4 Travel eSIMs That Actually Work in India

India is one of the largest countries in the world and recently overtook China as the most populous nation in the world. Rich in history, culture, cuisine, weather and wildlife, it has fascinated those traveling for both tourism and business.

Staying connected during your stay in India is much easier when you have an eSIM set up before you even land there. There are several local network providers in the country, all offering good coverage, though only a few operate throughout its territory. No need to bother visiting one to grab a local SIM card when your eSIM will do the job for you.

_{Why some eSIMs don't work in India}

In 2024, the Indian Department of Telecommunications (DoT) directed Apple and Google to remove some eSIM providers from their respective app stores in India for failing to adhere to the country's regulations. This action was taken to combat cyber fraud, as unauthorized eSIMs with international phone numbers were being misused by fraudsters to commit cybercrimes within the country.

So what eSIM providers are still accessible in India?

_{4 of the best travel eSIMs for India}

If you want a fast, reliable coverage across India, you came to the right place. Here are some of the best eSIM providers that ensure seamless connectivity, so you can focus on your trip and not frustrating tech issues.

_{Sim Local}

Sim Local’s Smartroam eSIM offers different options. All run on the Reliance JIO Info mobile network (4G LTE/5G) and are data-only plans; calls and texts are available through apps like WhatsApp and Instagram. If you want unlimited data, you can opt for a 7-day plan for $40.25 or go to 15 days for $64.25.

India Unlimited Data 15 Days

Smartroam

Unlimited

£51.00

15 Days

Buy now

If you just need the bare minimum, the 7-day 1GB plan is the shortest and cheapest at $3.75.

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.

Sim Local’s guarantee gives you your money back if you choose not to activate the eSIM for any reason. And yes, WiFi hotspots are allowed.

_Airtel

Airtel is one of India’s national wireless carriers offering eSIMs for local access within the country. There are three ways to purchase and install an eSIM: through Airtel’s website, at an Airtel store or through the Airtel Thanks app on your phone. The catch is that it’s easier to manage when you’re already an Airtel subscriber. If you do it through an Airtel brock-and-mortar store at an arrival airport, you will need to provide an ID (like a passport) to facilitate the purchase. In some cases, they may just give you a physical SIM card instead.

Either way, prepaid eSIM plans vary from 1GB to 1.5GB per day at varying durations ranging from 28 days to as long as 84 days. Prices do change, so you may be looking at $3.50 to start based on the current conversion rate. 

_{Reliance Jio}

Reliance Jio is one of the largest telco providers in India spanning across the country. Like the other Indian carriers, you can purchase and install a Jio eSIM through its website, a Jio store or the MyJio app. Just the same, it’s easier for Jio subscribers, whereas tourists are better served going through a physical Jio store at an arrival airport. You need to provide ID with your passport to be approved.

From there, it will depend on what prepaid plans are available to cover the duration of your stay. Plans can offer from 1.5GB to 2.5GB per day for a flat rate over a set period, be it 28 days, 84 days or even 365 days.

_Vi

Vi is a subsidiary of Vodafone (Vodafone Idea), and one of the largest carriers in India. It offers eSIMs in much the same way its competitors do, which is purchase and install a Vi eSIM through its website, a Vi store or Vi app. Tourists 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. There are a wide number of variances in both data and duration to give you a lot of choices. Since they all only provide data, there is no talk and text included.

_{Does your phone support eSIM?}

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