Unlimited eSIM
India
Smartroam
Duration
7 Days
Plan
Data
Speed
4G / 5G
Price
US$40.25
More Info
Best Value
Language
Currency
4 Travel eSIMs That Actually Work in India
In this post...
India is one of the biggest countries in the world and now has the largest population. With its rich history, culture, food, wildlife, and weather, it’s a favorite destination for many travellers. Staying connected is easy if you set up an eSIM before you arrive. With an eSIM, you don’t need to visit a store to get a SIM card it’s ready to use right away.
What is an eSIM?
An eSIM is a digital SIM card built inside your mobile phone. It does the same job as a normal SIM card but you don’t need to insert it.
How to set up your eSIM
If you want to learn how to set up your eSIM on your mobile phone, check out our eSIM activation guide.
Why some eSIMs don't work in India
In 2024, India’s Department of Telecommunications (DoT) asked Apple and Google to remove some eSIM providers from their app stores. These providers were not following the country’s rules. The move was meant to stop cyber fraud, because some eSIMs with international numbers were being misused by fraudsters to commit crimes in India. That’s why it’s important to install and activate your eSIM before arriving in India to avoid any connectivity issues.
So what eSIM providers are still accessible in India?
4 Best travel eSIMs for India
If you want fast and reliable coverage in India, you’re in the right place. Here are some of the best eSIM providers to keep you connected during your trip.
Sim Local
Sim Local’s Smartroam eSIM gives you different data plans on the Reliance Jio 4G/5G network. It’s a data-only eSIM, so calls and texts work through apps like WhatsApp or Instagram. Need lots of data? You can get unlimited data for 7 days at $40.25 or 15 days at $64.25.
Or you can go with 3GB for $8.75 or 5GB for $12.50, while a bigger data bucket of 10GB is available for $21.50. If you need even more, you can go with 20GB at $37.75. All of these plans are good for 30 days from the moment you activate.
We promise a full refund if you decide not to activate the eSIM. And yes, you can use it with WiFi hotspots.
Airtel
Airtel is one of India’s main mobile carriers and offers eSIMs. You can get an eSIM through Airtel’s website, app, or at an Airtel store. It’s easier if you are already an Airtel customer. If you buy one at an airport store, you’ll need to show an ID like a passport, and sometimes they may give you a regular SIM instead. Prepaid eSIM plans usually give 1–1.5GB of data per day and last from 28 to 84 days. Prices start at around $3.50, but they can change.
Reliance Jio
Reliance Jio is one of India’s biggest mobile providers, covering the whole country. You can get a Jio eSIM through their website, a Jio store, or the MyJio app. It’s easier if you’re already a Jio customer, but tourists can buy one at an airport store by showing their passport. Prepaid plans give 1.5–2.5GB of data per day and last for 28, 84, or even 365 days, depending on what you choose.”
Vi
Vi is a subsidiary of Vodafone (Vodafone Idea). It offers eSIMs in much the same way its competitors do, which is purchase and install a Vi eSIM through its website, store or Vi app. You will have an easier time making this happen at an actual Vi location within India, including at an arrival terminal at the airport. You need to provide ID (passport) to get approved for installing an active eSIM. Prepaid data-only plans range from as low as 1GB for one day to as much as 50GB for 28 days or 100GB for 56 days.
Try Sim Local eSIM for FREE!
To see if your phone works with eSIM, try our free test eSIM to check compatibility instantly. No commitment, just instant mobile data for 99 countries!
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