Google Fi vs HelloRoam: which eSIM actually works for Indian travellers in 2026?
HelloRoam is the practical choice when you travel from India, because Google Fi needs a US address to sign up. Plans start at ₹98.03, with unlimited options from ₹164.46/day, and no monthly bill sits on your account back home. The website comes in 63 languages and 31+ currencies. An unactivated eSIM can be refunded within 180 days. A 7-day France trip costs ₹570.10 on HelloRoam, compared with Google Fi's US$65/month Premium plan or US$10/GB Flexible plan.
HelloRoam Editorial Team
Google Fi
4.1/5 (2,000+ reviews)
200+ countries
HelloRoam
4.7/5 App Store
185+ countries
Google Fi Wireless is a US domestic carrier. Signing up needs a US billing address, so travellers based in India cannot open an account at all, regardless of how much data they need. HelloRoam skips that requirement entirely and is open to travellers from any country, India included.
Destination tip: for Japan, a popular trip from India, HelloRoam offers 1GB plans starting at ₹332.16. In Japan, you need data for transit apps and maps. Google Fi is not an option either way, since you cannot create an account from India without a US address.
Quick Verdict: Google Fi or HelloRoam for travellers from India?
HelloRoam is the better choice for most travellers. Plans start from ₹98.03 globally with no monthly subscription and no daily roaming fee. A casual traveller visiting France for a week pays ₹570.10 with HelloRoam versus US$65/month on Google Fi's Unlimited Premium plan.
Google Fi works well for US residents who already use it as their primary carrier. The Unlimited Premium plan at US$65/month includes 50GB of high-speed international data across 200+ destinations. If you already pay for the plan, you get international coverage at no extra cost. The 90-day international limit and the US residency requirement make it unsuitable for non-US residents or long-stay travellers.
For travellers searching for the best eSIM for international data, HelloRoam covers more use cases at lower cost. Google Fi serves a niche: US residents who want one bill for home and abroad.
Google Fi | HelloRoam | |
|---|---|---|
| Overall Rating | 1.4/5 (Trustpilot, 149 reviews) | 4.7/5 (iOS App Store) |
| Countries | 200+ | 185+ |
| Starting Price | US$20/mo + US$10/GB | ₹98.03 one-time |
| App Rating (iOS) | 4.1/5 (2,000+ reviews) | 4.7/5 |
| App Rating (Android) | 4.1/5 (56.6K reviews) | No public rating yet |
| Best For | US residents who want one plan for home and abroad | Any traveller who needs affordable data |
HelloRoam vs Google Fi eSIM: Full Feature ComparisonHelloRoam vs Google Fi eSIM: Full Feature Comparison
| Feature | Google Fi | HelloRoam |
|---|---|---|
| Countries Covered | 200+ | 185+ (local carrier networks) |
| Carrier Networks | T-Mobile + US Cellular | 212+ local carrier partnerships |
| Pricing Model | Monthly subscription (US$20-US$65/mo) | One-time payment, no subscription |
| Starting Price | US$20/mo base + US$10/GB international | ₹98.03 (fixed) / ₹164.46/day (unlimited) |
| Data Speeds | 4G LTE + 5G (T-Mobile roaming) | 4G LTE + 5G (local carriers, varies by country) |
| Fixed Data Plans | No (pay-per-GB or monthly tiers) | Yes (sizes vary by country) |
| City-Level Plans | No city-level granularity | Dedicated pages for popular travel cities |
| iOS App Rating | 4.1/5 (2,000+ reviews) | 4.7/5 |
| Android App Rating | 4.1/5 (56.6K reviews) | No public rating yet |
| Trustpilot | 1.4/5 "Bad" (149 reviews) | Growing (launched August 2025) |
| Customer Support | Phone + chat, Mon-Sat, English only | 24/7 live chat + WhatsApp, in your own language |
| Delivery | eSIM instant / SIM ships | Instant QR code via email |
| Refund Policy | No guarantee (prorated Flexible refund only) | 180-day refund (unactivated eSIMs) |
| Languages | English only | Website in 63 languages |
| Currencies | USD only (US credit card required) | 31+ with auto-detection |
| Hotspot | No hotspot on Essentials; blocked on iPhone internationally | Free on all plans, on phones that allow hotspot |
| Data Usage Alerts | Data usage alert you set in the Fi app | Low-data email on fixed plans |
| Recommended Plan | No recommendation engine | Goldilocks pick highlights one recommended plan |
| Founded | 2015 (as Project Fi, Google) | Launched 2025 (Future Syncs, founded 2024) |
Google Fi leads on US domestic coverage, a built-in VPN, and Alphabet backing. HelloRoam leads on no-residency signup, no 90-day cutoff, and clear fixed-price travel plans.
