India eSIM at a glance
India eSIM plans start at €2.63 for 500MB over a day and reach €52.49 for unlimited data over 30 days. Coverage uses Reliance Jio (the largest network) and Airtel. 5G is across most of urban India including Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore, Chennai, Hyderabad, Kolkata, Pune, Ahmedabad, and Jaipur. 4G LTE is nationwide and surprisingly fast even in smaller towns. Activation takes about 90 seconds.
Networks
Reliance Jio, Airtel (4G / 5G)
Activation
Under 90 seconds via QR
Currency
INR (₹)
Capital
New Delhi
Plug type
Type C / Type D / Type M (230V)
Best time
October to March for most of north and central India. Goa and Kerala stay pleasant October to March. Avoid May and June (the pre-monsoon heat is brutal) and July to September (the actual monsoon).
India eSIM plans
Most-picked plans for India. Prices adjusted for local network costs. All plans include hotspot and tethering.
How a India eSIM compares
Carrier roaming
~€13/day
≈ €182 for 2 weeks
Typical international roaming charge from major EU/UK/US carriers in India. Caps often activate after €60/month and throttle to dial-up speeds.
Local SIM at airport
€15 to €40
one-time plus setup hassle
Indian tourist SIMs are notoriously difficult because of strict KYC (Know Your Customer) regulations introduced after the 2008 Mumbai attacks. Activation needs your passport, visa, an Indian address (your hotel works), and a photo. The process takes 30 to 60 minutes and many shops won't do tourist activations at all. eSIM avoids the entire bureaucracy.
RoamingFlex eSIM
€8.39
3GB / 15 days
Same plan covers 2 weeks of travel in India. QR code in under 90 seconds. No app, no airport queue, no passport scan.
How much data you actually need in India
Tourists in India average 390MB/day. India tourist data averages 360 to 430 MB per day. Uber and Ola handle rides in cities, Zomato and Swiggy do food delivery, and Google Maps does the navigation. India has some of the cheapest mobile data in the world, so locals use it heavily. WhatsApp is essential for tour operators and drivers. Source: RoamingFlex 22-destination data usage dataset (CC BY 4.0).
Insider tip
Download MakeMyTrip and IRCTC Rail Connect before you fly. MakeMyTrip handles domestic flights, intercity buses, and hotels in one app, IRCTC is the only realistic way to book Indian Railways tickets without standing in a station queue. Both work on the eSIM data connection.
How to activate your India eSIM
- 1
Buy a India plan
Pick a plan above based on your trip length. Pay by card or wallet. Checkout takes under a minute.
- 2
Receive your QR code
You'll see the QR code on screen the moment payment clears and get a copy by email within 2 minutes.
- 3
Open your phone's eSIM settings
iPhone: Settings, then Mobile Data, then Add eSIM, then Scan QR. Android: Settings, then Network, then Add Mobile Plan or SIM, then Scan QR.
- 4
Land in India and turn on data roaming
Turn on data roaming for the new eSIM line (this is local data, not international roaming. The toggle is just how the OS routes traffic). You'll be online within 60 seconds of arrival.
India eSIM frequently asked questions
Why is the Indian eSIM easier than a local SIM?
Indian local SIM activation requires KYC verification, an Indian address, biometrics in some cases, and 30 to 60 minutes at a registered Airtel or Jio store. Many stores refuse to do tourist activations at all. The eSIM avoids the entire process: scan the QR code, you're online.
Will it work on Indian Railways trains?
Mostly yes. Jio and Airtel both have reasonable coverage along the major rail corridors (Delhi-Mumbai, Delhi-Kolkata, Mumbai-Bangalore). Long-distance trains pass through rural sections with weaker or no signal, then pick up again at the next major station.
Does it cover the Taj Mahal and Agra?
Yes. Agra and the Taj Mahal area both have solid 4G LTE coverage. The entrance lines can be long; having the eSIM working means you can pull up your e-ticket or call your driver without faffing.
How much data do I need for a 2-week India trip?
10GB is the comfortable answer for a multi-city Golden Triangle plus Rajasthan or Kerala itinerary. WhatsApp burns very little data; Maps and the train app account for most usage.
Will the eSIM work in Goa and Kerala beach areas?
Yes. Both have full 4G LTE coverage from the major carriers. Goa's 5G coverage is growing fast. Kerala backwaters houseboat trips have reliable signal for the most part, with occasional dips in the more remote canal sections.
Does the plan include voice calls?
No, data only. WhatsApp covers nearly all communication needs in India. Drivers, guides, hotels, and tour operators all default to WhatsApp.
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Ready to travel India with mobile data?
QR code in 90 seconds. No app. No carrier shop.
Last updated 23 May 2026. Operated by Vektor Utility Holdings Limited (UK company 17174994).