When traveling to India in 2025, selecting the right SIM card is essential for seamless connectivity. We know the 0’pñ-.culture and the language are quite different, so having your phone for support is a must. The primary mobile operators in India are Reliance Jio, Bharti Airtel, Vi (Vodafone Idea), and BSNL. The main question is how you purchase your SIM card and which one to choose?
How to buy a SIM card?
Purchasing a SIM card in India is a relatively simple process, but there are a few steps to follow to ensure you get the right one and that it works smoothly. To begin, you’ll need to choose a mobile carrier. The major mobile providers in India include Reliance Jio, Airtel, Vi (Vodafone Idea), and BSNL. Each carrier has its own advantages, but Reliance Jio and Airtel are particularly popular for their wide coverage and affordable plans. It’s a good idea to check coverage and pricing to choose the one that best fits your needs.
Once you’ve selected a carrier, you’ll need to visit one of their official stores or an authorized retailer. These stores can be found in shopping malls, airports, and other commercial areas. You can also purchase SIM cards at kiosks in most major international airports in India, which is convenient for travelers arriving in the country. These stores are typically open every day and are easy to find in larger cities.
When purchasing a SIM card, you’ll need to provide several documents for verification. This includes your passport, visa, a passport-sized photograph (in some cases), and possibly proof of your address in India, though this is not always required for prepaid SIM cards. It’s important to have both physical and digital copies of these documents, as some carriers may need to scan them. For postpaid plans, proof of a local address may be required, but for prepaid options, a copy of your passport and visa is usually sufficient.
Once you’ve filled out the necessary paperwork and selected a plan, you can finalize the purchase. Most tourists opt for prepaid SIM cards, which come with a variety of data, calling, and texting plans. Prepaid SIM cards are ideal for short-term use and offer flexibility without a long-term commitment. The plans can range from small data packs to large ones with unlimited calls, so it’s worth choosing a plan that matches your usage.
After purchasing the SIM card, the activation process typically takes up to 24 hours. You may need to undergo a verification process, which could involve a video call or an in-person verification. During this time, the carrier will register your SIM card, and you’ll receive a confirmation message once it’s activated. If you’re visiting from abroad, make sure to confirm that international roaming is disabled to avoid unexpected charges.
Once the SIM card is activated, you can start using it with your new Indian number. You’ll be able to make calls, send texts, and use mobile data. If you need more data or calling time, you can easily recharge the SIM at authorized shops or online using apps like Paytm, Google Pay, or directly through the carrier’s own app.
For those with eSIM-compatible phones, certain carriers like Jio and Airtel offer eSIMs as a more convenient alternative to traditional physical SIM cards. With an eSIM, you can activate a local plan digitally without needing to swap out SIM cards. This option is especially useful if you want to keep your home number active while using a local plan for data.
Local providers
1. Reliance Jio
This provider offers extensive 4G and 5G coverage across urban and rural areas. It provides affordable prepaid plans with substantial data allowances. For example, the 3.63USD plan offers 1.5 GB of daily data, unlimited local calls, and 100 SMS per day for 28 days. Finally, it includes free OTT subscriptions like Jio TV, JioCinema, and JioCloud with certain plans. They don’t have an App, you have to buy your plan or recharge it personally at the store.
2. Bharti Airtel
This provider is known for its reliable network connectivity in both urban and rural regions. They offers a variety of prepaid and postpaid plans. The 1.20USD prepaid pack includes unlimited calling and 2 GB of daily data. One advantage is that it offers a high-speed connectivity. They have an app where you can recargue you plan.
3. Vi (Vodafone Idea)
This provider provides stable connectivity with reliable call quality. It also offers prepaid plans starting at 1.19USD for 200 MB of data, unlimited calls, and a validity of 14 days. Higher plans offer more data and additional benefits like access to Vi Movies & TV. Take into consideration that they require a local reference and address for SIM activation, which might be challenging for tourists without local contacts. They have an APP where you can recharge your plan.
4. BSNL
This carrier ensures connectivity even in remote areas, covering over 95% of India’s geographical region with its 2G network.They offer a 1.30USD prepaid plan with 10 GB of data, unlimited calling, and 30 days of validity. Operates 2G, 3G, and is expanding its 4G services, aiming for 80% coverage by 2025. They have an APP where you can recharge your plan.
Considerations for Tourists
- Activation: For Jio and Airtel, presenting your passport, visa, and accommodation details is sufficient for SIM activation. Vi requires additional local references, which can be a barrier for travelers without local contacts.
- eSIM Option: If you prefer a hassle-free experience, consider using an eSIM. Providers like SIMSOLO offer eSIMs covering India, allowing you to activate data plans digitally before arrival, bypassing the need for physical SIM purchases.
Recommendation
For most travelers, Reliance Jio and Bharti Airtel offer the most straightforward and convenient options, given their extensive coverage and relatively simple activation processes. If you value a hassle-free setup, exploring eSIM options from providers like SIMSOLO can further enhance your connectivity experience in India.
If you’re traveling to India and want to stay connected without the hassle of swapping SIM cards, using an eSIM is a smart solution. eSIMs are a digital alternative to traditional physical SIM cards, and they allow you to activate a plan directly on your phone without the need for a physical card. This makes them perfect for international travelers who want to avoid roaming charges and stay connected with ease.
One of the best options for travelers is SIMSOLO, which offers reliable and affordable eSIM plans for India. With SIMSOLO, you can enjoy fast, high-quality data and a seamless connectivity experience, all without the need to deal with SIM cards or local carriers. The process is straightforward: you can easily activate your eSIM plan before you even arrive in India, making it a hassle-free solution to stay connected throughout your trip.
Why Choose SIMSOLO for Your India eSIM?
- Convenience: no need to search for local SIM cards or worry about swapping them in and out of your phone. SIMSOLO’s eSIM allows you to activate your plan digitally, saving you time and effort. Activation is quick and simple. Just scan a QR code or follow the instructions sent to you, and you’ll be ready to go. You can activate your eSIM from anywhere in the world.
- Global Coverage: SIMSOLO provides coverage across India, so you can enjoy uninterrupted service no matter where you are, whether you’re in bustling cities like Delhi or Mumbai, or exploring the more remote areas of the country.
- Affordable plans: SIMSOLO offers competitive and cost-effective data plans for India, so you can choose the plan that best fits your needs, whether you want a small data package for occasional browsing or a larger plan for heavy data usage.
- No Roaming Fees: With SIMSOLO’s eSIM, you can avoid expensive roaming charges, as the plan will be tailored for use within India, ensuring you stay within your data limits and budget.
Using an eSIM from SIMSOLO allows you to enjoy a smooth and cost-effective mobile experience in India. Whether you need to stay connected for social media, maps, messaging, or simply browsing the web, SIMSOLO APP has you covered. Say goodbye to the hassle of physical SIM cards and enjoy a stress-free travel experience with eSIM technology.
Make sure to choose SIMSOLO for your next trip to India, and enjoy seamless connectivity wherever you go!
