Jio is India’s largest mobile network with excellent 4G/5G coverage nationwide. If you’re visiting India and want to stay connected, you might be wondering where to get a Jio SIM card and whether it’s worth the effort. Here’s everything you need to know, plus a simpler alternative.
Can Foreigners Buy a Jio SIM in India?
Yes, tourists and foreign visitors can purchase a Jio SIM, but only through in-person registration with specific documents. Unlike many countries where you can buy a prepaid SIM instantly, India requires identity verification and local address proof for all mobile connections.
You’ll find Jio SIMs available at official Jio Stores and Jio Mini Stores found in most cities, selected airport counters at international terminals, and some authorized mobile retailers. However, there’s an important catch: Jio won’t activate your SIM without completing full registration, including local address verification. This process can’t be done online or remotely—you must visit a physical location with all required documents.
Documents Required to Buy a Jio SIM
Before heading to a Jio store, make sure you have everything needed. Missing even one document means you’ll leave empty-handed.
| Document | What You Need |
| Passport | Original passport with valid Indian visa |
| Visa | Tourist visa, business visa, or e-visa accepted |
| Passport photos | Two recent passport-size photos (some stores may take photos on-site) |
| Local address | Hotel booking confirmation, rental agreement, or host’s address |
| Form C | Foreigner registration form (completed at the store) |
After submitting documents and completing biometric verification, your SIM activates within 1 to 24 hours. During this waiting period, you won’t have mobile data or calling ability. The verification process exists because Indian telecom regulations require all SIM cards to be linked to verified identities and addresses. While this protects against fraud, it creates inconvenience for short-term travelers.
Where to Find Jio Stores and Purchase Points
Finding a Jio outlet depends on your arrival city and where you’re staying. Here are your main options:
Jio Stores are the most reliable option. These official branded stores are located throughout India’s cities and towns. To find the nearest one, search “Jio Store near me” on Google Maps—you’ll typically find several options in urban areas. Staff at official stores are trained in foreign passport registration, though English proficiency varies. Major cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Chennai, and Kolkata have dozens of Jio Stores.
Airport SIM counters offer convenience but have limitations. Select international airports offer Jio SIM cards at arrival terminals, including Delhi Terminal 3 international arrivals, Mumbai Terminals 1 and 2, and Bengaluru’s Kempegowda International Airport. However, expect long queues during peak arrival times, limited operating hours (typically 6 AM to midnight), and occasional stock shortages. Some travelers report waiting 45-90 minutes just to complete registration.
Authorized retailers should be approached with caution. Small mobile shops and electronics stores often sell Jio SIMs, but quality varies significantly. Some retailers lack proper training for foreign passport registration, while others may charge inflated prices or push outdated plans. If using a retailer, confirm they’re officially authorized and ask for a receipt.
Common Problems Tourists Face
The registration process creates several headaches:
Time-consuming setup: What should be quick stretches to 30-60 minutes for forms, document verification, biometrics, and payment processing.
Language barriers: Outside major tourist areas, staff may have limited English. Explaining your hotel address or understanding plan details becomes frustrating.
Registration issues: Some smaller stores don’t know the correct procedure for foreign passports and may turn you away with incorrect information.
Unexpected deactivation: If your address verification fails, Jio may deactivate your SIM after a few days without warning, forcing you to repeat the entire process.
No online option: You can’t buy or activate a Jio SIM remotely, which cuts into valuable travel time.
The Better Alternative: India eSIM
Skip the hassle with an India eSIM from esimindia.net—order online, activate instantly, no documents required. You get the same premium networks without bureaucracy.
The eSIM connects to Jio, Airtel, and Vi networks, giving you identical 4G/5G speeds and nationwide coverage. The difference is setup: no store visits, no paperwork, no waiting.
Quick comparison:
- Purchase: Physical SIM requires store visit vs. eSIM ordered online
- Documents: Physical needs passport/visa/photos/address vs. eSIM needs nothing
- Activation: Physics takes 1-24 hours vs. eSIM is instant via QR code
- Price: Physics varies by location vs. eSIM fixed from $5.50
Whether you land at midnight or have a tight schedule, your connection works immediately without dedicating hours to SIM bureaucracy.
How to Get Your India eSIM
Setup takes about 5 minutes:
Visit esimindia.net and choose a plan. Common options include 7 days with 10GB ($10), 14 days with 20GB ($15), or 30 days with 50GB (~$25). All plans work across India with unlimited local calls.
Pay securely with any credit or debit card. You’ll receive your QR code via email within minutes.
Install the eSIM before departure or after landing:
- iPhone: Settings → Cellular → Add eSIM
- Samsung: Settings → Connections → SIM Manager → Add eSIM
- Pixel: Settings → Network & Internet → SIMs → Add eSIM
Scan the QR code and your phone downloads the profile instantly.
When you land in India, turn on Data Roaming for your eSIM only. You’re connected automatically within seconds—no. No airport counter needed.
Is Your Phone Compatible?
Works with:
- iPhone XS and newer (except China models)
- Samsung Galaxy S20+, S21, S22, S23, S24 series, Z Fold3+, Z Flip3+
- Google Pixel 4 and all newer models
Doesn’t work with:
- iPhones from Mainland China, iPhone 8/X and older
- Some carrier-locked US phones, budget Android devices
Quick check: Go to Settings → Mobile Data. If you see “Add eSIM,” your phone supports it.
Bottom line: While you can buy a physical Jio SIM in India, it requires store visits, multiple documents, and 1-24 hour activation. An India eSIM from esimindia.net costs $10-25 for 1-4 weeks with instant setup and no paperwork. Order before your flight, scan a QR code, and land already connected.