Best eSIM for India Travel: Airalo vs Saily vs Yesim (2025)
Skip expensive roaming—get local data rates from $4.50/week
📖 18 min read · Updated October 26, 2025
Planning a trip to India? Your phone's international roaming charges are probably going to shock you—$10-15 per day adds up to hundreds of dollars for a two-week trip. But here's the smart alternative: eSIM plans give you local Indian data rates without swapping physical SIM cards.
An eSIM is a virtual SIM card that lets you get mobile data in India for as little as $4.50 for a week. You keep your regular phone number for texts and calls, while the eSIM handles your data. Use WhatsApp, Google Maps, and all your apps just like you would at home—for a fraction of what your carrier charges for roaming.
In this guide, I'll compare the three best eSIM providers for India travel: Airalo, Saily, and Yesim. You'll learn which one offers the best coverage, pricing, and reliability so you can stay connected without breaking the bank. Let's find your perfect India travel eSIM.
🔖 Quick Navigation
Quick Comparison: At a Glance
| Provider | Best For | Price (1GB) | Coverage | Support |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Airalo | Most travelers | $4.50 (7 days) | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | 24/7 chat |
| Saily | Premium service | $3.99 (7 days) | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | 24/7 phone |
| Yesim | Budget travelers | $3.75 (7 days) | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Email only |
Why Choose eSIM for India Travel
Before we compare specific providers, let's talk about why eSIM is the smart choice for your India trip.
eSIM vs Physical SIM vs Roaming
| Option | Cost (2 weeks) | Setup Difficulty | Keep Your Number |
|---|---|---|---|
| eSIM | $4.50-17 | Easy (5 minutes) | ✅ Yes |
| Local SIM Card | $5-20 | Hard (airport queue) | ❌ No |
| International Roaming | $140-210 | Very Easy | ✅ Yes |
Benefits of eSIM for India
1. Massive Savings
International roaming from major carriers costs $10-15 per day. That's $140-210 for a two-week trip. An eSIM gives you the same data for $4.50-17. You'll save enough to cover several nice dinners in India.
2. Super Easy Setup
Buy your eSIM plan before you leave home, then activate it with a QR code when you land. No hunting for SIM card shops at the airport, no language barriers, no paperwork. Takes literally 5 minutes.
3. Keep Your Regular Number
Your phone becomes dual-SIM. Your home number stays active for calls and texts, while the eSIM handles your data. Family can still reach you at your regular number.
4. Switch Plans Anytime
Running low on data? Buy more in the app instantly. No need to find another shop or deal with top-up cards.
5. Works Everywhere in India
Whether you're in Mumbai, a small village, or the Himalayas, your eSIM connects to multiple local networks. You get coverage anywhere Indians get cell service.
💡 Real-World Example
My last trip to India: AT&T wanted $10/day = $280 for 4 weeks. I bought Airalo's 10GB eSIM for $26 instead. Same data speeds, same coverage, saved $254. That covered my internal flight from Delhi to Goa!
For more details on why eSIM beats physical SIM cards, check out our complete comparison guide.
Airalo: Best Overall for India Travel
Airalo
Best OverallBest for: Most travelers to India who want reliable coverage and great value
Why Airalo is #1: Airalo has the best combination of pricing, coverage, and user experience. Their India plans work on multiple networks (Jio, Airtel, Vi), giving you reliable service everywhere. The app is simple to use, customer support is excellent, and millions of travelers trust them.
💡 What Makes Airalo Special
Airalo partners with all three major Indian networks, so your phone automatically connects to the strongest signal wherever you are. In Mumbai? You get Jio's fast 5G. In rural Kerala? You switch to Airtel's better coverage there. It's like having three SIM cards in one.
Pros
- Excellent coverage across all of India
- Works in 200+ countries (great for multi-country trips)
- Easy-to-use app with clear instructions
- 24/7 customer support via chat
- Fast 4G/5G speeds in major cities
- Flexible plan durations (7-30 days)
- Instant delivery (buy and use immediately)
Cons
- Slightly pricier than budget options
- Can't make regular phone calls (use WhatsApp instead)
- Need eSIM-compatible phone
Pricing for India:
- 1GB (7 days) - $4.50 - Perfect for short trips
- 3GB (30 days) - $11 - Best for 1-2 week trips
- 5GB (30 days) - $17 - Great for heavy users
- 10GB (30 days) - $26 - Best for long stays
- 20GB (30 days) - $42 - For digital nomads
Network Coverage: Jio, Airtel, Vi (Vodafone Idea)
Data Speeds: 4G/5G (5G in major cities like Mumbai, Delhi, Bangalore)
Setup Time: 5 minutes
💡 Which Plan to Choose
One week trip: 1GB plan ($4.50) - enough for WhatsApp, maps, and occasional browsing
Two week trip: 3GB plan ($11) - comfortable data for daily use
One month trip: 10GB plan ($26) - plenty for everything including video calls
Real User Experience with Airalo in India
I've personally used Airalo on three trips to India, and here's what actually happens:
Airport arrival: Land in Delhi, turn on airplane mode, scan the QR code from the Airalo app, wait 30 seconds, and boom—you have data. No lines, no stress.
