Staying connected in India is easier than it used to be, and mobile data is remarkably cheap by UK and US standards. The country's two dominant networks — Airtel and Jio — both offer excellent 4G coverage across cities and major routes, with 5G expanding rapidly in metro areas. Here is how to get connected fast and cheaply.
Airtel vs Jio: Which Network?
Airtel has the best reputation for consistent coverage and reliability, particularly in rural areas and smaller towns. If you are venturing off the main tourist circuit, Airtel is the safer bet. Customer service is generally better, and the network is preferred by business travellers.
Jio is the disruptive newcomer (launched 2016) that transformed Indian mobile pricing. Its data plans are extraordinarily cheap and its coverage in cities and on major highways is excellent. In the metro areas — Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Hyderabad — Jio is superb. In genuinely remote areas, Airtel edges ahead.
For most tourists doing a standard India circuit, Airtel is the recommendation. If you are budget-focused and staying in cities, Jio is brilliant value.
Getting a SIM at the Airport
Both Airtel and Jio have counters in the arrivals halls of all major international airports (Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Chennai, Hyderabad, Kolkata). This is the easiest and most reliable place to get a tourist SIM. You will need:
- Your passport
- A passport-style photo (some counters can photograph you on the spot)
- Your Indian visa details
Activation can take 30 minutes to a few hours — some travellers find their SIM works immediately, others wait until the next day. Pick up your SIM at the airport rather than trying to get one late at night in the city.
Local SIM vs Airport SIM
Airport SIMs are convenient but sometimes marginally more expensive than going to a local Airtel or Jio store in the city. If you have a friendly hotel concierge who can take you to a nearby store, you can save a little, but for most travellers the airport convenience outweighs the small price difference.
eSIM Options for UK and US Travellers
eSIM technology means you can now set up an Indian data plan before you leave home. Providers like Airalo, Holafly, and Ubigi offer India eSIM plans that activate on arrival and give you data without the need to buy a physical SIM. These are excellent options if:
- Your phone supports eSIM (most phones from 2020 onwards)
- You want to keep your home SIM active for calls and texts
- You prefer to sort connectivity before arriving
Airalo typically offers India data eSIMs from around £8–15 for 5–10GB with a 30-day validity. Check coverage details before purchasing — most eSIM providers use one of the two main networks.
Data Plans and Costs
A prepaid plan for tourists typically costs ₹300–600 (approximately £3–6 / $4–8) for 28–30 days with 1.5GB–2GB of data per day. This is more than sufficient for maps, messaging, photos, and occasional streaming. Top-ups are available at any convenience store, petrol station, or via the network's app.
Wi-Fi Reliability
Wi-Fi quality in India is improving but remains inconsistent. Most hotels and guesthouses offer Wi-Fi, but speeds and reliability vary enormously. Airport and café Wi-Fi is available in cities. Do not rely on hotel Wi-Fi alone — your local SIM is your primary connection. Download maps for offline use (Google Maps and Maps.me both work offline with pre-downloaded areas) before you rely on data being available.