Every Indian traveler going to Dubai, Bali, or Vietnam asks some version of the same question right before landing: “Do I need a SIM card, or can I survive on hotel Wi-Fi?”
The honest answer is that hotel Wi-Fi is fine for lying in bed watching Netflix.
The moment you step outside — trying to book a Grab in Bali, navigate Old Quarter streets in Hanoi, or find the metro exit at Dubai Mall — you need mobile data.
And roaming on your Indian number will cost you more than the SIM card itself.
This article gives you the exact prices in INR, the right providers for each destination, and what the original article completely skipped: real rupee costs based on current exchange rates.
Dubai SIM Cards for Indian Travelers: Real Costs in INR
Dubai has two main telecom operators: e& (formerly Etisalat) and Du.
There’s also Virgin Mobile, which runs on Du’s network. Both e& and Du have 24-hour counters in the arrivals hall at Dubai International Airport (Terminal 1, 2, and 3), so you can get a SIM within 20 minutes of landing.
You’ll need your passport and UAE entry stamp for registration.
Both operators offer tourist-specific “Visitor Line” plans.
e& (Etisalat) Visitor Line Plans — Current Pricing
| Plan | Data | Validity | Price in AED | Price in INR (approx.) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Entry | 4 GB | 28 days | AED 46–49 | ₹1,200–₹1,280 |
| Popular | 20 GB | 28 days | AED 100–120 | ₹2,620–₹3,140 |
| Heavy | 40+ GB | 30 days | AED 190–220 | ₹4,980–₹5,760 |
| Unlimited | Unlimited | 7 days | AED 190 | ₹4,980 |
Entry
Data:
4 GB
Validity:
28 days
Price:
AED 46–49 (₹1,200–₹1,280 approx.)
Popular
Data:
20 GB
Validity:
28 days
Price:
AED 100–120 (₹2,620–₹3,140 approx.)
Heavy
Data:
40+ GB
Validity:
30 days
Price:
AED 190–220 (₹4,980–₹5,760 approx.)
Unlimited
Data:
Unlimited
Validity:
7 days
Price:
AED 190 (₹4,980 approx.)
(Exchange rate used: 1 AED ≈ ₹26.20, July 2026)
Du Tourist SIM Plans
Du’s entry plan starts at AED 49 (≈ ₹1,280) for 7 days with 30 minutes of calls.
Their more popular 20 GB/28-day plan runs AED 100–110 (≈ ₹2,620–₹2,880).
One thing to know before you buy at the airport: e& gives you a free SIM with 1 GB valid for 24 hours just for landing.
You can use that first, then decide on a paid plan.
Most travelers on a 5–7 day Dubai trip find the 20 GB/28-day plan from either e& or Du covers everything — Google Maps, Instagram, video calls home, and Careem bookings — without running out.
Should You Get a Dubai eSIM?
eSIMs for Dubai are available from Virgin Mobile (AED 143–150, ≈ ₹3,750–₹3,930 for 21 GB/7 days) and from global providers like Airalo or Holafly.
The convenience of activating before you fly is real, but the price per GB is noticeably higher than a physical Visitor Line SIM bought at the airport.
If you are on a quick 3–4 day Dubai trip and don’t want any airport hassle, the eSIM is worth the premium.
For a week or longer, buy the physical SIM on arrival.
Our recommendation for Indian travelers visiting Dubai: e& Visitor Line 20 GB/28-day at AED 100–120 (≈ ₹2,620–₹3,140).
Covers most trips completely, network quality is excellent (5G across all of Dubai), and the airport counter takes 10–15 minutes.
Planning a Dubai, Bali, or Vietnam Trip and Not Sure Where to Start?
International trip planning involves many small details before you fly — visa requirements, SIM cards, packing essentials, and bookings that need to be done early. We help Indian couples and families plan these trips every week.
Share your travel dates on WhatsApp and we will send you a destination-specific checklist covering visa, SIM setup, packing, and what to book in advance — completely free.