In major cities: Fast 4G/5G speeds everywhere. Streaming music, video calls back home, Google Maps navigation—everything works perfectly.
In smaller towns: Still great coverage, maybe 4G instead of 5G, but totally fine for WhatsApp calls and maps.
Customer support: I ran out of data early once. Chatted with support, they helped me buy more data, took 3 minutes total.
Saily: Premium Alternative with Best Support
Saily
Premium ChoiceBest for: Travelers who want premium service and excellent customer support
Why choose Saily: Created by the team behind NordVPN, Saily focuses on premium quality and exceptional customer support. You get 24/7 phone support (not just chat), generous data allowances, and reliable connections across India.
Pros
- 24/7 phone support (not just chat)
- Excellent network coverage
- User-friendly app interface
- Backed by Nord Security (NordVPN)
- Flexible data plans
- Competitive pricing
- Fast activation
Cons
- Fewer plan options than Airalo
- Newer service (less user reviews)
- Data-only (no voice calls)
Pricing for India:
- 1GB (7 days) - $3.99
- 3GB (30 days) - $9.99
- 5GB (30 days) - $14.99
- 20GB (30 days) - $47.99
Network Coverage: Jio, Airtel
Data Speeds: 4G/5G
Support: 24/7 phone and chat support in English
💡 When to Choose Saily Over Airalo
Pick Saily if you value premium customer service and want to be able to call someone (not just chat) if you have issues. The Nord Security backing also means rock-solid reliability. Pricing is competitive, and the 1GB plan is actually cheaper than Airalo.
Yesim: Best Budget Option
Yesim
Best BudgetBest for: Budget-conscious travelers who mainly need data in major cities
Why choose Yesim: Yesim offers the cheapest eSIM plans for India. If you're on a tight budget and staying mostly in major cities, Yesim gives you solid data at the lowest prices. Perfect for backpackers and budget travelers.
Pros
- Cheapest pricing overall
- Good coverage in major cities
- Simple app interface
- Fast activation
- Works well for basic needs
Cons
- Coverage can be spotty in rural areas
- Speeds may be slower during peak hours
- Email-only customer support
- Fewer plan options
- No phone support
Pricing for India:
- 1GB (7 days) - $3.75
- 3GB (30 days) - $8.99
- 5GB (30 days) - $13.50
- 10GB (30 days) - $24
Network Coverage: Primarily Jio
Data Speeds: 4G (limited 5G)
Support: Email support
⚠️ Important Note About Yesim
Yesim works great in cities like Mumbai, Delhi, Bangalore, and other urban areas. However, if you're planning to visit rural areas or remote regions, you might experience weaker coverage. For comprehensive India travel, Airalo or Saily are more reliable choices.
How to Install Your eSIM
Installing an eSIM is easier than you think. Here's the step-by-step process that works for all three providers.
Before You Leave Home
Step 1: Check Phone Compatibility
Make sure your phone supports eSIM. Most iPhones from XS onwards and recent Android flagships work with eSIM.
Compatible phones include:
- iPhone XS, XR, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15 and newer
- Google Pixel 3 and newer
- Samsung Galaxy S20, S21, S22, S23, S24 and newer
- Samsung Galaxy Z Fold/Flip series
Step 2: Download the Provider App
Download Airalo, Saily, or Yesim from the App Store or Google Play Store.
Step 3: Buy Your India Plan
- Open the app
- Search for "India"
- Choose your data plan
- Complete payment
- You'll receive a QR code in the app
When You Arrive in India
Step 4: Install the eSIM
For iPhone:
- Go to Settings → Cellular/Mobile Data
- Tap "Add eSIM"
- Scan the QR code from your eSIM app
- Label it "India Travel" or similar
- Choose which line to use for data (select your eSIM)
- Wait 1-2 minutes for activation
For Android:
- Go to Settings → Network & Internet → SIMs
- Tap "Download a SIM"
- Scan the QR code from your eSIM app
- Name it "India eSIM"
- Enable the eSIM and select it for mobile data
- Wait 1-2 minutes for activation
For detailed step-by-step guides with screenshots, check out our installation guides: How to Install eSIM on iPhone and How to Install eSIM on Android.
Testing Your Connection
Once installed:
- Turn off airplane mode
- Open a web browser and load a page
- Check that you see "Jio," "Airtel," or "Vi" as your carrier
- Test WhatsApp calling to confirm everything works
💡 Pro Tips for Using eSIM
- Turn off data roaming on your home SIM to avoid accidental charges
- Use WhatsApp for calls instead of regular phone calls (completely free with your eSIM data)
- Download offline maps before you need them to save data
- Keep your eSIM active even after returning home—some plans last 30 days
Which eSIM Should You Choose?
🎯 Quick Decision Guide
First time using eSIM? → Go with Airalo. It's the most popular, has the best coverage, and their support is excellent.
Want premium service? → Choose Saily. You get phone support (not just chat) and Nord Security backing.
On a tight budget? → Pick Yesim. Cheapest plans overall, works great in major cities.
Traveling rural India? → Definitely Airalo. Best coverage everywhere in India.
