6 Best eSIMs for India — Fast, Reliable & Tourist-Friendly Plans

Traveling in India can be challenging for foreigners because buying a local SIM card often requires address verification, ID checks, and long queues—making it difficult for short-term visitors. That's why using an eSIM India for foreigners has become the easiest and fastest solution. With instant activation, support for most iPhone and Android models, and no paperwork, an eSIM lets you stay connected the moment you land.

In this guide, we compare the 6 best eSIMs for India to help you choose the right plan based on budget, coverage, and data needs. Whether you want reliable city coverage, unlimited data, or the best eSIM for India travel, you'll find a suitable choice here—including MicroEsim, which runs on Jio for strong performance in major cities.

If you're new to digital SIMs, you can also review how eSIM cards work.

How to Choose the Best eSIM for India (Coverage, Network & Data Needs)

Choosing the best data eSIM for India starts with understanding three essentials: which network you'll rely on, how much data you need, and whether you require calls or just data. India's major carriers—Airtel, Jio, and Vi—offer different levels of coverage, with Airtel performing better in remote regions while Jio delivers faster speeds in major cities. MicroEsim runs on Jio eSIM India, making it a strong option for travelers focused on urban routes. If you're also visiting nearby countries, consider a regional plan, such as the best eSIM for Asia, for wider coverage.

Airtel vs Jio vs Vi — Which Network Works Better for Your Route

Understanding how India's three major carriers perform can help you pick an eSIM that actually works along your route:

• Jio (Fast and reliable 4G/5G)
  Strengths: Fast and reliable 4G/5G in major cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Jaipur, Chennai, and Agra.
  Ideal for: City-focused itineraries or multi-city trips with frequent movement.
  
• Airtel (most balanced nationwide)
  Strengths: Better performance in rural regions, pilgrimage sites, and mountain areas—e.g., Rishikesh, Amritsar outskirts, Varanasi outskirts.
  Ideal for: Travelers planning off-city routes or visiting nature destinations.
  
• Vi / Vodafone Idea
  Weaknesses: Inconsistent coverage and weaker speeds; most Reddit travelers do not recommend depending on it.
  Not ideal for: Long-distance or region-hopping trips.

Unlimited vs Fixed-Data Plans

Choosing between unlimited and fixed data in India can be confusing because most "unlimited" plans are not truly unlimited. They typically offer a certain amount of high-speed data and then reduce speeds significantly.

• Fixed-data plans
  Light use (5–10GB): messaging and basic maps
  Moderate use (10–20GB): social media, travel apps, browsing
  Best value for most travelers
  
• So-called unlimited plans
  Popular searches like best eSIM for India unlimited data exist because travelers want worry-free usage
  But brands such as Holafly eSIM India generally apply speed throttling after a limit
  Best for heavy use: hotspot, long city-to-city travel, short videos
  
• Recommendation
  For most visitors, reliable fixed-data options—including MicroEsim—offer better speed consistency
  If you truly need continuous high data consumption, reviewing unlimited-style plans may help

Do You Need Calls or Just Data?

Most travelers visiting India only need data, not calls. Apps like WhatsApp, Instagram, and Messenger handle nearly all communication, which is why choosing a data-only option is usually the best approach. Voice-enabled plans from providers like Airalo or aloSIM exist, but demand is low—especially for short-term tourists. Only long-stay visitors who need Indian OTPs or local banking access may require a physical Airtel or Jio SIM. 

For everyone else, especially need eSIM India for foreigners, an eSIM data plan is more than enough. MicroEsim is the best eSIM card for India for short trips because it's data-only, easy to activate, and works immediately when you buy an eSIM online before departure.

Quick Summary — What's the Best eSIM for India?

If you just want a quick answer, here are the top eSIMs for India based on coverage, speed, value, and India-specific travel needs:

• MicroEsim — Best overall eSIM for Indian travel, running on the Jio network with fast activation and strong performance across major cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Jaipur, and Chennai.
  
