Vodafone Idea (Vi) has introduced free international roaming as a built-in benefit on select prepaid, postpaid and enterprise plans. The new offering allows eligible customers to use their existing Vi number while travelling abroad across more than 170 countries without purchasing a separate international roaming pack.

Free Roaming For Up To Three Trips A Year

Under the new offering, eligible Vi customers can use international roaming for up to three international trips every year. The exact benefits, including data allowance, outgoing calling minutes and validity, will depend on the plan.

Vi says the benefit could help customers save up to Rs 9,000 annually, depending on their plan and international usage.

The company is positioning the move as an alternative to buying separate roaming packs, local SIM cards or travel eSIMs before travelling abroad.

Postpaid Plans Start At Rs 501

The free international roaming benefit is available with select Vi postpaid plans starting at Rs 501. Individual and family plans are included in the offering.

For prepaid customers, the benefit is available with select annual unlimited-data plans. Enterprise customers can access the benefit through eligible corporate plans starting at Rs 451.

The amount of international data and outgoing calling minutes varies according to the plan.

Use Your Existing Vi Number Abroad

One of the major advantages of the new offering is that customers can continue using their existing Indian Vi number while travelling internationally.

This can be particularly useful for receiving bank OTPs, staying reachable on the same number and accessing mobile data without immediately purchasing a local SIM or eSIM.

Customers can activate the benefit through the Vi App by selecting the applicable Roam-Free option before travelling.

Roaming Available Across 170+ Countries

Vi says the free roaming benefit covers more than 170 countries. Customers will need to check the countries covered and the specific roaming allowance associated with their plan before travelling.

The operator has highlighted common international travel problems such as unexpected roaming bills, dependence on public Wi-Fi and the inconvenience of changing SIM cards.

By including roaming within selected plans, Vi is changing the model from purchasing a separate roaming pack whenever a customer travels abroad to providing the benefit as part of the existing plan.

A New Push To Add Value To Vi Plans

The move comes as telecom operators increasingly compete by adding additional benefits to their premium plans rather than relying only on traditional connectivity services.

For frequent international travellers, the new Vi offering could reduce the need to purchase separate roaming services for eligible trips. However, customers will still need to stay within the data, calling and validity limits specified for their particular plan.

Summary

Vi has introduced free international roaming on select prepaid, postpaid and enterprise plans, covering more than 170 countries. Eligible customers can use the benefit for up to three international trips a year, with data and calling allowances varying by plan. Postpaid plans start at Rs 501, while eligible enterprise plans start at Rs 451.