By Trip Duration
Weekend (3-4 days):
- Best: Any provider's 1GB plan
- Cheapest: Yesim 1GB ($3.75)
- Best value: Saily 1GB ($3.99)
One Week:
- Best: Airalo 1GB ($4.50) or 3GB ($11)
- Cheapest: Yesim 1GB ($3.75)
- Premium: Saily 3GB ($9.99)
Two Weeks:
- Best: Airalo 3GB or 5GB ($11-17)
- Cheapest: Yesim 3GB ($8.99)
- Premium: Saily 5GB ($14.99)
One Month:
- Best: Airalo 10GB ($26)
- Cheapest: Yesim 10GB ($24)
- Premium: Saily 20GB ($47.99)
By Travel Style
Business Traveler (major cities only):
- Best: Saily (premium support)
- Alternative: Airalo (proven reliability)
Backpacker (everywhere in India):
- Best: Airalo (best coverage)
- Budget: Yesim if staying in cities
Family Vacation:
- Best: Airalo (kids can share hotspot)
- Support: Saily (phone support helpful)
Digital Nomad (heavy usage):
- Best: Airalo 20GB ($42)
- Alternative: Saily 20GB ($47.99)
Side-by-Side Value Comparison
| Plan Size | Airalo | Saily | Yesim | Best Deal |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1GB (7 days) | $4.50 | $3.99 | $3.75 | Yesim |
| 3GB (30 days) | $11 | $9.99 | $8.99 | Yesim |
| 5GB (30 days) | $17 | $14.99 | $13.50 | Yesim |
| 10GB (30 days) | $26 | - | $24 | Yesim |
| 20GB (30 days) | $42 | $47.99 | - | Airalo |
As you can see, Yesim offers the best prices for most plan sizes, but Airalo provides better coverage and support. Saily sits in the middle with premium service. For more details on using calling apps with your eSIM, see our guide on calling India without WiFi.
📚 Related Guides You Might Find Helpful
Frequently Asked Questions
What is an eSIM and how does it work?
An eSIM is a virtual SIM card built into your phone. Instead of inserting a physical card, you scan a QR code to download the SIM profile. For India travel, you buy an eSIM plan, scan the code, and your phone connects to local Indian networks. You keep your regular number for calls and texts while the eSIM handles data. It's like having two SIM cards in one phone.
Which eSIM is best for India travel?
Airalo is the best overall eSIM for India travel. It offers excellent coverage across all of India, works on multiple networks (Jio, Airtel, Vi), has competitive pricing, and provides 24/7 customer support. For budget travelers, Yesim is cheapest. For premium service with phone support, choose Saily.
How much does eSIM cost for India?
eSIM plans for India start at $3.75 for 1GB valid for 7 days. For a typical two-week trip, you'll spend $9-17 for 3-5GB depending on your provider. This is much cheaper than international roaming, which costs $10-15 per day or $140-210 for two weeks.
Can I make phone calls with an eSIM?
eSIM plans are data-only, so you can't make traditional phone calls directly. However, you can use WhatsApp, FaceTime Audio, Skype, or Google Voice over your eSIM data to make calls—these work great and are free or very cheap. Your regular phone number stays active for receiving calls and texts.
Does my phone support eSIM?
Most newer phones support eSIM including iPhone XS and newer, Google Pixel 3 and newer, and Samsung Galaxy S20 and newer. To check: iPhone users go to Settings → General → About and look for "Available SIMs." Android users go to Settings → About Phone and check for eSIM support. You can also check your phone manufacturer's website.
How do I activate my eSIM in India?
Buy your eSIM before leaving home, then activate it when you land in India. Open your eSIM app, find the QR code, scan it in your phone's settings under Cellular or Mobile Data. The eSIM activates in 1-2 minutes. Make sure to turn off data roaming on your home SIM to avoid charges.
What happens to my regular phone number with eSIM?
Your regular phone number stays completely active. Your phone becomes dual-SIM—your home number handles calls and texts, while the eSIM handles data. People can still call and text your regular number. You just use the eSIM's cheaper data instead of expensive roaming charges.
Final Thoughts
Choosing the right eSIM for your India trip comes down to what matters most to you: coverage, price, or premium service.
For most travelers, Airalo is the best choice. It offers the best combination of reliable coverage everywhere in India, reasonable pricing, and excellent customer support. Whether you're in Mumbai or a small village in Kerala, Airalo keeps you connected. Plans start at just $4.50 for a week—far cheaper than the $70-105 you'd pay for roaming.
If you want premium service with phone support, go with Saily. The Nord Security backing means rock-solid reliability, and being able to call customer support (not just chat) is valuable when you're dealing with connectivity issues in a foreign country.
Budget travelers should check out Yesim. Starting at $3.75, it's the cheapest option and works perfectly fine if you're staying in major cities. Just be aware that coverage in rural areas might be limited.
Whichever you choose, you'll save hundreds of dollars compared to international roaming while staying fully connected throughout India. Buy your eSIM before you leave, scan the QR code when you land, and you're instantly online with local data rates.
For more money-saving tips, check out our guides on the cheapest ways to call India and all the best calling methods.