• Holafly — Best for heavy data users, offering "unlimited-style" plans suited for long road trips and hotspot use (with typical speed restrictions).
  
• Saily — Best budget-friendly pick, ideal for WhatsApp, Google Maps, and general day-to-day browsing.
  
• Jetpac — Cheapest eSIM card for India, perfect for short trips or low-data travelers.
  
• Airalo — Best flexible option with multiple data packages, great for mixed city/region travel or multi-stop itineraries.
  
• Nomad — Reliable speeds and excellent app experience for travelers who value simple setup and stable performance.

These summaries give you a quick overview of the best eSIM for India, before we break down coverage differences, user needs, and full provider comparisons.

6 Best eSIMs for India — Meet all your needs

Choosing the best eSIM for India depends on your route, data needs, and budget. To help you decide quickly, here are the six top India eSIM options—each suited for different travel styles, from city-hopping and budget trips to heavy data use and multi-country routes.

1. MicroEsim India eSIM — Best Jio-Based eSIM for City Travel

MicroEsim is the top choice for travelers searching for the best eSIM for India, especially those visiting major cities. It runs on Jio eSIM India—the fastest and most reliable network in Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Jaipur, Agra, and other metropolitan areas. Installation is extremely simple with QR-code activation, making MicroEsim one of the easiest eSIMs for India options to set up before departure.

This eSIM is ideal for short-term tourists, digital nomads on city-based routes, and light to moderate data users who rely on Google Maps, WhatsApp, social media, and rideshare apps. All you need is an eSIM-compatible iPhone or Android device to get started.

India eSIM

Pros

• Strong Jio network coverage in India's biggest cities
  
• Very easy activation (no passport or verification required)
  
• Stable speeds for daily apps and smooth 4G/5G performance
  
• Excellent value for short and mid-length trips

Cons

• No local phone number

Explore Popular MicroEsim India Plans
These are just some of the most popular options — MicroEsim also offers many other Indian plans to fit different trip lengths, budgets, and data needs.

For most visitors, MicroEsim provides the best balance of reliability, speed, and convenience—making it the most practical eSIM for city-focused India travel.

India eSIM

2. Holafly India eSIM — Best Unlimited Data eSIM

Holafly eSIM India is the most popular choice for travelers who want an eSIM with unlimited data. Its unlimited-style plans are ideal for heavy usage—long-distance navigation, streaming, social media, and hotspot sharing. While the data is marketed as unlimited, speeds may be throttled after sustained high-volume use, which is common among global unlimited eSIM providers. Pricing is also higher than fixed-data options, but the convenience appeals to travelers who don't want to monitor their usage.

Pros

• Unlimited-style data ideal for heavy users
  
• Great for maps, video streaming, and hotspot use
  
• Very simple setup with QR activation

Cons

• More expensive than fixed-data plans
  
• Speed throttling may occur after high usage

Popular Holafly India Unlimited Plans

Note: Speeds may be reduced after extended high-volume usage.

3. Saily India eSIM — Best Budget Option

Saily eSIM India is one of the most affordable options for travelers who want simple, low-cost connectivity without a complicated setup. Its India plans cover light to moderate usage—perfect for messaging, Google Maps, social media, and checking travel information. Saily also includes small perks like Saily credits or occasional NordVPN bundles, adding extra value for budget-sensitive travelers.

However, Saily's speeds can be inconsistent outside major cities, and the lack of true high-speed unlimited options makes it less suitable for heavy users. For those who need stronger city coverage powered by Jio, MicroEsim offers a more stable alternative while remaining easy to activate.

Pros

• Very affordable data plans for basic travel needs
  
• Easy installation through the Saily app
  
• Occasional bonuses like NordVPN access

Cons

• Not ideal for rural travel or high-volume data use
  
• Limited high-speed "unlimited-style" options

Popular Saily India Plans

Saily is an excellent choice for travelers who want a cheap and reliable eSIM India option without overspending.

