India has cheap, fast mobile data — but buying a local SIM as a tourist is the hard part. Jio and Airtel require in-person KYC (passport, photo, sometimes a local address), so most short-term visitors install a travel eSIM before they fly instead.
Networks & coverage
Two operators dominate: Reliance Jio and Bharti Airtel, both with nationwide 4G and rapidly expanding 5G in cities. Vi (Vodafone Idea) trails behind. Coverage is excellent in towns and along highways; remote Himalayan and desert areas can be patchy.
eSIM or physical SIM?
For tourists, an eSIM is the practical choice. Local physical SIMs (Jio/Airtel) need local KYC verification that can take hours or days. Travel eSIM brands such as Airalo and Holafly skip all of that — buy online, install before arrival, connect on landing. Activate before you reach India, as some international eSIM services have seen access restricted locally.
Data, calls & messaging
Travel eSIMs are data-only with no Indian phone number. That is fine for most trips — use WhatsApp for calls and messages. If you need a local number for OTPs or ride-hailing, you will have to go through KYC for a physical SIM.
How much data do you need?
1 GB covers a few days of maps and chat, 5–10 GB suits a two-week trip, and an unlimited daily plan fits heavy streaming or hotspot use.
Available plans
17 plans available
Prices here are listed in more than one currency — the range is compared against each group in its own currency, values are not converted.
Data last verified: Jul 3, 2026
SIM and eSIM plans in India — operator, plan, data, validity, network, type and price.
Plans shown are indicative samples for reference. Confirm current pricing, data allowances, and coverage with each provider before purchasing.
Compare with other countries
How we compile this data
Plan data is compiled from the public pricing pages of mobile operators, MVNOs, and eSIM providers serving each destination.
Listings are reviewed by the DROAM telecom desk and kept neutral — we surface a representative sample of options rather than promote any single provider.
Operators change allowances and pricing frequently, so we update entries as plans change and always link out to the provider for the current offer.
Networks & coverage
8 operators appear in the plans listed for India:
Airalo
Holafly
Ubigi
Airtel
eSIMbag
MyDataSim
Xipo Flex
Weconnect
Network technology available across these plans: 4G, 5G.
Good to know
The lowest-cost option listed is Airalo at $4.50 for 1 GB over 7 days.
eSIM plans activate instantly by scanning a QR code — no SIM swap or local store visit needed.
A physical SIM can be the better choice for older phones that do not support eSIM.
Check that your phone is carrier-unlocked before buying, and match the data allowance to your trip length.
