Planning a trip to India and wondering how and where to get an Indian SIM card as a foreigner? We know how daunting it can be to navigate a new country as a tourist without a reliable phone connection or the internet. The confusing process, endless paperwork, and language barriers can make it even more challenging. But don’t worry – We have got your back.
As Indians who have tried various SIM cards while traveling across the country, we understand the challenges you might face. Trust us when we say we’ve experienced it all, and we’re here to share our firsthand knowledge with you.
In this blog, we’ll guide you through the entire process of purchasing a local SIM card in India as a foreigner. From the documents you’ll need to the best providers and plans, we’ve got all the insider tips to ensure you stay connected without any hassle.
Let’s dive in and make sure you can call, text, and surf the web without any interruptions!
Buying An Indian SIM Card For Foreigners
Table of Contents
What is a SIM Card?
If you are looking to purchase a SIM card, you probably know what it is. Either way, let’s cover the basics.
SIM stands for Subscriber Identity Module. It is typically a small card that has a protected microchip to uniquely identify the user. Mobile devices have SIM slots of varying sizes based on the model.
To accommodate this, SIM cards also come in varying sizes namely standard, micro, and nano. Once the SIM card is registered with the network provider, they link the SIM card and phone number provided to you.
In India, a typical cellular number has the code +91 followed by 10 digits. To utilize the benefits like making/receiving calls, sending SMS/text messages, or using mobile data, you need to pay the network provider.
If you’re a Foreigner Based/Traveling from the USA
If your phone doesn’t have a SIM card slot, then you need to unlock the phone before leaving your home country. Just approach your local retailer to enable a SIM card slot accessible for you.
Another alternative is to either buy a pocket router or a new mobile phone with a sim card slot. Recently, eSIM was introduced which is great for frequent flyers.
Digital SIM or eSIM
eSIM is an embedded SIM that allows users to use the prepaid or postpaid service without using the physical SIM Cards. All four network providers namely Airtel, Jio, VI, and BSNL offer eSIM services for foreign tourists.
All new and existing customers can opt for eSIM.
We have used SimOptions eSIM card in India and it is good. You can even buy Simoptions eSIM before you land in India and also comes handy if you plan to backpack through different countries.
Benefits of Purchasing an Indian SIM Card
- The prices are cheap in India when compared to the hefty international roaming charges.
- Despite the large area, India has a vast network coverage.
- You can also choose daily data usage plans which include unlimited free calls and SMS all across the nation.
- Get access to several mobile applications that are widely used in India. For instance, food delivery apps like Zomato and Swiggy and government websites for ferry booking services in the Andaman Islands.
Best Indian SIM Card for Foreigners
The four major network providers available in India are,
- Jio or Reliance Jio
- Airtel
- BSNL (Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited)
- VI (Vodafone-Idea)
Among the four, private companies of Jio and Airtel are mostly preferred by Indians and have the most subscribers. Airtel is owned by Bharti Enterprises and Jio is owned by Reliance Industries.
Airtel and Jio SIM Card for Foreigners
Jio and Airtel are the best prepaid SIM cards for foreigners or international tourists visiting India.
We do not recommend Vodafone for foreigners.
We have used both Airtel and Jio extensively throughout our travels across the country. They provide seamless 4G and 5G internet connectivity at competitive speed with wide network coverage.
Almost all of the tourist places in India have excellent connectivity and internet speed. Airtel and Jio are the best travel SIM cards available in India.
BSNL SIM Card for Foreigners
BSNL is owned by the government of India making it more affordable. The network is more concerned about connecting rural India than offering competitive internet speed like private companies.
If you are exploring North East India or the western Ghats mountainous region or the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, choose BSNL over other network providers.
Although the internet speed of BSNL is low when compared to other network providers, you’ll get a network reception to make calls or send messages even in the remote regions of India.
Documents Required
The process of purchasing a new SIM card in India for tourists has improved a lot in recent years. It is very simple and fewer documents are sufficient.