Pricing by Country: Google Fi vs HelloRoam
Google Fi prices show the flat US$10/GB Flexible plan rate. HelloRoam offers one-time plans on local carrier networks. Average savings: 66% with HelloRoam across all 6 countries.
| Country | Google Fi | HelloRoam | Saving with HelloRoam | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|---|
France | US$10/GB | From ₹379.75 | 60% | HelloRoam |
Japan | US$10/GB | From ₹332.16 | 65% | HelloRoam |
UK | US$10/GB | From ₹270.30 | 72% | HelloRoam |
Mexico | US$10/GB | From ₹332.16 | 65% | HelloRoam |
Thailand | US$10/GB | From ₹332.16 | 65% | HelloRoam |
Germany | US$10/GB | From ₹270.30 | 72% | HelloRoam |
Google Fi charges a flat US$10 per GB on its Flexible plan, whatever your destination. HelloRoam prices vary by country, and each plan runs on local carrier networks.
Google Fi's Flexible plan charges US$10/GB for international data in 200+ destinations. The Unlimited Premium plan at US$65/month includes 50GB of high-speed international data. All Google Fi plans require an active US account. HelloRoam charges a one-time fee per trip with no monthly commitment. Prices verified June 2026 from fi.google.com and helloroam.com.
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Speed Test Comparison
Android Authority tested Google Fi against a travel eSIM across 5 locations in Italy in 2026. The test compared Google Fi with a generic travel eSIM, not HelloRoam specifically, but it is a useful reference point for a route many Indian travellers also take through Europe.
Location
Milan
Venice
Florence
Rome (Test 1)
Rome (Test 2)
Google Fi
61.8 Mbps
42.3 Mbps
40.6 Mbps
306 Mbps
300 Mbps
Travel eSIM
89.5 Mbps
5.98 Mbps
50.5 Mbps
64.3 Mbps
135 Mbps
Winner
Travel eSIM
Google Fi
Travel eSIM
Google Fi
Google Fi
Local carrier networks: HelloRoam connects to local carrier networks in each country. Many destinations include 5G, and the network type varies by plan.
Plan types: Choose a fixed data plan or a day-based unlimited plan.
Independent benchmarks: Independent speed benchmarks for HelloRoam are pending as the service launched in August 2025. Speed varies by destination and carrier.
Why HelloRoam Is the Practical Choice for Indian Travellers
No subscription required.
HelloRoam is pay-as-you-go. Buy a plan when you travel, starting at ₹98.03. Google Fi requires a monthly subscription of US$20 to US$65 before you can access international data.
Open to travellers worldwide.
HelloRoam works for travellers from every country. Google Fi requires a US billing address. Non-US residents cannot sign up.
No 90-day cutoff.
Google Fi suspends international data access after 90 consecutive days abroad. HelloRoam has no such rule. Your data works for the full plan validity, however long you have been abroad.
Free hotspot on every plan.
HelloRoam includes free tethering on all plans, on phones that allow hotspot. Google Fi blocks hotspot on the Essentials plan and disables international hotspot on iPhones.
180-day refund on unactivated eSIMs.
HelloRoam offers a 180-day refund on unactivated eSIMs. Google Fi offers no equivalent guarantee. The Flexible plan only provides a prorated refund.
63 languages and 31+ currencies.
HelloRoam auto-detects your locale and shows prices in your local currency. Google Fi is English-only and USD-only, with a US credit card required at checkout.
Low-data email alerts.
On a fixed plan, HelloRoam emails you as your data runs low. You can then top up in time on plans that offer top-ups, or buy a new plan.
One recommended plan per destination.
The Goldilocks pick highlights one recommended plan on each destination page, by data size and price. A data calculator helps you estimate how many GB you need. Google Fi has no recommendation engine.
City pages for popular destinations.
HelloRoam runs dedicated pages for popular travel cities, each showing the plans that work there. Google Fi has no city-specific coverage options.
Unlimited day slider with auto-configured APN.
On unlimited plans, HelloRoam's day slider lets you pick the number of days at checkout. The APN configures automatically on activation. No manual network settings needed.
Pros and Cons
Google Fi vs HelloRoam
Choose HelloRoam if:
- You want lower prices. Plans start at ₹98.03, and unlimited plans from ₹164.46/day. Against Google Fi's Flexible plan, HelloRoam saves 60% to 72% per GB in the 6 countries priced above.
- You want unlimited data without a monthly bill. Unlimited daily plans in most destinations, on local carrier networks. No monthly bill, no contract.
