Jio is the leading telecom operator in India and is a great choice for tourists visiting the country. With its extensive 4G coverage, high speeds and affordable plans, Jio can keep you connected across India. This article shares key details about using Jio SIM card and eSIM as a tourist in India.
Table of Contents
I. Quick Facts about Jio
Being one of the largest and leading telecom brand, Jio truly a disruptor in the connectivity space. Some facts below will help you find out more key features from Jio.
- Jio is owned by Reliance, India’s largest private company
- It launched 4G services in 2016 and quickly became India’s
- Jio has amassed over 400 million subscribers, thanks to cheap data plans
- It offers Voice over LTE (VoLTE) for high definition voice calls
- Jio is rolling out 5G networks in major Indian cities
II. Why Jio When You’re Exploring India – Coverage and Speed
1. Jio Coverage in India
Jio has the widest 4G coverage in India, covering over 90% of the population. It offers seamless high-speed data connectivity in:
- Major metros like Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore, Hyderabad, Chennai, Kolkata
- Tourist spots like Jaipur, Agra, Goa, Kerala, Rajasthan
- Smaller towns and remote locations
This extensive reach makes Jio the operator of choice for tourists. You can stay connected across your travels without worrying about patchy networks.
Key Takeaways
- Jio has 90% population coverage with its all-IP 4G network
- It offers connectivity across metros, tourist spots and remote locations
- Seamless high-speed data access nationally with Jio's widespread presence
2. Jio Speed
Jio’s 4G network is the fastest in India with average download speeds of 20 Mbps. This high speed allows:
- Quick web browsing and ability to stream HD video
- Using bandwidth-intensive apps like social media, maps, transportation etc.
- Uploading photos/videos to cloud and sharing your travel stories
- Video calling family and friends back home with minimal lag
Jio is also rolling out cutting-edge 5G networks in major cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata and Varanasi. 5G will enable super high speeds up to 1 Gbps for customers with compatible devices.
Key Takeaways
- Jio offers the fastest 4G speeds in India, averaging 20 Mbps
- High speeds support streaming, mobile apps, social sharing and more
- Jio is deploying next-gen 5G networks in big cities for 1 Gbps speeds
So setting up a Jio SIM card for your trip to India is the right choice. Because of its large coverage and fast speed, Jio will bring you greater experience in beating competitors.
III. Jio Connectivity Options for Travelers to India
Jio offers multiple connectivity options for tourists in India:
| Connectivity Option | Pros | Cons |
| Jio prepaid SIM | Inexpensive rates. Easy activation. Pan-India coverage. | Needs documents for purchasing SIM. Credit limits on high-speed data. |
| JioFi/pocket WiFi | Plug and play access. Can be shared. | Daily/weekly rental fees. Speed caps on data usage. |
| Jio international roaming | Seamless connectivity across India. | Expensive data rates while roaming internationally. |
| Jio 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. |
While public WiFi zones offer basic access, coverage is still limited compared to Jio’s network reach. Rental devices and international roaming attract significantly higher costs as well.
Overall, purchasing an inexpensive Jio prepaid SIM provides the most hassle-free and affordable primary connectivity solution for travelers around India on a budget. It maximizes coverage and minimizes additional rental/usage charges.
IV. Best Jio SIM Card for Tourists & Cost
Below are some top Jio prepaid SIM options for travelers in India:
| Plan Name | Validity | Data Benefits | Price (USD) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jio Recharge 349 | 28 days | 2GB data/day | $4.36 |
| Jio Recharge 599 | 56 days | 1.5GB data/day | $7.49 |
| Jio Recharge 799 | 84 days | 1.5GB data/day | $9.99 |
| Jio Recharge 999 | 56 days | 2GB data/day | $12.49 |
| Jio Recharge 1277 | 336 days | 1.5GB data/day | $15.96 |
| Jio Recharge 2399 | 336 days | 2GB data/day | $29.99 |
| Jio Recharge 2599 | 365 days | 2GB data/day | $32.49 |
These provide free calling, data and SMS in select countries. Great for maintaining connectivity.
Prices are very affordable due to India’s low-cost telco market. Unlimited voice calls are free on Jio. Data packs offer high 4G allotments. Overall, Jio connectivity is a budget-friendly option for India travelers.
V. Does Jio Support eSIM in India?
Yes, Jio launched eSIM support in India in September 2022. It currently provides eSIM activation on:
- iPhone XS, XS Max and above – All iPhone models from XS, 11, 12 onwards support Jio eSIM in India.
- Google Pixel 6 and 6 Pro – Pixel 6 series phones can use Jio cellular plans via eSIM.
Jio eSIM works on these devices to enable dual SIM functionality. You can pair it alongside your regular nano-SIM card.
Going forward, Jio is expected to expand eSIM to more Android flagships like Samsung S22. For now, iPhone and Pixel users benefit the most from Jio’s eSIM network in India.
VI. Where can You Buy a Jio SIM card and eSIM?
1. Where to Buy Jio SIM for India?
As India’s largest telco, Jio SIM card are available at:
- Airports – Jio stores or vending machines at major airports like Delhi, Mumbai upon arrival.