- Photocopy of your passport
- Photocopy of Indian Visa
- One Indian passport-size photo
- If the passport doesn’t have your address, then you need to provide proof of residence in your country. Eg. Identity card, driver’s license.
At the time of purchase, one photograph will be taken as a part of KYC (Know Your Customer) and you will be asked to fill out a form and sign the same.
Age Limitation
In India, a person should be 18+ years of age to get a new mobile number or SIM card. Otherwise, he/she can avail in the name of the guardian.
How Is The Internet Speed In India?
Airtel, Jio, and Vodafone offer 5G services across different cities in India. According to the speedtest Global Index by OOkla, India ranks 12th in the world for mobile speeds. However, the internet speed in remote areas is less than in the cities.
What Are Prepaid And Postpaid Plans?
Prepaid services are “pay before you use” and postpaid services are “use first pay later”. Postpaid services require permanent address proof in India. So, as a foreigner, you are eligible to use prepaid services only.
In general, residents prefer a prepaid plan as it is comparatively cheaper and has the added advantage of avoiding monthly credit shocks.
With the prepaid option, you can choose your plan but you need to pay upfront to enjoy the benefits. You can also recharge to get add-ons or even upgrade your plan. Once the plan expires, you will have to do a nominal top-up to keep the plan active and avail the benefits.
Indian SIM Card Price for International Tourists
Heavy competition and an aggressive increase in smartphone users made the network providers offer competitive prices to lure customers. The price of the Jio and Airtel SIM cards for foreigners is the same as the Indian citizens.
Here is the price comparison for your reference. The prices do change frequently. Visit their official website (Airtel, Jio, VI, and BSNL) for recent and updated pricing.
Best Place to Buy an Indian SIM Card as a Foreigner
At the Airport
Most SIM Cards bought at the airport are tourist SIMs and are typically valid for 90 days. After purchasing a SIM Card, stay within the city limits for it to be activated.
As a tourist, the airport is the best place to buy a SIM card in India.
We highly recommend you buy new ones at the airport only. Most of the staff at the airport counters can communicate in English and help you activate the SIM card after purchasing.
Also, check if the SIM card is working and activated before you exit the airport. Going to the retailer’s shop to resolve your queries for activation is a hassle as many retail stores are not aware of the process of activating the tourist SIM cards.
The Airtel shops are located at the T3 arrival area at the Indira Gandhi International Airport, Delhi (Airport Code: DEL), and the Level 2 arrival area at the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport, Mumbai (Airport Code: BOM).
The shops at the airport are open 24/7. If you cannot locate the store, you can enquire at the Information Desk at the airport.
Some international airports don’t have SIM retail outlets. For instance, Chennai International Airport (Airport Code: MAA) doesn’t have one.
At Exclusive Retail Outlets
Retail outlets are best for recharging your existing plans and not for buying new SIM cards if you’re a foreigner, as you need to provide a local reference number. An OTP will be triggered to the referred person for verification purposes.
Contact numbers of any valid Indian citizens are accepted. Make sure to give the contact number with their concern as OTP verification is done.
There are multiple retail outlets spread across the country. You can google “Airtel/ Jio store near me” to find the one closest to you.
At Local Vendors
Many local vendors do not have expertise in tourist SIM cards. They are likely to provide you a normal SIM cards which Indians use. The Jio and Airtel tourist SIM cards are different from what the Indian citizens use. The possibility of getting spammed is high.
When purchasing from an unlicensed vendor there is also a possibility of selling an already registered number under the name of someone else. These SIM cards might not work as expected and could stop working anytime.
We advise you to use partnered retail dealers across the country for recharging or topping up your existing plans. Be aware that the recharging can also done online.
At Your Hotel/ Hostel
Some partnered hotels and hostels sell SIM cards for their guests. You can purchase from the accommodations without any struggle. They generally charge an extra fee for their service.
