Finding Your Perfect eSIM for India

Mumbai’s bustling streets, Kerala’s peaceful backwaters, Rajasthan’s historic palaces. India offers experiences you won’t find anywhere else. To share these moments, find your way around, and stay connected, you need internet access.

Public wifi spots are unreliable, and your home carrier’s international roaming fees add up fast. Local physical SIM cards mean wasting travel time in stores, dealing with language barriers, and handling paperwork.

Travelers who know better choose eSIM technology. An eSIM is a digital SIM built into your phone. Download a data plan and connect the moment you arrive. It costs less, works faster, and saves time.

Our team tested 11 providers to identify the best eSIM options for India. One esim provider stands out for combining strong performance with competitive pricing.

Our Recommendation: eSIM4

For India travel, we recommend eSIM4. This service delivers reliable connectivity on major networks, transparent pricing, and features designed for international travelers.

Why eSIM4 Leads for India

  • Strong Network Partnership: eSIM4 connects through Jio, India’s largest carrier, giving you solid 4G and 5G coverage across cities and rural areas.
  • Instant Setup: Get your eSIM QR code by email right after purchase. Install the esim at home before your flight. Your esim plan activates when you land in India.
  • Clear Pricing: No surprise charges or hidden fees. Save up to 51% compared to standard roaming rates at affordable prices.
  • Proven Track Record: Over 100,000 global travelers trust eSIM4, backed by 24/7 customer support.
  • Data Sharing Allowed: All data plans include hotspot support, so you can share data with other devices.
  • Multiple Plan Options: Choose from 6 different data packages to match your trip length and data usage needs.

Quick Comparison: Leading eSIM Options for India

Compare the top eSIM providers at a glance to narrow your choices.

Rank Provider Rating Network
Partner
Plans Starting
Price
Best For
1 ⭐ eSIM4 4.85/5 Jio 11 options $2.98 Best overall package
2 Saily 4.65/5 Major networks 6 options $3.99 Quick trips
3 Airalo 4.6/5 Major networks 6 options $4.00 Quick trips
4 Jetpac 4.6/5 Multiple carriers 5 options $6.00 Budget travel
5 Nomad 4.5/5 Jio/Airtel 5 options $4.00 Simple setup
6 Holafly 4.3/5 Major networks Unlimited only $9.50 Heavy data users
7 GigSky 4.2/5 Multiple carriers 7 options $2.99 Plan flexibility
8 aloSIM 4.2/5 Major networks 6 options $4.50 Local numbers
9 Roamless 4.0/5 Multiple carriers Pay-as-you-go $3.95/GB Flexible usage
10 Ubigi 4.0/5 Major networks 4 options $3.50 Simple interface
11 BNESIM 3.9/5 Major networks 5 options $1.63 Extra features

Choosing the Right eSIM for Your Trip

eSIM4 is our top pick, but every traveler has different needs. After 2,400+ hours of testing, here are the factors that matter when comparing eSIM services. All these are prepaid plans.

Key Factors to Evaluate

Factor Considerations Impact
Data Amount How much data do you need? Light browsing and navigation use minimal mobile data. Video streaming and hotspots consume data quickly. Better to estimate high or pick a provider with easy top-ups. Better to estimate high or select a provider offering easy top-ups mid-trip if you run low.
Plan Duration Match your plan’s validity (7, 15, or 30 days) to your trip length. A 30-day plan wastes money if you’re only visiting India for a week. A 30-day plan wastes money if you’re only visiting India for a week.
Network Coverage Check which local carrier the eSIM uses. Services on Jio or Airtel networks offer reliable coverage across India. All work well in cities. Rural coverage varies by network. Urban areas work well everywhere, but rural reliable coverage varies significantly.
Cost Per Gigabyte Don’t just compare total prices for India. Calculate cost per GB for true value. A $20 plan with 10GB ($2/GB) beats a $10 plan with 3GB ($3.33/GB) substantially. A $20 plan with 10GB ($2/GB) beats a $10 plan with 3GB ($3.33/GB) substantially.
Voice Calls and SMS Most esims provide data only. Need a real phone number for local calls? Only specific esim providers offer this. Others require apps like WhatsApp. Only specific esim providers offer this. Others require apps like WhatsApp.
Connection Speed Look for 4G/LTE or 5G support. This ensures fast browsing and smooth navigation throughout India. This ensures fast browsing and smooth navigation throughout India.

