What are the best SIM cards in India in 2025?

Ready for your trip to India? Finding accurate information about SIM cards in India 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Most online sources are outdated or too vague to be helpful — especially if you’re a foreigner dealing with verification requirements.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 official stores of the top three telecom providers in India — Airtel, VI (Vodafone Idea), and Jio — spoke directly to staff, and asked the questions you’d actually need answers to.

In this article, you’ll find a complete guide on where to buy your SIM card, why official stores are your best bet, and the offers you can expect.

We’ll also look at an alternative — an eSIM — that connects you instantly, without the hassle.

So sit back and sip your masala chai! 

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How to buy a SIM card in India? 

Staying connected in India can be challenging if you rely on public WiFi—it’s rare and often unreliable.

A local SIM card is one option to get internet access, but there’s a catch: you can’t buy these SIM cards online or have them shipped to your accommodation. 

India SIM cards are designed for local activation, so you must purchase them in person at official stores or airport kiosks.

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, VI, or Jio. Avoid third-party retailers, as they may not handle foreign 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). The staff will verify these documents on the spot.
• 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): VI 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 SIM card may take anywhere from 15 minutes to 48 hours to activate, depending on the provider. It’s recommended to wait at the store and confirm that the SIM is working before leaving.
• 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.

Now that you know how to navigate the process, let’s explore the best SIM cards in India to help you choose the right provider.

Best SIM cards in India

We’ve personally visited official stores in Mumbai, spoken with staff, and gathered all the details you need to make an informed choice.

Airtel SIM card 

Bharti Airtel, or simply Airtel, is one of India’s top telecom providers and the best prepaid SIM card provider, known for its reliable 4G network and expanding 5G coverage. 

Here’s how it works: you’ll hand over your passport and visa at any Airtel store, and the staff will take a quick headshot of you for registration. There’s no need to fill out any paperwork — everything is handled online by the staff. 

According to the staff, your SIM card should be activated within 15 minutes. However, it’s a good idea to stick around 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 plan:

• INR 350 (~$4.20) for 28 days, which includes 1.5 GB of data per day, unlimited calls within India, and 100 SMS 

After 28 days, you can either 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.

VI (Vodafone Idea)

VI, short for Vodafone Idea, has an interesting history. It was originally known as Orange in India, then rebranded to Vodafone, and eventually merged with Idea Cellular to form VI.

This is important because if you’re using an Orange SIM card and purchase one of their holiday plans, there’s a good chance your local SIM card won’t work in India — Orange no longer operates as a company here.

One major downside to buying a VI SIM card for India is that you’ll need a local reference and a local address to register with their local ID aadhaar card.

During the activation process, the staff at the VI store will send an OTP (one-time password) to your local reference’s contact number for verification. Without a friend or local contact in India, you might not be able to get your hands on a VI SIM card.

If you have a local reference, here’s how it works: similar to Airtel, the staff will take a headshot of you during registration in the store.

Additionally, you’ll need to provide your accommodation details (either your local reference’s address or your hotel booking confirmation).

Once your SIM card is activated, you’ll need to recharge it with a mandatory prepaid plan:

• INR 299 (~$3.60) for 24 days, which 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 competitive data plans, or download the VI app to choose a new plan that fits your needs.

Jio SIM card

Jio, India’s largest telecom provider, is a favorite among locals for its wide 4G and 5G network coverage and affordable prepaid plans. 

The process of buying a Jio SIM card is similar to other providers. You’ll need your passport, visa, and accommodation details, but unlike VI, Jio does not require a local reference. That means you don’t need to worry about having a local contact to verify your application.