Online
New Indian tourist SIM cards cannot be purchased online. You can use mobile applications and official websites to recharge or top up your existing plan.
How to Activate the SIM Card?
Once your details are successfully verified, your SIM Card will be activated, anytime from 15 minutes to 6 hours after the purchase. Purchasing a SIM card at the airport saves you from manual activation all by yourselves.
However, if you want to activate the SIM card manually, follow the instructions given on the cover. Call the number given (which is different for each network provider) to activate it.
If it takes more than 24 hours to activate, then contact the seller from whom you purchased it or customer care to help you.
Validity of the SIM Card
As mentioned earlier, if you are a foreigner, then the validity period is usually 90 days but it could be extended to match your VISA validity upon request. Once the validity period expires, your phone number will be blocked automatically.
If you have longer VISA validity, say 5 years, for instance, you need to recharge once every 90 days to keep the SIM card active. If not, the SIM might lead to deactivation.
Alternatively, you can purchase a new SIM card, if you do not require the same contact number.
Roaming in India
India has 28 states and 8 Union Territories, each run by its respective State Government or the Central Government. Each time you cross the state border, you will get a push notification or message and your roaming will be turned on automatically. If not, restarting your device should do the trick.
There are no roaming charges within the country. You can enjoy calls and data anywhere in the country.
Self Service Numbers
Self-service numbers come in handy if you want to check the active plan, balance, and validity without the Internet. These numbers can be used at any time and are free of cost.
- For Airtel, press *121# and call
- For Jio, press *199# and call
Helpful Tips
- You can download the app of your network provider to check your current plan, and data balance, or recharge online.
- If you want to charge your device, most of the sockets are Type D and Type C plug types. It is advisable to purchase a universal adapter that can be used in several countries including India.
- When you approach a vendor for recharge or top-up, be specific about your prepaid plan.
- You can also purchase a pocket router to connect multiple devices.
- The prepaid services don’t work in Jammu and Kashmir due to security reasons.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can foreigners buy SIM cards in India?
Of course, foreigners can buy Indian prepaid SIM cards or eSIM cards. However, postpaid SIM cards are applicable only for Indian citizens, not for international travelers.
Best travel SIM card for foreigners in India
Airtel and Jio are the best travel SIM cards in India. They work in all of the prime tourist attractions. If you are exploring remote regions, we recommend you carry a BSNL SIM card with you. Yes, we use two SIM cards as well while hiking or exploring offbeat places.
More Posts
- Safety tips for female travelers visiting India (from native Indians)
- How to use public transport in India as a foreigner?
- Things to know before visiting India that will help you during your travels
- How not to look like a tourist in India – Dos & Donts
- Secret tips to book a confirmed train ticket in India
- How to dress and what to wear in India?
- 20 things to follow while visiting any HINDU temples
- How to eat Indian street foods without upsetting your stomach?
- Hindi – A quick language guide for foreigners
- How to find affordable accommodations in India?
If you find this blog useful or have any queries, drop a comment in the comments section below. We will do our best to answer them.
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70 comments
My visa to India will get expired in soon but will get it renewed as applied for.
Will Airtel block my sim.
Do I need to inform Airtel not to block my sim.
Please advise.
Hi Shekar, the SIM card validity has nothing to do with visa expiration. To keep the Airtel sim active, just recharge. If a plan is activated, Airtel will not be blocking your SIM.
Twins
I have found out that this is not true. I did exactly that a few days before my 90 day expiration and as instructed by an Airtel rep. As I wanted to make sure my sim wouldn’t expire and I would be without cell service I went to a different Airtel store the day before the 90 day expiration.
That store sent me to another store, which then sent me to another store, which then sent me back to the previous store. At last the manager seemed to understand problem, assured me he would take care of it, not to worry, gave me his phone number which he said worked on what’s app ..no!
So on my 91 day my sim card no longer worked. I emailed the complaints department and 4 responses later, they say I have to go to an Emassy and get some kind of letter from them on Emassy letterhead and provide copies of my passport, visa, etc. just like I did to get the sim card in the first place.