Top eSIM Services for India

Detailed reviews of our recommended providers, starting with our featured choice.

2

Saily

Quick trips

Rating
4.65/5
Network
Major carriers
Support
24/7
Saily Banner

Saily ranks among the most recognized eSIM brands. It is known for budget-friendly options and short-term packages. Local plans are data-only, but global “Discover+” plans support calls and texts, making Saily a flexible choice if you’re traveling beyond India.

Coverage

Saily does not name its local network for India. If one network matters for a remote leg of your trip, ask Saily support before you buy. Plans for other countries load onto this same eSIM later, so you install only once for a longer route.

Activation Process

Order on saily.com or in Saily’s app. App buyers tap Install eSIM, while website buyers get a QR code by email. Manual setup takes SM-DP+ address wbg.prod.ondemandconnectivity.com and an activation code. Download it before you fly to India. Your plan then starts by itself when you land.

Price

Saily’s India plans start at $3.99 for 1 GB / 7 days. A 3 GB / 30-day plan is $9.99, and 10 GB / 30 days costs $23.99, a dollar and a cent above eSIM4’s same plan. Unlimited data begins at $27.99 for 5 days, under eSIM4’s $29.98. Thirty days unlimited costs $98.99.

Saily India Plans

Data Duration Price
1 GB 7 Days $3.99
3 GB 30 Days $9.99
5 GB 30 Days $13.99
10 GB 30 Days $23.99
20 GB 30 Days $38.99

Advantages:

Pros

  • Global plans include calls/texts
  • Extensive regional coverage
  • Quick installation
  • Affordable short-term plans

Limitations

  • Local Indian plans lack voice features
  • Unlimited from $27.99 for 5 days
3

Airalo

Quick trips

Rating
4.6/5
Network
VI India
Support
24/7
Airalo Banner

Airalo ranks among the most recognized eSIM brands. Known for budget-friendly options and short-term packages, it partners with VI India. Local plans are data-only, but global “Discover+” plans support calls and texts, making Airalo a flexible choice if you’re traveling beyond India.

Coverage

Airalo names VI India as its primary network in India. Its India page also links to a full list of networks its eSIM can use, worth a look before a trip to remote areas. VI India is one of India’s big private mobile networks.

Activation Process

Create an Airalo account, then buy on airalo.com or in its app. iPhones and some Android models install directly through Start installation. Otherwise, scan a QR code shown in your app, or enter codes by hand. Read each package’s Activation Policy first. Most start on first connection at your destination, but some start at install.

Price

Airalo’s India list opens at $4.00 for 1 GB over 3 days. A 5 GB / 30-day plan is $14.00. At 20 GB / 30 days, its $38.00 is just two cents above eSIM4’s same plan. Unlimited starts at $20.50 for 3 days. Its 15-day unlimited plan, at $62.00, sits under eSIM4’s $67.98.

Airalo India Plans

Data Duration Price
1 GB 3 Days $4.00
5 GB 15 Days $13.50
5 GB 30 Days $14.00
10 GB 30 Days $24.00
20 GB 30 Days $38.00

Advantages:

Pros

  • Global plans include calls/texts
  • Extensive regional coverage
  • Quick installation
  • Affordable short-term plans

Limitations

  • Local Indian plans lack voice features
  • Unlimited from $20.50 for 3 days
4

Jetpac

Budget travel

Rating
4.6/5
Network
Jio
Support
24/7
Jetpac Banner

Jetpac focuses on maximum data at minimum cost. Plans start at $6 for 3GB over 1 day. Data-only service, so you need apps for communication.

Coverage

Jetpac’s help centre lists Jio as its network for India. That table was last updated in January 2025, so treat it as a guide. Once in India, turn on data roaming, so your eSIM can latch onto an allowed network.

