How to get a Local SIM Card in India for Foreigners

No matter where you travel in the world, it is important to keep in touch with your family and friends, but how to get a local SIM card? With the internet, it is easy to stay connected with the world, but you need an activated local SIM card to use the internet. If you are traveling to India, purchasing a SIM card is easy and inexpensive. Here is a comprehensive guide on how to get a local SIM card in India for foreigners.

Why should you purchase an Indian SIM Card?

If you are in India for a long time, it is beneficial to purchase an Indian SIM card. For one, roaming charges can be exorbitant, while the rates in India are quite inexpensive. Secondly, although India is a large country, the network coverage is quite vast. Plus, there are a lot of data plans with free calls and SMS across the country.

What if you are traveling from the USA?

Usually, phones bought in the USA are locked, which means that you cannot add a physical SIM card in them. So make sure you get your phone unlocked before traveling to India.

If you do not unlock your phone, you can buy a new mobile phone with a SIM card slot for the duration of your trip. There are many inexpensive phones available. Check the prices to decide if you want to buy a phone in your home country or after you reach India.

What are prepaid and postpaid services?

In India, you can get a prepaid SIM card or a postpaid SIM card. A prepaid SIM means you top up before using it, like pay-as-you go. A postpaid SIM has a monthly contract for which you pay at the end of every month.

We recommend getting a prepaid SIM, since there is much less paperwork and you can top up your card at most phone shops.

If you get a postpaid SIM, you will have to use the connection for a minimum of four months according to company policy.

Which are some reliable SIM Card Providers in India?

There are four major mobile network providers in India: Airtel, Vodafone Idea, Jio, and BSNL. Airtel is the most preferred provider among all, with better speed and wide network coverage at a better rate. Jio also gives good connectivity throughout India, although it is more of a hassle for foreigners to get a Jio SIM card.

India is a large country, and network coverage is not the same in every region. So check which providers cover the regions you will be visiting or traveling through. These network providers offer competitive prices to get more customers. So choose a network provider based on all these factors and your requirements.

What are the documents required to get a SIM card in India?

There are a few documents you will require to avail a SIM card in India.

• You will need to submit a copy of your passport and Indian VISA. You may also be required to show the original documents, which will be returned after the seller checks them.
• You will also need a passport-sized photograph. Keep up to four copies of your photograph with you.
• You may also be required to give reference of an Indian local resident.
• If the passport does not have your address, you will need to provide proof of residence in your home country, such as your identity card or driver’s license.

You will be asked to fill out a form and sign the name and one photograph will be taken as a part of KYC at the time of purchase.

You might face an issue with the confirmation of the address of your stay in India. If you are staying at a hotel, a business card of the hotel may work in most cases, but store employees might also ask for a confirmation letter from the hotel reception desk.

If you are staying at a private accommodation such as an Airbnb or a friend’s house, you will need to provide the owner’s details so that the SIM card seller can call and verify the information.

It is mandatory to register every SIM card. If any outlet does not follow the procedure, do not buy the card. You might be scammed with a card that can disconnect at any time.

Once your details are verified, your SIM card will get activated within 2 to 24 hours after your purchase. To activate it, call the number on the cover of the SIM card. If your SIM card is not activated after more than 24 hours, contact the seller from where you purchased the card.

Where to get a SIM Card in India?

There are many places where you can get a local SIM card in India.

At the airport

As a tourist in India, the airport is the best place to buy a SIM card.  Although it will cost more, the procedure is smoother. The staff is fluent in English, and the SIM cards register quicker. 

You need just your passport to get a SIM card at the airport. Most SIM cards at the airport are tourist SIM cards. They have a set plan and are usually valid for 90 days. The package offers 1.5 GB data daily along with free calls across India and can cost up to 10 USD.

You can get a SIM card in India at Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport Mumbai, Indira Gandhi International Airport Delhi, and Kempegowda International Airport Bengaluru.

At exclusive retail outlets

You will find multiple retail outlets across India where you can get a SIM card. While the SIM cards here are cheaper and customer care is better, most outlets will almost always ask for a local address proof and ID, which you may not have.