4. Jetpac India eSIM — Cheapest India eSIM for Short Trips

Jetpac offers the cheapest India eSIM, making it a great option for ultra-short trips or travelers who only need basic connectivity. With plans starting as low as $1 for 1GB, Jetpac is ideal for 3–7 day itineraries focused on light usage, such as WhatsApp, Google Maps, and checking travel information. It's one of the most affordable choices for tourists, but its data allowances are small and validity periods are short—meaning it isn't suitable for longer or multi-city travel.

For travelers who need stronger, more stable 4G/5G performance across major cities like Delhi, Jaipur, or Mumbai, MicroEsim provides a more reliable eSIM for India travel alternative.

Pros

• Lowest prices in the Indian eSIM market
  
• Great for short trips and minimal data needs
  
• Simple setup for first-time eSIM users

Cons

• Small data packages expire quickly
  
• Not suitable for multi-city or long-term travel

Popular Jetpac India Plans

Note: The Unlimited plan may include speed throttling depending on usage.

5. Airalo India eSIM — Flexible Data Packages

Airalo eSIM is one of the most flexible and best data eSIMs for India, thanks to its wide range of plans—from 1GB for short city visits to 20GB for longer stays. It's an excellent choice for light to moderate users who value convenience and want the ability to top up directly within the Airalo app. Airalo's India packages are powered by Jio, offering solid connectivity in urban areas.

However, Airalo becomes relatively expensive for larger data amounts, making it less ideal for heavy users who stream, hotspot, or travel long distances. In those cases, travelers may find better value with MicroEsim for city travel or Holafly for high-volume data.

Pros

• Wide range of data options and easy top-ups
  
• Good urban performance on Jio/Indicomm
  
• Smooth in-app management

Cons

• High-data packages are more expensive
  
• Not ideal for heavy streaming or hotspot usage

Popular Airalo India Plans

6. Nomad India eSIM — Reliable Speeds & Good App Experience

Nomad India eSIM is a well-rounded option known for its reliable connectivity and excellent in-app experience. Nomad's clean interface, smooth payments, and transparent setup make it popular among travelers who want a no-fuss eSIM with predictable performance. It offers both fixed-data plans and short unlimited options, suitable for light to moderate usage across major Indian cities.

However, Nomad's pricing is generally higher than alternatives like Saily or MicroEsim, making it less cost-effective for long stays or travelers who need more data for maps, social media, or multi-city trips. It's best suited for users who value app quality, stability, and ease of use over the lowest price.

Pros

• Smooth app experience and reliable activation
  
• Stable 4G/5G speeds in major cities
  
• Good balance of short and longer validity plans

Cons

• Higher prices than Saily and MicroEsim
  
• Unlimited plans offer a limited duration (5–10 days)

Popular Nomad India Plans

Best India eSIM for Different Travelers

Choosing the best eSIM for India also depends on your device and travel style. Whether you're using an iPhone, an Android phone, or planning a multi-country trip that includes Sri Lanka or Southeast Asia, different eSIMs will fit different needs. Here's how to pick the right one for your situation.

Best India eSIM for iPhone & Android

Most modern smartphones support eSIM, but choosing the best eSIM for India for iPhone or Android depends on your device model. For iPhone users—especially those with the U.S. versions of iPhone 14, 15, or 16, which no longer include a physical SIM slot—an eSIM is the only option. Android users generally have broad compatibility across Samsung, Google Pixel, and Xiaomi, though older or budget models may not support eSIM at all.

MicroEsim works smoothly on the latest iPhones and major Android devices, making it a reliable option for travelers who want quick activation and stable performance. Whether you're looking for the best eSIM for India for Android devices or a seamless iPhone setup, checking compatibility before your trip ensures trouble-free connectivity.

Best India eSIM for Multi-Country Trips（India + Sri Lanka）

For travelers visiting India and then continuing to nearby destinations such as Sri Lanka, Singapore, Thailand, Malaysia, or Vietnam, choosing a regional plan is often more convenient and cost-effective than buying separate eSIMs. Multi-country options allow seamless connectivity across borders, ideal for popular routes like India → Sri Lanka → Southeast Asia. Instead of switching plans mid-trip, consider a broader Asia package that works in multiple countries.

eSIM vs Local SIM in India

Choosing between an eSIM and a local SIM in India can be confusing for first-time visitors. While eSIMs offer instant activation and hassle-free setup, local SIM cards often require ID verification and may not be easy for tourists to obtain. Here's what travelers should know before deciding.

