Our recommended eSIMs for India
A local Indian SIM for tourists typically requires ID paperwork and can take time to activate. A travel eSIM sidesteps all of that — install before you fly, keep your home number for codes, and use your data straight away.
Airalo
Best valueThe broadest coverage — 200+ countries — and strong value. Buy exactly the data you need.
Check Airalo plans →Yesim
Most flexiblePer-country, regional, pay-as-you-go and a global plan across 150+ destinations.
Check Yesim plans →Saily
NordVPN teamA reliable, security-minded eSIM from the team behind NordVPN, with a clean app.
Check Saily plans →Holiday.com
ExpressVPN teamA global travel eSIM for 150+ destinations from the team behind ExpressVPN — one eSIM you top up as you go, with a privacy focus.
Check Holiday.com plans →Plans, prices and coverage change often — confirm the current plan on each provider's own page before buying. Links are affiliate links; see our disclosure.
Coverage in India
Coverage is good across cities and major tourist routes, as travel eSIMs use India's major networks, and local data is famously cheap. Remote rural and mountain areas can be patchier, as everywhere.
How much data do you need?
- ◆Light use (maps, messaging, ride apps): 1–3GB per week.
- ◆Normal use (social, photos, video): a 5GB+ plan with top-up.
- ◆Heavy use or a longer stay: a larger data allowance.
Getting connected on arrival
- 1Buy your plan before you fly, while you still have your home connection.
- 2Install the eSIM when prompted (scan the QR code or tap install in the provider's app), and label the line so it is easy to find.
- 3On arrival, turn the travel eSIM's data on and enable data roaming for that line.
- 4Set your home line to 'data off' so you are never billed for roaming, and keep it active for calls, texts and two-factor codes.
Sort the rest of your India trip
Compare car-hire deals across India from all the major rental companies in one search — most bookings come with free cancellation, and prices are usually lowest when you book ahead.
Compare car hire in India →Find somewhere to stay in India — from city hotels to coastal boltholes — with free cancellation on most rooms. Filter by area and read verified guest reviews before you book.
Where to stay in India →Attraction tickets and guided tours across India.
Book the Taj Mahal, forts & tours →Fixed-price transfers so you skip the arrivals scramble.
Pre-book airport transfers →Frequently asked questions
Does an eSIM work in India?
Yes. Travel eSIMs connect to India's major networks with good coverage in cities and on tourist routes. Your phone must support eSIM and be unlocked.
Why use an eSIM instead of a local Indian SIM?
A tourist SIM in India usually requires ID paperwork and can take time to activate. A travel eSIM installs in minutes with no paperwork, and you keep your home number.
Which is the best eSIM for India?
Airalo is the value default; for heavy use, buy a larger plan.