Prices checked 10 November 2026 on each provider’s India page and quoted in US dollars. They change often, so confirm on the live page. Some links below are affiliate links; see our affiliate disclosure. We have not used these eSIMs in India ourselves.
Can tourists use a foreign-sold eSIM in India?
This is the question to settle before you pay. In January 2024, MediaNama reported that India’s Department of Telecommunications ordered Airalo and Holafly apps removed from the Google and Apple app stores. The reporting said the apps lacked a no-objection certificate that is required to sell foreign SIMs in the country. We could not find an official statement saying that position has since changed.
Both Airalo and Saily still list India plans on their websites as of 10 November 2026. A plan being on sale is not the same as confirmed regulatory clearance, so treat any foreign eSIM as a convenience that might fail, not as your only way to get online. Our guide to SIM cards for tourists in India covers the Indian-operator route and the identity checks it needs.
Airalo vs Saily for India at a glance
| Detail | Airalo | Saily |
|---|---|---|
| Plan type listed for India | Unlimited data | Fixed data (1 to 20 GB) and an unlimited option |
| Entry price | US$20.50 (3 days) | US$3.99 (1 GB, 7 days) |
| Mid-range example | US$39.50 (7 days) | US$13.99 (5 GB, 30 days) |
| Longest stay listed | US$99.00 (30 days) | US$23.99 (10 GB, 30 days) or US$38.99 (20 GB, 30 days) |
| Network named | VI India | “India’s best networks” (not named) |
| Calls and SMS | Not stated on the page | Available through a separate Saily phone number plan |
| Activation | Install any time, turn on and select for data | 180-day activation window; activates on arrival if enabled |
Source: the Airalo India page and the Saily India page. Neither page states real-world speeds, so we make no speed claim.
Which one suits which traveller?
- Short trip, maps and messaging: a small Saily fixed-data plan costs a fraction of Airalo’s cheapest listed India plan. Estimate your data first; video calls and streaming use a lot more than navigation.
- Heavy data use or tethering a laptop: compare the unlimited options. Airalo lists unlimited plans by length of stay; Saily lists one unlimited plan with several duration choices. Check each plan’s fair-use terms on the live page.
- Buying early, travelling later: Saily states a 180-day activation period, so you can purchase ahead and activate on arrival. Airalo says you can install early.
- You want a local number for ride apps and OTPs: an eSIM data plan alone does not give you one. Saily offers a phone-number plan; confirm what it supports before relying on it for verification codes.
Read the individual write-ups: our Airalo India eSIM review and Saily India eSIM review. If you would rather buy the data from Airalo or Saily directly, check the India plan page before you pay.
The alternative: an Indian airport SIM
One travel guide we consulted puts a 28-day tourist pack at roughly ₹1,000 to ₹2,500 and says Airtel and Vi have counters at major international arrival terminals. The same source says foreign visitors need a passport with a valid Indian visa, a photograph and proof of local address, and that activation can take 24 to 72 hours. Those figures are from a secondary source, so confirm them with the operator on arrival.
This is why many travellers carry both: a foreign eSIM for the first hours, an Indian SIM if they stay longer. If you land in Delhi, our Delhi airport arrival guide covers the arrival hall, and our Welcome Pickups review covers pre-booking the ride.
Before you fly: a short checklist
- Check that your phone supports eSIM and is carrier-unlocked.
- Install the eSIM before departure while you still have a stable connection, but do not switch on data roaming until you land.
- Download offline maps and save your hotel address as a screenshot.
- Pack the right plug: see our plug and adapter guide and packing list generator.
- Sort the other arrival essentials with our e-visa cost calculator and read the customs rules for tourists.
- Budget the whole trip with the India trip budget calculator.
Frequently asked questions
Is an eSIM legal for tourists in India?
Indian operators sell eSIMs to customers who pass identity checks. Foreign-sold travel eSIMs sit in a grey area: in January 2024 the DoT reportedly ordered Airalo and Holafly apps removed from app stores. We found no official update, so verify before relying on one.
Will Airalo work in India?
Airalo lists India plans on its website and names VI India as the network. We have not tested it, and the 2024 app-store removal means you should install and set it up before you travel.
What is the cheapest eSIM for India?
Among the two we checked, Saily’s 1 GB, 7-day plan at US$3.99 was the lowest listed price on 10 November 2026. Airalo’s lowest India plan was US$20.50, but it is unlimited data. Compare cost per day for your actual trip length.
Can I get an Indian phone number with a travel eSIM?
A data-only eSIM does not give you an Indian number. Saily offers a phone-number plan for calls and SMS. An Indian SIM from Airtel, Jio, Vi or BSNL gives you a number but requires identity checks and can take time to activate.
Should I buy an eSIM or a SIM at the airport?
If you want guaranteed local service for a longer stay, an Indian SIM is the safer route despite the paperwork. If you want data the moment you land and are comfortable with the regulatory uncertainty, an eSIM is convenient. Many travellers use both.