I gave up. . google maps still work and I can use hotel internet to contact people through what’s app and I leave India in 7 days….my experience
@Lynn, we’re so sorry to hear this. We really appreciate your efforts in writing back to us. This will help our readers as well. We will make a note of this issue. Thanks again Lynn.
Hi ,
I am Travelling from New Zealand to Abu dhabi and than Mumbai so I am having 8 hours layover at Abu dhabi Airport , Can i get a Airtel Prepaid Sim card from transit lounge in Abu dhabi Airport. Please advise where is this counter located to get Airtel Sim card for Mumbai.
Thanks.
Sanjay, you can get Indian SIM cards only after landing in India. However, you can use international roaming services from your existing SIM card. At Mumbai, the Airtel store is located at Level 2 arrival area which is open 24*7. If you are not able to locate, please contact information desk at the airport.
Hi, Airtel stopped selling sims at Delhi airport during Covid times, Have they restarted selling sims at T3 International Airport Delhi Arrivals?
Doe anyone have any recent update?
Hello James, yes the Airtel kiosk at the Delhi airport is operating now. You can buy one from the counter directly.
After purchaing E-Sim card, how much time take to activate the E sim-card?
Is any counter nearby IGA airport?
@Deepak, the e-sim cards are activated immediately. However, for the calling and messaging services to be active, it’ll take around 2-3 hours minimum. Also, as mentioned in the blog, counters are available at the T3 – international arrival terminal at the Indira Gandhi Airport, Delhi.
Indian and Nepali citizens don’t need passport and visa to travel.
Airtel and Reliance companies aren’t providing sims unless we show visa.
How can we get sim card in such condition?
You have to provide Nepali Citizenship Certificate or the passport in order to buy a SIM card. Our dear friends from Nepal have bought SIM cards without any issues. If they demand VISA, you’ll have to explain to them or try a different store. Reach out to customer care if required.
Does that mean that it would also take some time until Internet is activated?
I will need it to order Uber and similar services. Is WiFi widely available within the airport premisses?
Yes exactly. It will take some time for the internet services to be active. For an immediate internet connection, you can use the free WIFI available at the airport, which can be activated upon submitting the OTP from your mobile number (not necessarily an Indian SIM). Also, please note that only popular airports have Free WIFI facilities.
Requiring OTP for wifi access makes no sense. International Travelers without roaming plan has no working phone # to receive OTP. What is the workaround to get internet access?
As far as the mobile number is active with a valid plan, roaming is not required to receive OTP. Unfortunately, this is the only possible way to get access to the airport WiFi in India as of now.
Great post! I travel to India once in one to two years. How can I keep the same number active when I’m outside india? How does one top up a prepaid plan?
That’s good to hear. You can keep the same number active in two ways – by asking your friends to recharge or you doing it from the website. As far as the plan is concerned, topping up for a monthly pack with data (at least 1 GB/ month) has worked for us. We hope this helps!
Hi, I will arrive in Mumbai on 20th December around 7.10pm. I need to get a SIM for the 2 weeks I am there.
Which is the most suitable SIM for me. I need data more than anything else.
Will hotels sell SIMs. I will be staying at the Trident Nariman Point.
Hello Rit, Welcome to India. You can opt for either Airtel or JIO SIM card providers. Indian hotels do not sell SIM cards directly. The best and immediate option is to get it at the arrival terminal of the Mumbai airport on landing. For other options, please refer “Where to get a SIM card” section of the blog.
Hi, Is there any mobile sim provider outlet in Chennai airport?
@Rohan Unfortunately, there is no sim provider outlet at the Chennai airport.
Hi, I am a Nepalese citizen and while travelling to india, came to know that a valid visa is required to get a sim or you need an indian citizen adhar card. Nepalese and Bhutanese do not require visa, so no sim is available for them. Can someone put this message to the concerned body. Many nepalese travel to india for pilgrimage for longer durations in india, how can they remain disconnected with their family?
