A family wedding in Hyderabad, a business trip to Shanghai, a month exploring Rajasthan or a visit to relatives in Guangzhou: long-haul trips to India and China are a regular part of life for many UK households. They are also the trips where mobile data matters most, from booking trains and taxis to sending photos home. A UK SIM with China and India roaming keeps your number and your data working when you land, without buying a local SIM at the airport.
Why Roaming Beats a Local SIM on These Trips
Buying a local SIM on arrival can be slow. In India, it usually means paperwork and a wait for activation. In China, it often means a passport check at a counter after a long flight. Keeping your UK SIM has clear advantages:
- Your UK number stays live, so bank codes, airline updates and messages from home keep arriving.
- Family and colleagues reach you on the same number throughout the trip.
- Your data works from the moment you switch off flight mode, ready for a ride from the airport.
- There is no need to swap SIM cards and risk losing your UK one.
It also saves time on the way home. With your UK SIM still in the phone, there is nothing to swap back at the airport, and messages sent while you were in the air are waiting when you land.
Plans That Include India and China Data Roaming
The following plans include EU, China and India data roaming, so one SIM covers a stopover in Europe as well as the destination itself.
All in one Plus 15
Best for: regular visits to family abroad.
50GB of data, 500 international minutes and roaming in the EU, China and India, for £15.00 per 30 days. There is no promo on this plan, but the generous international minutes make it a strong choice for anyone who calls family overseas between trips.
All In One Plus 20
Best for: frequent long-haul travellers and heavy callers.
100GB of data with unlimited international minutes and the same EU, China and India roaming, for £20.00 per 30 days, also with no promo. If you call abroad every day and travel there often, this plan covers both.
UK Plan Super Extra, 12 month
Best for: a year of travel with a lower monthly price.
75GB of data with EU, China and India roaming, for £13.50 per 30 days when you commit to 12 months. No promo applies; the lower price is the saving.
UK Plan Super Extra, 24 month
Best for: settled travellers who want the lowest price.
The same 75GB and roaming coverage for £12.00 per 30 days over 24 months, again with no promo.
Side by Side
| Plan | UK data | Term | Roaming regions | Price per 30 days |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| All in one Plus 15 | 50GB | 30 days | EU, China, India | £15.00 |
| All In One Plus 20 | 100GB | 30 days | EU, China, India | £20.00 |
| UK Plan Super Extra 12 month | 75GB | 12 months | EU, China, India | £13.50 |
| UK Plan Super Extra 24 month | 75GB | 24 months | EU, China, India | £12.00 |
If you travel once or twice a year and want flexibility, the 30 day All in one plans let you change tier at any time. If you know you will keep the plan, the 12 and 24 month Super Extra options bring the monthly price down. Either way, compare these long-haul travel SIM plans against how often you fly and how much you call home.
Before a Long-Haul Flight
- Turn on data roaming in your phone settings before you leave the UK, so your phone connects as soon as you land.
- Check that your plan has at least a few weeks left to run, or renew it before departure, so it does not lapse mid-trip.
- Download the apps you will need, such as train booking, ride-hailing and translation apps, while you are still at home.
- Save your hotel address and important contacts in your phone in both English and the local language.
- Keep your charger and a power bank in your hand luggage for long transit days.
Final Thoughts
For trips to India and China, roaming on your UK plan saves a queue at the airport and keeps your number live for everything that matters back home. The All in one plans suit heavy callers, while the 12 and 24 month Super Extra plans offer the lowest monthly price. Choose your plan and travel with a roaming data plan for Asia already in your pocket.
Each of these plans is available from Lyca Mobile. Planning a long-haul adventure? Read destination guides for India, China and beyond on Onthevacation.
