How to Get an Indian Phone Number While Living in USA (2025)
Three easy ways to get an Indian number instantly—perfect for banking, OTP codes, and staying connected
📖 17 min read · Updated October 27, 2025
Need an Indian phone number while living in the USA? Whether it's for Indian banking apps that require OTP verification, keeping in touch with family, or accessing services that only work with Indian numbers, you have several options in 2025.
The good news? You can get a working Indian phone number in less than 5 minutes without leaving your home in America. The best solution—an eSIM with an Indian number—costs as little as $4.50 and activates instantly on your existing smartphone. No physical SIM card needed, no trips to India required.
In this guide, I'll walk you through three proven methods to get an Indian phone number in the USA, explain which situations each method works best for, and show you exactly how to set everything up. Let's get you connected to India with a real Indian number today.
📑 Quick Navigation
Why You Need an Indian Phone Number in USA
You might be wondering: "Why do I need an Indian phone number when I'm living in America?" Here are the most common situations where having an Indian number is essential:
Banking and Financial Services
This is the #1 reason Indian expats need an Indian number. Most Indian banks require a valid Indian phone number for:
- OTP verification: Every transaction needs a one-time password sent to your Indian number
- Login authentication: Two-factor authentication for mobile banking apps
- Account alerts: Transaction notifications and security alerts
- Customer support: Banks often can't call US numbers for verification
- Account maintenance: Updating details or resolving issues
Real example: Trying to transfer money through HDFC Bank's app? You'll need an OTP sent to your registered Indian mobile number. Without it, you're locked out—even if you're the account owner.
Government Services
- Aadhaar updates: Most Aadhaar services require OTP to Indian number
- PAN card services: Income tax portal sends OTP to registered mobile
- Passport services: Online passport applications need Indian number
- DigiLocker: Digital document storage requires Indian number for access
- Voter registration: Electoral services use Indian numbers for verification
Indian Apps and Services
- Food delivery: Swiggy, Zomato (when visiting India)
- Ride sharing: Ola, Uber India
- Shopping: Flipkart, Amazon India, BigBasket
- UPI payments: Google Pay India, PhonePe, Paytm
- Utilities: Electricity, gas, water bill payments
Property Management
If you own property in India, you need an Indian number for:
- Tenant communication
- Property manager coordination
- Society/maintenance notifications
- Utility bill management
💡 Can't I Just Use My US Number?
Unfortunately, no. Most Indian services specifically require Indian mobile numbers starting with +91. They either won't accept international numbers or charge premium rates for OTP to international numbers. Some services like banking apps are hardcoded to only work with Indian numbers for security reasons.
Quick Comparison: All 3 Methods to Get Indian Number
| Method | Setup Time | Cost | Best For | Limitations |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| eSIM (Airalo) | 3-5 minutes | $4.50-42/month | Everyone | Needs compatible phone |
| Keep Old SIM | Immediate | ~₹200-300/month | Already have Indian SIM | Physical SIM required |
| Family Member's Number | Immediate | Free | Occasional OTP only | Depends on family availability |
Method 1: eSIM - Get Instant Indian Number (Recommended)
An eSIM (electronic SIM) is the modern, hassle-free way to get an Indian phone number from anywhere in the world. It's a digital SIM card you can install on your phone in minutes without needing a physical card.
Airalo eSIM - India Plans
Best Overall SolutionHow it works: Purchase an India eSIM from Airalo, receive a QR code instantly via email, scan it with your phone, and boom—you have a working Indian phone number with Indian data. The whole process takes 3-5 minutes.
💡 Why Airalo is the #1 Choice
Airalo is the world's largest eSIM provider with over 5 million happy customers. Their India eSIM gives you a real Indian phone number (starting with +91) that works for banking OTPs, app verifications, and everything else. Plus, you get Indian data rates, which means you can use the number in India when you visit without expensive roaming charges.