Bali SIM Cards for Indian Travelers: Real Costs in INR
Bali is where your money goes the furthest on mobile data.
The island has three main providers: Telkomsel, XL Axiata, and Indosat (IM3).
Telkomsel is Indonesia’s largest network and the one that actually works in places like Nusa Penida, Sidemen, and rural north Bali — not just in Seminyak and Kuta.
You’ll find SIM counters for all three operators right after clearing customs at Ngurah Rai International Airport (Denpasar).
A word of warning: airport prices are slightly inflated.
If you can wait until you reach your hotel area, buying at a Telkomsel GraPARI store or an Alfamart/Indomaret convenience store gives you better rates.
Telkomsel Tourist SIM Plans
| Plan | Data | Validity | Price in IDR | Price in INR (approx.) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tourist SIM | 25 GB + 25 min calls | 30 days | IDR 150,000 | ₹840 |
| Basic data top-up | 10–15 GB | 15 days | IDR 70,000–100,000 | ₹390–₹560 |
| Extended top-up | 40 GB | 30 days | IDR 180,000–200,000 | ₹1,010–₹1,120 |
Tourist SIM
Data:
25 GB + 25 min calls
Validity:
30 days
Price:
IDR 150,000 (₹840 approx.)
Basic Data Top-Up
Data:
10–15 GB
Validity:
15 days
Price:
IDR 70,000–100,000 (₹390–₹560 approx.)
Extended Top-Up
Data:
40 GB
Validity:
30 days
Price:
IDR 180,000–200,000 (₹1,010–₹1,120 approx.)
(Exchange rate used: 1 IDR ≈ ₹0.0056, July 2026)
The Telkomsel Tourist SIM at IDR 150,000 (≈ ₹840) is genuinely one of the best value SIM cards available anywhere in Asia for the data amount you get. For context, the same ₹840 gets you barely 4 GB in Dubai.
XL Axiata — If You’re Staying Only in Tourist Areas
XL Axiata offers very large data bundles at low prices — sometimes 50 GB+ at similar or lower price points than Telkomsel. The trade-off is coverage.
If you are spending your entire trip in South Bali (Seminyak, Canggu, Ubud, Kuta), XL Axiata works fine.
If you are heading to Nusa Penida, Amed, or less-traveled east Bali, Telkomsel is the safer choice.
Bali eSIM Options
Airalo’s Indonesia eSIM starts at approximately $4.50 (≈ ₹375) for 1 GB/7 days — useful for a short trip — with larger plans scaling up from there. Holafly’s unlimited data Bali eSIM runs approximately $30–$45 (≈ ₹2,500–₹3,750) for 30 days.
For most Indian travelers visiting Bali for 5–10 nights, the Telkomsel physical Tourist SIM at ₹840 beats every eSIM option on price. Buy it at the airport or at a GraPARI store in Kuta or Seminyak.
Our recommendation for Indian travelers in Bali: Telkomsel Tourist SIM (25 GB/30 days, IDR 150,000 ≈ ₹840). Register with your passport at the counter. Works in Ubud, Nusa Penida, Uluwatu, Seminyak, and everywhere in between.
Vietnam SIM Cards for Indian Travelers: Real Costs in INR
Vietnam wins on price across the board.
The country has three main operators — Viettel, MobiFone, and VinaPhone — and all three have counters at Noi Bai Airport (Hanoi) and Tan Son Nhat Airport (Ho Chi Minh City). The airport staff speak enough English to handle setup in under 10 minutes.
Viettel is the network we recommend for Indian travelers.
It’s owned by Vietnam’s Ministry of Defence, holds over 50% of the mobile market, covers 95% of the country’s territory, and according to Opensignal’s 2025 network report, delivers the most consistent 4G/5G speeds across Vietnam.
If you are heading to Ha Giang, Sa Pa, Hoi An, or anywhere beyond the major cities, Viettel is the only operator that won’t drop signal on you.
