Looking to call India but not sure how to set up your chosen solution? You're in the right place! Whether you're traveling to India and need an eSIM, living in a country where WhatsApp is blocked and need a VPN, or simply want to use free calling apps, we've got you covered with clear, step-by-step instructions.
These guides walk you through everything from checking device compatibility to making your first call. No tech jargon, no confusion—just straightforward instructions that actually work.
What you'll find here: Complete setup guides for the most popular calling solutions including eSIM installation (Airalo, Saily, Yesim), VPN configuration (NordVPN), and calling app setup (WhatsApp, Google Voice, FaceTime). Each guide includes requirements, troubleshooting tips, and estimated setup time.
📑 Quick Navigation
💡 Which Guide Do You Need?
Traveling to India soon? → Start with the Airalo eSIM setup guide for instant local connectivity
Living in UAE, China, or Saudi Arabia? → Follow the NordVPN setup guide to access WhatsApp
Just calling from USA occasionally? → Skip straight to the WhatsApp setup guide (100% free)
eSIM Setup Guides (Best for Travelers)
If you're traveling to India, an eSIM gives you an instant local phone number and data without swapping physical SIM cards. Here's how to set up the most popular eSIM providers.
📱 Before You Start: Check eSIM Compatibility
Your phone must support eSIM. Most newer iPhones (XS and later) and Android phones (Google Pixel 3+, Samsung Galaxy S20+) are compatible. To check:
- iPhone: Go to Settings > Cellular > Add Cellular Plan. If you see this option, you're good to go.
- Android: Go to Settings > Network & Internet > SIM cards. Look for "Add eSIM" or "Download a SIM instead."
If you don't see these options, your phone doesn't support eSIM and you'll need to use a physical SIM card or stick with calling apps.
Airalo eSIM Setup Guide
Most PopularBest for: Travelers who want reliable connectivity in India with affordable data plans
Setup time: 5-10 minutes
What You'll Need:
- eSIM-compatible phone (iPhone XS or later, Google Pixel 3+, Samsung Galaxy S20+)
- WiFi connection for initial download
- Active email address
- Payment method (credit card, PayPal, or Apple Pay)
Step-by-Step Installation:
- Download the Airalo app: Get it from the App Store or Google Play
- Create your account: Sign up with your email address and verify your account
- Search for India: In the app, search for "India" or browse by region
- Choose your plan: Select a data plan based on your needs (1GB, 3GB, 5GB, 10GB, or 20GB options available). Plans start from around $4.50 for 1GB valid for 7 days.
- Purchase the eSIM: Complete payment through the app. You'll receive installation instructions immediately.
- Install the eSIM:
- For iPhone: Tap "Install eSIM" → Follow prompts → Enter confirmation code if asked → Complete setup
- For Android: Tap "Install eSIM" → Scan QR code or enter details manually → Activate
- Activate when you land: Turn on your eSIM and data roaming when you arrive in India. Your Airalo eSIM will automatically connect to local networks (Airtel or Jio).
- Start calling: Use WhatsApp, FaceTime, or any calling app over your new Indian data connection!
💚 Pro Tip: Install Before You Travel
Download and install your Airalo eSIM before leaving for India while you still have WiFi. The eSIM won't activate until you land in India and turn on data roaming, but having it pre-installed saves time at the airport.
⚠️ Important: Keep Your Primary SIM Active
Don't remove your primary SIM card! Your phone can have both your regular SIM and the Airalo eSIM active at the same time. You can choose which one to use for data and which one for calls in your phone settings.
Saily eSIM Setup Guide
Premium AlternativeBest for: Travelers who want premium support and backing from Nord Security (same company behind NordVPN)
Setup time: 5-10 minutes
What You'll Need:
- eSIM-compatible device
- Stable internet connection
- Valid email address
- Payment method
Step-by-Step Installation:
- Visit Saily's website: Go to Saily's homepage or download the mobile app
- Select India as destination: Choose India from the country list to see available plans
- Pick your data package: Select from their range of data plans based on your trip length and data needs
- Create an account: Register with your email and complete the purchase
- Receive your eSIM: Check your email for the eSIM QR code and installation instructions
- Install on your device:
- iPhone: Settings → Cellular → Add Cellular Plan → Scan the QR code
- Android: Settings → Network & Internet → Mobile Network → Add carrier → Scan the QR code
- Label your eSIM: Give it a name like "Saily India" so you can easily identify it
- Enable data roaming: Once in India, turn on data roaming for your Saily eSIM line
💚 Saily Advantage: Premium Support
Saily offers 24/7 customer support with live chat, which is great if you run into any issues during setup or while traveling. They're backed by Nord Security's reputation for quality.