Another difference is that Jio does not require a mandatory initial recharge. Once your 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 2GB data per day, 100 SMS per day, and unlimited local calls include:

• INR 349 (~$4.11) for 28 days. You also get a free subscription to Jio TV, JioCinema, and JioCloud. 
• INR 448 (~$5.28) for 28 days. Plus, free subscription to 12 OTT apps, including SonyLIV, Zee5, Lionsgate Play, and Discovery+
• INR 899 (~$11) for 90 days. You also get a free subscription to Jio TV, JioCinema, and JioCloud. 
• INR 999 (~$12) for 98 days. Plus, free subscription to Jio TV, JioCinema, and JioCloud. 
• INR 1029 (~$12.12) for 84 days with access to Amazon Prime Lite. 
• INR 1049 (~$12.35) for 84 days with a subscription to Sony LIV and Zee5. 
• INR 1299 (~$15) for 84 days. And free subscription to Netflix. 

Once your plan expires, you can recharge it using the Jio mobile app. 

It’s important to note that Jio SIM cards are only available in stores in major cities. For example, in Mumbai, you can buy a SIM 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.

If this sounds like too much work, don’t worry — we’ve got an easy option for you. With an eSIM, you can skip store visits, avoid paperwork, and get mobile data up and running before you even land in India. 

Let’s look at how it works and why it might be the better choice for your trip.

Holafly eSIM: The easiest way to stay online in India

If you’re the kind of traveler who likes to have everything sorted before you even step off the plane, an eSIM is your best bet. An eSIM (embedded SIM) is a digital version of a physical SIM card.

Instead of swapping out physical cards, you simply scan a QR code to activate your mobile plan on an eSIM-compatible device. 

Holafly offers eSIM plans for over 200 destinations, including an eSIM for India, with customizable options ranging from 1 to 90 days. 

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.

With a Holafly eSIM, there’s no need for:

• Visa or passport checks.  You skip the paperwork entirely. Holafly eSIMs don’t require visa or passport verification because they aren’t tied to local regulations for physical SIM cards. 
• Store visits: Everything is done online — no need to visit crowded stores or kiosks at the airport. This means no waiting in queues, no struggling with staff unfamiliar with foreigner requirements, and no wasting time you could spend exploring India.
• Waiting time. All you need to do is scan a QR code, and your eSIM will be activated in about five minutes. Unlike physical SIMs, you don’t have to wait 15 minutes or more for activation in-store. You’re ready to go as soon as you land.
• Mandatory initial plans. Holafly lets you customize your plan based on your travel duration, with options ranging from 1 to 90 days. You only pay for the data you need, with no mandatory initial recharges or unnecessary extras.

Holafly’s eSIMs are data-only, which means no local Indian phone number for calls or SMS. However, you can use apps like WhatsApp to communicate with everyone.

Plus, Holafly offers 24/7 customer support, so help is always just a message away.

So, how much does a Holafly eSIM for India cost? 

Want a cheaper way to stay connected for a prolonged stay in India? Holafly Connect is a pay-monthly eSIM subscription with three affordable plans to choose from.

• 10 GB for $39.90/month
• 25 GB + unlimited hotspot sharing for $49.90/month
• Unlimited data + unlimited hotspot sharing for $64.90/month

On top of being cheaper than Holafly’s regular eSIMs for India, Holafly Connect also offers coverage in 170+ destinations with all plans and unlimited data sharing with the 25 GB and unlimited plans. This allows you to stay connected anywhere you go. No hidden fees, no long-term contracts or commitments. Simply stay online for as long as you need and cancel any time.

Stay connected, stay curious

To buy a SIM card in India, you’ll need to visit an official store of a provider like Airtel, Jio, or VI. Some providers, like VI, even require a local reference for verification, which can be tricky if you don’t know anyone in India.

However, Airtel is known for its excellent network coverage, making it a reliable option for travelers exploring cities and rural areas.

For a more convenient alternative, Holafly’s eSIM is a top choice. It runs on Airtel’s robust network, giving you the same extensive coverage without the need to visit a store or complete any documentation.

You can set it up before you even leave home and activate it once you land. The entire process takes around five minutes and you’re instantly connected with unlimited data. 

Now it’s time for tuk-tuks, temples, and timeless adventures!

Skip the line, stay online!

From the complex roads of Chandni Chowk to the tiniest tea stall, Holafly’s eSIM keeps you online and unstoppable.

Grab an India eSIM

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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.

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