Viettel Tourist SIM Plans
| Plan | Data | Validity | Price in VND | Price in INR (approx.) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Budget plan | 30 GB (1 GB/day) | 30 days | VND 60,000–100,000 | ₹220–₹360 |
| Standard plan | 60–90 GB | 30 days | VND 150,000–200,000 | ₹540–₹720 |
| Heavy use | 150 GB (5 GB/day) | 30 days | VND 200,000–250,000 | ₹720–₹900 |
Budget Plan
Data:
30 GB (1 GB/day)
Validity:
30 days
Price:
VND 60,000–100,000 (₹220–₹360 approx.)
Standard Plan
Data:
60–90 GB
Validity:
30 days
Price:
VND 150,000–200,000 (₹540–₹720 approx.)
Heavy Use
Data:
150 GB (5 GB/day)
Validity:
30 days
Price:
VND 200,000–250,000 (₹720–₹900 approx.)
(Exchange rate used: 1 VND ≈ ₹0.0036, July 2026)
To put this in perspective: a 150 GB Viettel plan in Vietnam costs less than ₹900. The same money buys you about 3 GB in Dubai.
At Noi Bai Airport in Hanoi, a Viettel plan with 30 GB (1 GB/day for 30 days) costs around VND 60,000–100,000 (≈ ₹220–₹360) at the airport counter.
Cheaper plans are available at city stores like The Gioi Di Dong (a well-known electronics chain across Vietnam), but the airport option is fast and hassle-free.
One practical note: Viettel’s data-only plans don’t include a Vietnamese phone number.
If you need a local number for Grab registration or OTP verification for Vietnamese bookings, ask specifically for a plan with a local number — MobiFone’s 199,000 VND tourist SIM (≈ ₹720) includes this.
Our recommendation for Indian travelers in Vietnam: Viettel tourist SIM (60–90 GB/30 days, VND 150,000–200,000 ≈ ₹540–₹720).
Buy at the airport counter, register with your passport, and you’ll be connected before you reach the taxi queue.
Heading to Bali, Dubai, or Vietnam Soon and Still Figuring Out the Plan?
Planning an international trip involves many decisions — choosing the right places, arranging hotels, timing activities, and making sure every detail fits your travel style. We have organized trips to Bali, Dubai, and Vietnam for hundreds of Indian couples and families.
Tell us your travel dates and number of travelers. We will map out your complete trip plan within 24 hours with the right route, recommendations, and next steps.
Side-by-Side Comparison: Dubai vs Bali vs Vietnam SIM Costs for Indian Travelers
This is the table the original article should have had — actual costs in rupees, not just "higher," "moderate," and "lowest."
| Factor | Dubai (e& Visitor Line) | Bali (Telkomsel) | Vietnam (Viettel) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Best plan for 7–10 days | 20 GB / 28 days | 25 GB / 30 days | 60–90 GB / 30 days |
| Cost in INR | ₹2,620–₹3,140 | ₹840 | ₹540–₹720 |
| Best network | e& (5G everywhere in Dubai) | Telkomsel (widest coverage) | Viettel (95% coverage) |
| eSIM available? | Yes (Virgin Mobile, AED 143+) | Yes (Airalo, XL Axiata) | Yes (Viettel, Airalo) |
| Buy at airport? | Yes (24-hour counter) | Yes (Ngurah Rai arrivals) | Yes (Noi Bai & Tan Son Nhat) |
| Data per ₹100 spent | ~0.6 GB | ~3 GB | ~10–12 GB |
Dubai (e& Visitor Line)
Best Plan:
20 GB / 28 days
Cost:
₹2,620–₹3,140
Network:
e& (5G everywhere in Dubai)
eSIM:
Yes (Virgin Mobile, AED 143+)
Airport Purchase:
Yes (24-hour counter)
Data Value:
~0.6 GB per ₹100 spent
Bali (Telkomsel)
Best Plan:
25 GB / 30 days
Cost:
₹840
Network:
Telkomsel (widest coverage)
eSIM:
Yes (Airalo, XL Axiata)
Airport Purchase:
Yes (Ngurah Rai arrivals)
Data Value:
~3 GB per ₹100 spent
Vietnam (Viettel)
Best Plan:
60–90 GB / 30 days
Cost:
₹540–₹720
Network:
Viettel (95% coverage)
eSIM:
Yes (Viettel, Airalo)
Airport Purchase:
Yes (Noi Bai & Tan Son Nhat)
Data Value:
~10–12 GB per ₹100 spent
Physical SIM vs eSIM: Which One Actually Makes Sense for Indian Travelers?
