Planning a trip to India? Whether you’re in a busy city, a quiet village, or enjoying the countryside, an eSIM is a convenient way to stay connected.
Check out this article to learn how you can stay connected with the best eSIM for India and share every exciting moment of your trip!
What is an eSIM for India?
An eSIM (embedded SIM) is a digital SIM card built into your device, eliminating the need for a physical SIM. Instead of swapping plastic cards, you activate an eSIM with a QR code or a simple setup process. This makes switching mobile networks faster and more convenient, especially for travelers.
Unlike traditional SIM cards, an eSIM lets you activate a data plan before you even arrive at your destination. There’s no need to hunt for SIM card vendors or wait for activation. With more smartphones and tablets supporting eSIMs, this technology is becoming the go-to solution for smooth global connectivity.
eSIM vs. Prepaid SIM Card: Which One is Better for India?
Still unsure whether to choose an eSIM or a prepaid SIM card? Here’s a quick comparison:
| Feature | eSIM | Prepaid SIM Card |
|---|---|---|
| Activation | Instant setup via QR code | Requires visiting a store |
| Flexibility | Easily switch plans remotely | One plan per SIM, requires manual swaps |
| Internet for Setup | Needs Wi-Fi for activation | Works immediately after insertion |
| Availability | Purchase online before your trip | Readily available in India |
| Compatibility | Works only on eSIM-compatible devices | Works on all unlocked phones |
| Convenience | No physical SIM required, activate it anywhere | Must visit a vendor in person |
| Eco-Friendly | No plastic waste | Generates unnecessary waste |
We also recommend that you take a look at this article to learn more about it and find out which option is best for you.
Why Choose an eSIM for Traveling in India?
Avoid Roaming
Roaming fees can be ridiculously high, sometimes up to $6 per MB! That means a short video call could result in a massive bill. With an eSIM, you access local data rates at a fraction of the cost. Instead of overpaying, you get affordable, high-speed data wherever you go.
For example, a traveler using a traditional roaming plan in India might spend over $250 a month, while an eSIM with the same data could cost as little as $25. That’s a savings of nearly 90%!
You can consult this practical guide to learn more about it.
Fast Setup
Forget the hassle of finding a SIM vendor or waiting in line at the airport. With an eSIM, you can purchase and activate your plan before you even land in India. As soon as you arrive, you’ll be connected and ready to navigate, book rides, and stay in touch without delays.
One eSIM For Many Countries
Planning to explore beyond India? Many eSIM providers offer regional plans that work across multiple countries, allowing you to stay connected without swapping SIM cards. Whether you’re hopping between India, Nepal, and Sri Lanka, or traveling across South Asia, a multi-country eSIM makes connectivity effortless.
Picture by Arto Suraj on Pexels
A Greener Choice
Every year, millions of plastic SIM cards are discarded, contributing to environmental waste. eSIMs eliminate the need for physical cards and packaging, reducing plastic waste. Choosing an eSIM isn’t just convenient—it’s an eco-friendly way to travel.
Reliable Coverage Everywhere
India is vast, with bustling cities, remote villages, and stunning landscapes. A good eSIM provider ensures strong 4G/5G coverage even in off-the-grid locations like the Thar Desert, Himachal Pradesh’s mountain trails, or the backwaters of Kerala. Whether you’re in a major metro area or a rural retreat, you’ll stay connected effortlessly.
How to Choose the Best eSIM for India
Coverage
Not all eSIM providers offer the same coverage. While most work well in Delhi, Mumbai, and Bangalore, some struggle in remote areas. Look for an eSIM that partners with top Indian networks like Jio, Airtel, or Vi to ensure uninterrupted service across the country.
How Much Data Do You Need?
Your data needs depend on your travel habits. Light users who only check maps and emails can get by with 2GB-4GB per week. If you stream, use social media, or make video calls, you’ll need 6 GB-12 GB for a two-week trip. Frequent travelers or remote workers should consider an unlimited plan or 30GB+ for a month.
Pro tip: Some eSIMs allow easy top-ups, so you don’t have to worry about running out of data!
Duration of Stay
Choose a plan that fits your trip length. For short visits (1-7 days), a weekly eSIM plan with at least 2GB per day is ideal. Longer stays (2 weeks to a month) require more data—opt for 8GB, 15GB, or unlimited plans for uninterrupted access.
Do You Need Calls & Texts?
Most eSIMs are data-only. So, you’ll need apps like WhatsApp or Skype for calls. However, some providers offer local numbers and call minutes, which can be useful for business travelers or those needing local communication. Always check if this feature is included before purchasing.
Can You Use an eSIM Hotspot?
If you plan to share your connection with a laptop or other devices, ensure your eSIM supports hotspot tethering. Not all providers allow it, so confirm before buying if you need this feature for remote work or group travel.
Pricing
eSIM costs vary based on data, duration, and provider. Budget travelers can find small, affordable data packs starting at $2. If you want the best balance of price and performance, look for providers offering reliable coverage at reasonable rates. For heavy users, unlimited data plans are available, though they come at a higher price.