Activation Process

Buy in Jetpac’s app or on jetpacglobal.com, then install straight from that app. A QR code also arrives by email, and manual codes sit in both places. Keep your eSIM switched off until you reach India. Your pack activates once it connects there, and an unused pack stays in your account for 3 months.

Price

For a month in India, 3 GB costs $8.50, or 52 cents more than eSIM4’s same plan. A 10 GB / 30-day plan is $28.00. Unlimited data starts at $15.00 for 3 days, which beats eSIM4’s $18.98 for that length. A full 30 days unlimited costs $150.00.

Jetpac India Plans

Data Duration Price
1 GB 4 Days $7.00
5 GB 7 Days $10.00
5 GB 30 Days $12.50
10 GB 30 Days $28.00
40 GB 30 Days $100.00

Advantages:

Pros

  • 5GB 30-day plan for $12.50
  • 24 plans to choose from
  • Easy setup process

Limitations

  • Data-only service
  • Unlimited from $15.00 for 3 days
5

Nomad

Simple setup

Rating
4.5/5
Network
Airtel
Support
In-app
Nomad Banner

Nomad offers clean, straightforward service. Great for first-time eSIM users. Partners with a top Indian network, Airtel. Data-only, with flexible options including 5-day and 10-day unlimited plans. Speeds may throttle after daily high-speed limits.

Coverage

Nomad’s India page names Airtel as its network. Airtel is one of India’s largest mobile operators. To check it on your phone after you buy, open Plan Details in Nomad’s app and look under Network.

Activation Process

No account is needed, since Nomad allows guest checkout on its website and app. Your email then brings installation steps and a QR code. Manual entry and app install also work. Set it up before your flight, then turn it on in India. Choose it as your data line and enable data roaming.

Price

Nomad starts at $4.00 for 1 GB / 7 days. Its 10 GB / 30-day plan costs $21.00, under eSIM4’s $22.98. For big users, 50 GB / 30 days at $43.00 works out to $0.86 per GB, this page’s lowest rate. Unlimited data costs $18.00 for 5 days or $33.00 for 10 days.

Nomad India Plans

Data Duration Price
1 GB 7 Days $4.00
3 GB 30 Days $8.50
5 GB 30 Days $13.00
10 GB 30 Days $21.00
20 GB 30 Days $33.00

Advantages:

Pros

  • QR code activation is simple
  • 5 to 30-day options
  • 50 GB / 30 days for $43.00

Limitations

  • Data-only plans
  • Unlimited only for 5 or 10 days
6

Holafly

Heavy data users

Rating
4.3/5
Network
Airtel / Jio
Support
24/7
Holafly Banner

Holafly specializes in unlimited data. Perfect for streaming, uploading, or remote work. Never worry about running out of data. Trade-off: hotspot sharing limited to 500MB daily. Data-only service.

Coverage

Holafly’s India page names Airtel and Jio as its networks. Both rank among India’s biggest mobile operators. Your plan begins once this eSIM connects to one of them in India, with data roaming switched on.

Activation Process

Holafly sells through esim.holafly.com, where no login is needed, or through its app. Your QR code lands by email after purchase. Scan it, long-press it, or type in codes sent by email and SMS. Install at least a day before your trip. In India, set this line for mobile data and keep Allow Mobile Data Switching off.

Price

Every Holafly plan for India is unlimited. A single day costs $9.50, and a week costs $39.50 against eSIM4’s $37.98. At 15 days, Holafly’s $63.50 comes in under eSIM4’s $67.98. A 30-day plan costs $111.90.

Holafly India Plans

Data Duration Price
Unlimited 1 Day $9.50
Unlimited 3 Days $19.90
Unlimited 10 Days $46.90
Unlimited 30 Days $111.90
Unlimited 90 Days $306.50

Advantages:

Pros

  • True unlimited data packages
  • 1 to 90 day options
  • Airtel and Jio networks

Limitations

  • Restricted hotspot sharing
  • No voice calls
  • Higher cost
7

GigSky

Plan flexibility

Rating
4.2/5
Network
Multiple carriers
Support
In-app
GigSky Banner

GigSky provides wide plan variety from fixed data to unlimited options. Free 100MB trial for new users. Unlimited plans throttle after 2.5GB daily use, but no data-sharing limits like Holafly.