The eSIM question comes up a lot, and the honest answer depends on your phone and your situation.
Physical SIM is better when:
- You want the cheapest possible option (local tourist SIMs always beat eSIM providers on price)
- You’re okay spending 10–15 minutes at the airport counter
- You don’t mind carrying a second SIM (dual-SIM phones make this easy — keep your Indian number active in Slot 2)
eSIM is better when:
- You want to activate before you land (zero airport queue time)
- You are visiting multiple countries on one trip and want a regional plan
- Your phone is eSIM-compatible (most iPhones from XR onwards, Samsung Galaxy S20+ series, newer Pixel phones)
For Indian travelers: most of us use dual-SIM phones, which means physical SIMs are the practical choice. You keep your Jio/Airtel number active in one slot and use the tourist SIM in the other. No number porting, no missing calls from home.
One thing most guides skip: If you are visiting all three destinations — Dubai, then Bali, then Vietnam (or any combination) — some global eSIM providers like Airalo and Holafly offer regional Asia plans covering multiple countries.
These are more expensive per GB but eliminate the need to buy a new SIM at every airport.
Worth it if your time at each destination is short (3–4 days).
What Indian Travelers Tell Us About Internet on Their Trips
Vikram and Ananya from Bengaluru, Dubai trip, March 2026: “We bought the e& 20 GB plan at the airport and it lasted our entire 6-day trip with data to spare.
The 5G speeds in Dubai are insane — we were doing video calls from the Palm Jumeirah and it felt like broadband.”
Rohit and Priya from Mumbai, Bali trip, January 2026: “Bought Telkomsel at the Denpasar airport.
₹840 for 25 GB, and we used it every day for 8 nights — Grab bookings, Google Maps in Ubud, Instagram reels by the pool.
Never ran out. Best mobile data value we’ve ever seen abroad.”
Frequently Asked Questions About Tourist SIM Cards in Dubai, Bali & Vietnam
What is the cheapest SIM card for Indian tourists in Dubai, Bali, and Vietnam?
Vietnam is the cheapest by a significant margin. A Viettel tourist SIM with 60–90 GB data valid for 30 days costs ₹540–₹720 at Vietnamese airports. Bali's Telkomsel Tourist SIM gives 25 GB for 30 days at approximately ₹840. Dubai is the most expensive — e& and Du Visitor Line plans with 20 GB run ₹2,620–₹3,140. If cost per gigabyte matters, Vietnam gives 10–12 GB per ₹100 spent, versus 0.6 GB per ₹100 in Dubai.
Do I need a SIM card in Dubai or is hotel Wi-Fi enough?
Hotel Wi-Fi is fine inside the hotel, but the moment you're outside — booking Careem rides, navigating Dubai Metro, finding restaurants on Google Maps, or posting to Instagram in real time — you'll want mobile data. Roaming on Indian numbers in Dubai can cost ₹5–₹20 per MB depending on your Jio or Airtel plan, which adds up quickly. An e& or Du tourist SIM for ₹1,280–₹3,140 covers an entire trip and is far cheaper than roaming.
Which SIM card should Indian travelers buy in Bali?
Telkomsel is the best choice for most Indian travelers in Bali. It is Indonesia's largest network and covers places including Ubud, Seminyak, Canggu, Uluwatu, Nusa Penida, and Amed. The Telkomsel Tourist SIM at IDR 150,000 (approximately ₹840) gives 25 GB valid for 30 days. Buy it at Ngurah Rai Airport arrivals hall or at a Telkomsel GraPARI store in Seminyak or Kuta.
