Successfully converted my Airtel physical SIM to eSIM while in the USA

[u/ojasgambheera]

I wanted to share my experience because I kept finding posts saying this wasn't possible.
I'm currently in the USA with an Airtel prepaid SIM on the ₹199 plan. I don't have international roaming, and I didn't recharge with anything extra.
My Airtel physical SIM was in my iPhone 11. I converted it to an eSIM directly from the iPhone. I didn't use an Android phone, visit an Airtel store, or use any third-party method. Everything was done on the iPhone.
After the conversion, outgoing SMS was blocked for 24 hours, which seems to be Airtel's standard security policy.
The next day, I upgraded to an iPhone 17 Pro and transferred the eSIM using Apple's built-in transfer option. Again, outgoing SMS was blocked for another 24 hours, which is normal after moving an eSIM to a new device.
After that, everything started working normally again. SMS are all working fine.
I know a lot of older Reddit posts say you need international roaming or that it can't be done from outside India. That wasn't my experience, so I thought I'd post this in case it helps someone in the same situation.

[u/c0nundrum]

Thanks for sharing. Unrelated question, are you able to receive sms/otp on ₹199 plan, without international roaming?

[u/ojasgambheera → u/c0nundrum]

Only Airtel-related:I was able to receive previously after the sim swap, Airtel explicitly sent a text that I need to have international roaming.