Asia

India

7 apps tracked2 blocked3 work fine

Last verified: September 7, 2026How current is this? Read our accuracy disclaimer

Payments1

Cash App / Venmo / Zelle

Use instead: UPI apps (Google Pay, PhonePe, Paytm, BHIM, etc.)

Blocked

Cash App, Venmo, Zelle are banned or non-functional; India uses UPI-based payments.

Set up before you land

Last verified: Jul 28, 2026

Still accurate?

Messaging1

WhatsApp / FaceTime / Telegram

No direct substitute

Local app preferred

India has open internet; messaging apps work but must be bound to a local SIM.

No setup needed

Last verified: Jul 28, 2026

Still accurate?

Maps & Navigation1

Google Maps

Use instead: Mappls (MapMyIndia)

Works fine

Google Maps works fine but local Mappls offers better local addressing in some regions.

No setup needed

Last verified: Jul 28, 2026

Still accurate?

Ride-hailing1

Uber

Use instead: Ola

Works fine

Uber functions normally, and rides can also be booked via WhatsApp chatbot; Ola is a local alternative.

No setup needed

Last verified: Jul 28, 2026

Still accurate?

Internet Access1

US carrier roaming

Use instead: Local eSIM (Airalo / Holafly) or Jio / Airtel SIM

Local app preferred

Internet is open and cheap; grab an eSIM or a Jio/Airtel SIM. Note: satellite phones are illegal to bring in.

Set up before you land

Last verified: Sep 7, 2026

Still accurate?

Social Media Access2

TikTok

No direct substitute

Blocked

TikTok is banned in India (since 2020).

No setup needed

Last verified: Sep 7, 2026

Still accurate?

Facebook / Instagram

No direct substitute

Works fine

Facebook and Instagram work normally.

No setup needed

Last verified: Sep 7, 2026

Still accurate?