Yesim eSIM Setup Guide
Budget-FriendlyBest for: Budget-conscious travelers looking for affordable data plans in India
Setup time: 5-10 minutes
What You'll Need:
- eSIM-compatible smartphone
- Internet connection for download
- Email for account creation
- Payment method (card or digital wallet)
Step-by-Step Installation:
- Download Yesim app: Get it from App Store or Google Play
- Sign up for an account: Register using your email address
- Browse India plans: Navigate to India in the country selector
- Select your package: Choose from their budget-friendly data options
- Complete purchase: Pay through the app using your preferred payment method
- Install the eSIM: The app will guide you through the installation process:
- Tap "Install eSIM Profile"
- Confirm installation when prompted
- Wait for the profile to download and install
- Configure settings: Set Yesim as your mobile data line in your phone settings
- Activate in India: Turn on the eSIM and enable data roaming when you arrive
💚 Yesim's Budget Advantage
Yesim often has some of the most competitive pricing for India data plans. Their plans typically cost 10-20% less than competitors, making them perfect if you're watching your budget but still want reliable connectivity.
🤔 Not Sure Which eSIM to Choose?
For most travelers: Start with Airalo — it's the most popular and reliable
Want premium support: Go with Saily — backed by Nord Security
On a tight budget: Choose Yesim — most affordable plans
VPN Setup Guide (For Restricted Countries)
If you're living in or traveling through countries where WhatsApp and other calling apps are blocked (like UAE, China, Saudi Arabia), you'll need a VPN to access them. Here's how to set up NordVPN, the most reliable solution for bypassing these restrictions.
NordVPN Setup Guide
Best for VPN AccessBest for: Accessing WhatsApp and calling apps from restricted countries (UAE, China, Saudi Arabia, Qatar)
Setup time: 10-15 minutes
What You'll Need:
- Smartphone, tablet, or computer
- Active internet connection
- NordVPN subscription (they offer 30-day money-back guarantee)
- Valid email address
⚠️ Important: Install BEFORE Traveling to Restricted Countries
If you're traveling to UAE, China, or other countries with VPN restrictions, download and set up NordVPN BEFORE you arrive. Some countries block VPN websites, making it difficult or impossible to download the app once you're there.
Step-by-Step Installation:
- Purchase NordVPN: Visit NordVPN's website and choose a subscription plan (they usually offer significant discounts on 1-year or 2-year plans)
- Create your account: Sign up with your email and complete payment. You'll receive a confirmation email with your login credentials.
- Download the app:
- Mobile: Get NordVPN from App Store or Google Play
- Desktop: Download from NordVPN's website for Windows, Mac, or Linux
- Install and launch: Install the app and open it
- Log in: Enter the email and password you used during signup
- Choose a server location:
- For calling India: Connect to a US server or UK server (fastest connections)
- Tap "Quick Connect" for automatic optimal server selection
- Or manually select from the server list
- Connect to VPN: Tap the big connect button. Wait for "Connected" status.
- Verify connection: Once connected, all your internet traffic is encrypted and routed through the VPN server
- Open WhatsApp or calling app: Now you can access WhatsApp, Skype, or any other calling app that was previously blocked!
- Make your call to India: Use WhatsApp or your preferred calling app as normal
💚 Pro Tips for Best Performance:
- Use specialty servers: NordVPN has obfuscated servers specifically designed for countries with heavy VPN blocking (like China). Enable these in settings for better reliability.
- Try different servers: If one server is slow, try switching to another location. Sometimes US East Coast servers work better than West Coast and vice versa.
- Enable auto-connect: Set NordVPN to automatically connect when you open the app so you never forget to activate it.
- Kill switch feature: Enable the "Kill Switch" in settings to prevent your data from being exposed if the VPN connection drops.
📞 Making Calls Through NordVPN
Step 1: Connect to NordVPN first (always do this before opening any calling app)
Step 2: Open WhatsApp, Skype, FaceTime, or your preferred calling app
Step 3: Make your call to India as normal—the VPN handles the rest!
Call quality: With NordVPN's fast servers, you should experience minimal lag or quality loss. Most users report crystal-clear calls even through VPN.
Free Calling Apps Setup Guides
If you're just calling India occasionally from the USA and have a good internet connection, these free apps work great. No subscriptions, no eSIM needed—just WiFi or mobile data.