Coverage

GigSky does not name its local network for India. Its app lists which countries each plan covers, but not which networks. If one network matters for your route, ask GigSky before you buy.

Activation Process

Use GigSky’s mobile app, or its web app at app.gigsky.com, to buy. On your own phone, choose Install on this device. GigSky suggests installing a day before your trip or on travel day. Most plans start when you first connect to a supported network in India. Make sure your APN is set to gigsky.

Price

GigSky opens at $2.99 for 1 GB / 7 days, one cent above eSIM4. A day of unlimited data costs $6.99, this page’s lowest unlimited start. Its 7-day unlimited plan is $28.99, or $8.99 less than eSIM4’s. Capped plans top out at 10 GB / 30 days for $22.79.

GigSky India Plans

Data Duration Price
1 GB 7 Days $2.99
3 GB 15 Days $8.99
5 GB 30 Days $13.29
Unlimited 1 Day $6.99
Unlimited 7 Days $28.99
Unlimited 30 Days $82.49

Advantages:

Pros

  • Fixed and unlimited choices
  • Free trial available
  • Cruise and flight plans offered

Limitations

  • Unlimited plans have throttling
  • Data-only
8

aloSIM

Local numbers

Rating
4.2/5
Network
Jio
Support
24/7
aloSIM Banner

Like certain providers, aloSIM offers call and text functions. Each plan includes a phone number via partner app Hushed with starting credit. Strong alternative if local numbers matter.

Coverage

aloSIM’s India destination page lists Jio under Current networks, and aloSIM’s app shows it under eSIM features. Your package only activates once your phone connects to a supported network in India, so installing early costs no plan days.

Activation Process

You can buy on alosim.com without any app. Installing happens in aloSIM’s app, under My eSIMs, by automatic install, QR code or manual codes. Install days or weeks ahead. Before you fly, switch on data roaming for this eSIM, make it your cellular data line, and check its APN reads alosim.

Price

aloSIM’s smallest India plan is 1 GB / 7 days for $4.50, against $2.98 at eSIM4. Mid-size options include 5 GB / 30 days at $14.00. Its 20 GB / 30-day plan costs $37.00, 98 cents under eSIM4’s. Unlimited runs from $20.50 for 3 days to $99.00 for 30 days.

aloSIM India Plans

Data Duration Price
1 GB 7 Days $4.50
2 GB 15 Days $7.50
5 GB 30 Days $14.00
10 GB 30 Days $24.00
20 GB 30 Days $37.00
Unlimited 10 Days $46.00

Advantages:

Pros

  • All plans support calls/SMS
  • Runs on Jio
  • Fair pricing

Limitations

  • Requires separate app for calls
9

Roamless

Flexible usage

Rating
4.0/5
Network
Jio / AirTel / IDEA
Support
In-app
Roamless Banner

Roamless works as true pay-as-you-go. Add credit to your account and data never expires. Perfect for uncertain usage or multiple trips yearly.

Coverage

Roamless lists Jio, AirTel and IDEA as available networks for India. Its app shows an up-to-date list behind an (i) icon, and its website and web app carry it too. A single Roamless eSIM covers India and every other destination it serves.

Activation Process

Plans sell on roamless.com, in Roamless’s web app, or in its mobile app. You need that mobile app to activate your eSIM, through one-click Install Now. A QR code or manual code is there too. Install at home before you go. Plan days start with your first KB of data in India.

Price

Roamless starts at $3.95 for 1 GB, valid 30 days. A 5 GB / 30-day plan costs $13.95, 97 cents more than eSIM4’s. Unlimited data begins at $7.41 for 1 day. Five days unlimited is $24.75, below eSIM4’s $29.98 for that length. Its biggest capped plan is 50 GB / 30 days at $75.95.

