Introduction

India is a fascinating country full of contrasts, colors, and rich culture that attracts millions of tourists, digital nomads, and business travelers from around the world each year. This country offers incredible diversity – from the majestic Taj Mahal to the bustling streets of Delhi to the peaceful beaches of Goa.

When traveling to India, reliable internet connection is essential. Traditional roaming can be extremely expensive, and finding a local SIM card after arrival can be challenging due to bureaucracy and language barriers. That's why more and more travelers are choosing eSIM – a modern solution that doesn't require physical card exchange.

In this guide, we'll introduce the best eSIM providers for India, including Jetpac, Yesim, Airalo, eSIM4Travel and Holafly. We'll discuss various data packages (2 GB, 5 GB, 10 GB, 20 GB or unlimited) and help you choose the ideal solution for your trip.

With eSIM, you'll avoid unpleasant roaming fees and solve everything online before departure. In the following sections, you'll find detailed installation instructions, useful tips for traveling in India, and a detailed comparison of available plans so you can fully experience your journey through India – with quality connectivity and without unnecessary worries.

eSIM Plans for India at a Glance

Best eSIM Providers for India

Jetpac eSIM in India

3.8/5 ★★★☆☆

Jetpac offers eSIM plans with coverage in more than 150 countries. Data packages from 1 GB to 40 GB, attractive pricing and benefits such as access to airport lounges during flight delays.

Basic Information

150 countries, eSIM for individual and multiple countries.

Average iPhone app. 3.8 from 46 reviews.

Average Android app. 3.6 from 224 reviews.

Supports additional data purchase.

Hotspot allowed.

Speed limited according to Fair Use.

Pros and Cons

Low price per GB and stable speeds.

Free airport lounges and ExpressVPN.

No unlimited data plans available.

No SMS and call support.

Go to Jetpac website View full review

Jetpac in India uses the Jio network, which is the largest mobile operator in the country with excellent coverage and fast connectivity. This network covers more than 99% of India's population, making it an ideal choice for travelers. Jetpac currently offers a special advantage – data used for Google Maps, WhatsApp, and Uber doesn't count toward your data limit, which is particularly useful when traveling.

Another unique feature is Jetpac Voice, which allows calling directly from the app to regular phone numbers. More information about this service can be found in our detailed guide about Jetpac.

Yesim eSIM in India

4.4/5 ★★★★☆

Yesim is a Swiss eSIM provider with coverage in 135 countries. It offers both fixed and unlimited data packages at very competitive prices.

Basic information

135 countries, local, regional and global eSIM (including unlimited).

Good iPhone app. 4.4 from 600 reviews.

Average Android app. 3.6 from 2,000 reviews.

Supports data top-ups.

Hotspot allowed.

May limit speed during excessive use.

Pros and cons

Top prices per GB.

Offers both fixed and unlimited packages.

More complicated installation than competitors.

Frequent spam notifications via email and app.

Go to Yesim website View full review

Yesim offers access to several networks in India including Idea Cellular, Airtel, Vodafone, and Bharti Airtel Limited. This multi-network support ensures excellent coverage throughout the country and automatic switching to the strongest signal. With Yesim, you'll enjoy seamless mobile connectivity in Ahmedabad, Bangalore, Chennai, Delhi, Hyderabad, Kolkata, Lucknow, Mumbai, Pune, and other cities across India.

Yesim offers competitive prices and flexible packages, making it the second-best choice for India. More information about this service can be found in our detailed overview of Yesim.

Airalo eSIM in India

3.4/5 ★★★☆☆

Airalo is a popular eSIM marketplace with coverage in 211 countries, fast activation and affordable prices. However, it's not always the best choice for unlimited data.

Basic Information

211 countries, local, regional and global eSIM.

Excellent iPhone app. 4.6 from 61,000 reviews.

Excellent Android app. 4.5 from 72,000 reviews.

Supports data top-ups.

Hotspot allowed.

No speed limitations.

Pros and Cons

Wide coverage (211 countries) and easy activation.

User-friendly app and website.

Immediate functionality after installation without needing to restart.

Significantly higher prices compared to competitors.

Inability to purchase additional data without Wi-Fi after depleting the package.

Low rating on Trustpilot (2.6/5).

Testing

Go to Airalo website View full review

Airalo, the world's largest eSIM provider, uses the Jio network in India, which offers excellent coverage and fast connectivity. Although Airalo is usually more expensive than competitors, it offers surprisingly competitive prices for India. Users appreciate the simple Airalo app, which allows easy management of eSIM and purchasing additional data during the trip.