What You Get
- Real Indian phone number: Starts with +91 (recognized by all Indian services)
- Instant activation: Works within 3-5 minutes of purchase
- Data included: Use for calls via WhatsApp, banking apps, browsing
- Keep your US number: Dual SIM functionality (both numbers active)
- Works worldwide: Receive OTPs anywhere you have internet
- No physical card needed: Everything is digital
Pricing Options
| Data Amount | Validity | Price | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1GB | 7 days | $4.50 | Short India trips |
| 3GB | 30 days | $11 | Monthly banking OTPs |
| 5GB | 30 days | $16 | Regular use + apps |
| 10GB | 30 days | $26 | Heavy users |
| 20GB | 30 days | $42 | Extended India stays |
Pros
- Get Indian number in 3-5 minutes from USA
- Works for all banking OTP and verifications
- Keep both US and Indian numbers active
- No need to visit India to activate
- Recognized by all Indian services and apps
- Use in India during visits (no roaming fees)
- Top up anytime when data runs out
- No contracts or cancellation hassles
Cons
- Only works on eSIM-compatible phones (iPhone XS+, Google Pixel 3+, Samsung Galaxy S20+)
- Requires monthly/periodic renewal
- Data-only (no traditional voice minutes, but WhatsApp calling works perfectly)
- Costs money (though very affordable at $4.50-11/month)
Real-World Use Case
Ravi lives in San Francisco and needs to access his HDFC Bank account monthly to pay his property taxes in Mumbai. He gets the Airalo 3GB/30-day plan for $11/month. Now he receives banking OTPs instantly on his Indian number, uses the data for banking app transactions, and keeps his US number for daily life. When he visits Mumbai twice a year, the same eSIM works there without any roaming charges.
Get Indian Number Instantly (From $4.50) →Saily eSIM - Premium India Option
Premium AlternativeWhat makes Saily different: Backed by Nord Security (makers of NordVPN), Saily offers premium network priority and 24/7 customer support. You get the same Indian phone number functionality as Airalo but with enterprise-grade reliability.
Pricing
- 1GB / 7 days: $6.99
- 3GB / 15 days: $12.99
- 5GB / 30 days: $18.99
Pros
- Premium network priority (faster speeds)
- 24/7 customer support via chat
- Trusted by 14M Nord Security users
- Same instant Indian number functionality
- Works for all banking and OTP needs
Cons
- More expensive than Airalo (about 40% higher cost)
- Fewer plan options
- Same eSIM phone compatibility requirements
When to choose Saily: If you need guaranteed premium support or use your Indian number for business purposes where reliability is critical, Saily's extra cost is worth the peace of mind.
Try Saily Premium eSIM →eSIM Phone Compatibility
Before buying an eSIM, make sure your phone supports eSIM technology. Here are compatible devices:
iPhone Models (eSIM Compatible)
- iPhone 15 (all models)
- iPhone 14 (all models)
- iPhone 13 (all models)
- iPhone 12 (all models)
- iPhone 11 (all models)
- iPhone XS, XS Max, XR
- iPhone SE (2nd gen and later)
Android Models (eSIM Compatible)
- Google Pixel 3 and newer
- Samsung Galaxy S20 and newer
- Samsung Galaxy Note 20 and newer
- Samsung Galaxy Z Fold/Flip series
- Motorola Razr (2019 and later)
- Oppo Find X3 Pro and newer
💡 How to Check If Your Phone Supports eSIM
iPhone: Go to Settings → General → About. If you see "Available SIM" or "Digital SIM," you have eSIM support.
Android: Go to Settings → Network & Internet → SIMs → Add eSIM. If this option exists, your phone supports eSIM.
Method 2: Keep Your Old Indian SIM Active
If you already have an Indian SIM card from when you lived in India, you can keep it active while living in the USA. This is a good backup option but has some limitations.