- You want refund protection. HelloRoam gives you a 180-day refund on unactivated eSIMs. Google Fi offers no equivalent guarantee.
- You need support in your language. Website in 63 languages. 24/7 support on WhatsApp and live chat, in your own language. Pay in 31+ currencies.
- You prefer smart app features. Data calculator, unlimited day slider, plan recommendation, preflight reminders, and low-data emails on fixed plans.
- You want flexible checkout. Apple Pay, Google Pay, PayPal, Visa, Mastercard, Amex, JCB, UnionPay. Zero-dollar checkout with referral credits.
Choose Google Fi if you:
- Live in the US and want one plan for home and travel. Google Fi replaces your domestic carrier with unlimited calls, texts, and international data under one bill.
- Need a permanent US phone number. Many US services require a US number for two-factor authentication and banking. Google Fi provides one that works abroad.
- Travel less than 90 days at a time and already pay for it. If you already subscribe to Unlimited Premium at US$65/month, the international data comes at no extra cost.
- Use a Pixel phone. Google Fi is optimised for Pixel devices with a built-in VPN, encrypted calls, and automatic premium Wi-Fi connections.
App Experience
HelloRoam App Features
The interactive data usage calculator estimates how many GB you need based on your activities. You stop guessing about plan sizes.
The Goldilocks pick highlights one recommended plan on each destination page.
Preflight notifications remind you to activate your eSIM before you board.
Low-data emails warn you before a fixed plan runs out.
The data dashboard shows how much data you have used and how much is left.
The device compatibility checker appears on every country page, not buried on a separate page.
Express checkout supports Apple Pay, Google Pay, and PayPal. You can also pay by Visa, Mastercard, Amex, JCB, or UnionPay card.
The buy-for-someone-else feature sends a QR code to another person's email.
Data usage dashboard. A circular progress tracker, with a Top up button on eligible plans.
Buy for someone else. Send a QR code directly to another traveller's email.
Auto-configured APN. Your eSIM activates with network settings pre-loaded. No manual configuration needed.
Google Fi
Google Fi App Features
Manage your domestic and international plan from one screen.
Built-in VPN for Pixel phones with automatic secure connections.
Wi-Fi calling and text over any connection.
Usage tracking for calls, texts, and data in a single dashboard.
International data through T-Mobile partner networks in 200+ countries.
Key insight: Google Fi's app is built for US subscribers juggling a combined domestic and international carrier plan, something Indian residents cannot sign up for regardless of interest. HelloRoam's app is built for international travellers instead: a recommended plan on each destination page, a data calculator, 31+ currencies, and preflight reminders before you leave Delhi or Mumbai.
Coverage and Network Comparison
Global coverage
185+ countries with 212+ verified carrier networks. Coverage built around the destinations travellers actually visit, not just contractual partner counts.
Carrier branding
Your phone shows "HelloRoam" in the status bar. You know exactly which service is active.
Instant connectivity
No manual network settings needed. Your eSIM connects to a local carrier the moment you land.
Free hotspot
Share your connection with a laptop or travel companion at no extra cost. Hotspot works on every plan, on phones that allow it, and uses your plan's data.
City pages
Dedicated pages for popular travel cities, not just countries, each showing the plans that work there.
200+ country coverage
Google Fi provides international data in 200+ destinations on the Flexible and Unlimited plans. Coverage uses T-Mobile and US Cellular partner networks abroad.
Built-in VPN for Pixel
Google Fi includes a built-in VPN on Pixel phones with automatic secure connections on open Wi-Fi networks. This is unique to the Fi platform.
One bill for home and travel
Google Fi bundles US domestic calls, texts, and international data under one monthly subscription. US residents avoid separate charges for domestic and international service.
Permanent US phone number
Google Fi subscribers get a US phone number that works abroad, which is useful for two-factor authentication and US-based banking apps.
Alphabet / Google backing
Alphabet Inc., one of the largest technology companies in the world, runs Google Fi. That backing brings strong infrastructure and long-term stability.
Wi-Fi calling and texts
Google Fi supports Wi-Fi calling and texting from any connection. On Wi-Fi abroad, you can make US calls without paying roaming fees.
Is Google Fi Legit?
Google Fi Wireless is a legitimate US wireless carrier owned by Alphabet Inc. Google launched it as Project Fi on April 22, 2015, and rebranded it to Google Fi Wireless in April 2023. It is a real service, just not one Indian travellers can use.
