Vi SIM Cards a Comprehensive Guide for Tourists

Traveling to India and need connectivity? Get set up with a VI SIM card or eSIM for fast, reliable service on India’s leading network. This guide covers everything you need to know about using VI in India, from coverage and speed to the best SIM card options, how to activate service, call/text rates, and more.

I. Quick facts about Vi

VI or Vodafone Idea is one of the leading telecom operators in India serving over 390 million subscribers across the country. Let’s get in some key facts about VI that provide an overview of their network and services:

• Vi (Vodafone Idea Limited) is India’s largest telecom provider, with over 410 million subscribers.
• Vi has the most extensive 4G coverage in India, covering over 1 billion Indians across 200,000+ towns and villages.
• The provider offers 2G, 3G, and 4G/LTE services on both GSM and CDMA networks.
• Vi operates in all 22 telecom circles in India and offers international roaming in over 300 networks across the world.
• Vi sells both prepaid and postpaid mobile plans with voice calls, messaging, and mobile data. Plans are available for individuals and groups.

II. India Vi Coverage and Speed

1. Vi coverage in India

With over 200,000 towns and villages covered, Vi has the most far-reaching 4G network in India. Vi provides over 99% population coverage for 2G and over 92% population coverage for 4G.

Vi’s network spans all 22 telecom circles in India. The provider has excellent coverage even in remote areas and smaller towns thanks to widespread tower infrastructure. Both urban and rural areas enjoy strong, consistent Vi signal.

Some key facts about Vi’s India presence:

• 200,000+ towns and villages covered with 4G
• Over 92% population coverage for 4G
• Over 99% population coverage for 2G
• 4G services in 5,000+ towns/cities across India
• Presence in all 22 telecom circles
• Over 340,000 network sites/towers nationwide

Vi customers can enjoy high-speed data and voice connectivity while traveling to any part of the country, even in remote regions. The extensive coverage makes Vi SIM cards ideal for tourists coming to India.

2. Vi speed

Besides its large coverage area, Vi also provides 4G speeds averaging up to 25 Mbps when the network is heavily used. On its own network, Vi has adopted leading LTE technology. Features such as LTE-Advanced, carrier aggregation, and 4×4 MIMO are used.

This enables Vi to deliver consistent, high-speed data – fast enough for HD video streaming, mobile gaming, and more. Vi has outperformed other Indian telcos in recent OpenSignal tests for 4G speed and overall download throughput.

With the Indian market’s data demands increasing, Vi’s network is ready. Using Vi SIM cards, customers experience fast speeds all over India. While congestion might at times affect peak speeds in crowded areas, Vi’s network is designed to perform at its best.

II. Vi Connectivity Options for Travelers to India

Vi offers multiple connectivity options for short-term travelers visiting India:

Connectivity Option	Pros	Cons
Vi prepaid SIM	Inexpensive rates. Easy activation. Pan-India coverage.	Needs documents for purchasing SIM. Credit limits on high-speed data.
ViFi/pocket WiFi	Plug and play access. Can be shared.	Daily/weekly rental fees. Speed caps on data usage.
Vi international roaming	Seamless connectivity across India.	Expensive data rates while roaming internationally.
Vi apps on smartphone	Free voice/video calls. Low-cost data packs.	Relies on existing local number/network connectivity.
Public WiFi zones	Free basic connectivity. Wide availability.	Usage limits. Speed may vary by location/demand.
Vi eSIM	No physical SIM is needed.	Limited device compatibility. Requires online activation.

Prepaid Vi SIM cards are the most popular option for foreign tourists visiting India. Let’s look at the best Vi SIM card options and prices for visitors next.

III. Best Vi SIM card for tourists & cost

Here are the best Vi prepaid SIM card packs travelers can purchase in India, along with the included allowances and validity:

Plan Name	Benefits	Validity	Price (USD)
Hero Unlimited	Unlimited calls, 100 SMS/day, 1.5GB data/day	28 days	$3.08
Disney+ Hotstar Mobile Plan	Unlimited calls, 100 SMS/day, 1.5GB data/day, Disney+ Hotstar subscription	28 days	$4.21
Work From Home Pack	Unlimited calls, 75GB data	84 days	$8.76
Long Validity Plan	Unlimited calls, 100 SMS/day, 1.5GB data/day	84 days	$7.15
1.5GB/Day Plan	1.5GB data/day, unlimited calls, 100SMS/day	28 days	$3.73

From all information above, Vi SIMs provide great value with the lowest data rates among Indian providers. The free calling to Indian numbers is a useful benefit for travelers.

IV. Does Vi India support eSIM?

Yes, Vi already offers eSIM support on its network. As for phone users with integrated eSIM functionality, they can activate Vi plans without a physical SIM card.

Vi eSIM service was introduced in September 2020. Now eSIM on Vi’s network is available to iPhone users with XS/XR models and above. eSIM is also available for activation on Google Pixel and Samsung Galaxy S20/Fold devices.

More smartphone models are likely to offer Vi eSIM services. Currently, most of Vi’s eSIM users are iPhone users.

V. Where can you buy a Vi SIM card and eSIM?

1. Where to buy Vi SIM card for India?

International tourists can easily purchase a Vi prepaid SIM at these locations across India:

• Vi stores/outlets
• Official Vi kiosks at airports
• Large format retail stores like Croma, Reliance Digital etc
• Smaller local phone shops/general stores

Vi SIM cards are widely available at most electronics shops, travel hubs and retail outlets across India. Prices are uniform across stores.