Maintaining Your Existing Indian Number
How It Works
Indian telecom providers allow you to keep your number active by maintaining a minimum balance and meeting usage requirements. Here's what you need to know for major carriers:
Airtel
- International roaming plans: ₹2,999-5,999/month for US roaming
- Keep alive strategy: Minimum ₹200-300 recharge every 28-84 days
- Incoming SMS: Works for OTP even without roaming pack
- Validity plans: ₹3,359 for 365 days (basic)
Jio
- International roaming: ₹2,875-5,751/month for US
- Minimum recharge: ₹239 every 28 days to keep number active
- Long validity plan: ₹2,999 for 365 days
- Data abroad: Very limited data in roaming packs
VI (Vodafone Idea)
- International roaming: ₹2,995-5,995/month
- Minimum recharge: ₹299 every 28 days
- Annual plan: ₹3,499 for 365 days validity
⚠️ Important Limitations
- Must be in India for recharge: Most carriers require you to be physically in India to activate international roaming
- Deactivation risk: Numbers can be deactivated after 90-180 days of no usage
- Physical SIM required: You need dual SIM phone or SIM slot dedicated to Indian SIM
- Expensive roaming: International roaming packs are very costly (₹3,000-6,000/month)
- Limited data: Roaming packs include very little data for the price
Smart Strategy for Keeping Old SIM Active
Option A: Minimal spend approach (for occasional use)
- Don't activate international roaming (expensive and unnecessary)
- Keep a family member in India with access to your number
- Have them do a minimum recharge every 28-84 days (₹200-300)
- They can share OTP codes with you via WhatsApp when needed
- Annual cost: ₹2,400-3,600 (~$30-45/year)
Option B: Long validity plans (if you visit India annually)
- Get 365-day validity plan during your India visit (₹3,000-3,500)
- Use the number normally when in India
- Keep SIM in your phone in USA (won't incur charges)
- Receive OTP via family member or use for verification when in India
- Renew annually during your next visit
Pros
- Keep your existing number (familiar to contacts)
- No learning curve (you already use this number)
- Works on any phone (no eSIM requirement)
- Minimal cost if using smart strategy (₹200-300/month)
- All your accounts already linked to this number
Cons
- Requires physical SIM slot
- Risk of deactivation if you forget to recharge
- May need family member's help for OTP
- International roaming is very expensive if needed
- Limited data for use in USA
- Must plan recharges carefully
Our verdict: Keeping your old Indian SIM is good if you already have one and visit India regularly. But for most expats, an eSIM like Airalo is simpler, cheaper, and more reliable for daily banking needs in the USA.
Method 3: Use Family Member's Number (Free but Limited)
Borrowing Family Member's Indian Number
FreeHow it works: Register your bank accounts, Aadhaar, or other services with a family member's Indian phone number who lives in India. When you need an OTP, they share the code with you via WhatsApp or phone call.
Best Practices
- Use a trusted family member (parent, sibling, spouse)
- Choose someone who's typically available (not traveling frequently)
- Give them advance notice for important transactions
- Keep a backup method (second family member or eSIM)
- Update them when you'll need OTP codes (bill payment day, tax season)
⚠️ Serious Limitations and Risks
- Time zone challenges: USA is 9.5-12.5 hours behind India—your 9 PM is their morning
- Dependency: If family member is unavailable, you're locked out
- Privacy concerns: Family sees all your transaction alerts
- Security risk: Banks may flag account if registered number shows unusual activity
- Emergency access: Can't help in urgent situations (hospital, travel emergencies)
- Compliance issues: Some services require number to match your Aadhaar/identity
Pros
- Completely free (no cost)
- Works immediately (no setup needed)
- Good for occasional OTP needs
- No phone compatibility requirements
- Easy to set up accounts
Cons
- Depends on family member's availability
- Time zone coordination challenges
- Privacy concerns (family sees all alerts)
- Inconvenient for frequent banking
- Doesn't work for real-time OTP (2-3 min expiry)
- Family member may change numbers or relocate
- Risk of account security issues
When this works: Use family member's number only for accounts you access rarely (maybe 1-2 times per year). For regular banking, property management, or frequent OTP needs, get your own Indian number via eSIM.
Real example of why this fails: Priya registered her HDFC Bank with her mother's number. One day she needed to transfer $5,000 urgently for a property payment. It was 2 AM in India, her mother was sleeping, and the OTP expired before her mother could share it. She lost the property deal. After that, she got an Airalo eSIM for $11/month and never looked back.
