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How to buy an India SIM card: First-hand account
Travelling to India? We checked out the local India SIM card options in person. Learn which is best and how to buy your Indian SIM as a foreigner.
Ready for your trip to India? Finding accurate information about India SIM cards isn’t as easy as it should be. Most online sources are outdated or too vague to be helpful, especially if you’re a foreigner dealing with verification requirements.
So, we took a different approach: We visited India’s major mobile network providers (Airtel, Vodafone Idea, and Jio) and spoke directly to their staff. Without further ado, here’s a complete guide on how and where to buy your India SIM card, why official stores are your best bet, and which Indian SIMs work best for tourists.
We’ll also look at a digital alternative — an unlimited data travel eSIM — that connects you instantly, without the hassle of a prepaid SIM card.
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Where can I buy an India SIM card?
There are two options for buying a SIM and avoiding roaming charges in India: Get a local SIM card online before you travel, or in person once you arrive.
Before you travel (online)
You can buy an India SIM card online and have it delivered internationally to your home address (in the UK, US, or beyond). However, options are limited. One reliable choice is SimCorner’s travel SIM card, which operates on Airtel and Vodafone networks. It’s a 10-day India tourist SIM card with 6 GB for £15. You can order this to your home address in the UK.
After you arrive (in-store)
You can buy an Indian SIM card at the major airports or from Airtel, Jio, or Vodafone Idea’s official stores. This is the more popular choice, as there are not many ways to buy a local India travel SIM card online.
For activation, you’ll need a passport and/or visa, among other requirements for international SIM cards. After visiting each store, we’ve mentioned exactly how to buy each provider’s SIM card and specific requirements.
How to buy a SIM card in India
After visiting Airtel, Vodafone Idea, and Jio stores, speaking with staff, and gathering information first-hand, we’ve compiled each step to purchase a local India SIM card for tourists.
The process is slightly more involved than in many other countries, especially for foreigners. Here’s what you’ll need to do:
- Visit an official store: You’ll need to go to an authorized store of a telecom provider like Airtel, Vodafone Idea, or Jio. Avoid third-party retailers that sell SIM cards for India, as they may not handle foreign prepaid SIM card applications correctly.
- Document verification: Bring your passport, a valid Indian visa (or travel visa – whichever is applicable), and proof of local accommodation (like a hotel booking confirmation).
- Picture taken: As part of the registration process, the staff will take a headshot of you in the store for their records.
- Local reference (VI only): A Vodafone Idea SIM requires a local reference number for verification. An OTP will be sent to this contact for activation, so having a local friend or contact is crucial.
- Activation process: After submitting your documents and completing the registration, your India SIM card may take anywhere from 15 minutes to 48 hours to activate, depending on the provider.
- Initial recharge: Most providers require a mandatory initial recharge to activate your prepaid plan. These plans vary depending on the provider but generally include data, calls, and SMS for 24 to 28 days.
With this in mind, let’s take on India’s best mobile networks for travel SIMs, one-by-one.
| 📌Note: While we visited stores in Mumbai, the process applies across India. Whether you’re in Delhi, Bangalore, or Jaipur, you can expect a similar experience when buying your SIM card for India. |
How to buy an Airtel SIM card
Bharti Airtel, or simply Airtel, is one of India’s top networks and among the best prepaid SIM card providers in India. To get a local SIM card for India in store, you need to:
- Hand over your passport, and the staff will take a quick headshot of you for registration.
- Wait around 15 minutes for the Indian SIM card to be activated. (Stick around a little longer and make sure it’s working before you leave the store.)
- Once your SIM is active, you’ll need to recharge it with a mandatory initial 28-day plan for INR 350 (~£3). This comes with 1.5 GB of data per day, unlimited local calls, and 100 SMS.
After 28 days, you can get recharge vouchers for the same plan at any official Airtel store or kiosk, or download the Airtel app to choose a new plan that fits your travel needs.
How to buy a VI (Vodafone Idea) SIM card
Without a friend or local contact in India, you might not be able to get a Vodafone Idea SIM card. You’ll need a local reference and address to register with their local ID Aadhaar card.
Here’s what the rest of the process looks like:
- Carry your passport and/or visa to submit alongside your SIM registration application.