What is the best SIM card in Vietnam for Indian tourists?
Viettel is the clear recommendation. It covers around 95% of Vietnam's territory, including remote areas like Ha Giang, Sa Pa, and the Mekong Delta. Plans with 60–90 GB data valid for 30 days cost VND 150,000–200,000 (approximately ₹540–₹720). Buy at airport counters at Noi Bai Airport in Hanoi or Tan Son Nhat Airport in Ho Chi Minh City.
Can I use an eSIM in Dubai, Bali, and Vietnam?
Yes, all three destinations support eSIMs. Dubai has Virgin Mobile eSIM options, Bali has Airalo Indonesia and XL Axiata eSIM options, and Vietnam has Viettel and Airalo eSIM plans. Physical local SIMs are cheaper, but eSIMs offer the convenience of activating before landing.
Should I buy a local SIM at the airport or wait for a city store?
Airport prices are usually 10–20% higher than city stores in Bali and Vietnam. In Dubai, airport pricing is comparable to city stores. For Bali, buying at a GraPARI store can save a little money. For Vietnam, airport counters are fast and affordable, especially after a long flight.
Will my Indian dual-SIM phone work with tourist SIMs in these countries?
Yes. Most Indian Android phones including Realme, OnePlus, Samsung, Xiaomi, and Vivo are dual-SIM and unlocked by default. You can keep your Jio or Airtel number active for OTPs while using the tourist SIM for mobile data. iPhones purchased in India are also generally unlocked.
How much data does a typical tourist need for a 7-day trip?
Most travelers on a 7-day trip use 5–12 GB depending on habits. Frequent Instagram Stories and Reels, WhatsApp video calls, Google Maps navigation, and booking apps like Grab or Careem collectively use around 1–1.5 GB per day. If you are streaming Netflix or YouTube daily, add another 1–2 GB per day. A 20–25 GB plan comfortably covers a week for most people.
Can I use roaming instead of buying a local SIM card in Dubai, Bali, or Vietnam?
Technically yes, but it is expensive. Jio's international roaming packs for Dubai start around ₹2,299 for 3 GB / 10 days. Airtel's Dubai roaming starts around ₹2,999 for 1.5 GB / 7 days. Both are significantly worse value than buying a local SIM. Roaming only makes sense for very short layovers where buying a local SIM is inconvenient.
Is internet connectivity reliable in tourist areas of Bali and Vietnam?
Yes, in tourist areas it is reliable. In Bali, Telkomsel provides strong coverage in Seminyak, Ubud, Canggu, Kuta, Uluwatu, and Nusa Dua. In Vietnam, Viettel covers major cities and popular routes including Hanoi, Ha Long Bay, Hoi An, Da Nang, and Ho Chi Minh City. Remote mountain areas can have weaker coverage.
Is there free public Wi-Fi in Dubai, Bali, and Vietnam?
Dubai has free Wi-Fi in malls, metro stations, and selected public areas. Bali and Vietnam offer free Wi-Fi at many cafes and restaurants. However, public Wi-Fi is not reliable enough to replace a SIM card. It works best as a backup for checking emails or basic browsing.
Which destination has the fastest mobile internet?
Dubai has the fastest mobile internet experience among the three destinations, with widespread 5G coverage from e& and Du. Vietnam's Viettel 5G network has expanded rapidly in urban areas, while Bali's Telkomsel provides reliable 4G coverage in tourist locations. For regular travel needs like maps, messaging, and social media, all three destinations provide a smooth experience.
Can I use a regional eSIM for Dubai, Bali, and Vietnam together?
Yes. Providers like Airalo and Holafly offer regional Asia eSIM plans covering multiple Southeast Asian destinations including Indonesia and Vietnam. Dubai usually requires a separate Middle East or global plan. If you are visiting all three destinations, compare regional plans with individual local SIM costs before purchasing.