@Robin, thank you for highlighting this issue. We truly understand your problem. We’ll check and do our best to find a solution.
Is there a SIM provider in Bengaluru airport?
Hi Balaji, you can purchase SIM cards and dongles at the CXSOL counter next to arrival gate no. 10 at the Kempegowda International Airport, Bengaluru.
Hello. Is there a possibility of buying a SIM card at Lucknow airport as a foreigner?
We’re sorry to say that this facility of buying SIM card at the Lucknow airport is not available yet. However, you can make use of the WiFi services available at the airport premises.
Hi
I will in Goa, India Jan 2023 for around three months.
I am looking for a mobile internet connection for my laptop and other electronic devices.
Can you kindly suggest some reliable providers and what is the best product in terms of mobile routers.
Additionally the cost.
Thanks so much
Hello @Ron, Apologies for the late reply. Jio network works well in Goa when compared to Airtel. For mobile routers, you can check in your locality of stay as it highly depends on the area. Hope this helps.
A lot of blogs seems to be old. What is the position now in January 2023? We will be landing at I. G. Airport at the end of Jan. 2023.
As an NRI how much is a prepaid SIM card from Air Tel for two months?
Hello @Rajesh. Our blog is updated frequently as and when required. The plans are same for both Indians and NRI. For Airtel-prepaid latest price list, please refer the official website.
Iam an airtel user and iam from bangladesh studying in india from 6 months.As i brought my sim card with my visa and passport.my visa is for 1 years and i have to live in for four years for study
As my everything is connected with this sim now. Will it get disconnected after one year of visa..
Can i get the same number after disconnection?@
Hi Debiya, the SIM will not be disconnected after your VISA validity. You just have to recharge to keep the number active. If your number is deactivated, there is less possibility that you’ll get the same number. The best way is to retain your mobile number is by recharging.
Is there a way for westerners to top up online? I can’t use international cards, nor my Spanish Google pay or amazon pay to recharge my phone, and some days I run out of days, and the validity of my sim card is shorter than my trip in India. Will my airtel sim card work in Nepal?
Hi @Rafael, apologies for the delay in reply. We were trying to find a solution for you but unfortunately, we couldn’t figure out one yet. The only way, for now, is to do through the travel agents or the physical stores. We will update you if something comes up.
Also, Indian SIM cards will not work in Nepal. You’ll have to purchase a new SIM card only.
* I ment “some days I run out of data”. I also want to thank you for this post, its very useful.
Hi, I am planning a two week trip to Delhi in April of this year 2023. I do have an unlocked Samsung phone, but it has no SIM card in it at the moment. I want to put an Indian SIM card in it when I get to IGI airport and will use Airtel. It’s just a matter of inserting the card and then calling a number to activate it? But I would call using the very same cell phone that will have the Indian SIM inserted in it? And how long should I wait until calling? Forgive my ignorance in this matter as I am not used to cell phones.
Yes, you’re right. Just insert the new SIM card and call any valid Indian number to get activated. A basic verification check on your submitted ID proof is done during the call. The activation will take at least 10-15 mins. People from the store desk will help you. Meanwhile, you can also use the WiFi services available at the IGI airport.
Thanks for the great information. I appreciate it very much. When you say “call any valid Indian number to get activated” you mean I could call a friend of mine who lives outside Delhi, and this is enough to “activate” the SIM? Or do I call a certain Airtel number in order to get activated? Again, sorry for being ignorant in these matters.
It’s our pleasure to assist you 🙂 You can call your friend and that is enough to activate your sim. The first call will be transferred to customer care to verify your identity. Once that is done, your sim will be activated in the next few minutes. And you are ready to go.
Alternatively, you can call 121 (for airtel) to activate your SIM. But it is not mandatory that you should call 121. Any first call that is made is forwarded to customer care for activation. We hope it is clear now.