At major airports like Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore, etc, visitors can find dedicated Vi SIM counters in the Arrivals area. Staff help tourists quickly activate and set up the Vi SIM card.

For a hassle-free experience, buying Vi SIM cards from official airport kiosks or Vi stores is recommended. Avoid illegal streetside vendors selling unauthorized SIMs.

2. Where to buy India Vi eSIM?

To activate Vi’s eSIM service for your smartphone, you need to:

1. Download the Vi (Vodafone) app from Google Play or App Store.
2. Open the app and select eSIM option. Choose a Vi plan to activate your eSIM.
3. Complete online KYC verification by uploading your passport copy and visa. Enter your local Indian contact number too.
4. Make the online payment for your selected Vi plan. Virtual eSIM will be linked to your phone number within hours.

The entire eSIM activation happens digitally through Vi’s self-care app. Avoid third-party websites offering unauthorized eSIM services. For the safest experience, use Vi’s official app only.

VI. How to activate Vi India SIM/eSIM?

1. How to use India Vi SIM card?

Follow these steps when you buy a new Vi prepaid SIM in India:

1. Inform staff about your preferred plan/pack with validity and data allowance.
2. Provide your passport copy and visa documents for KYC verification.
3. Staff will insert SIM and activate plan of your choice.
4. Make payment in cash or card. Receive SIM pack with info brochure.
5. Insert Vi SIM in phone, turn it on and match the activation code when prompted.
6. SIM activation gets completed quickly. Recharge as required via Vi app or USSD codes.

The entire process of checking documentation, choosing a prepaid plan, and activating the Vi tourist SIM takes less than 10-15 minutes. Staff are familiar with setting up SIMs for foreign tourists.

2. How to activate Vi India eSIM?

To activate a Vi eSIM on your smartphone:

1. Ensure your phone model supports eSIM functionality. Download the Vi app.
2. Register on the app with your passport, visa details and a local contact number.
3. Browse Vi plans, choose one and make payment on the app.
4. Vi will send an SMS confirming plan activation. Tap on prompts to install the eSIM.
5. Vi eSIM gets linked to your phone within a few hours! No physical SIM required.

Vi eSIM activation is completely digital and convenient. Avoid websites offering unauthorized Vi eSIM installation. For reliable service, stick to Vi’s official app.

VII. India Vi Call & SMS Rates

Vi offers pan-India calling and SMS benefits with its prepaid packs.

• Local calls are free on Vi to any mobile and landline number in India.
• National STD calls to Indian mobiles and landlines are included free with Vi plans.
• Most prepaid packs offer 100 free national SMS daily to Indian numbers.
• ISD calls: International calling is charged at Rs 5 per minute to USA/Canada and Rs 10 per minute to other countries by default. ISD add-ons can reduce rates.
• Incoming calls/SMS while roaming in India are free.
• Outgoing international calls, texts and roaming services will be charged separately.

Thanks to the free unlimited local and national calling, Vi SIMs provide great value for exploring different parts of India. ISD add-ons can help reduce international calling costs further.

VIII. Useful USSD Codes for Vi SIM card/eSIM

USSD codes offer a quick way to access Vi account services directly from your phone. Just dial the code and hit call/send.

Here are some handy USSD codes for Vi prepaid and postpaid customers:

• *444*1# – Check prepaid account balance
• *444*3# – Check data usage balance
• *444*4# – Check available talktime balance
• *444*addon code# – Activate Vi data or talktime addon
• *444*deactivate code# – Deactivate addon
• *199# – Access self-care menu
• *123# – Recharge via ISD code topup
• *444*recharge code# – Vi prepaid online recharge

Use these codes to easily keep tabs on your Vi SIM usage, activate plans as needed, recharge to extend validity and more.

IX. How to Top-up Vi SIM card/eSIM

When your Vi prepaid SIM validity or data allowance runs out, you need to recharge to continue service. There are a few ways to top-up your Vi account:

• Via MyVi app – log in to app and pay digitally via cards/UPI
• Online recharge – Vi website lets you recharge from overseas with international cards
• 444 recharge code# – Dial USSD code for instant top-up
• Vi stores – Visit nearest outlet for over-the-counter recharge
• Local payment apps – Use PayTM, PhonePe, Google Pay etc to recharge
• Authorized recharge retailers – Find nearby top-up shops to extend your prepaid pack

X. Alternatives to Vi in India

While Vi has the best overall coverage and speeds, travelers can also consider:

• GIGAGO India eSIM – A eSIM seller that cooperates with Jio, offers 1-30GB data eSIM truly meeting your needs.
• Airtel – Leading provider with extensive 4G networks
• Jio – Fast 4G speeds and very affordable data rates

Airtel and Jio also offer prepaid SIMs at airports/stores. Compare rates and coverage at your travel destinations. For remote areas, Vi and BSNL have maximum rural reach. Airtel and Jio work well for urban city use. Research all options before finalizing the best local SIM.

XI. FAQs about Vi in India

XII. Final Words

Vi offers unbeatable coverage, fast 4G speeds, and great value with its prepaid Vi SIM card packs tailored for travelers. Visitors can enjoy pocket-friendly call rates across India and high-speed data starting Rs 199 with Vi SIM cards valid up to 365 days. With this comprehensive guide, you are all set to stay online across India with Vi’s leading connectivity!