Activating an eSIM from Airalo takes approximately two minutes and the process is very intuitive. Thanks to the strong Jio network, you'll get reliable connectivity in most tourist destinations in India. For more information about Airalo, check out our complete review.

eSIM4Travel in India

4.4/5 ★★★★☆

eSIM provider eSIM4Travel from the USA offers very competitive prices for data plans and coverage in 170 countries. It doesn't offer an app, but allows easy setup via QR code and has excellent customer support through online chat.

Basic Information

170 countries, regional plans (Asia, Middle East, Latin America, Europe).

Supports data top-ups.

Hotspot allowed.

No speed limitations.

Pros and Cons

Simple installation and activation.

Very competitive prices.

Excellent customer support.

No mobile app.

Absence of unlimited data plans.

Testing

Go to eSIM4Travel website View full review

eSIM4Travel uses several networks in India – Airtel, Idea Cellular, Vodafone India, Vodafone India Essar, and Fascel. This wide coverage ensures reliable connectivity almost anywhere in the country. eSIM4Travel is one of our most popular providers, offering primarily 30-day plans for India, which may be slightly more expensive for short visits but ideal for longer stays.

eSIM4Travel offers quick activation, doesn't limit internet speed, and doesn't require installing any app. If you run out of data, you can easily purchase more directly on your existing eSIM card. More information can be found in our eSIM4Travel review.

Holafly eSIM in India

3.5/5 ★★★☆☆

Holafly is a leading Irish eSIM provider with truly unlimited data in more than 160 countries. However, if you only need a small amount of data, it might be more expensive.

Basic Information

160 countries, local and regional unlimited eSIM.

Average iPhone app. 3.5 from 150 reviews.

Excellent Android app. 4.6 from 1,000 reviews.

Supports additional data purchases.

Hotspot mostly limited to 500 MB.

Speed limited according to Fair Use Policy (approx. 4.5 GB/day).

Pros and Cons

Truly unlimited data in 160+ countries.

Fast and helpful customer support.

Low transparency regarding FUP limits.

Hotspot not available in all countries.

Testing

Go to Holafly website View full review

Holafly uses two of India's largest networks – Airtel and Jio. This ensures quality coverage in Agra, Delhi, Jaipur, Mumbai, Bangalore, Chennai, and other cities and tourist destinations in India. Holafly is unique in that it offers only unlimited data packages, so you don't have to worry about running out of data.

Although Holafly uses India's two largest networks, it's among the more expensive providers. Their unlimited packages are available for periods from 5 to 90 days. It's worth noting that while data is labeled as unlimited, excessive usage (such as continuous HD streaming) may result in temporary speed restrictions. More detailed information can be found in our complete Holafly review or in the Airalo vs Holafly comparison.

Best eSIM Plans for India

Below you'll find an overview of the most popular data packages for India from various providers. For a detailed comparison of all available options, use our eSIM comparator for India, where you can filter offers by data amount, validity period, and other criteria.

Free Data in India

If you only need minimal internet connection, for example to check emails or quick searches, Roamless offers 450 MB of free data for India. This offer is ideal for emergency situations or very short stops.

Another option is GigSky, which provides a trial version of its eSIM with 100 MB of free data without requiring payment details. This test version allows you to try how eSIM works before deciding on a paid option.

For more information about getting free data, check out our article Free eSIM | How to Get Free Data for USA and Abroad. A complete overview of all available options can be found in our eSIM comparator for India, which includes free offers.

Roamless

How to Set Up eSIM for India

Setting up an eSIM for India is much simpler than arranging a local SIM card, which requires registration with a passport and photo. With eSIM, you'll handle everything in advance and be connected immediately upon arrival.

• Complete guide for setting up eSIM on iPhone
• Detailed procedure for installing eSIM on Samsung phones
• Overview of devices supporting eSIM technology

1. Check your device compatibility: First, verify whether your phone supports eSIM technology. Most newer iPhone models (from XR and XS), Samsung (from S20), Google Pixel (from Pixel 3), and other premium brands offer this feature. To be sure, you can check your model in our updated list of phones with eSIM support.

2. Choose a suitable provider: For India, we recommend considering primarily Jetpac (advantage of not counting data for Google Maps, WhatsApp, and Uber), Yesim (access to multiple networks), Airalo (largest Jio network), eSIM4Travel (ideal for longer stays), or Holafly (unlimited data). When selecting a package, consider the length of your stay and planned activities – for typical use of maps and social media, 2 GB is usually sufficient, for more active users we recommend 5 GB or 10 GB. For an exact comparison of all available options, use our eSIM comparator for India.