Step-by-Step: How to Set Up Airalo eSIM Indian Number
Here's exactly how to get your Indian phone number via Airalo eSIM. The whole process takes just 5 minutes:
Step 1: Purchase Your India eSIM (2 minutes)
- Visit Airalo's website
- Search for "India" in the country search
- Choose your plan (recommend 3GB/30-day for $11 for banking)
- Create account with your email
- Complete payment (accepts all major credit cards, PayPal)
- Receive QR code via email instantly
Step 2: Install eSIM on Your Phone (3 minutes)
For iPhone:
- Open Settings → Cellular/Mobile Data
- Tap "Add Cellular Plan" or "Add eSIM"
- Scan the QR code from Airalo email (or enter details manually)
- Tap "Continue" when iPhone detects the plan
- Label it "India eSIM" for easy identification
- Choose "Use this line for cellular data" if you want Indian data
- Keep your US line as primary for calls/texts
- Wait 2-3 minutes for activation
For Android:
- Go to Settings → Network & Internet → SIMs
- Tap "Download a SIM instead?"
- Scan QR code from Airalo email
- Tap "Add" to install the eSIM
- Enable the India eSIM profile
- Set preferred SIM for calls, texts, and data
- Wait 2-3 minutes for activation
Step 3: Find Your New Indian Phone Number
Once activated, you need to find your new Indian number to register with banks and services:
iPhone: Settings → Cellular → India eSIM → Phone Number
Android: Settings → About Phone → SIM Status → India eSIM number
Alternative method: Dial *121# or *123# from your India eSIM line (carrier check code) to see your number on screen.
Step 4: Test Your New Number
- Install WhatsApp and verify with your Indian number
- Test receiving SMS by sending yourself a message
- Make a test call using WhatsApp
- Try accessing a banking app OTP
💡 Pro Tips for Managing Two Numbers
- Label clearly: Name your lines "US Number" and "India Number" in settings
- Set defaults: Use US number for calls/texts, India number for banking apps
- Data management: You can choose which SIM provides data (switch based on rates)
- Enable WiFi calling: Use for your US number to save data when abroad
- Check balance: Monitor your India eSIM data usage in Airalo app
Best Uses for Your Indian Phone Number
Now that you have an Indian number, here are the best ways to use it:
Banking and Financial Apps
Update Your Bank Account
- Log into net banking (or visit branch during India trip)
- Go to Profile → Mobile Number Update
- Enter your new Indian eSIM number
- Verify via OTP to old number (if still active) or branch visit
- All future OTPs come to your new eSIM number in USA
Works With These Banks
- SBI (State Bank of India)
- HDFC Bank
- ICICI Bank
- Axis Bank
- Kotak Mahindra Bank
- Punjab National Bank
- Bank of Baroda
- All major Indian banks
Government Services
Aadhaar Updates
Update your Aadhaar-linked mobile number at myaadhaar.uidai.gov.in:
- Visit the website
- Enter Aadhaar number
- Verify with OTP to existing number (or visit Aadhaar center)
- Update to your new Indian eSIM number
- Pay ₹50 fee (if online) or free at Aadhaar center
Income Tax (PAN Services)
- Update on Income Tax e-filing portal
- Receive OTPs for tax return filing
- Get alerts for tax deadlines and refunds
Digital Services and Apps
UPI Payments
Set up Indian digital payment apps:
- Google Pay India: Verify with Indian number, link bank account
- PhonePe: Register with eSIM number for UPI payments
- Paytm: Link wallet and bank account
- BHIM: Direct UPI app by NPCI
Shopping and Delivery
- Amazon India: Add Indian number for delivery updates
- Flipkart: Register for sales and order tracking
- BigBasket: Grocery delivery when visiting India
- Swiggy/Zomato: Food delivery with Indian number
Property and Investment Management
- Communicate with tenants via WhatsApp using Indian number
- Receive society maintenance notifications
- Get utility bill alerts (electricity, water, gas)
- Coordinate with property managers
- Access property management apps
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Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get an Indian phone number without going to India?
Yes, absolutely. The easiest way is to buy an eSIM from Airalo or Saily online. You'll receive a QR code via email within minutes, scan it on your phone, and get a working Indian phone number instantly—all from the comfort of your home in the USA. The entire process takes less than 5 minutes and costs as little as $4.50. Your phone must support eSIM technology (iPhone XS or newer, Google Pixel 3 or newer, recent Samsung Galaxy models).