Most Airtel stores offer SIM cards to foreign tourists against their ID and local accommodation address.

On the other hand, Jio requires an Indian address and passport. But if you really want a Jio card, you will need to go through a long process that takes a minimum of 25 days. If you have a local friend who is willing to get a SIM card for you, it can be the most convenient option, although it isn’t strictly legal.

At a local phone store

There are many local mobile phone shops which sell SIM cards. While big cities have exclusive retail outlets of network providers, local phone stores may be your best bet in smaller towns and rural parts of India. However, we do not recommend this option, since it will depend on the store whether it offers SIMs to foreigners.

At your hotel or hostel

Your hotel or the hostel where you are staying can help you get a SIM card seamlessly, but you need to check first if they offer this service. It is a very comfortable option, although they might charge extra for this service. Even if you choose this option, you will need to provide your documents.

From the official network provider website

You can buy a SIM card from the official website of the network provider. You will need an Indian phone number to apply. You can take help from your hotel or hostel for this. You will be required to fill a local address for the KYC verification process, which would be the address you are staying at. The verification process is usually done by an employee of the network provider, while you can pay with a credit or debit card through the official website.

What are some alternatives to buying a SIM card?

If getting a SIM card seems like too much of a hassle, or you just do not want to buy a SIM card, there are a few other options to stay connected during your trip to India.

If you are in India for a short period of time, you can check the roaming services provided by your home country’s network. Through international roaming, you can use your existing number instead of buying a new local SIM card. However, the quality of service and coverage provided can vary depending on the region you are in in India. You might experience a slower data speed. Additionally, roaming charges can be extravagant in a different country, so check the rates and coverage with your service provider before deciding this.

Another option is to buy a pocket wifi router. You can carry the router with you wherever you go. A pocket router can also be used to connect multiple devices.

You can check out some digital SIM or eSIM options. eSIM is an embedded SIM through which you can use prepaid or postpaid phone services without the physical SIM card. However, it is an expensive option – you won’t have access to a local number and won’t be able to make calls or text within the country.

FlexiRoam

If you are traveling in a group, FlexiRoam is an excellent eSIM option, thanks to its feature, FlexiShare. If you buy the same Fixed plan as a group, FlexiRoam allows you to share data as a group. You can buy a Fixed plan or an Unlimited plan. The prices start  from $3.50 for 1 GB data.

GigSky

GigSky is a US-based eSIM provider offering fixed data plans in many countries, including India. The upside of GigSky is that it gives 100 MB free data to test your eSIM without an obligation to pay for more once you have used it up. The data packs range up to 10 GB, costing $49.99. GigSky also offers data plans for flights and cruises while expensive, they are useful if you need to connect while traveling.

What are some things to keep in mind while buying a SIM card in India?

• In India, you need to be above 18 years of age to get a SIM card. If you are below 18, you can get one in the name of a parent or guardian.
• To buy a SIM card at the airport, you will need cash. So make sure to withdraw some cash from the ATM before buying a SIM card.
• The internet bandwidth speed in India is slower compared to other countries. One reason for this is the large number of smartphone users in the country. You will get good speed in the cities, but it will vary greatly in the rural and remote areas.
• Currently, 5G services are offered by Airtel and Jio in various cities in India.
• Every time you cross a state border in India, you will get a notification on your phone and roaming will be turned on automatically. However, there are no extra roaming charges within India anymore, which means that you can enjoy calls and internet data at the same price anywhere in the country.
• You can check your current plan or data balance on the official app of your network provider. You can also recharge your plan online. If you go to a local vendor for recharge, specify your prepaid plan.
• Get yourself a universal adapter to charge your device, which can be used in more than 150 countries. In India, most socket plugs are Type C and Type D.
• Prepaid services are not available in Jammu and Kashmir for security reasons.

Did you find this blog useful? If you have any more questions, feel free to contact us! And if you are planning to visit India, hit us up and we will help you plan the perfect trip for you, tailormade to your requirements!