Best eSIM Providers for India in 2025
Yoho Mobile
Yoho Mobile offers affordable and customizable eSIM plans, perfect for travelers in India. Their plans start at 100MB for 1 day at $ 1.64, making them a budget-friendly option.
A major benefit is their 24/7 multilingual customer support, available through their app, email, and live chat. Yoho Mobile provides 4G/5G connectivity, ensuring strong coverage in major cities and popular tourist spots. Hotspot sharing is supported, making it convenient for multiple devices.
Flexiroam
Flexiroam offers good network coverage and automatically selects the best carrier in India. Their 1GB plan for 7 days costs $7, which is more expensive than some other options.
They provide 4G speeds and allow hotspot usage, but the speeds slow down after reaching the data limit. Customer support is available online, but response times can vary.
Jetpac
Jetpac is an affordable option for travelers needing a cheap eSIM. Their 1GB plan for 4 days costs just $1, which is very budget-friendly.
They offer 4G coverage and hotspot support, working well in cities, but coverage might be weaker in remote areas. Customer support is available, though responses may be slow.
Saily
Saily offers eSIM plans for various countries, including India. Their 1GB plan for 7 days costs $3.99, which is good for light internet users. They provide 4G speeds and hotspot support for stable connections.
However, their prices aren’t as competitive as some other providers. Customer service is available, but some users have experienced slow responses during busy times.
Airhub
Airhub is a marketplace for eSIM plans, offering options from different providers. Their 12GB plan for 30 days costs $27, making it a great choice for long-term travelers.
They provide 4G speeds and hotspot functionality, but some plans don’t allow hotspot use, which could be an issue for users needing to share their connection. They offer customer support through live chat and email, but user experiences are mixed, some report fast responses, while others mention delays.
How to Buy and Activate an eSIM for India
Step 1: Check Device Compatibility
Before choosing your eSIM provider, ensure your smartphone supports eSIM technology. Visit the Yoho Mobile compatibility list to confirm if your device is compatible.
Step 2: Select Your Provider
Go to the Yoho Mobile website or download the Yoho Mobile app from the App Store. You can easily browse through available plans and pick one that meets your travel needs.
Step 3: Pick Your Destination
Choose India as your destination. If you’re planning to travel to other countries in the region, such as China, opt for a multi-country plan that allows seamless connectivity across borders.
Step 4: Customize Your Plan
Select a plan based on your travel length and data usage:
- Short trips (1-3 days): A 3GB plan is great for navigation and light browsing.
- Week-long stays (4-7 days): A 10GB or unlimited plan supports social media and streaming.
- Business travelers or extended stays: Unlimited data ensures uninterrupted connectivity.
Step 5: Purchase Your eSIM
Complete your purchase on the website or app:
- Enter your email to receive the eSIM details.
- You can apply promo codes, if available, to save money. For example, using the discount code YOHO12 gives you 12% off.
- Pay securely using your preferred method, such as credit card, Alipay, or WeChat.
Step 6: Install and Activate Your eSIM
Once purchased, you’ll receive an email with a QR code. Follow these steps:
- Ensure you’re connected to Wi-Fi.
- Go to your phone settings → Mobile Data → Add eSIM.
- Scan the QR code sent by Yoho Mobile.
- Wait for activation—your plan will start immediately or on a specified date.
With these steps, you’ll enjoy fast and reliable connectivity in India from the moment you arrive. You can also learn more about creating your personalized eSIM plan.
Is an eSIM Worth It in India?
Absolutely! An eSIM is the easiest way to stay connected while traveling in India. It eliminates the hassle of buying a physical SIM, offers affordable local data rates, and provides instant activation before arrival. With strong 4G and 5G coverage, it ensures seamless internet access whether you’re in bustling cities like Mumbai or exploring remote areas.
As travel technology evolves, eSIMs are becoming the future of mobile connectivity. They offer flexibility, convenience, and an eco-friendly alternative to traditional SIM cards. If you want fast, reliable, and cost-effective internet while traveling in India, an eSIM is the way to go!
Picture by Still Pixels on Pexels
FAQs About Using an eSIM in India
How much data do I need for my trip to India?
It depends on your usage. 3GB-5GB is enough for basic browsing and maps. 10GB-15GB is better if you use social media and video calls. Frequent travelers or remote workers should opt for 20GB or unlimited plans.
Does India support eSIM?
Yes! Major carriers and providers in India fully support eSIM technology. You just need an eSIM-compatible phone to activate a plan.
Can I make calls and send texts with an India eSIM?
Most eSIM plans are data-only, so you’ll need apps like WhatsApp, Telegram, or Skype for calls and messages. Some providers offer plans with a local number for calls and SMS. Check this guide for more details.
What is the best eSIM for India?
The best eSIM depends on your needs:
- Yoho Mobile: Great for flexible plans and competitive pricing.
- Flexiroam: Reliable coverage but slightly more expensive, with some plans having slower speeds in certain areas.
- Jetpac: Best for budget-friendly short-term plans, but limited availability of larger data packages for heavy users.
- Saily: Simple and convenient for casual travelers, but customer support can be slow and inconsistent.
Choose based on your budget, data needs, and travel plans!