Will Indian banks accept an eSIM phone number?
Yes, Indian banks fully accept eSIM phone numbers. Banks only care that the number starts with +91 (Indian country code) and can receive SMS. eSIM numbers from Airalo and Saily are real Indian mobile numbers that work exactly like traditional SIM numbers. You can use them for OTP verification, banking app login, transaction alerts, and all other banking purposes. Thousands of NRIs successfully use eSIM numbers for Indian banking.
How long does an eSIM Indian number stay active?
Your eSIM Indian number stays active as long as you maintain an active data plan. For Airalo, plans range from 7 days to 30 days. When your plan expires, you can top up or buy a new plan to keep the same number active. If you let the number expire without topping up for several months (typically 3-6 months), you may lose the number. To keep the number long-term, simply renew your plan before it expires—even buying the smallest 1GB plan for $4.50 will keep your number active.
Can I use my eSIM Indian number in the USA?
Yes, your eSIM Indian number works anywhere in the world where you have internet access. You can receive OTP SMS and banking alerts in the USA. However, the data included in your eSIM plan is optimized for use in India. When you're in the USA, you'll primarily use your US carrier for data and calls, and use the Indian eSIM specifically for receiving OTPs and Indian banking apps. When you visit India, the eSIM data works at full speed for browsing, calling via WhatsApp, and using apps.
What happens to my old Indian SIM card number?
You have three options for your old Indian SIM: (1) Keep it active with minimum recharges (₹200-300 every 28-84 days), (2) Transfer the old number to your eSIM (some eSIM providers offer number porting, though not commonly available yet), or (3) Let it deactivate if you prefer using a new number. If you choose option 1, you'll maintain the number your contacts know. If you get a new eSIM number, remember to update all your bank accounts, government services, and important contacts with your new number.
Do I need to pay for international roaming with eSIM?
No, eSIM doesn't use international roaming. Your eSIM connects directly to Indian cellular networks when in India and uses data-only service. There are no roaming charges because you're not "roaming" on your US carrier—you're using a separate Indian data plan. This is a huge advantage over traditional methods where US carriers charge $10-15 per day for international roaming. With eSIM, you pay only the flat rate for your data plan ($4.50-42 depending on data amount), with zero roaming fees.
Can I make voice calls with my Indian eSIM number?
eSIM plans from Airalo and Saily are data-only plans, meaning they don't include traditional voice minutes. However, you can make unlimited voice and video calls using WhatsApp, FaceTime Audio, or other VoIP apps over your data connection. This is actually better than traditional calling because WhatsApp calls have excellent quality and are free with your data plan. Your Indian contacts can call or message you on WhatsApp using your Indian number, and you can call them back—all free with your included data.
Final Thoughts: Get Your Indian Number Today
Getting an Indian phone number while living in the USA is easier than ever in 2025. Whether you need it for banking OTPs, government services, property management, or staying connected with family, you have excellent options that take just minutes to set up.
For most people, Airalo eSIM is the clear winner. At just $4.50-11 per month, you get a real Indian phone number that works for everything—banking, apps, OTPs, and more. The 3-minute setup beats flying to India or coordinating with family members, and you maintain complete independence over your financial accounts.
If you already have an old Indian SIM and visit India regularly, keeping it active with minimum recharges can work. But be honest with yourself: if you need frequent banking access or reliable OTP delivery, spending $11/month for an eSIM saves countless headaches.
Using a family member's number might seem free, but it comes with serious limitations: time zone challenges, privacy concerns, and the risk of being locked out during emergencies. For occasional OTP verification (once or twice a year), it's acceptable. For regular banking or important services, get your own number.
Our recommendation: Start with Airalo's 3GB/30-day plan for $11. Test it for a month with your banking apps and services. Once you experience the convenience of instant OTP access from anywhere in the world, you'll wonder why you didn't get an Indian number sooner.
Your Indian banking, property, and services are waiting. Get your Indian number in the next 5 minutes and never worry about OTP access again.