3. Installation using QR code: After purchasing an eSIM, you'll receive an email with a QR code or activation code. In your phone settings, find the "Mobile Data" or "Mobile Network" section and select "Add Data Plan" or "Add eSIM." Scan the QR code and follow the on-screen instructions. If you only received an activation code, you can easily convert it to a QR code using online tools.

4. Connection setup: After completing the installation, the connection usually sets up automatically. If it doesn't work, you may need to manually enter the APN (access point) according to the provider's instructions. Don't forget to activate data roaming for your eSIM profile – don't worry, you won't be charged any additional fees.

We strongly recommend installing and testing the eSIM before departing for India, ideally in an environment with reliable Wi-Fi connection. This way, you'll be sure that you'll be immediately online upon arrival without any complications. For more information about first-time setup, check out our guide First eSIM | Everything from A to Z.

Tips for eSIM in India

India is a fascinating but challenging destination where reliable internet connection can significantly ease your travel. Whether you're planning to explore historical monuments, relax on the beaches of Goa, or do business in bustling cities, here are tips on how to maximize the use of your eSIM:

Security and Data Protection

Using a VPN in India is highly recommended. Although there aren't as many internet restrictions as in some other Asian countries, a VPN (Virtual Private Network) will provide an additional layer of protection when using public Wi-Fi networks, which can be risky in tourist areas. Some streaming services may also be geographically restricted, and a VPN will allow you access to your favorite content from home. We recommend installing and testing a VPN before your trip.

Efficient Data Usage

Monitoring data consumption is important in India, especially if you're traveling to more remote areas where the signal may be weaker and your phone will consume more energy searching for a network. Most eSIM providers offer apps or web interfaces for monitoring usage. You can also set alerts directly on your phone. For maximum data savings, try the tips from our article Saving Data on Vacation | Proven Tips and Tricks:

• Download offline maps of Indian cities you plan to visit
• Set lower quality for video and music streaming (especially important with slower connections)
• Turn off automatic app updates and background photo synchronization
• Use Wi-Fi in hotels and restaurants for more demanding tasks like backing up photos

If you're not sure how much data you'll need, check out our guide How Much Data You Need for Various Activities. For the most accurate selection, use our eSIM comparator, where you can filter offers by data amount and validity period.

Communication and Translations

In India, more than 20 official languages are spoken, although English is widely used in tourist areas and business centers. With data connection, you can use real-time translators, which will help you communicate with locals, especially outside the main tourist routes. Apps like WhatsApp, Messenger, or Skype will allow you to stay in touch with family and friends. If you need to call regular phone numbers, read our article Calling from Data eSIM | How to Make and Receive Calls Cheaply from Abroad.

Transportation and Navigation

Navigating in Indian cities can be challenging even for experienced travelers. Apps like Google Maps are invaluable but consume quite a lot of data. The good news is that some providers like Jetpac offer a special advantage where data used for Google Maps, WhatsApp, and Uber doesn't count toward your data limit. This is extremely useful in chaotic Indian traffic.

Apps like Uber, Ola (Indian alternative to Uber), or Zomato (for food delivery) can significantly make your life easier, especially in large cities where it's difficult to communicate with taxi drivers or find quality restaurants.

Health and Safety

Internet connection in India can be vital in case of health or safety issues. With eSIM, you'll always have access to online maps of hospitals, embassy contacts, or the ability to quickly look up information about the security situation in a given area. We recommend saving important contacts and documents offline, including copies of travel documents, insurance, and accommodation reservations.

✈️ Expert advice: India is known for frequent power outages, especially outside the main tourist centers. Always carry a power bank so you can charge your phone and stay online even during longer trips or unexpected situations.

Alternative Internet Connections in India

eSIM represents the most convenient way to stay online during your trip to India, but it's not the only option. If for some reason you can't or don't want to use eSIM, there are other alternatives:

Local Physical SIM Card

Getting an Indian SIM card requires more bureaucracy than in many other countries. To obtain a local SIM card, you'll need:

• Valid passport
• Copy of visa or residence permit
• Passport photo
• Address of your accommodation in India
• Completed form with personal information

The main operators in India are Jio, Airtel, Vodafone Idea (Vi), and BSNL. SIM cards are available at airports, electronics stores, and official operator stores. Prices are very favorable – basic packages start at approximately $9-13 for 1-2 GB daily for 28 days.

The disadvantage is the time-consuming process – activation can take up to 24-48 hours, which means you might be without connection for the first day or two. Some smaller airports and border crossings may not offer SIM card sales, and the language barrier can complicate the entire process.

