Phone Plans in India
Compare 4 mobile plans from 4 carriers
Mobile Network Overview in India
Major Carriers
- Reliance Jio5G/4G • 99% urban coverage
- Bharti Airtel5G/4G/3G/2G • 98% urban coverage
- Vodafone Idea4G/3G/2G • 95% urban coverage
- BSNL4G/3G/2G • 90% urban coverage
Network Information
- ✓ 4G/LTE coverage in major cities
- ✓ 5G available with select carriers
- ✓ Good coverage in tourist areas
- ✓ Free WiFi widely available
Compare All Phone Plans
| Plan Name | Carrier | Data | Minutes | Price | Tourist Friendly |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Unlimited 5G prepaid | Jio | 75GB per month | Local: Unlimited Int'l: None | ₹999.00 per month | |
International Roaming Pack tourist | Airtel | 10GB per month | Local: 500 Int'l: 50 | ₹999.00 per month | |
Unlimited Prepaid prepaid | Vodafone Idea | 50GB per month | Local: Unlimited Int'l: None | ₹699.00 per month | |
Tourist SIM tourist | BSNL | 50GB per month | Local: Unlimited Int'l: 25 | ₹799.00 per month |
Best Tourist SIM Cards
International Roaming Pack
Airtel
- • Works globally
- • Instant activation
- • Airport stores
Unlimited Prepaid
Vodafone Idea
- • Weekend data rollover
- • Binge all night
- • Vi Movies
Tourist SIM
BSNL
- • Government network
- • Wide coverage
- • 90 days validity
Prepaid vs Postpaid: Which is Right for You?
Prepaid Plans
- No credit check required
- Perfect for tourists and short stays
- No contracts or commitments
- Control your spending
Best for: Tourists, students, temporary residents, budget-conscious users
Postpaid Plans
- Better data rates and allowances
- International roaming options
- Device financing available
- Requires credit check and ID
Best for: Long-term residents, business users, heavy data users
Where to Buy SIM Cards in India
Airport Kiosks
Most convenient option for tourists. Available immediately upon arrival.
- ✓ Open 24/7 at major airports
- ✓ English-speaking staff
- ✓ Tourist plans available
- ✗ Slightly higher prices
Carrier Stores
Best selection and support. Located in shopping centers and city centers.
- ✓ Full range of plans
- ✓ Professional setup help
- ✓ Device options available
- ✗ May require queuing
Convenience Stores
Quick and easy for prepaid SIMs. Found everywhere in India.
- ✓ No waiting times
- ✓ Basic prepaid options
- ✓ Extended hours
- ✗ Limited plan selection
Airport SIM Card Availability
Major International Airports
SIM cards are readily available at India's main international airports. Look for carrier kiosks in the arrivals hall after clearing customs.
- Multiple carrier options available
- Tourist-specific packages
- Instant activation service
What You'll Need
- 1.Passport for registration
- 2.Unlocked phone (check before travel)
- 3.Cash or credit card
- 4.Address in India (hotel is fine)
SIM Card Activation Guide
Step-by-Step Activation
- 1Purchase Your SIMChoose a plan that fits your needs and budget
- 2Register Your DetailsProvide passport and local address for registration
- 3Insert the SIM CardPower off your phone, insert SIM, then restart
- 4Configure SettingsFollow carrier instructions for APN settings if needed
Troubleshooting Tips
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I keep my phone number when visiting India?
You cannot transfer your home country number to a India SIM card. However, you can use apps like WhatsApp, which are linked to your original number, over data. Consider using call forwarding to a VoIP service if you need to receive calls on your regular number.
Do I need to unlock my phone before traveling?
Yes, your phone must be unlocked to use a India SIM card. Contact your home carrier before traveling to unlock your device. Most carriers will unlock phones that are fully paid off. You can test if your phone is unlocked by trying a different carrier's SIM card.
How long does SIM card registration take?
Registration typically takes 5-15 minutes at the point of purchase. Some carriers activate instantly, while others may take up to 2 hours. Tourist SIMs at airports are usually activated immediately to ensure you have service right away.
Can I top up my prepaid SIM online?
Yes, most India carriers offer online top-up services through their websites or mobile apps. You can also top up at convenience stores, carrier shops, or through ATMs. International credit cards are usually accepted for online top-ups.
What's the difference between tourist SIMs and regular prepaid SIMs?
Tourist SIMs are designed for short-term visitors with simplified registration, more data, shorter validity periods (7-30 days), and sometimes include international calling minutes. Regular prepaid SIMs require more documentation, have longer validity, and are better for extended stays.