Nomad eSIM alternative for Indian travellers
Nomad is a popular travel eSIM, and its help centre is specific about refunds and validity. This page lines it up against Tripmojo for Indian buyers, with each Nomad claim linked to the page it came from.
Head to head: Tripmojo and Nomad
| What matters | Tripmojo | Nomad | What we found |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pay in rupees, by UPIAvoids your bank's forex markup on dollar prices | Yes: ₹ + UPI | No: Cards, wallets | Airalo's currency list has no rupee and its payment list has no UPI; Nomad takes cards, Apple/Google Pay and PayPal. A dollar price on an Indian card usually picks up your bank's forex markup. |
| Refund if your phone is lockedThe most common reason an eSIM won't install | Yes: Full refund | Yes: Within 30 days | A carrier-locked phone is the most common reason a travel eSIM won't install. Matrix's policy says no refund for an incompatible handset; Saily refunds only plans that were never activated, within 30 days. Matrix refundsSaily refundsNomad install-failTripmojo refunds |
| Refund if it never connectsIf it installs but never gets signal | Yes: Full refund | Partly: Partial, with proof | Airalo refunds an eSIM that isn't working to your original payment method. Nomad wants proof the fault was theirs; Matrix's window is five days from purchase. Ours runs for the plan's whole validity. |
| Days start when you landNo days used while you wait at home | Yes: First connection | Yes: At activation | Airalo starts most plans on first connection but some on install, so check each plan's policy. Saily auto-activates an unused plan after 180 days. |
| No ID upload to buyQR right after payment | Yes: None | Not stated: Not stated | Matrix sends the QR within about four hours, after you email a passport copy. Ours shows on screen as soon as you pay. |
Checked on each provider's own pages on 27 October 2026. Policies change. ‘Not stated’ means we couldn't find it on their site, not that they don't do it.
Where Nomad does well
- Nomad refunds an incompatible device and lists a locked device as an install-failure case. Nomad install-fail
- Validity starts at activation rather than install, so days are not used while the eSIM sits on your phone at home. Nomad validity
Other facts we checked
- Nomad accepts cards (Visa, Mastercard, Amex, Discover, JCB, UnionPay), Apple Pay, Google Pay and PayPal. UPI is not on the list. Nomad payments
- Validity starts at activation, not at install. Nomad validity
- Refunds are available within 30 days. An activated eSIM counts as used, and a partial refund needs proof of a Nomad-side fault. Deleting the eSIM profile before you request a refund voids it. Nomad refunds
- All Unlimited plans are non-refundable. Nomad refunds
Questions about Tripmojo vs Nomad
Can I pay for Nomad by UPI?
Nomad's payment list covers cards, Apple Pay, Google Pay and PayPal, with no UPI. Tripmojo prices in rupees and takes UPI, Indian cards and netbanking.
Does Nomad refund a locked phone?
Yes, Nomad lists a locked device as an install-failure case and refunds within 30 days. Tripmojo also gives a full refund if the eSIM cannot install on a locked phone and support cannot fix it.
When does a Nomad plan start?
At activation, not install. A Tripmojo plan starts at first connection abroad.
What if the eSIM installs but never connects?
Nomad treats an activated eSIM as used and asks for proof of a Nomad-side fault for a partial refund. Tripmojo gives a full refund if it never connects and support cannot fix it, any time during validity.
Are Nomad Unlimited plans refundable?
No. Nomad's refund policy says all Unlimited plans are non-refundable.
Ready to pick a plan?
Rupee pricing, UPI, and a QR on screen in about 2 minutes.