Hello, sorry for asking so many questions. Regarding the data we will receive when we purchase an Airtel SIM at IGI airport, do you know how long it takes to activate it? I know the Indian phone number should be working soon after purchasing and activating the SIM, but how long before the data part is activated. And do we have to do anything or does it just start up?
@Gary, once the verification is successful, the number will be activated anywhere from 10 mins to 6 hours (max). If it takes more than 24 hours, contact the seller. Once the number is activated, you can use the services right away. You need not do anything to activate the services. Try restarting the device if you’re facing problems.
Hi
We are moving to Bangalore for a few years. Could I get a local sim for the validity period of the visa instead of a tourist sim? What is the documentation required and is Airtel or Jio better?
Thanks
Hello @Nish, most SIM cards bought at the airport are tourist SIM cards for which the validity can be extended as your VISA validity. Local SIM cards can also be bought by mentioning the same to the executive while purchasing (at airports especially). Kindly refer to the “Where To Get A SIM Card?” section of the blog for other places to buy SIM.
Local SIM card doesn’t have a validity period but the services will be deactivated if the SIM is inactive for 90 continuous days.
For the required documents, kindly refer to the “Documents Required” section of the blog.
In Bangalore, both Airtel and Jio have excellent connectivity. Hope this helps 🙂
Hi,
We will travel in April to India for two weeks. As i understood so far, the best way to get a local sim card is to do it directly at the airport which is Mumbai in our case.
During investigating the different blogs it is not completly clear what we need to provide right now from our side. If i took all informations together is should be:
– A copy of the e-visa we just receveid yesterday.
– A copy of our passport
– One photo
Is this information still valid or do they changed something in the meanwhile.
From my perspective in the last 3 years there are a lot of changes in getting a sim card. Should be currently easier then before.
Kind regards,
Markus
Welcome back to India @markus. The documents that you’ve mentioned are enough to purchase a SIM card. And the process has definitely improved a lot and it is a lot easier now. If you’re facing any issues, feel free to reach out to us. Wishing you a happy and safe journey.
Cheer,
Twins.
Hi there. Namaste. I’m going to India next month. I live in Ireland, but I’m Polish and I have Polish passport. I don’t have address in my passport and in any other document. Here in Ireland we use electricity bill as a proof of address, is that ok in India too? Also do I need printed photo of myself or soft copy is enough? I was very misleaded by Delhi airport workers last year (I had transfer between terminals to local one) and I couldn’t buy a card, because I couldn’t go back to international arrivals zone, thanks for all info.
Namaste @Sylwia, Welcome back! Although a passport as address proof is highly recommended, other address proofs are also accepted. And yes, a printed photo of yourself is needed.
We’re sorry to hear that. We always recommend you approach the airport helpdesk for any queries or doubts. Also, please note that domestic terminals don’t have stores to buy SIM cards, only the international terminals have this option. Hope this helps 🙂
Hi, I will travelling to Chennai, India next month (June 2023). Where can i buy Airtel / Jio sim card for foreigners in Chennai? What is the validity period ? Can the validity period be extended beyond 90 days?
Thanks and regards,
Ghanesan
Hi @Ghanesan, since SIM provider outlet is not available at the Chennai Airport, you can buy from the official retail stores spread across the city. Kindly refer the “where to buy SIM card” session of the blog. The tourist SIM card is generally valid for 30 days and the validity cannot be extended beyond 90 days.
Are SIM cards available at Bengaluru Airport? Am travelling to BLR in Late Dec 23, for 3 weeks.
@Agrippa, you can purchase SIM cards and dongles at the CXSOL counter next to arrival gate no. 10 at the Kempegowda International Airport, Bengaluru.
currently they moved the counter to the arrivel gate (INSIDE), so only available for international arrivals. The counter at domestic arrivals has been terminated.
Thanks for the update Nishta. In general, the SIM card counters are kept only at international arrivals.