- Reliance Digital stores – Jio’s retail chain has 1,000s of outlets across India.
- Local mobile shops – Independent retailers widely sell Jio SIM card.
- Official Jio website – Order delivery to your hotel in advance.
Jio is abundantly available nationwide both online and offline. For convenience, tourists can buy in advance or upon arrival at Indian airports.
You need your original passport as ID proof for buying a Jio SIM as a foreign tourist. Indian residents can use Aadhaar card or other KYC documents.
2. Where to Buy Jio eSIM in India?
Jio eSIM is not yet sold at retail stores. You must activate it digitally via:
- India eSIM – India eSIM provides high-quality eSIM services with a wide range of data options, from
- My Jio app – Download app and activate Jio eSIM by following steps. Comes with 150GB of free high-speed data!
- Jio.com website – Alternatively, you can activate Jio eSIM via web browser.
Both mobile app and web options allow swift online activation. eSIM is then ready for use on your iPhone or Pixel device.
VII. How to Activate Jio SIM card/eSIM in India?
1. How to Use Jio SIM Card in India?
Follow these steps to activate your physical Jio SIM in India:
- Insert Jio SIM card in your unlocked phone after arriving in India.
- Power on phone and select Jio SIM if dual SIM device.
- Open browser and try to visit any website.
- This will redirect to Jio self-activation page.
- Choose your preferred language.
- Provide KYC details like passport number and email ID.
- Select a prepaid plan based on validity and data needs.
- Make payment via ATM/debit card or other options on page.
- Congratulations! Jio SIM is now active.
You will receive SMS confirmation. Start using mobile data, calls and SMS in India.
2. How to Activate Jio eSIM?
Follow below steps to activate Jio’s eSIM network on iPhone & Pixel devices:
- Ensure your phone supports eSIM functionality.
- Download MyJio app from Google Play or Apple App Store.
- Register using your mobile number & email ID.
- Tap eSIM option and select Get Jio eSIM.
- Share KYC documents like passport for verification.
- Choose a prepaid data pack based on validity and allowance.
- Make payment digitally within app to activate.
- eSIM is now active! Ready to use Jio 4G alongside your primary SIM.
You can manage Jio eSIM plans on-the-go via MyJio app easily.
VIII. India Jio Call & SMS Rate
Here is a table showing the call and SMS rates for Jio prepaid plans in India, with currency converted to US Dollars:
| Call Type | Rates (in USD) |
|---|---|
| On-network voice calls | $0.00075/minute |
| Off-network voice calls | $0.001875/minute |
| National roaming calls | $0.001875/minute |
| On-network SMS | $0.001/SMS |
| Off-network SMS | $0.001/SMS |
| Jio to other network SMS | $0.001/SMS |
| International SMS | $0.0075/SMS |
| International calls | $0.07/minute |
| Video call to Jio numbers | $0.001875/minute |
| Incoming on all numbers | Free |
One key benefit of Jio is free unlimited calling between Jio numbers. Local calls are also free. Low charges apply for calls or SMS made to non-Jio numbers in India.
IX. Useful USSD Codes for Jio SIM card/eSIM
Jio has USSD codes to check balance, plans and other services quickly without internet:
- *333*1# – Check prepaid balance
- *333*4# – Check data balance
- *333*5# – Last recharge details
- *123*2# – My Jio app download link
- *199*1*4# – 4G data speed test
Dial these codes directly from Jio mobile even without data active. USSD is easy and fast way to access account services, apart from MyJio app.
X. How to Top-up Jio SIM card/eSIM
You can recharge your Jio prepaid SIM via:
- MyJio app – Instant recharge with UPI, cards, etc.
- Jio.com website
- JioMoney wallet – Link bank and recharge from wallet balance
- Retail stores – Pay cash to top up at local Jio store
For Jio eSIM, MyJio app or website are most convenient recharge options. Prepaid plans automatically renew if you have sufficient account balance.
XI. FAQs about Jio in India
1. Does Jio offer tourist SIM cards?
Yes, Jio provides dedicated tourist SIMs in India valid for 30 days. Plans start at ₹499 (~$6). However, regular prepaid SIMs are recommended for longer validity and data packs.
2. Can I use Jio SIM in another country?
Jio SIMs only work within India. But you can buy add-on roaming packs for select countries from Jio.
3. How can I contact Jio customer support?
You can contact Jio 24×7 customer care via:
Dial 198 from your Jio phone
WhatsApp Chatbot: 70007 70007
Twitter: @JioCare
JioCare helps with any issues faced with SIM card, recharge, data, calls etc.
4. What is the validity of Jio prepaid plans?
The validity of Jio prepaid combo plans ranges from 28 days to 365 days. Long validity annual plans are also available up to 1 year/336 days.
XII. Conclusion
To summarize, Jio is the top telco choice for tourists visiting India with its unrivaled coverage, high speeds and affordable prepaid plans. Opt for a Jio SIM card or eSIM to stay conveniently connected across your India travels with mobile data and calls. Jio provides a modern, digital experience and worry-free connectivity in India.
