Best Tourist SIM Card for India
Short-term visitor
1-5GB per week
Data Needed
1-30 days
Typical Stay
$10-30 total
Budget Range
12+
eSIM Options
What Tourists Need in India
Key Requirements
- Easy purchase at airport
- No ID requirements
- Prepaid/no contract
- Good data for 1-4 weeks
Top Priorities
ConvenienceEasy activationNo commitment
Our Top Recommendation
Get an eSIM Before You Go
For tourists visiting India, an eSIM is the most convenient option. Buy before you travel, activate on arrival, and keep your home number active.
Compare eSIM ProvidersBest eSIM Plans for Tourists
BEST FOR TOURISTS
Dent
$4.99
1GB / 365 days
- Blockchain-based
- Data marketplace
- No expiry data packages
Airalo
$9.00
1GB / 7 days
- 190+ countries coverage
- No physical SIM needed
- Keep your WhatsApp number
Best Local SIM Plans for Tourists
Jio
Unlimited 5G
₹999.00/month
75GB data • Unlimited mins
- True 5G unlimited
- Disney+ Hotstar
- 84 days validity
Airtel
International Roaming Pack
₹999.00/month
10GB data • 500 mins
- Works globally
- Instant activation
- Airport stores
Vodafone Idea
Unlimited Prepaid
₹699.00/month
50GB data • Unlimited mins
- Weekend data rollover
- Binge all night
- Vi Movies
Don't Forget Travel Insurance
Protect your India trip with travel medical insurance. SafetyWing starts at just $45/month.
Get Travel Insurance QuoteFrequently Asked Questions
What's the best phone plan for tourists in India?
For tourists visiting India, we recommend plans with 1-5GB per week data. eSIM or airport tourist SIMs are the most convenient.
Should I get an eSIM or physical SIM for India?
eSIM is highly recommended for tourists. It offers instant activation, keeps your home number active, and requires no store visits.
How much data do tourists typically need in India?
Tourists typically need 1-5GB per week. This covers maps, social media, and messaging.
What should tourists budget for phone service in India?
Budget $10-30 total for phone service in India. This is usually a one-time cost for your trip.