Trustpilot:
According to Trustpilot (June 2026), Google Fi has a 1.4 out of 5 rating based on 149 reviews. That is a "Bad" rating. Common complaints include billing disputes, customer service delays, and the 90-day international data cutoff catching travellers off guard. Trustpilot ratings for telecom companies often skew negative because satisfied customers rarely leave reviews.
Expert reviews:
WhistleOut gives Google Fi 4.0/5. Reviews.org rates it 4.8/5. Tom's Guide recommends it for travellers who already use Android and want domestic plus international under one bill.
HelloRoam trust signals
180-day refund on unactivated eSIMs. PCI DSS Level 1 payment security via Stripe. $0 activation fees. No hidden charges.
BBB complaints:
Google Fi falls under Google LLC's unaccredited BBB profile, which lists consumer complaints across Google's services. These cover billing disputes and activation failures.
Device Compatibility
HelloRoam Advantage: Built-In Device Checker
HelloRoam has an interactive device compatibility checker built into every country page. Search by brand (Apple, Samsung, Google, Motorola, OnePlus, Xiaomi, Huawei) and find your exact model, including the phones most common among Indian travellers. No separate compatibility page, no guesswork.
All iPhones from iPhone XS (2018) and newer
Most Samsung Galaxy S20 and newer models (not the S20 FE or S21 FE), Galaxy Z Fold/Flip series
Google Pixel 4 and newer, plus some Pixel 3 and 3a models
Motorola, OnePlus, Xiaomi, Huawei, and other brands with eSIM support
iPads and tablets with eSIM capability
No country restriction: travellers from India, or anywhere else, can purchase and activate an eSIM plan. Every eSIM activates with an auto-configured APN, so you connect without manual network setup after landing.
Google Fi Compatible Devices
Best experience: Pixel phones get automatic network switching, a built-in VPN, and encrypted calls.
iPhone: XS and newer models support eSIM, but international hotspot does not work on iPhone.
Samsung: Galaxy S23 through S26, unlocked North American versions only.
Requirement: You need a US billing address. Travellers from India and other countries outside the US cannot sign up.
Key difference: HelloRoam removes the guesswork Google Fi cannot even offer to Indian users in the first place. Search your exact phone model, see instant confirmation, buy your plan. No band compatibility checks needed, and auto-APN means zero manual configuration.
Other eSIM Comparisons Worth Reading
See how HelloRoam compares with other top eSIM and carrier options for international travel.
HelloRoam vs Airalo
Airalo is the largest eSIM marketplace with 200+ destinations. Compare pricing, plan variety, and app experience.
HelloRoam vs Holafly
Holafly focuses on unlimited data with strong Europe and Latin America coverage. See how the unlimited plans stack up.
HelloRoam vs Mint Mobile
Mint Mobile is a budget US carrier with limited international options. See why a dedicated travel eSIM often wins abroad.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Google Fi works in 200-plus countries, but Indian travellers cannot sign up because Google Fi requires a US mailing address and a Google account linked to a US billing method. HelloRoam has no country restriction. Any traveller flying out of Indira Gandhi International Airport in Delhi (DEL) or Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport in Mumbai (BOM) can buy a HelloRoam plan and activate it before boarding their flight. HelloRoam covers 185+ countries with plans from ₹98.03.
HelloRoam offers dedicated UAE plans on a local network, so your data works in Dubai from the moment you land. Google Fi requires a US account, which is not accessible to Indian passport holders without a US mailing address. HelloRoam plans for the UAE start at ₹379.75 with no monthly fee, no hidden charges, and 24/7 WhatsApp support.
HelloRoam's Singapore plans run on local Singapore networks. If you fly from Mumbai (BOM) or Delhi (DEL), you can set up a HelloRoam eSIM before departure and get data the moment you clear immigration at Changi Airport. Google Fi is not available to customers based in India, so HelloRoam is the practical, accessible alternative. HelloRoam covers 185+ countries, and plans start at ₹98.03.
Google Fi does not offer plans for Indian residents. You must have a US mailing address to sign up for any Google Fi plan. For Indian travellers heading abroad, HelloRoam is the accessible alternative. It covers 185+ countries, including the UAE, Singapore, the UK, and the US, with plans available online in minutes and no US account required.
Jio's international roaming packs come with limited data, speed caps, and a daily charge cycle that keeps adding up for the length of your trip. HelloRoam gives you a direct local carrier connection for a single one-time payment with no recharge cycles and no hidden charges. For frequent travellers heading to the UAE or the UK, HelloRoam delivers clearly better value for money with complete cost transparency before you travel. HelloRoam plans start at ₹98.03.
Airtel's international roaming plans charge a daily rental plus per-MB or per-call fees, and speeds are often throttled after a daily data cap. HelloRoam connects you to local networks abroad. You get local network speeds with a single prepaid payment and no daily billing surprises when you return home.