Portable Wi-Fi Hotspots

Travel Wi-Fi devices represent a flexible solution, especially if you're traveling in a group or need to connect multiple devices simultaneously. These compact devices create their own Wi-Fi network to which you can connect phones, tablets, laptops, or smartwatches.

In India, you can rent a portable hotspot from companies like Trabug, JioFi, or international providers like Skyroam. Prices range from $13 to $27 per day, depending on the amount of data and rental duration. Some hotels and travel agencies also offer this service as an add-on to your stay.

The main advantage is the ability to connect multiple devices and often better coverage thanks to a more powerful antenna than a regular phone. The disadvantage is having to carry and charge another device. More information about these devices can be found in our guide Best Portable WiFi Hotspots for Travel.

International Roaming

Using roaming services from your American carrier is the simplest but typically the most expensive option. Prices for data roaming in India from US carriers commonly range between $9-13 per MB (not GB!), which can lead to astronomical bills even with minimal internet usage.

Some US carriers offer special roaming packages for India that can reduce costs. For example, T-Mobile, AT&T, and Verizon have travel packages with limited amounts of data for a fixed price. However, these packages are still significantly more expensive than local solutions or eSIM.

The advantage of roaming is that you can use your US number for incoming and outgoing calls and SMS, which can be important for work purposes or if you need to be available on your regular number.

Public Wi-Fi Networks

India has a growing network of public Wi-Fi hotspots, especially in large cities and tourist areas. Free Wi-Fi can be found in:

• Luxury and mid-priced hotels (often free for guests)
• International café chains like Starbucks or Café Coffee Day
• Shopping malls and some restaurants
• Major airports and train stations
• Some tourist zones and parks

The quality and speed of these connections can vary significantly and often require registration using a phone number (ideally an Indian one) for verification. The main risk of public Wi-Fi networks is security – always use a VPN and avoid logging into banking or entering sensitive information.

Relying solely on public Wi-Fi means you'll be offline when traveling between destinations, which can be problematic when navigating or in emergency situations. Therefore, we recommend always having a backup solution for internet connection.

Mobile Networks and Operators in India

India has the second-largest telecommunications market in the world with over a billion mobile connections. Understanding the local market will help you choose the best eSIM or other connection option for your trip.

Main Indian Mobile Operators

Jio (Reliance Jio) is the largest and most modern operator in India with over 400 million customers. This network was launched in 2016 and quickly became dominant thanks to aggressive pricing and modern 4G infrastructure. Jio offers excellent coverage in both cities and rural areas and is known for fast and stable connections. The Jio network is used by eSIM providers like Airalo and Jetpac.

Airtel (Bharti Airtel) is the second-largest operator with approximately 350 million customers. Airtel offers quality coverage throughout the country and was the first operator to start testing 5G technology in India. Airtel is known for good customer support and reliability, making it a popular choice among tourists. This network is used by eSIM4Travel, Holafly, and Yesim.

Vodafone Idea (Vi) was formed by the merger of two large operators in 2018 and has approximately 270 million customers. Although it has been losing market share in recent years, it still offers good coverage in most tourist destinations. The Vi network is used by eSIM4Travel and Yesim.

BSNL (Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited) is a state-owned operator with approximately 120 million customers. BSNL has the best coverage in remote and rural areas where private operators don't have sufficient infrastructure. However, connection speed is usually lower than the competition. Most international eSIM providers don't use this network.

Coverage and Signal Quality

The quality of mobile signal in India varies significantly by location. In large cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore, Chennai, and Hyderabad, you can expect excellent 4G coverage from all major operators, with speeds sufficient for video streaming and video calls. In tourist destinations like Agra (Taj Mahal), Jaipur (Pink City), or Goa (beach resort), coverage is also very good.

In more remote areas and smaller towns, coverage may be more limited, especially in mountainous regions like Himachal Pradesh or Ladakh. Here, signal is often available only in town and village centers. In these areas, Jio or BSNL usually offer the best coverage.

India began implementing 5G networks in 2022, with Jio and Airtel being pioneers of this technology. 5G is currently available only in selected parts of the largest cities and isn't necessary for most tourists. Standard 4G connection is more than sufficient for normal internet usage.

Which Networks Do eSIM Providers Use?

International eSIM providers partner with various Indian operators. Here's an overview of which networks the most popular eSIM services use:

• Jetpac: Exclusively uses the Jio network, which offers the best overall coverage. Additionally, Jetpac doesn't count data for Google Maps, WhatsApp, and Uber toward your data limit.
• Yesim: Offers access to Idea Cellular, Airtel, Vodafone, and Bharti Airtel Limited networks with automatic switching for the best signal.
• Airalo: Uses the Jio network, which provides excellent coverage and fast connection.
• eSIM4Travel: Partners with Airtel, Idea Cellular, Vodafone India, Vodafone India Essar, and Fascel, ensuring wide coverage.
• Holafly: Uses Airtel and Jio networks, providing good coverage in Agra, Delhi, Jaipur, Mumbai, Bangalore, Chennai, and other tourist destinations.