Hi , I will be travelling to Bangalore for 4 weeks to see my parents and also visit places in South India.
I have an OCI card. No Indian Visa is needed in this case. How can we get a prepaid sim in Bengaluru airport with no visa, only and OCI card….
Dear Partha, OCI cards are accepted. You should be able to purchase SIM cards without VISA in this case. Have a great journey 🙂
May i buy a SIM card in USA that will work in Mumbai area. I have OCI card.
thx
You cannot buy Indian SIM card in the USA @Nuru. Upon arrival to India, you can purchase one at the Mumbai airport.
Hello. I do have a Visa Validity of 5 years expiring on Nov2027.
In January2023, i got my Airtel Sim in Tamil Nadu. The Airtel Agent told me, that i can keep my number also while i am out of india if i dont Switch OFF the Sim, also without Recharging. After i left India Feb2023 i never Switched Off the Indian Sim neither recharged it
After i left India, I got a message that per Govt laws, the Services of my sim will become ineffective after 90 days of use also if the Visa Validity is still there….YET, as i read in this article upon request it is possible to keep Sim Validity upto the Visa Validity. Also if automatically after 90days of Period Validity Sim is blocked.
I tried to go on Airtel Web and to have an OTP to be sent to me , I couldnt get it.
I wander if by tommorow when landing in India again i can recharge number after asking the Airtel to remove the Block on the SIM, of course in case this number has not be handled to someone else.
Thankssss Alexxxx
Hello Alex. Apologies for the late reply. As per government laws, not using any services for longer period of time (>90 days) leads to deactivation. You have to either recharge or use any of their services to keep the SIM active. We will update the blog accordingly.
Is there a store in Goa International Airport Dabolim? I never saw one or at least they are not open at 5 AM in the morning. I am visiting Goa end of October 2023 and would like to have this information. I always struggle to get a Sim Card in Goa despite being an Indian because I am an NRI. They keep asking for reference person (I am a tourist!) and address proof (despite showing my passport and address page). By the time I can get my hands on a Sim Card..Its time to leave Goa.
We’re sorry that you’d to go through this. Unfortunately, there is no store at Goa International Airport as of now. We recommend you visit official retail outlets to buy SIM. You can find the nearby stores from here – Airtel and Jio They will be able to help you out.
Hi there, good morning.
I will be travelling to India and landing in Delhi airport. I’m wondering if there a way for me to obtain a JIO eSIM before I even land in Delhi or if there are any JIO stores located in Delhi airport? I’m a foreigner and the reason I specifically want JIO is the pilgrimage that I’m going for is located in uttrakand region and based on some research, I’ve learnt that the only network that has coverage where I’m headed it JIO and that too with some luck. Kindly please advise me because I can’t find any information on this. Many thanks in advance and great blog you have running here, it’s really a lifeline for tourist that’s visiting and need some clarification.
Hey Sunny, as of now there are no JIO stores at the Delhi Airport. To buy eSIM even before you land in India. you can try Nomad, Airalo, or SimOptions. But they are a bit more pricier when compared to the physical Indian SIM cards.
Also, there is no such thing as only JIO works in Uttarakhand as you have mentioned. Airtel has vast network coverage in that area as well.
Hi, I don’t know if you still administer this blog, but I do have a question. I have a trip planned for March. I will buy an Airtel SIM card at IGI airport just as I did last year. My question is: can I use my phone with an Airtel SIM card in another state, such as Rajasthan or West Bengal?
Hi Gary, Yes. You can use the Airtel SIM card in all states of India.
Thank you so much for your information and patience. I appreciate it very much. 🙂
Excellent blog, very informative. Is the pocket router the same as a “dongle”? Can you please provide more information on this? Like the best one, where to buy etc? Thanks.
Yes pocket router is same as WiFi Dongle. It is similar to WiFi Routers at homes but much smaller in size. You can buy them in the Airtel and Jio stores. Also available online in Amazon and Flipkart.