Travel Essentials

Travel Essentials

Must-have services for every international trip — eSIMs, insurance, transfers, and car rentals.

🔒 This page lists services we plan to recommend once our partner applications are approved. Where noted, individual links may become affiliate links, meaning we may earn a small commission if you sign up or buy through them at no extra cost to you. Read our full disclosure.

📱 eSIM — connectivity abroad

The single most useful “before you fly” purchase for international travelers. An eSIM activates the moment you land, works in 200+ countries, and costs 60–90% less than typical international roaming rates.

Airalo — our default pick

Largest global eSIM catalog, easiest activation, works with iPhone and most modern Android phones. Regional bundles for Southeast Asia, Europe, and beyond.

Airalo affiliate link coming after we sign up for their partner program.

Nomad — often cheaper for specific regions

Same idea as Airalo but sometimes 15–30% cheaper for certain destinations. Worth checking both before you buy.

Nomad affiliate link coming.

🛡️ Travel insurance

Non-negotiable for every international trip. A cheap policy runs ₹500–₹1,500 for a week abroad. A single hospital visit without insurance in Southeast Asia can easily be ₹50,000–₹3,00,000. The math is obvious.

Tata AIG Travel Insurance

Trusted Indian insurer, strong claim settlement record, easy online purchase.

Affiliate link coming via vCommission.

Bajaj Allianz Travel

Strong domestic + international coverage. Easy online claims.

Affiliate link coming via vCommission.

SafetyWing Nomad

Best for long-term travelers, digital nomads, and trips over 30 days. Monthly subscription model.

SafetyWing affiliate link coming.

🚚 Airport transfers & car rentals

Coming in Month 2. Pre-booked airport transfers reduce arrival stress and often cost less than metered taxis. Car rentals via international platforms often beat local rates for road-trip destinations like Bali, Thailand, and Europe.

Our recommendation: buy in this order

  1. Travel insurance — the single non-negotiable. Get this before anything else.
  2. eSIM — buy 2–3 days before your flight, activate on landing.
  3. Airport transfer — if arriving late at night or with family, pre-book to skip taxi haggling.
  4. Car rental — only if the destination genuinely benefits (Bali outside Ubud/Seminyak, road-trip Europe, US, Australia).