Quick Answer
Buy an Airtel prepaid SIM on arrival — most consistent 4G/5G coverage, most reliable in metro cities. Jio is cheaper and fine in major cities but thinner in smaller towns. For eSIM before you land, use Airalo.
Airtel vs Jio
Airtel is the right default. More consistent coverage across varied locations, better customer service, handles network congestion better in business districts. Slightly pricier but worth it.
Jio is excellent value and works perfectly in major metros — Bangalore, Mumbai, Delhi, Hyderabad. If you are staying in one large city the whole time, Jio saves money. Moving around India? Airtel wins.
How to Get a SIM as a Foreigner
India is more bureaucratic than most of Asia for SIM registration. What you need: passport (original), Indian visa printout or stamp, one passport photo, and a local address (hotel works). Go to an official Airtel or Jio store — not a roadside reseller. Activation takes 4–24 hours after document submission. Airport counters at major airports (Bangalore, Mumbai, Delhi, Hyderabad) are the fastest option.
Best Plans
Airtel
| Plan | Data | Validity | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| ₹299 | 1.5GB/day | 28 days | ~$3.60 |
| ₹599 | 2GB/day | 56 days | ~$7.20 |
| ₹1,199 | 2.5GB/day | 84 days | ~$14.50 |
| ₹2,999 | 3GB/day | 365 days | ~$36 |
The 84-day plan is best value for 1–3 month stays.
Jio
| Plan | Data | Validity | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| ₹249 | 1.5GB/day | 28 days | ~$3 |
| ₹533 | 2GB/day | 56 days | ~$6.40 |
| ₹1,099 | 2GB/day | 84 days | ~$13.20 |
| ₹2,599 | 2.5GB/day | 365 days | ~$31.30 |
eSIM Options
Airalo India eSIMs: 1GB/7 days ~$4.50, 3GB/30 days ~$9, 10GB/30 days ~$19. Data-only — no Indian phone number. Install before boarding, activate on landing. Good bridge while your local SIM activates.
Tips
All Indian prepaid plans allow hotspot tethering. 4G widespread in all major cities; 5G rolling out in Bangalore, Mumbai, Delhi, Hyderabad. India allows up to 9 SIM connections per person — carry both networks for redundancy if moving around. Top up via Airtel Thanks app, Jio app, Paytm, or Google Pay. Use NordVPN on public WiFi.
Bottom Line
Airtel at the airport, hotel address, 84-day plan. Airalo eSIM as a bridge if you need immediate data on landing.
Next steps: Cost of Living in Bangalore | Health Insurance in India
*Last updated: April 2026*