SIM Cards & Internet
A local SIM card is indispensable in India — for Uber/Ola, navigation, train bookings, and communication. The mobile network is well-developed and extremely affordable.
The best providers
- Jio: Largest 4G network, best coverage, cheapest rates. Prepaid plan: 299 ₹ (~3.40 €) for 28 days with 2 GB/day + unlimited calls. Perfect for tourists.
- Airtel: Second-largest network, marginally more expensive, but slightly better quality in urban areas. Tourist SIM: 599 ₹ for 30 days with 1.5 GB/day.
- Vi (Vodafone Idea): Third provider, similar prices, but weaker coverage in rural areas.
Buying a SIM card
Easiest: At the airport (Delhi T3, Mumbai T2 have official Jio/Airtel counters). Required: Passport + visa (copy made) + passport photo (sometimes — bring one just in case). Activation takes 2–24 hours.
In the city: Jio or Airtel shops in every neighborhood. However: Activation for foreigners is much simpler at the airport than in the city, where document issues often arise.
Wi-Fi
Free Wi-Fi is available in most hotels and cafes (quality varies), at all Indian railway stations (Railwire — Google initiative, good), and in shopping malls. Speed is acceptable in cities, often frustratingly slow in rural and mountainous regions.
💡 Tipp
Buy the SIM card IMMEDIATELY at the airport — you need it for Uber/Ola (otherwise, you're at the mercy of taxi touts), for registration at restaurants, and for navigation. Jio at Delhi Airport T3: Stand in the arrival hall, 10-minute process, 2–4 hours until activation.
