eSIM for India: compare, buy and travel connected

It is said that planning a trip to India is a challenge, but the experience is definitely worth it and we know that those little challenges are part of every trip. However, we also know that the last thing you should worry about is how expensive it can be to get cellphone service abroad. So to make your trip easier, today we introduce you to eSIMs, a new way to travel always connected, without the need to use a pocket wifi and without having to pay excessive roaming charges.

In this article, we will teach you everything you need to know about eSIMs, from how they work, the providers on the market, and even a comparison of their plans and prices. The goal is that with this guide you can better organize your trip to India and enjoy it to the fullest.

Buy an India eSIM online

What you should know about the Indian eSIM card

eSIMs are SIM cards that work virtually, but before we go into detail about their benefits or where to buy them. The first thing we recommend you to check is their minimum requirements, since there are still mobile devices that are not compatible with this technology.

• Start by checking that your cell phone is compatible with eSIM and also make sure that the operator or provider with which you are planning to buy your eSIM card is compatible. We anticipate that the iPhone XR or newer versions are preferred by virtual SIM providers.
• Keep in mind that you must have an email address in order to register and receive your eSIM.
• Remember that to activate your eSIM you must have an internet connection, as your eSIM profile will be downloaded from the operator’s servers, this can be done in India, from a Wifi point.
• Something else important to know is that some providers will ask you to install their App to download the eSIM.
• You receive it immediately in your email.
• No passport or ID required.
• Immediate installation through QR code.

Mobile eSIM card providers for travel to India

The next thing to do is to know the suppliers available on the market. The important thing to know about these companies is that they sell eSIMs to be used for tourism or business trips abroad. 

• HolaFly
• TravelSIM
• Flexiroam

Rates and data plans from eSIM providers for travel to India

The following are the plans and prices of the companies mentioned above, the idea is that with the data presented below, plan and choose the best option according to your travel plan and budget. The variation in prices may be due to several reasons, from the coverage itself, to the plans and payment methods available for each of these companies.

Holafly plans and prices in India

• 6GB for 15 days at 44 USD

TravelSIM plans and pricing in India

• 3GB for 30 days at $49.00 USD

Flexiroam plans and pricing in India

• 7GB for 24 days at 32.00 USD
• 5GB for 15 days at 25.00 USD
• 3GB for 8 days at 15.00 USD

Comparison of eSIM providers to India

Features of eSIMs for travel to India

After going through the plans and prices, you will surely be ready to buy your virtual card, and let us tell you, it’s fantastic. The only thing left to do is to review the features offered by the eSIM, because as you may have detailed, its operation is totally virtual and because of this it differs in several aspects of the traditional physical SIM.

• Most eSIM cards do not offer analog calls, only data. But with the plans offered, you can communicate by voice using Apps such as Skype or WhatsApp. However, confirm this with your provider.
• eSIMs can only be installed once, so if you experience problems with your virtual card, do not remove it from your phone, instead contact your eSIM provider.
• Keep in mind that some eSIMs may configure the APN automatically.
• You can add several data plans on your iPhone, this depends on the available memory, although it is only possible to use one at a time.
• Some eSIMs allow you to share data.
• With your dual SIM iPhone, you can keep your local SIM when you travel. Remember to set up your iPhone to avoid surprise bills.

eSIM coverage for travel to India

When planning your trip to India, another important point when purchasing an eSIM or any other type of device that provides internet, is the coverage, since you can find yourself with a super affordable plan, but with a very bad coverage in the place of your stay.

Therefore, we encourage you to review the following coverage maps of the companies: BSNL, Idea Cellular, Reliance Communications and Tata DOCOMO, as these are the companies with the largest coverage in India.

Coverage map of BSNL operator in India

Coverage map of Idea Cellular operator in India

Coverage map of Reliance Communications in India

Tata DOCOMO operator coverage map in India

Local mobile operators offering eSIM in India

If you are a resident of India and wish to have an eSIM card with data plan and minutes you can do it and here we present the operators that offer this service in India. Remember that users who opt for the purchase of the virtual card must meet certain requirements and carry out certain procedures that each operator has stipulated. 

Having said the above, the companies that provide Indian residents the possibility to purchase or change the physical chip to an eSIM are: 

• Airtel
• Reliance Jio
• Vi

Frequently Asked Questions about eSIM for India 

Thank you for making it this far! We hope you found this article useful. We’ve prepared some common questions travelers often have when purchasing an eSIM for travel to India. If you have more, drop us a line in the comments!

eSIM for other destinations

• eSIM Asia
• Best eSIM for Philippines
• eSIM Israel

Brenda Beltrán

EN: I am Brenda Beltrán, a Colombian content creator who loves travel, technology, and video games. Since 2019, I have been creating content about entertainment and technology, starting as a journalist for video games, eSports, and tech. Now, I focus on writing about travel, providing tips on how to stay always connected abroad. I hope that all the content I create helps you discover new places in the best possible way! | ES: Soy Brenda Beltrán, creadora de contenido colombiana amante de los viajes, la tecnología y los videojuegos. Desde 2019, he creado contenido sobre entretenimiento y tecnología, comenzando como periodista de videojuegos, eSports y tech. Ahora me dedico a escribir sobre viajes, dando consejos sobre cómo mantenerse siempre conectado en el exterior. Espero que todo el contenido que creo te ayude a conocer nuevos lugares de la mejor manera!