Roamless India Plans

Data Duration Price
500 MB Never expires Free (New Users)
1 GB Never expires $3.95
5 GB Never expires $10.95
10 GB Never expires $17.45

Advantages:

Pros

  • Non-expiring data
  • Pay only for usage
  • In-app calling supported
  • Free trial included

Limitations

  • Unlimited from $7.41 for 1 day
  • Calls through app only
10

Ubigi

Simple interface

Rating
4.0/5
Network
Major carriers
Support
Email

Ubigi focuses on simplicity. Clean interface makes it accessible for first-time eSIM users. Partners with major Indian networks. Data-only service with straightforward plan selection.

Coverage

Ubigi does not name its local network for India. Once you link this eSIM to a Ubigi account, you can track data use in real time and get alerts. That same account handles top-ups, and your eSIM stays on your phone for later trips.

Activation Process

Buying on ubigi.com sends a QR code by email after checkout. Press and hold it to install, or scan it. App buyers install straight from Ubigi’s app instead. Before departure, switch off data roaming on your home line. When you land in India, select your Ubigi line for cellular data.

Price

Ubigi’s India plans start at $3.50 for 1 GB / 7 days. A 3 GB month is $7.00, and 10 GB / 30 days costs $15.00, which is $7.98 less than eSIM4’s same plan. Unlimited data starts at $24.00 for 7 days, and 30 days costs $68.00.

Ubigi India Plans

Data Duration Price
3 GB 30 Days $7.00
10 GB 30 Days $15.00

Advantages:

Pros

  • Clean, easy interface
  • Plans from 7 to 30 days
  • 10 GB / 30 days for $15.00

Limitations

  • Data-only
  • Limited plan variety
  • Unlimited from $24.00 for 7 days
11

BNESIM

Extra features

Rating
3.9/5
Network
Major carriers
Support
24/7

BNESIM goes beyond basic eSIM service. Besides cheap data plans (both fixed and pay-as-you-go), it offers physical SIMs, international numbers, built-in VPN, and portable WiFi devices.

BNESIM India Plans

Data Duration Price
1 GB 30 Days $1.63
3 GB 30 Days $4.71
5 GB 30 Days $7.65
10 GB 30 Days $14.65
20 GB 30 Days $28.64

Advantages:

Pros

  • Very low pricing
  • 30-day validity standard
  • Many extra features (VPN included)

Limitations

  • Interface might overwhelm new users

Our Final Recommendation

For the vast majority of travelers planning a trip to India, we recommend eSIM4.

It delivers the perfect balance of high-speed data on the top-tier Jio network, a wide range of plans to suit any itinerary, and the unique, powerful ability to add calls and SMS via the Yabb app. You get the best esim functionality without compromising on speed, support, or value.

Get eSIM4 For India →

How To Make Calls With eSIM In India

Most travel esim options like eSIM4 provide data-only plans, which means you’ll use internet-based calling apps like whatsapp to make phone calls while heading to India. However, there’s also a dedicated solution specifically designed for calling with your eSIM: Yabb.

Using Yabb for International Calls with Your eSIM

Yabb Logo

Yabb is owned by eSIM4 and provides a seamless way to make international calls using your eSIM data connection. With Yabb, you can:

Yabb Calling Features

  • Pay As You Go: Purchase calling minutes as you need them with flexible calling packages.
  • Clear Call Quality: Enjoy crystal-clear quality connections for your calls.
  • Call Anywhere: Make calls using your data to friends and family on any landline or mobile, no matter where you are in India.
  • Multiple Countries: Call to 200+ countries worldwide to stay in touch with family.
  • No Hidden Fees: Transparent pricing with no surprise charges or contracts.
  • Download the App: Available on both iPhone App Store and Google Play.

Yabb integrates perfectly with your eSIM4 data plan, allowing you to make calls using your data plan without relying solely on WhatsApp, FaceTime, or other apps. This is especially useful if you need to call local Indian numbers for bookings, reservations, or emergencies while travelling in India.

