The best option for tourists is Airtel. It has slightly better rural coverage and is easier to activate at airports. Jio is excellent for 5G cheap data but sometimes harder to verify for foreigners without an Aadhaar card. Recommendation: Buy an Airtel SIM at the Airtel Kiosk inside the Arrivals Hall at Delhi/Mumbai airport.
Documents You Need
You cannot just walk into a 7-Eleven and buy a SIM. Due to security laws, you need:
- Original Passport
- Indian Visa (printed or digital copy)
- Live Photo (taken at the counter)
Where to Buy: Airport vs. City
The Airport (Recommended)
Pros: They are used to foreigners. Activation is usually instant (or within 2-4
hours).
Cons: More expensive. Tourist packages might cost ₹900 - ₹1200 ($10-$15) for a
month, which is high by Indian standards but cheap globally.
Local Shops
Pros: Cheaper local rates (₹300 - ₹500).
Cons: Many local shops struggle with "non-Aadhaar" based KYC. They might ask for a
"local reference" (an Indian person's phone number), which you don't have.
Airtel vs. Jio: The Showdown
| Feature | Airtel | Jio |
|---|---|---|
| Tourist Ease | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐ |
| 5G Speed | Fast | Very Fast |
| Remote Coverage | Best (Ladakh, Mountains) | Good |
Why Not Roaming?
International roaming (like AT&T or T-Mobile Travel Pass) is expensive and often throttled. Plus, you need an Indian (+91) Phone Number to receive OTPs for:
- Booking Trains (IRCTC)
- Food Delivery (Zomato/Swiggy)
- Cabs (Uber/Ola)