WhatsApp Calling Setup
100% FreeBest for: Most popular option in India—nearly everyone already has it
Setup time: 3-5 minutes
Quick Setup:
- Download WhatsApp: Get it free from App Store or Google Play
- Verify your number: Enter your phone number and verify with the SMS code
- Grant permissions: Allow WhatsApp to access your contacts
- Find contacts in India: Anyone in your phone contacts who has WhatsApp will show up automatically
- Start calling:
- Open a chat with the person in India
- Tap the phone icon (voice call) or video icon (video call) at the top
- That's it! You're connected for free.
💚 WhatsApp Calling Tips:
Data usage: Voice calls use about 0.5 MB per minute, video calls use about 5 MB per minute
WiFi is your friend: Connect to WiFi for best quality and to avoid using mobile data
In UAE/China? You'll need a VPN (see NordVPN guide above) to access WhatsApp
⭐ Why WhatsApp is #1 for India Calls
Over 500 million people in India use WhatsApp daily. It's the go-to communication app there, which means:
- Almost everyone you know in India already has it
- Completely free calls (voice and video)
- Excellent call quality on WiFi
- No setup fees or subscriptions
Google Voice Setup
Free/Low-CostBest for: US-based users who need to call actual phone numbers in India (not just WhatsApp users)
Setup time: 10-15 minutes
⚠️ Google Voice Limitations
Only available in the USA. You must have a US phone number and US address to sign up for Google Voice. If you're outside the USA, this won't work for you.
Setup Steps:
- Visit Google Voice: Go to voice.google.com on your computer or download the app
- Sign in with Google account: Use your existing Gmail account
- Choose a Google Voice number: Pick a free US phone number (you can search by area code)
- Link your phone: Verify your existing mobile number to complete setup
- Add credits for international calls:
- Go to Settings → Payments
- Add credits ($10 minimum typically)
- Rates to India: About 1-2¢ per minute
- Make a call:
- Dial +91 (India country code) followed by the 10-digit Indian number
- Example: +91 98XXXXXXXX
💚 Google Voice Advantages:
Call landlines: Unlike WhatsApp, Google Voice can call regular phone numbers in India
Very cheap: Rates are typically 1-2¢ per minute to Indian mobile numbers
Works over WiFi: Make calls from anywhere with internet connection
Voicemail transcription: Get text versions of voicemails automatically
FaceTime Setup (iPhone/iPad/Mac Only)
100% FreeBest for: iPhone users calling other iPhone users in India
Setup time: 2-3 minutes
Quick Setup:
- Verify it's enabled: Go to Settings → FaceTime → Toggle ON
- Sign in with Apple ID: Use your existing Apple ID
- Choose reachability: Select which phone number/email to use for FaceTime
- Make a call:
- Open Contacts or FaceTime app
- Select contact in India (they must also have an iPhone/iPad/Mac)
- Tap the FaceTime audio or video button
🍎 FaceTime Features:
Pros: Built-in to iPhone, excellent call quality, completely free
Cons: Only works between Apple devices (iPhone, iPad, Mac)
Our take: If both you and your family in India use iPhones, FaceTime is fantastic. But since WhatsApp works on all devices, it's more versatile for most people.
Common Issues & Troubleshooting
eSIM won't install or activate
Try these fixes:
- Check compatibility: Confirm your phone supports eSIM (Settings → Cellular → Add Cellular Plan should be visible)
- Remove old eSIMs: If you've installed multiple eSIMs, delete unused ones to free up space
- Restart your phone: Turn it off completely and back on, then try installing again
- Check WiFi: Make sure you have a stable internet connection during installation
- Contact support: Airalo, Saily, and Yesim all have 24/7 chat support if you're stuck
VPN not connecting or keeps dropping
Solutions:
- Try a different server: Switch from automatic to manually select a server in a different location
- Use obfuscated servers: In NordVPN, go to Settings → Advanced → Obfuscated servers (ON) — especially important in China
- Change protocol: Try switching from UDP to TCP in VPN settings for more stable connection
- Check your internet: VPNs need a working internet connection. Test by turning VPN off temporarily.
