BSNL SIM Card for Tourists in India: Best Plans & Where to Buy

With over 112 million subscribers, BSNL provides affordable connectivity options for locals and visitors alike. Are you planning to go to India and want to get a BSNL SIM card for your travel? This guide will provide a detailed overview of using a BSNL SIM card and eSIM for travel to India.

I. Quick Facts About BSNL

To know more about BSNL, follow some interesting facts below:

• Brand Name: BSNL​
• Founded Year: October 1, 2000 ​
• Coverage: BSNL provides services across India, excluding Delhi and Mumbai, offering extensive coverage in both urban and rural areas.
• Subscribers: As of June 30, 2024, BSNL had approximately 56,820 employees.
• Services Provided: BSNL offers a wide range of telecommunications services, including fixed-line telephone, mobile telephony, broadband, internet services, IPTV, and enterprise solutions.
• Number of Stores: Specific numbers are not publicly disclosed, but BSNL maintains a vast network of customer service centers and retail outlets nationwide.​
• Service Support: BSNL provides customer support through various channels, including a comprehensive online help center, customer care helplines, and physical service centers across India.

II. India BSNL Coverage and Speed

1. BSNL Coverage in India

BSNL offers extensive coverage across India, making it a reliable option for travelers exploring both cities and remote regions. Unlike private telecom providers, BSNL has a strong presence in rural and mountainous areas, including popular tourist destinations like Ladakh, Himachal Pradesh, and the Northeast. However, its 4G network is still expanding, and speeds may be slower compared to Jio and Airtel in urban areas.

For tourists seeking connectivity in offbeat locations, BSNL remains a solid choice, especially for basic calls and internet access where other networks may struggle.

2. BSNL Speed in India

BSNL’s mobile internet speed in India averages around 3.1 Mbps, significantly slower than private providers like Jio and Airtel. While it may not be ideal for high-speed browsing or streaming, BSNL remains a reliable choice for tourists traveling to remote areas, where other networks may have limited or no coverage. If you’re visiting rural or mountainous regions, BSNL ensures basic connectivity for calls, messaging, and light internet use, making it a practical backup option for off-the-grid travel.

III. BSNL Connectivity Options for Travelers to India

As an India traveler, you can choose between these BSNL connectivity options:

Connectivity Option	Pros	Cons
BSNL SIM Card	✅ Affordable prepaid plans ✅ Best coverage in remote & rural areas ✅ Works well for calls and basic internet use	❌ Slow 3G/4G speeds (around 3.1 Mbps) ❌ SIM activation may take time ❌ Limited 4G availability in cities
Pocket WiFi	✅ Connects multiple devices at once ✅ No need to switch SIM cards ✅ Works where BSNL network is available	❌ Expensive rental fees & deposits ❌ Requires frequent charging ❌ Limited availability outside major cities
Roaming on BSNL’s Network	✅ No need to change your home SIM ✅ Convenient for short trips ✅ Works in rural & remote areas	❌ High roaming charges ❌ May have slow speeds & data limits ❌ Not all foreign carriers support BSNL roaming

BSNL SIM card offer the most convenience and value. eSIMs provide flexibility but have fewer plans. BSNL provides nationwide coverage but performance can vary compared to private operators like Jio or Airtel.

IV. Best BSNL SIM Card for Tourists & Cost

There is a wide range of prepaid BSNL SIM card for travelers. The main options are:

The Tourist SIM offers a good bundle for long tours. World SIM works for short trips under a week. General SIM has the cheapest rate per GB but very limited data.

So BSNL SIMs provide sufficient data, calls and SMS for India travel at affordable rates. Validity extends from 1 to 84 days.

V. Does BSNL India Support eSIM?

Yes, BSNL launched eSIM support in September 2022. It is available on Google Pixel phones and iPhones via the BSNL SIM App.

However, eSIM activation is currently restricted to Indian residents only. International roaming eSIM is not yet open.

VI. Where Can I Buy a BSNL SIM Card and eSIM?

Here are the options to purchase a BSNL SIM card before or after arriving in India:

1. Where to Buy BSNL SIM for India

• Online – On Amazon India, Flipkart, Paytm and other sites
• Airport – At arrival halls of major airports like Delhi and Mumbai
• BSNL Stores – Over 2000 company owned stores across India
• Authorized Retailers – Larger general stores or phone shops

We recommend buying online before arrival for faster activation. E-SIMs can only be activated after reaching India.

2. Where to Buy India BSNL eSIM

Currently, BSNL eSIM is not available for international tourists. When enabled, you may be able to activate BSNL eSIM via:

• BSNL Website – Hopefully allow eSIM activation for foreign tourists
• BSNL App – Expected to provide eSIM activation for iPhones/Pixel phones

So for now, eSIM is not an option. Physical SIM cards are the only choice.

VII. How to Activate India BSNL SIM card/eSIM?

Activating the BSNL SIM and eSIM are fairly easy processes:

1. How to Use India BSNL SIM Card?

• Buy the preactivated BSNL SIM card online or offline
• Insert SIM in unlocked phone
• Dial *123*1# to check main balance
• Start using internet and calling
• Recharge as needed via app or vouchers

2. How to Activate BSNL India eSIM?

• eSIM currently not available for tourists
• When enabled, use BSNL App to scan ID and activate
• Follow onscreen prompts to download eSIM profile
• May need Indian resident status proof

So SIM card activation is simple while eSIM has a few more steps. But eSIM is not an option currently for tourists.

VIII. Alternatives to India BSNL

For tourists visiting India, Jio and Airtel are the top alternatives to BSNL, offering faster 4G and 5G speeds, better urban coverage, and easy SIM activation. Jio, known for its affordable data plans, provides widespread 5G availability, while Airtel offers reliable network quality and strong nationwide coverage.

However, a more modern and convenient option for travelers is using an India eSIM, which allows tourists to get instant connectivity without needing a physical SIM. With no registration hassles or store visits, eSIM India provides flexible prepaid plans, making it an ideal choice for short-term visitors who want a smooth and reliable internet experience.

IX. FAQs about BSNL in India

X. Final Words

For visiting India, getting a BSNL SIM card is highly recommended to stay connected across the country at low cost. Coverage extends to rural and remote areas as well. Though not the fastest network, it offers excellent value. eSIM is not yet available for foreign tourists.