SIM cards and eSIM in India
SIM cards and eSIM in IndiaWhich carriers matter, what buying a SIM involves, and when an eSIM is the smarter move.
Mobile internet eSIM Best option when traveling
Guac
RecommendedReliable mobile internet at better prices than most travel eSIMs, with polished iOS and Android apps and support for making and receiving phone calls.
Airalo
One of the biggest travel eSIM brands, with a very large destination catalog.
Holafly
Known for unlimited-data plans in many destinations, at a higher price per gigabyte.
Buying a local SIM card ID registration required
- KYC rules are strict: you need your original physical passport (not a copy), a valid Indian visa, proof of local accommodation with a full address (hotels are easier than Airbnb), and a live photo taken by staff at the counter. Postpaid is not available to tourists, and a tele-verification call may be required after the signal first appears.
- Jio's entry travel plan costs around INR 299 (roughly $3.50) for 1.5 GB per day over 28 days; Airtel's equivalent is around INR 349 (roughly $4) with unlimited local calls. Airport kiosks charge more for comparable plans, but India is cheap in absolute terms either way.
- Official Airtel or Jio counters in the arrivals hall at Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore, Chennai, Hyderabad and Kolkata airports, or authorised carrier stores in cities; small independent shops often turn foreign passports away. Bring cash, since international cards often fail at small shops, and steer clear of street vendors selling pre-activated SIMs.
- Roughly 2 to 3 times city prices: about INR 800 to 1,000 at airport kiosks versus INR 300 to 400 at a city shop. The markup buys faster activation, English-speaking staff and near-zero risk of being turned away, which is arguably worth it on arrival day.
- Airtel and Jio both sell eSIMs, but the same KYC applies (original passport, visa, local address, live photo), so a local eSIM skips none of the paperwork. Foreign travel eSIMs work well in cities and tourist areas but can be patchy in remote regions such as Spiti and the Andamans, and cost noticeably more per GB than a local plan.
Avoid the pre-activated SIMs pushed in tourist districts like Paharganj in Delhi or Colaba in Mumbai: they are registered to a stranger's ID and typically die after about two days, so only buy where your passport and photo are taken. Activation is not instant, count on a few hours and occasionally up to two days, so plan for your arrival day to be partly offline. The SIM may also expire on the same date as your visa. One more thing: when you activate an Indian number, WhatsApp will offer to switch your account to it; decline unless you actually want to move it.
Local carriers
Airtel
Best all-round pick for tourists, with the widest coverage including mountains and rural areas and the smoothest airport sign-up process for foreigners.
Jio
Often the fastest 5G in major cities, with competitive entry pricing.
Vi (Vodafone Idea)
A shrinking network with spotty coverage, and often hard to get without a local contact. Best avoided.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need my passport to buy a SIM card in India?
KYC rules are strict: you need your original physical passport (not a copy), a valid Indian visa, proof of local accommodation with a full address (hotels are easier than Airbnb), and a live photo taken by staff at the counter. Postpaid is not available to tourists, and a tele-verification call may be required after the signal first appears.
Should I buy a SIM card at the airport in India?
Roughly 2 to 3 times city prices: about INR 800 to 1,000 at airport kiosks versus INR 300 to 400 at a city shop. The markup buys faster activation, English-speaking staff and near-zero risk of being turned away, which is arguably worth it on arrival day.
What is the best eSIM for India?
Guac eSIM covers India with data plans starting from $0.58 per GB and instant activation, so your phone is online the moment you land. Airalo and Holafly are popular alternatives.