing), 25 outgoing SMS, 5 days validity. 1 Free Trip/Year. (Primary+Secondary Member) Spotify Premium: 3 months free, then auto-renews at ₹139 per month. (Primary+Secondary Member) - Choose any 2 free from below: Vi Movies and TV App: Top OTTs in one app (first 3 months free) JioHotstar: 1-year mobile subscription Amazon Prime: 6-month trial with paid yearly auto-renewal Sony LIV: 360 days of mobile subscription Norton: 1-year Norton 360 Mobile Security cover
₹971 (Vi Max Family 971) (Family 2 Line)	Monthly	Limitless Data (Primary+Secondary Member) Unlimited Calls (Primary+Secondary Member) 3000 SMS/Month (Primary+Secondary Member) Free International Roaming: 5GB data, 50mins (Incoming+Outgoing), 25 outgoing SMS, 5 days validity. 1 Free Trip/Year. (Primary+Secondary Member) Spotify Premium: 3 months free, then auto-renews at ₹139 per month. (Primary+Secondary Member) - Choose any 2 free from below: Netflix Basic: Watch on one device, auto-renewing at no extra cost  Vi Movies and TV App: Top OTTs in one app (first 3 months free) JioHotstar: 1-year mobile subscription Amazon Prime: 6-month trial with paid yearly auto-renewal  Sony LIV: 360 days of mobile subscription  Norton: 1-year Norton 360 Mobile Security cover
₹1401 (Vi Max Family 1401 UL) (Family 4 Line)	Monthly	Limitless Data (Primary+Secondary Member) Unlimited Calls (Primary+Secondary Member) 3000 SMS/Month (Primary+Secondary Member) Free International Roaming: 5GB data, 50mins (Incoming+Outgoing), 25 outgoing SMS, 5 days validity. 1 Free Trip/Year. (Primary+Secondary Member) Spotify Premium: 3 months free, then auto-renews at ₹139 per month. (Primary+Secondary Member)          - Choose any 2 free from below: Vi Movies and TV App: Top OTTs in one app (first 3 months free) JioHotstar: 1-year mobile subscription Amazon Prime: 6-month trial with paid yearly auto-renewal Sony LIV: 360 days of mobile subscription SwiggyOne: (1 year access to two quarterly membership coupons) EazyDiner: (1 year access to two quarterly membership coupons) Norton: 1-year Norton 360 Mobile Security cover
₹1501 (Vi Max Family 1501 UL) (Family 4 Line)	Monthly	Limitless Data (Primary+Secondary Member) Unlimited Calls (Primary+Secondary Member) 3000 SMS/Month (Primary+Secondary Member) Free International Roaming: 5GB data, 50mins (Incoming+Outgoing), 25 outgoing SMS, 5 days validity. 1 Free Trip/Year. (Primary+Secondary Member) Spotify Premium: 3 months free, then auto-renews at ₹139 per month. (Primary+Secondary Member)          - Choose any 2 free from below:  Vi Movies and TV App: Top OTTs in one app (first 3 months free) JioHotstar: 1-year mobile subscription Amazon Prime: 6-month trial with paid yearly auto-renewal  Sony LIV: 360 days of mobile subscription SwiggyOne: (1 year access to two quarterly membership coupons) EazyDiner: (1 year access to two quarterly membership coupons)  Norton: 1-year Norton 360 Mobile Security cover
₹1651 (Vi Max Family 1651 UL) (Family 5 Line)	Monthly	Limitless Data (Primary+Secondary Member) Unlimited Calls (Primary+Secondary Member) 3000 SMS/Month (Primary+Secondary Member) Free International Roaming: 5GB data, 50mins (Incoming+Outgoing), 25 outgoing SMS, 5 days validity. 1 Free Trip/Year. (Primary+Secondary Member) Spotify Premium: 3 months free, then auto-renews at ₹139 per month. (Primary+Secondary Member)          - Choose any 2 free from below: Vi Movies and TV App: Top OTTs in one app (first 3 months free) JioHotstar: 1-year mobile subscription Amazon Prime: 6-month trial with paid yearly auto-renewal Sony LIV: 360 days of mobile subscription SwiggyOne: (1 year access to two quarterly membership coupons) EazyDiner: (1 year access to two quarterly membership coupons) Norton: 1-year Norton 360 Mobile Security cover;
₹1775 (Vi Max Family 1775 UL) (Family 5 Line)	Monthly	Limitless Data (Primary+Secondary Member) Unlimited Calls (Primary+Secondary Member) 3000 SMS/Month (Primary+Secondary Member) Free International Roaming: 5GB data, 50mins (Incoming+Outgoing), 25 outgoing SMS, 5 days validity. 1 Free Trip/Year. (Primary+Secondary Member) Spotify Premium: 3 months free, then auto-renews at ₹139 per month. (Primary+Secondary Member)          - Choose any 2 free from below:  Vi Movies and TV App: Top OTTs in one app (first 3 months free) JioHotstar: 1-year mobile subscription Amazon Prime: 6-month trial with paid yearly auto-renewal  Sony LIV: 360 days of mobile subscription; SwiggyOne: (1 year access to two quarterly membership coupons) EazyDiner: (1 year access to two quarterly membership coupons) Norton: 1-year Norton 360 Mobile Security cover

Stay Connected Abroad with Vi Free International Roaming

Planning an international trip? With Free International Roaming from Vi, you can stay connected across 170+ countries with select Vi Max Postpaid and eligible Prepaid Plans. By bundling international roaming benefits into eligible plans, Vi helps make overseas connectivity simpler, so you can continue using your Vi number while travelling without the usual hassle of arranging a separate travel or local SIM. Depending on the plan, you can enjoy international data and outgoing voice benefits, with Free International Roaming available for up to three trips in a year and potential savings of up to ₹9,000 annually. Eligible postpaid plans start at ₹501, while enterprise customers can also access the offering through eligible corporate plans starting from ₹451. Prepaid offerings are available with qualifying annual plans, including eligible daily data and NonStop Hero packs, subject to circle-specific eligibility. You can activate an applicable International Roam-Free plan conveniently through the Vi App before your trip. Since benefits such as data allowance, outgoing minutes, validity, and eligible plans can vary, check the applicable plan details for your circle and destination before travelling. With Vi, you can spend less time worrying about international connectivity and more time enjoying your journey.

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