How Does SIM Card & Internet Work in India?
Last verified: 2025-06 · Asia
1The Quick Answer
Get a Jio tourist SIM at the airport on arrival — it offers the best data value and nationwide coverage, and requires your passport for registration.
2What You Need to Know
India's three main carriers are Jio, Airtel, and Vi (Vodafone-Idea). For tourists, Jio consistently offers the best combination of 4G/5G coverage, data value, and national reach. SIM cards for foreign nationals can be purchased at airport booths and authorized dealer stores; you will need a copy of your passport and a passport photo. Registration activates within a few hours to one day. eSIMs are increasingly available through Airtel and Jio, which can be activated before departure. Wi-Fi is available at hotels, cafes, and airports but can be slow; a local SIM is strongly recommended for navigation and app-based services.
3Practical Tips
Practical Tips
- 1Buy your SIM at the airport arrivals hall immediately — it saves time and the booths are official, reducing risk of fraud
- 2Jio's tourist prepaid packs offer 1–2 GB/day for 28–84 days at very low cost — check their website for current plans before arriving
- 3Keep your SIM registration paperwork in case of any network issues requiring verification at a store
How does this compare?
SIM Card & Internet rules in nearby and similar countries:
Buy a tourist SIM or eSIM at the airport on arrival — data coverage is excellent nationwide.
Tourist SIMs from AIS or TrueMove cost 299–499 baht at the airport and give you 15–30 days of data with excellent coverage in cities and resort areas.
Singapore has outstanding 5G coverage throughout the entire country, and tourist SIM cards are easy to buy at Changi Airport on arrival.
Traveling to India?
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NordVPN
Stay secure on public WiFi and access your home country's content while abroad.
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