When choosing an eSIM provider, consider your travel plans. If you plan to visit mainly large cities and popular tourist destinations, any provider will likely work well. For trips to more remote areas, we recommend choosing a service using the Jio network (Jetpac, Airalo) or providers with access to multiple networks (Yesim, eSIM4Travel). For easy comparison of all available options, use our eSIM comparator for India.

How to Call from India

Staying in touch with family, friends, or business partners during your trip to India is important. With eSIM, you have several options to stay connected without having to pay high fees for international calls.

Internet Calling via Data eSIM

Most eSIMs for India offer only data services without traditional voice calls and SMS. However, this isn't a problem because with data connection, you can use various applications for internet calling (VoIP - Voice over Internet Protocol).

WhatsApp is extremely popular in India and is commonly used even for business communication. It offers quality voice and video calls and is ideal for contacting local Indians who widely use this application. Other popular options include Facebook Messenger, which is useful for contacts from your friends list, and Skype, which allows calling regular phone numbers for low fees.

For communication with locals and businesses, the Truecaller app is also useful and widely used in India. It helps identify unknown numbers and block unwanted calls, which can be useful in India due to the high number of telemarketing calls.

More detailed information about internet calling can be found in our specialized article Calling from Data eSIM | How to Make and Receive Calls Cheaply from Abroad?

Specialized Services for International Calling

If you need to regularly call regular phone numbers in the United States or elsewhere in the world, there are specialized services that offer more advantageous rates than classic international calling.

Jetpac Voice is a new service from the provider Jetpac, which allows calling directly from the app to regular phone numbers. This service is integrated with your data eSIM and offers competitive rates for international calls.

Rebtel is another reliable service for international calling with favorable rates. It works via Wi-Fi or mobile data and offers quality connections. Calling to the United States starts at prices from $0.09 per minute, which is significantly less than standard international rates. Rebtel also allows calling without internet through local access numbers.

Local SIM Card for Voice Services

If you'll be in India for a longer period and need to frequently call local numbers, it might be advantageous to get a local SIM card specifically for voice services while using eSIM for data. This is possible on phones with dual SIM support, where one position can be a physical SIM and the other eSIM.

Indian prepaid SIM cards offer very favorable tariffs for local calling, often with unlimited calls within India. For example, Jio offers plans with unlimited local calls and SMS from just 150 rupees (approximately $1.80) for 28 days.

Remember that getting a local SIM card in India requires registration with a passport, photo, and address of stay, and activation can take 24-48 hours. If you need a local number immediately upon arrival, an eSIM with voice services like Jetpac Voice might be a better choice.

Frequently Asked Questions about eSIM in India

Summary

Traveling to India is much more convenient with eSIM than before. You don't have to go through the complex process of registering a local SIM card, pay exorbitant roaming fees, or worry about being without connection after arrival. You can activate your eSIM before departure and be immediately online after landing.

In this guide, we've compared the best eSIM providers for India, including Jetpac (with the advantage of not counting data for navigation and communication), Yesim (with access to multiple networks), Airalo (using the largest Jio network), eSIM4Travel (ideal for longer stays), and Holafly (with unlimited data).

Among the most commonly chosen data packages are 5 GB for regular use, 2 GB for short visits, 10 GB or 20 GB for longer trips, or unlimited plans for demanding users or digital nomads.

Our recommendations for India are as follows:

• For most travelers: Jetpac – uses the largest Jio network, offers the advantage of not counting data for Google Maps, WhatsApp, and Uber, and newly features Jetpac Voice for calling from the app to regular phone numbers.
• For traveling outside the main tourist routes: Yesim – thanks to access to multiple networks, it ensures reliable connection throughout the country and offers competitive prices.
• For longer stays: eSIM4Travel – offers 30-day plans with good value and the option to purchase additional data on an already used eSIM.
• For unlimited data: Holafly – the only provider offering truly unlimited data packages for India, albeit at a higher price.

We recommend installing and testing the eSIM before departing for India. This will ensure a trouble-free start to your trip and immediate connection upon arrival, which is especially important in a country where orientation can initially be challenging.

For the most accurate and up-to-date comparison of all available eSIMs for India, use our eSIM comparator, which allows you to filter offers by data amount, validity period, and other parameters exactly according to your requirements.