India is vast and varied: the Golden Triangle of Delhi, Agra and Jaipur, the beaches of Goa, Kerala's backwaters, Varanasi, Mumbai and the Himalayas. You will need data for ride-hailing, train bookings, maps and messaging throughout.
Foreigners can buy local SIM cards, but the process requires documents and activation can take hours. A travel eSIM is a convenient alternative, especially for shorter trips. Compare India eSIM plans below. Continuing to Nepal, Sri Lanka or the Maldives? An Asia regional eSIM may cover your whole trip.
Mobile networks and coverage in India
India's major carriers are Jio, Airtel and Vi (Vodafone Idea). Jio and Airtel have the strongest 4G networks and have rolled out 5G in most cities.
- Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore, Jaipur and other major cities have fast, reliable coverage.
- On long train journeys, coverage is generally available but drops in rural stretches.
- In the Himalayas, Ladakh, Spiti Valley and remote parts of the northeast, coverage is limited, and some regions have special rules for non-local SIMs.
How much data do you need in India?
India trips often last two to four weeks and involve a lot of travel between cities.
- Golden Triangle (7 to 10 days): 5 to 10 GB for maps, Uber or Ola and messaging.
- Multi-region trip (3 to 4 weeks): 15 to 30 GB, especially if you share lots of photos and video.
- Business travel: a large plan for video calls and hotspot use.
Hotel Wi-Fi in India varies widely in quality, so mobile data is often the more reliable option. More help: How much data do I need?
Setup and practical tips for India
Install your eSIM before you leave and check that your phone is eSIM compatible.
- Uber and Ola are available in most cities. Some Indian apps and train booking platforms require an Indian phone number for OTP codes.
- Keep your home SIM active as a second line to receive bank SMS codes.
- For treks in Ladakh or Himachal Pradesh, download offline maps and expect days without signal.
Step-by-step guides: iPhone and Android.
FAQ: eSIM for India
Does eSIM work in India?
Yes. Travel eSIMs work in India, typically on the Jio or Airtel networks. You need an eSIM-compatible, carrier-unlocked phone.
Which eSIM is best for India?
Look for a plan on Jio or Airtel with enough data for your itinerary. Compare current plans and prices in the table above.
Is a travel eSIM easier than a tourist SIM in India?
Yes. A local SIM requires your passport, visa, a photo and sometimes a local address, and activation can take hours. A travel eSIM is set up before you leave home.
Do I get an Indian phone number with a travel eSIM?
Most travel eSIMs are data-only. If you need an Indian number for apps like train booking services, a local SIM may still be necessary.
Does my eSIM work in Ladakh and Kashmir?
Coverage in these regions is limited, and some areas have restrictions on non-local SIMs. Check your plan's coverage and prepare for periods without signal.