- The VI staff will send a one-time password to your local reference’s contact number for verification.
- Next, you’ll have to get a headshot taken in the store.
- You’ll also need to provide your accommodation details (your local reference’s address or your hotel booking confirmation).
- Once your prepaid SIM card is activated, you’ll need to recharge it with a mandatory prepaid plan. This costs INR 299 (~$3.60) for 24 days, and includes 1 GB of data per day and unlimited local calls
Once this plan expires, you can either recharge the same plan at an official VI store, buy new data plans, or download the VI app to choose a new local SIM card plan that fits your needs.
How to buy a Jio SIM card
Jio, India’s largest telecom provider, is a favorite among locals for its wide 4G and 5G network coverage and affordable Indian tourist SIM card plans.
The process of buying a Jio SIM card is very similar to that of the previous two providers. You’ll need your passport, visa, and accommodation details.
However, Jio does not require a local reference (unlike VI) or a mandatory initial recharge. Once your Indian SIM card is activated, you can choose a prepaid plan based on your needs.
The prepaid plans on the Jio app start with a validity of 28 days, and the most basic option includes:
- INR 299 (~$3.60) for 28 days, with 1.5 GB of data per day, 100 SMS per day, and unlimited local calls
Other popular plans with 2 GB data per day, 100 SMS per day, and unlimited local calls include:
- Free subscription to Jio TV, JioCinema, and JioCloud for INR 349 (~£3) for 28 days
- Free subscription to Jio TV, JioCinema, and JioCloud for INR 899 (~£8) for 90 days.
- Access to Amazon Prime Lite for INR 1029 (~£10) for 84 days
- Free subscription to Netflix. INR 1299 (~£13) for 84 days
Once your plan expires, you can recharge it using the Jio mobile app.
Important: Jio SIM cards are only available in stores in major cities. For example, you can buy an Indian SIM card in Mumbai from Jio stores in urban areas like Andheri, Bandra, Churchgate, and Dadar. However, you won’t be able to buy one in suburbs like Vasai or Virar.
How much does an India SIM card cost?
As seen above, the cost of an India SIM card varies depending on where you buy it. Overall, if you purchase a SIM card in India, you can find a basic local plan between INR 200 and 500 (around £2–£5).
While an Indian SIM card is affordable, convenience isn’t its strongest point. Considering India’s strict SIM registration requirements, staying connected is another thing to add to your to-do list before travelling.
However, alternative solutions like virtual travel eSIMs allow you to skip the paperwork, avoid long queues, and get connected before you even land in India. This is one of the biggest advantages of a digital SIM vs. local SIM cards.
Skip the queues with Holafly’s eSIM for India
If you’re the kind of traveller who likes to have everything sorted before you even step off the plane, a Holafly eSIM for India is your best bet. Instead of swapping out physical cards, you simply scan a QR code to activate your mobile plan on an eSIM-compatible device.
With Holafly’s eSIM plans, there’s no need for:
- Visa or passport checks
- Store visits
- Waiting time
- Mandatory initial plans
And if you’re exploring multiple countries, Holafly’s regional plans cover entire regions like the eSIM for Asia, so you won’t need to worry about purchasing new SIM cards or setting up separate plans when crossing borders.
In addition to being cheaper than Holafly’s regular eSIMs for India, Holafly Plans also offer coverage in 170+ destinations, including India, for long-term vacations. Enjoy unlimited data for an entire month and unlimited hotspot for only $64.90 (~£49).
Skip the line, stay online!
Important: The Holafly app is unavailable on the Indian App Store and Google Play Store due to government directives. If you’ve purchased a Holafly eSIM outside of India, ensure the app is installed, and your eSIM is activated before arriving in India. While the eSIM will work, reinstalling, updating the app, or a top-up for your eSIM via the app in India won’t be possible.
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Based in Mumbai, Sharan Kaur Phillora has 6+ years of experience in the B2B writing industry. She has written for brands like Pocket52, Nexweave, Maze, NaNLABS, and Userpilot. When she's not working, Sharan can be found immersed in murder mystery novels or exploring Mumbai's streets on her bicycle in search of the perfect slice of pizza.
