India is a huge country with a booming telecom industry. Getting a SIM card at India airports should be the top on your to-do list when visiting India, allowing you to have mobile data access for maps, transportation, and communications. But where exactly can you purchase a SIM card after landing in India? Here is a detailed guide on where and how to buy a local SIM card at India airports.

SIM card at India airports

I. Which airport in India offers SIM card for tourists?

The major international airports in India that have SIM card shops and kiosks include:

1. Indira Gandhi International Airport (Delhi)

Delhi-Airport

As the busiest airport in India, Delhi Airport has multiple SIM card shops and kiosks in both the arrival and departure terminals. The main providers are Airtel, Jio, and Vodafone Idea. Prices range from INR 200-500 for prepaid SIM packs with some data and validity.

Airtel has a dedicated SIM counter in the arrival terminal before immigration, so you can get connected with mobile data right after landing. There are also larger Airtel and Jio stores in the departure area.

2. Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (Mumbai)

Mumbai Airport

Mumbai Airport has over a dozen SIM card outlets and stores across its two main terminals. Leading telecom providers like Airtel, Jio, Vodafone Idea have dedicated counters and stores located in pre-immigration and post-immigration areas.

Prices for prepaid SIM packs start from INR 200. You can find staff who speak English, which makes buying a SIM card easy for foreign tourists arriving in Mumbai.

3. Kempegowda International Airport (Bangalore)

Kempegowda International Airport

Bangalore Airport has numerous SIM card counters and stores for providers like Airtel, Jio, Vi, BSNL. Both the international and domestic arrival areas have dedicated SIM counters located before immigration and security checkpoints.

Rates are very competitive, with prepaid SIM packs starting from INR 199 with prepaid plans that include local and national calling minutes, SMS quota along with mobile data. Staff can help set up the SIM card and plans for eSIM compatible devices as well.

4. Chennai International Airport

Chennai International Airport

Chennai Airport has SIM card counters located in the arrival corridors for leading providers. Look for the Airtel, Vi, Jio, and BSNL counters located right before immigration to get connected quickly after landing.

Prices for prepaid SIM packs begin from INR 199. Staff at the counters can help set up your SIM card at India airports and activate prepaid plans that come bundled with data quota and calling benefits.

II. Where to buy SIM card at India airports?

Airtel at aiport

If you are looking to buy local SIM card at India airports, here are some tips on where you can get them.

  • Arrivals Corridors – Most airports have dedicated SIM card kiosks and counters located right inside the arrivals corridors, usually before immigration and baggage claim
  • Departure Terminals – At airports with prepaid SIM card shops at departure terminals, you will need to clear immigration first before purchasing voice data packs
  • Official Brand Stores -Major Indian telecom operators like Airtel, Jio and Vi have official brand stores at most airports. Visit them for prepaid and postpaid SIM plans.
  • Apart from multi-brand outlet – operator stores, look for stores that sell SIM cards from different providers under one roof.
  • WiFi kiosks – Many airports now have free WiFi booths as well as kiosks selling SIM cards from major brands. Their market competitive pricing and WiFi facility make them popular pick-up points for data sims.

Advice:

  • If in a rush, ask airline staff or help desks for nearest SIM seller location. Airport maps also mark down SIM stalls.

  • Prefer reputed stalls from top carriers over anonymous ones. Established sellers face less issues with activation.

  • Bargain a bit at the kiosks if buying multiple SIMs. Mention any promo codes for additional discounts.

  • Avoid touts/private sellers outside who may sell older expired SIMs or overcharge thinking you need one urgently.

III. What to prepare to buy a SIM card at India airports?

Below are some tips on what you need to prepare in advance for a smooth buying SIM card at India airports:

  • Passport – Carry your original passport as ID proof. This is mandatory for foreign tourists to submit when buying a SIM card at India airports.
  • Passport photos – Some SIM card outlets may ask for passport-size photos. Carry 2-3 spare copies to avoid any hassles.
  • Activate eSIM – If your device supports eSIM, activate it before landing in India and give eSIM ICCID to staff for faster activation.
  • Cash – Have Indian rupee cash on hand for paying the SIM card fee and starter recharge pack. Most outlets accept major credit/debit cards too.
  • SIM tool – Bring your own SIM ejector tool to pop-out your existing SIM and insert the new Indian SIM. Most stores provide tools too.
  • Charger – Charge your phone before landing or carry a power bank to avoid running out of battery while setting up the new SIM.
  • Hand sanitizer – Be sure to sanitize your hands before and after handling SIM card at India airports to avoid any damage.

IV. India eSIM – an Alternative to Airport SIM Card

If you want to skip the hassle of finding and buying a physical SIM card at India airports, there is a convenient alternative – eSIM.

eSIM is an embedded or software-based digital SIM connected to your phone. eSIM lets you activate mobile data with a simple QR code search or download of an eSIM profile—without the need to insert a physical SIM card.

There are some benefits of using eSIM for India:

  • Ready-to-use – Activate an eSIM for India before departure and land with mobile data ready. No need to find and buy a physical SIM card.
  • Multiple plans – Add eSIMs from different Indian providers like Airtel, Jio, Vi to compare and switch data plans. With physical SIM you are restricted to one provider.
  • No roaming charges – eSIM allows you to buy local data plans directly, avoiding expensive roaming fees when using your home SIM abroad.
  • Dual SIM mode – Use your existing number via the physical SIM slot, while adding a separate Indian eSIM for local mobile data.
  • Contactless setup – eSIM activation is completely digital via QR codes or download links. No need to hand your device to airport staff during the pandemic.

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India eSIM 30 days
Best India eSIM data plans

While eSIM technology has many benefits, it has limited availability in India so far. But eSIM adoption is steadily increasing with more smartphone models and telecom operators adding support. It is certainly an alternative worth considering for frequent travellers visiting India.

V. FAQs

1. Do I need to show passport / visa when buying SIM card at India airports?

Yes, you need to provide your original passport as ID proof when purchasing any mobile connection in India as a foreign tourist. Some outlets may even ask for photocopies of visa stamps.

2. Can I buy India SIM card outside the airport?

Yes, you can buy prepaid and postpaid SIM cards from offline retail stores and online platforms across India. However, airport SIM card shops offer the convenience of getting connected right after landing.

3. Do Indian airports have free WiFi?

Most major airports in India now have complimentary WiFi access points. But speed and connectivity can be unreliable at times. Getting a local SIM for mobile data is highly recommended.

4. Can I use eSIM for both home and Indian number?

Yes, eSIM capable devices allow you to have your regular home SIM in the physical slot, while also adding a separate Indian eSIM if you need local mobile data or secondary number.

5. Is eSIM available for tourists visiting India?

As of 2023, eSIM for travellers to India is available from Airtel, Jio and other providers aimed primarily at international business visitors. eSIM adoption is still limited but increasing steadily.

VI. Conclusion

Purchasing an SIM card at India airports is a convenient way to get connected immediately upon arrival in India. All major airports have multiple options across leading brands like Airtel and Jio. For added flexibility, an India eSIM is worth considering by frequent travelers who have compatible devices.