Using Deliveroo in London with Indian Mobile Number | Guide

Yes, you can use Deliveroo in London with an Indian mobile number by keeping your Indian SIM active for SMS verification while using a local data eSIM for connectivity. This dual-SIM setup allows you to receive necessary OTPs for login and payment via your Indian carrier while avoiding exorbitant roaming charges by using a YatraSim data plan.

Why Use Deliveroo with an Indian Number?

When you land at Heathrow or Gatwick, the last thing you want to do after a long flight is hunt for a restaurant. Deliveroo is the go-to food delivery app in the UK, offering everything from local fish and chips to high-end Indian dining from Dishoom. Many Indian travelers assume they need a local UK phone number (+44) to use these services, but that is not the case. You can register or log in with your existing +91 number.

The challenge is connectivity. If you rely on your Indian SIM for data, you will likely face massive international roaming bills. If you switch to a local physical SIM, you lose access to your Indian number, meaning no OTPs for your credit card transactions or UPI. The solution is using a travel eSIM for data while keeping your Indian SIM on 'Standby' for text messages.

The Dual-SIM Strategy for London

For tech-savvy Indian travelers, the most value-driven approach is the Dual-SIM configuration. Modern smartphones allow you to run two SIMs simultaneously. You can see plans specifically designed for the UK that provide high-speed data without replacing your primary number.

How it works:

1. Primary SIM (Indian): Keep this active but turn off 'Data Roaming'. This allows you to receive incoming SMS (OTPs) for free or at low cost, depending on your Indian provider.
2. Secondary SIM (YatraSim eSIM): This handles all your data needs, including browsing Deliveroo, using Google Maps, and making WhatsApp calls.

By using this method, you can verify your Deliveroo account using your Indian number. When the app sends a verification code, it arrives on your Indian SIM. Meanwhile, the app uses the cheap data from your eSIM to browse menus and track your rider.

UK Network Coverage: EE and 3

In the UK, network quality can vary significantly between the 'Big Four' providers. When you use a YatraSim, you typically connect to EE or 3 (Three).

• EE (5G): Often ranked as the UK's fastest network. It offers excellent 5G coverage across London, including busy areas like Canary Wharf, Soho, and Covent Garden. If you are ordering Deliveroo to a central London hotel, EE's 5G will ensure the app doesn't lag when you are trying to track your 'Rider' on the map.
• 3 (4G): Known for robust 4G coverage. It works well in most residential areas of London and other major cities like Manchester or Birmingham.

Before you buy, make sure to check if your smartphone is compatible with eSIM technology. Most iPhones from the XR onwards and recent Samsung S-series models support this feature.

Skip the Expensive Roaming Packs

Major Indian carriers like Jio and Airtel offer international roaming packs. While convenient, they are often significantly more expensive than local data options. Furthermore, these packs sometimes have 'Fair Usage Policies' that throttle your speed after a small amount of high-speed data is used.

With a dedicated UK eSIM, you get a fixed allocation of local data. Whether you need 1GB for a quick weekend trip to London or 50GB for a semester-long stay as a student, there is a plan that fits. For those who prefer not to count GBs, daily passes are also available, providing a set amount of high-speed data every 24 hours. You can see plans to compare which data volume suits your itinerary.

Step-by-Step: Setting up Deliveroo with your Indian SIM

To ensure a smooth experience, follow these steps before you leave for the airport or upon arrival in the UK:

1. Install the eSIM

Follow the installation guide provided at the time of purchase. It usually involves scanning a QR code in your phone's cellular settings. Do this while you have a stable Wi-Fi connection.

2. Configure Cellular Data

Go to your phone settings and set 'Cellular Data' to your new eSIM. Ensure 'Allow Cellular Data Switching' is turned OFF to prevent your phone from accidentally using expensive Indian roaming data.

3. Open Deliveroo

Download the Deliveroo app from the App Store or Play Store. When prompted for a phone number, select the India flag (+91) and enter your mobile number.

4. Receive the OTP

Your Indian SIM will receive the SMS. Enter the code into the Deliveroo app. Once verified, you can add your Indian or International credit/debit card. Most Indian cards work fine, provided 'International Transactions' are enabled in your banking app.

Data Needs for Travelers in the UK

How much data do you actually need? Here is a rough guide based on common activities:

Activity	Data Usage (Approx)
Deliveroo (Browsing + Tracking)	20-50MB per order
Google Maps (Navigation)	5-10MB per hour
WhatsApp Calling	0.5MB - 1MB per minute
Social Media (Instagram/Reels)	100MB - 500MB per 30 mins

YatraSim offers various tiers, from 1GB for light users to 50GB for heavy users. If you run out of data while exploring the British Museum, top-ups are available, so you are never left stranded without a connection.

Specific Advice for Students and Pilgrims

If you are a student moving to the UK, you might eventually get a local UK SIM for a long-term contract. However, for the first few weeks, an eSIM is a lifesaver. It gives you instant connectivity the moment you land, allowing you to call your family or order food to your new dorm via Deliveroo. For more details on long-term stays, read our UK Tourist eSIM Guide for Indian Holiday Travelers.

For those traveling onward to the United States after their UK trip, you might also find our Best eSIM for USA for Indian Travelers: Data Guide helpful, as the dual-SIM strategy remains the same across the Atlantic.

Important Note on Phone Calls

YatraSim plans are data-only. This means you do not get a local UK phone number. While this is perfect for saving money, it means a Deliveroo rider cannot call you on a traditional phone line. However, most communication happens through the app's chat feature. If you need to make a call, use WhatsApp, Telegram, or Skype using your eSIM data.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

• OTP not arriving: Ensure your Indian SIM has 'International Roaming' active (even if the data is off) to receive incoming SMS. Some Indian carriers require a small 'top-up' or a specific 'International Roaming' activation (without a pack) to allow SMS reception abroad.
• App not showing UK restaurants: Ensure your phone's GPS is on and you have given Deliveroo permission to access your location.
• Payment declined: Use a card that supports 3D Secure verification. Since you kept your Indian SIM active, you will be able to receive the bank OTP to authorize the payment.

The bottom line

Using Deliveroo in London with an Indian mobile number is the smartest way to stay fed and connected. By utilizing a YatraSim eSIM for your data needs and keeping your Indian SIM for essential OTPs, you avoid the high costs of traditional roaming while maintaining full access to your financial and social accounts. It is the perfect balance of convenience and savings for the modern Indian traveler.