Asia

Best eSIM for India

India has three main networks — Jio, Airtel and Vi (Vodafone Idea) — plus state-owned BSNL. Jio and Airtel have the widest 4G and 5G coverage. Data for locals is among the cheapest in the world, but travel eSIMs for India cost more than in most of Asia, so compare prices before you buy.

Updated

At a glance

  • Cheapest we found: Nomad India — $21 for 10 GB / 30 days on Airtel
  • No-account option: Talisim — $21.20 on Airtel, with no app or account
  • Airalo India — $24, in a polished app
  • Best for unlimited data: Holafly India — from $39.50 for 7 days, which is pricey, and hotspot is capped at about 500 MB–1 GB a day

Prices we checked

10 GB of data for 30 days, from each provider’s own website on 17 October 2026.

Provider Price Networks
Nomad $21.00 Airtel
Talisim $21.20 Airtel
Airalo $24.00 Not clear (page lists Vi and Jio)

Holafly sells unlimited data instead: $39.50 for 7 days or $63.50 for 15 days.

Network notes

Jio and Airtel both cover almost all of India’s cities and highways, with 5G in most big cities. Which of the two is stronger varies by city and state. Vi is fine in major cities but thinner elsewhere, and BSNL is mainly useful in remote areas.

Coverage in the Himalayan regions — Ladakh, Spiti, Sikkim and the north-east — is limited, and some plans may not work in Jammu and Kashmir or Ladakh at all. Check before you go.

Practical connectivity tips

  • Install before you land. Airport Wi-Fi in Delhi and Mumbai often asks for an Indian phone number to send a login code.
  • Apps you’ll want online: Uber, Ola and Rapido (rides), Google Maps, Zomato and Swiggy (food), and the IRCTC site or a booking app for trains.
  • Paying with UPI — India’s main payment system — usually needs an Indian bank or a tourist wallet such as UPI One World. Carry cash as well.
  • Long train journeys have patchy signal between cities.

Watch out for

  • Many websites and apps ask for an Indian number to send a one-time code, including some train-booking and food apps. A data-only eSIM can’t receive those texts.
  • Power cuts and monsoon storms can affect masts in rural areas.
  • Check your plan covers the region you’re visiting if you’re heading to the Himalayas or the Andaman Islands.

Recommended providers

Nomad

Like Airalo, but almost always a bit cheaper. Worth a look before you buy anything.

4.1 / 5
From
$3.50
Countries
200+
Hotspot
Yes

Talisim

Usually the cheapest plan we can find, and buying one takes less time than finding your passport.

Editor's pick
4.4 / 5
From
$0.60
Countries
202+
Hotspot
Yes

Airalo

The supermarket of eSIMs: plans for almost everywhere, just rarely the cheapest thing on the shelf.

4.1 / 5
From
$4.50
Countries
200+
Hotspot
Yes

Holafly

Unlimited data, so no more doing maths. Hotspot taps out at about 500 MB–1 GB a day, though.

4.0 / 5
From
$6.90
Countries
170+
Hotspot
Yes

Saily

From the NordVPN people, so naturally it blocks ads. The app's one of the nicest around.

4.0 / 5
From
$3.99
Countries
200+
Hotspot
Yes

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