Most eSIM-compatible phones support dual SIM operation, with one physical SIM and one eSIM running at the same time. Keep your Jio SIM active in the physical slot for calls and SMS to your Indian number while HelloRoam handles your data abroad. On iPhone, go to Settings, then Mobile Service, then Mobile Data, to set HelloRoam as your preferred data line. You will not miss any calls from home while you are away.
HelloRoam covers the UK on local 4G and 5G carrier networks. Indian travellers visiting London for business, higher education, or to visit family can activate a HelloRoam plan at DEL before departure and connect instantly on arrival. Google Fi covers the UK but is not available to Indian residents. HelloRoam plans work for any traveller, regardless of nationality or home country. HelloRoam covers 185+ countries.
HelloRoam covers the United States with local carrier connections. Indian travellers on business trips, student visas, or family visits to New York, San Francisco, or Los Angeles can activate a data plan before leaving from DEL or BOM. US plans are prepaid, with no monthly subscription required. Google Fi requires a US address and is not accessible to Indian travellers.
Google Fi's Unlimited Premium plan includes international data but caps full-speed access at 50GB per month. The Flexible plan charges for each GB you use abroad, on top of its monthly fee. HelloRoam delivers local network speeds on fixed data plans, with unlimited daily plans also available for heavier data needs. For business trips that rely on maps, video calls and cloud apps, your HelloRoam eSIM uses a local network and you pay one prepaid HelloRoam price, with no roaming fees from your home carrier.
Vi's international roaming packs have daily charges and data limits that can add up on longer trips. HelloRoam's fixed-price eSIM plans let you know exactly what you will spend before you leave India. There are no surprise charges when you return, and your data runs on the same local networks that residents use at your destination. HelloRoam covers 185+ countries.
You can set up a HelloRoam eSIM anywhere you have a Wi-Fi connection, including at home or at Indira Gandhi International Airport before your flight. Scan the QR code sent to your email and follow the steps in your phone's Settings to install the eSIM. It activates automatically when you land at your destination. No SIM counter queues, no waiting. HelloRoam covers 185+ countries.
HelloRoam covers Thailand on local Thai networks. Bangkok and Phuket are popular destinations for trips from India, and HelloRoam gives you dedicated data from the moment you land. Thailand plans are prepaid, with no contract and no daily fees. Google Fi covers Thailand, but you cannot sign up for it from India without a US address.
HelloRoam is a strong Google Fi alternative for trips from India. It covers 185+ countries on local networks, has no US address requirement, and offers plans from ₹98.03 with no monthly fees. Support is available 24/7 on WhatsApp, an app you probably already use every day, and the team answers in your own language.
iPhones sold in India from iPhone XS onwards support eSIM. You can install a HelloRoam plan on any carrier-free, eSIM-compatible iPhone by scanning the QR code in Settings, then Mobile Service, then Add eSIM. If your phone is carrier-locked, ask your carrier to unlock it before you add a HelloRoam eSIM profile.
HelloRoam accepts major international debit cards and credit cards (Visa and Mastercard), PayPal, Apple Pay, and Google Pay. Direct UPI payment is not currently supported, but Indian users with Visa or Mastercard debit cards linked to their savings account can complete the purchase with international transactions enabled. Prices are displayed in INR for Indian customers. The final charge processes in USD by our payment provider, and your bank converts it at the daily exchange rate. HelloRoam plans start at ₹98.03.
Many Samsung Galaxy S-series flagships, along with recent Galaxy Z Flip and Z Fold models, support eSIM in India, but support depends on the exact model. Budget A-series Samsung phones generally do not include eSIM support. Go to Settings, then Connections, then SIM Manager to check if the Add eSIM option appears on your Samsung. HelloRoam works on any eSIM-compatible Samsung device that is not carrier-restricted. HelloRoam plans start at ₹98.03.
You can buy individual HelloRoam plans for each phone in your travel group. Each phone needs its own eSIM plan. HelloRoam also supports hotspot sharing, so one phone on a data plan can share its connection with other devices like tablets or laptops. This is a cost-effective option for family trips to Dubai, Singapore, or Thailand where not every device supports eSIM.
Indian carrier roaming packs from Jio, Airtel, and Vi typically come with limited data and often throttle speeds once you cross your daily cap. HelloRoam plans start at ₹98.03 for a one-time prepaid purchase with no daily charges. For a week-long trip to Dubai or Singapore, HelloRoam is almost always the better value option with full price transparency before you travel. HelloRoam covers 185+ countries.
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