PNB OTP not coming in Dubai, what to do? Activate roaming SMS on your Indian SIM, keep it in the phone for PNB ONE, and use a UAE data eSIM

Usually because your Indian SIM is not active on roaming in the UAE. PNB sends OTPs to your registered mobile number, so that SIM must be in your phone, switched on and allowed to receive SMS abroad (on Vi prepaid that needs a Rs 118 or other IR pack). The PNB ONE app also checks your SIM at every login. Fix the roaming, keep a UAE data eSIM for internet, and call PNB's UAE toll free number +800035770298 if it still fails.

Punjab National Bank sends debit card and transaction OTPs to the "registered mobile number" on your account. In Dubai that number is roaming, and that is where most OTPs get lost. The facts below come from PNB's own pages on pnb.bank.in and from Vi's roaming page, all opened on 12 November 2026. We could not open Airtel's or Jio's current roaming rate pages that day (they did not load), so we do not quote them.

Why PNB OTP fails in Dubai, and the fix

Cause	What happens	Fix
No roaming pack or roaming off on the Indian SIM	SMS never reaches you	Vi prepaid: recharge Rs 118 or any IR pack with validity to receive SMS abroad. Vi postpaid: Rs 149 IR pack. Airtel or Jio: check roaming in the app before flying
Indian SIM removed or switched off to save money	OTP and PNB ONE login both fail	Keep the SIM in the phone, turn only its data roaming off
PNB ONE SIM binding	PNB says "SIM binding & device binding is available at every login", so the app needs the registered SIM in that phone	Keep the RMN SIM in the same handset you registered
You changed your Indian number	OTPs go to the old number	Update at a branch first, then deactivate the app with "Not You" and re-register with SIM verification
Phone on a weak roaming partner	SMS delayed	Restart the phone or switch airplane mode on and off so the SIM registers again

Email OTP: we found no PNB page that offers OTP by email for internet banking or PNB ONE. PNB's internet banking page lists "E mail Statement Registration" and "View last 10 SMS received on registered Mobile Number", but nothing on email OTP. Do not plan on it. Ask the NRI desk if your account type has another option.

What PNB tells you to do when OTP does not come: call customer care (1800 1800, 1800 2021, or 0120-2490000) or raise a complaint at a branch. From abroad PNB lists +91 120 2490000 for global users.

What YatraSim uses in the UAE

YatraSim's UAE eSIM runs on du (5G). It is data only, with no UAE number, so it will not receive your PNB SMS. It replaces expensive roaming data so you can leave the Indian SIM on just for OTPs and calls. Prices checked 12 November 2026, in USD:

Plan	Price
1GB / 7 days	US$3.99
5GB / 30 days	US$13.99
10GB / 30 days	US$21.99
1GB per day, then 1 Mbps	US$2.99 per day

Honest note: if you live in Dubai rather than visit, a local line with a UAE number is the long term answer for daily life. The data eSIM is for trips and your first weeks. See the UAE eSIM plans.

Dual SIM setup that keeps PNB OTP working

• Before flying, confirm your Indian SIM can receive SMS abroad. On Vi prepaid that is the Rs 118 (or other) IR pack.
• Keep the Indian SIM in the phone where PNB ONE is registered. Install the YatraSim eSIM as the second line.
• Set mobile data to the eSIM. Turn data roaming off for the Indian SIM, on for the eSIM.
• Leave the Indian line on for SMS and calls.
• Log in to PNB ONE once after landing, while on eSIM data, to check SIM binding still passes. Do this before you need a payment.
• If you get stuck, contact PNB's NRI desk: email nri@pnb.bank.in, phone +91-8447706400 or +91-8447741369, or UAE toll free +800035770298.
• Never share an OTP with anyone who calls you, PNB's FAQ repeats: "Never share PIN/OTP with anyone."

Sources: PNB ONE mobile banking FAQ, PNB NRI services, PNB NRI Customer Service Centre, PNB internet banking, PNB FAQ, Vi international roaming packs. Official pages, undated, opened 12 November 2026. Checked 12 November 2026.