Learn More About Yabb Calling →

How To Send Text Messages With eSIM

Sending text messages internationally is easy with eSIM, and if you’re using eSIM4, you have the option to use Yabb for SMS messaging as well. Most esim providers offer data-only plans, but Yabb provides a dedicated SMS service that works perfectly with your travel esim setup.

Yabb SMS Messaging Service

Yabb Logo

Yabb allows you to send and receive text messages to 200+ countries, making it ideal for staying in touch with family while you’re using data from your eSIM in India. Here’s what you need to know:

Yabb SMS Features

  • Pay As You Go: Purchase different esim data packages as needed – from 100 SMS credits to 5000+ credits.
  • Flexible Packages: Choose from various SMS credit options without committing to contracts.
  • Global Coverage: Send text messages to friends and family across 200+ countries.
  • Text Anywhere: Send and receive SMS messages from anywhere in India using your eSIM.
  • No Hidden Fees: No hidden charges or surprise fees – what you buy is what you get.
  • Receive Messages: Get text messages to your Yabb number included with your SMS credit package.

When you’re travelling in India with an eSIM4 data plan, having Yabb SMS as a backup ensures you can always reach out to friends, family, or make important reservations via text message. This combination of esim data and SMS service gives you complete connectivity without relying solely on data-dependent messaging apps.

Learn More About Yabb SMS →

Why eSIMs Work Better in India

If you have traveled to India before, you know that buying a physical SIM card is not a simple process. Due to strict security regulations, obtaining a local SIM involves submitting passport copies, visa details, and photographs, followed by a verification process that can take hours or even days to activate.

The eSIM advantage: Travel eSIMs bypass this bureaucracy completely. Because you are roaming on a partner network (like Jio or Airtel), no local identity verification (KYC) is required. You simply scan, activate, and connect the moment your plane touches down.

Additionally, keeping your main SIM active allows you to receive One-Time Passwords (OTPs) from your bank or email accounts back home, which is essential for safe travel.

Making Phone Calls with Your eSIM

Most travelers are surprised to find that travel eSIMs for India are typically “data-only.” This means you do not get a local Indian phone number (+91) for voice calls. However, this is rarely an issue for modern travelers.

How to stay in touch:

  • WhatsApp: This is the primary mode of communication in India. From tuk-tuk drivers to 5-star hotels and tour guides, almost everyone in India uses WhatsApp for calls and messaging.
  • VoIP Apps: Use FaceTime Audio, Skype, or Facebook Messenger for calling home.
  • Emergency Calls: Even without a data plan or active SIM, mobile phones can typically dial emergency services (112 in India).

Sending Text Messages

Since most eSIM plans do not come with a phone number, you cannot send traditional SMS text messages via the mobile network.

The Solution: relying on iMessage (for iPhone users) or WhatsApp/Telegram allows you to text seamlessly over your data connection. If you absolutely need to receive SMS verification codes from home, ensure your home country’s physical SIM is enabled (but data roaming is turned OFF) to receive texts for free, depending on your carrier.

Common Questions Answered

Will my phone work with an eSIM in India?

Most smartphones manufactured after 2018 support eSIM technology. This includes iPhone XR and newer, Samsung Galaxy S20 and newer, and Google Pixel 3 and newer. You can check your phone settings or dial *#06# to see if an EID number appears, indicating compatibility.

Can I use WhatsApp with a new eSIM?

Yes. When you switch to an eSIM for data, WhatsApp will ask if you want to keep your existing number. Select “Keep” and you can continue using your original account and contacts seamlessly.

Which network is best in India?

Jio currently offers the most extensive 4G and 5G coverage across India, followed closely by Airtel. Our top recommendation, eSIM4, operates on the Jio network, ensuring you have coverage in both major metros and more rural tourist destinations.

Can I share my data (Hotspot)?

Yes, most providers including eSIM4, Airalo, and Nomad allow tethering/hotspot usage. However, Holafly (Unlimited plans) restricts hotspot usage to 500MB per day.

Do I need to register with my Passport?

No. Unlike buying a physical SIM card at an Indian airport kiosk, purchasing a travel eSIM online does not require submitting passport copies or undergoing KYC verification.