- Reinstall the app: Delete and reinstall NordVPN if connection issues persist
Poor call quality or choppy audio
Improve call quality:
- Switch to WiFi: WiFi almost always provides better quality than mobile data
- Close background apps: Other apps using data can interfere with call quality
- Move closer to router: Weak WiFi signal causes choppy calls
- Reduce video quality: In WhatsApp, you can turn off video and use audio-only for better quality on slow connections
- Check time of day: Networks in India can be congested during peak hours (7-10 PM India time)
eSIM using too much data
Control data usage:
- Turn off automatic updates: Disable app updates over cellular data
- Disable background app refresh: Settings → General → Background App Refresh → OFF
- Use WiFi when possible: Connect to hotel/restaurant WiFi to preserve eSIM data
- Download offline maps: Download Google Maps for India before your trip
- Stream on low quality: If watching videos, set quality to lowest setting
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to remove my current SIM card to use an eSIM?
No! That's the beauty of eSIM—your phone can have both your regular physical SIM card AND an eSIM active at the same time. This is called "dual SIM" functionality. You can keep your primary number for calls and texts while using the eSIM for data when traveling. In your phone settings, you can choose which SIM to use for mobile data and which one for calls.
Can I install the eSIM before traveling to India?
Yes, absolutely! In fact, we recommend installing your eSIM (Airalo, Saily, or Yesim) before you leave for India while you still have WiFi. The eSIM profile will be installed on your phone but won't activate or use any data until you actually arrive in India and turn on data roaming. This saves time at the airport and ensures everything is ready to go when you land.
Is it legal to use a VPN in UAE, China, or Saudi Arabia?
The legality varies by country. In UAE, VPNs are legal for legitimate uses (like accessing your work network or calling family), but illegal if used for criminal activity. In China, only government-approved VPNs are technically legal, but tourists typically use VPNs without issues. In Saudi Arabia, VPN use is generally tolerated. That said, we recommend checking the latest regulations for your specific country and using VPNs responsibly and only for legal purposes like calling family.
Will WhatsApp calls use my mobile data or minutes?
WhatsApp calls use your mobile data or WiFi connection, NOT your cellular minutes. This means calls are free over WiFi, or use a small amount of data if you're on mobile network (about 0.5 MB per minute for voice calls). They don't count against your phone plan's minutes. This is why WhatsApp is free for international calls—it's using internet data instead of traditional phone networks.
What's the call quality difference between eSIM, VPN, and free apps?
Call quality mainly depends on your internet connection speed, not the method you're using. With eSIM: You get local network speeds in India, which is usually very fast for excellent call quality. With VPN: There may be slight quality reduction due to encryption overhead, but NordVPN's fast servers typically provide crystal-clear calls. Free apps over WiFi: Excellent quality if you have good WiFi. The app itself (WhatsApp, FaceTime, Google Voice) matters less than your internet speed.
Can I top up or extend my eSIM plan while in India?
Yes! All three eSIM providers (Airalo, Saily, and Yesim) allow you to top up or purchase additional data plans directly through their apps while you're traveling. You don't need to install a new eSIM—just buy more data and it's added to your existing eSIM. This is convenient if you run out of data before your trip ends. You can also extend the validity period of some plans.
How much data do I need for calling India for 2 weeks?
It depends on your usage, but here's a rough guide: Voice calls only: 500 MB should cover 15-20 hours of WhatsApp voice calls. Video calls included: 3-5 GB if you do video calls daily (video uses about 5 MB per minute). Plus browsing/maps: Add 1-2 GB for general use, Google Maps, checking email, etc. For most travelers making daily calls, a 3-5 GB plan is sufficient for 2 weeks.
Final Thoughts: You're Ready to Connect!
Setting up your calling solution doesn't have to be complicated. Whether you're traveling to India and need an eSIM, living in a restricted country and need a VPN, or simply want to use free calling apps from the USA, these step-by-step guides should have you up and running in just a few minutes.
Our top recommendations:
Traveling to India soon? Install Airalo eSIM before you leave—you'll have local connectivity the moment you land, making it easy to call family, use maps, and stay connected throughout your trip.
Living in UAE, China, or another restricted country? Set up NordVPN now to access WhatsApp and other calling apps that are normally blocked. Remember to download it before arriving in these countries!
Just calling occasionally from USA? WhatsApp is your best bet—it's free, works great over WiFi, and everyone in India already has it. Just download the app and you're ready to go.
The most important thing is to test your setup before you actually need it. Install the eSIM or VPN a day or two before traveling, make a test call, and troubleshoot any issues while you still have time. There's nothing worse than arriving somewhere and realizing your calling solution doesn't work!
Still have questions? Check out our other guides linked above, or drop us a comment below. We're here to help you stay connected with your family in India, no matter where you are in the world. Happy calling! 📞
