Get local rates, instant activation, and stay connected in India. No physical SIM card needed. Plans start at just $2.99.
Compare eSIM Plans →Stop paying expensive roaming fees. eSIM gives you local Indian rates without swapping physical SIM cards.
Skip the $10/day international roaming charges. eSIM plans cost $2.99-42 for your entire trip.
Activate your eSIM before you even leave home. Land in India with connectivity already working.
Dual SIM means your US number stays active while using Indian data. Get calls and texts on both.
Get a real Indian phone number. Call locally at cheap rates and avoid international calling fees.
Install digitally in 5 minutes. No hunting for SIM cards at the airport or fumbling with tiny trays.
Connect to India's best networks (Airtel, Jio, Vi). Get 4G/5G speeds across the country.
We've tested all the major eSIM providers. Here are our top picks for India travel.
Best overall for India travelers
Airalo is the world's largest eSIM provider with the best coverage in India. Their plans connect to multiple networks (Airtel, Jio, Vi) so you always get the strongest signal. Installation is super easy, and their 24/7 support is excellent.
Airalo has the most reliable network in India. In our testing across Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore, and rural areas, we never lost connection. Their app makes it super easy to check data usage and top up if needed. Plus, installation literally takes 5 minutes.
Premium option with Nord Security backing
Saily is backed by Nord Security (makers of NordVPN), so you know it's reliable. They offer slightly more expensive plans but include premium customer support and a cleaner app experience. Great if you want peace of mind.
Budget-friendly option for short trips
Yesim is the most affordable eSIM provider. Perfect if you're on a tight budget or taking a short trip to India. The app isn't as polished and support is more limited, but the basics work well.
| Feature | Airalo | Saily | Yesim |
|---|---|---|---|
| Starting Price | $4.50 | $3.99 | $2.99 |
| Best Value Plan | 5GB/15 days - $18 | 5GB/15 days - $18.99 | 5GB/15 days - $13.99 |
| Coverage | ✓ Excellent (190+ networks) | ✓ Good (major cities) | ⚠️ Fair (limited rural) |
| Customer Support | ✓ 24/7 multilingual | ✓ Premium (fast response) | Email only |
| Easy Installation | ✓ Very easy | ✓ Very easy | ✓ Easy |
| Top-Up Data | ✓ Yes, anytime | ✓ Yes | ✓ Yes |
| App Quality | ✓ Excellent | ✓ Excellent | ⚠️ Basic |
| Best For | Most travelers | Premium experience | Budget travelers |
Never installed an eSIM before? Don't worry. It takes about 5 minutes and you can do it before you even leave home.
Choose your eSIM provider and data plan. Pay online and get a QR code instantly.
Scan the QR code on your phone. Takes 2 minutes. Do this before you leave for India.
Turn on your phone when you land. Your eSIM automatically connects to local networks.
Use data, make local calls, and stay in touch. Your US number stays active too!
Let's look at what you'd actually pay for a 2-week trip to India.
You save $120+ per trip with eSIM!
That's money better spent on food, experiences, and gifts for family.
Most newer phones support eSIM. Compatible devices include: iPhone XS and newer, Google Pixel 3 and newer, Samsung Galaxy S20 and newer, and most flagship phones from 2020 onwards. To check if your phone supports eSIM, go to Settings > General > About and look for "Digital SIM" or check your phone manufacturer's website.
Yes! That's the beauty of eSIM. Your phone has dual SIM capability, so your US number stays active on your physical SIM while the eSIM handles data in India. You can receive calls and texts on your US number and use the eSIM for data and local calls.
Install your eSIM before you leave home, ideally 1-2 days before your flight. This way, you can make sure everything is set up correctly while you still have WiFi. The eSIM will only activate once you land in India and turn on your phone.
All three providers (Airalo, Saily, Yesim) let you top up data directly in their apps. You can buy additional data packages without needing a new eSIM. Just open the app, choose your top-up amount, and it activates within minutes.
It depends on the provider. Airalo has the best coverage in rural areas because they connect to multiple networks (Airtel, Jio, Vi). Saily and Yesim work well in cities but may have limited coverage in remote villages. If you're visiting rural areas, we strongly recommend Airalo.
Yes! Your eSIM gives you a local Indian phone number, so you can make calls within India at local rates. You can also use WhatsApp, FaceTime, or Skype over your eSIM data connection to call internationally for free.
For most travelers, 3-5GB is plenty for 2 weeks. This covers WhatsApp calls, Google Maps, social media, and email. If you plan to stream videos or use video calls frequently, get 10GB to be safe. WiFi is available in most hotels and restaurants, so you won't need data 24/7.