You can get online in India with a local Jio, Airtel or Vi SIM for roughly ₹300–500 (about $4–6) covering 40–60 GB over 28 days, or skip the paperwork entirely with an eSIM installed on your phone before you even fly.

Local SIM

Jio, Airtel and Vi are India’s main networks, and a tourist-friendly prepaid plan typically runs ₹300–500 for 40–60 GB of data over 28 days — genuinely cheap by global standards. Buying one requires KYC (know-your-customer) verification: your original passport, a printout of your visa, proof of your accommodation in India, and a headshot photo taken in-store. Buy from an official operator store rather than a street kiosk, both for reliability and because informal vendors sometimes skip proper registration, which can get the SIM deactivated later. Activation typically takes 15–30 minutes once your documents are checked.

eSIM — skip the queue

An eSIM needs no in-store documents at all — you buy it online, install it via a QR code before you land, and it is live the moment you land and switch it on, provided your phone supports eSIM. Airalo is our recommended eSIM partner (an affiliate relationship — full disclosure) and offers Jio and Airtel-backed plans from around $5, with 10 GB over 30 days running about $23. Other solid options include Saily, generally the best value at roughly $3.99 to start or about $18.99 for 10 GB; Nomad, which bundles both Jio and Airtel for better coverage in rural or mountain areas; and Holafly, which offers unlimited data plans. An eSIM is the easier choice if your trip is short or you would rather not deal with in-store KYC paperwork.

Coverage & data

Jio and Airtel offer the strongest overall coverage across India, including most tourist circuits. Signal gets patchy deep in the Himalayas and the Western Ghats’ remoter stretches, so do not rely on constant connectivity if you are trekking or staying in very remote hill areas. Data itself is inexpensive on either network, and most hotels, cafes and homestays also offer WiFi, which is a useful backup wherever mobile signal is weak.

Which should I get?

If you are staying for several weeks and want a local number for calls — hotel bookings, delivery apps, local contacts — a local SIM is worth the in-store visit. If you are on a shorter trip and mainly need data for maps, messaging and social media, an eSIM installed before you fly is the more convenient choice. Whichever you use, pair it with our guide to getting around India for booking cabs and trains once you are online.

Which should I get?
  • Staying weeks and want local calls: get a local SIM (Jio/Airtel/Vi) at an official store.
  • Short trip or want zero paperwork: get an eSIM (Airalo, our affiliate partner, or Saily/Nomad/Holafly) before you fly.
  • Bring your passport, visa printout and accommodation proof if buying a local SIM.
  • Check your phone supports eSIM before relying on one.

Frequently asked questions

Should I get a local SIM or an eSIM in India?

It depends on trip length and paperwork tolerance — a local SIM suits longer stays and local calling, while an eSIM is faster to set up and needs no in-store documents.

How much does mobile data cost in India?

A local SIM typically runs ₹300–500 (about $4–6) for 40–60 GB over 28 days; eSIM plans from providers like Airalo start from around $5.

What documents do I need for an Indian SIM card?

Your original passport, a printout of your Indian visa, proof of your accommodation, and a photo taken at the store — this is required KYC verification.

Is eSIM widely accepted for tourists in India?

Yes — eSIMs from providers like Airalo, Saily, Nomad and Holafly are widely used by tourists and work on both the Jio and Airtel networks.