Why Tourists Often Can't Buy Local SIM Cards

Buying a local SIM card in India is often difficult for foreign travelers due to strict verification requirements. Most carriers require a local address, passport photocopies, and an in-person photo, and activation may take several hours. 

Many Reddit users also report issues receiving OTPs, which are necessary for SIM registration and network activation. Because tourists typically don't have an Indian address or local phone number, the process can be slow or even unsuccessful. This is why most short-term visitors find eSIMs a far more practical option for staying connected.

When a Local Airtel or Jio SIM Makes Sense

A local Airtel or Jio SIM can make sense for long-term stays of 30–90 days, especially for travelers who need an Indian phone number for banking, OTPs, or local registrations. These physical SIMs offer good long-term value once fully activated, though the initial verification process can be slow. 

For shorter trips—typically 2–21 days—a travel eSIM like MicroEsim is far more convenient, providing instant activation without paperwork or address requirements.

How to Activate an Indian eSIM

Setting up your Indian travel eSIM is simple, whether you're using an iPhone or Android device. Next, I'll walk you through how to set up an Indian travel eSIM step by step on both iPhone and Android.

India eSIM

iPhone
Step 1. Check email from MicroEsim
Find the email from service@microesim.com that contains your eSIM information.

Step 2. Open Phone Setting
Tap Settings > Cellular or Mobile Data > Add eSIM or Add Cellular Plan or Add Mobile Data Plan > Use QR Code > Enter Details Manually.

Step 3. Enter Activation Code
Enter the corresponding "SM-DP_Address" and "Activation Code". Please be careful not to include unnecessary characters like spaces.

iPhone users can follow our step-by-step instructions in the iOS eSIM installation guide for easy setup.

Android
Step 1. Check Email from MicroEsim
Find the email from service@microesim.com that contains your eSIM information.

Step 2. Open Phone Setting
Tap Settings > Connections > SIM Manager > Add eSIM or Add Mobile Plan  > Scan QR code from service provider or Scan Carrier QR Code > Enter Activation Code or Need help? > Enter Manually.

Step 3. Enter Activation Code
Enter the corresponding "SM-DP_Address" and "Activation Code". Please be careful not to include unnecessary characters like spaces.

Android users can refer to our Android eSIM installation guide for detailed setup instructions across Samsung, Pixel, and other devices.

FAQs — India eSIM for Tourists

Which eSIM is best for India?

MicroEsim is the best overall option for most travelers, offering strong Jio coverage in major cities and easy activation. For unlimited data needs, Holafly is popular, while Saily and Jetpac are great budget choices.

Does T-Mobile eSIM work in India?

Yes, a T-Mobile eSIM can work in India, but it typically uses international roaming, which is expensive and slower. Most travelers prefer purchasing a dedicated India eSIM for better value and faster speeds.

Can foreigners use eSIM in India?

Yes, foreigners can easily use eSIMs in India. Travel eSIMs require no ID verification, making them simpler than local SIM cards, which often require an Indian address and passport documents.

Is Airtel or Jio better for travelers?

Jio performs best in major cities with fast 4G/5G, while Airtel offers more balanced nationwide coverage, especially in rural or mountain regions. City travelers may prefer Jio, while off-route travelers often choose Airtel.

Final Verdict — Which Is the Best eSIM for India?

Choosing the best eSIM for India depends on your data needs and travel style, but the overall top pick is MicroEsim. It delivers reliable Jio network coverage, fast activation, and excellent value for most travelers visiting major cities. Heavy data users who want unlimited-style plans will find Holafly more suitable, while budget-conscious visitors can save with Saily. With these options, staying connected in India has never been easier.

India eSIM