For any tourist visiting India in 2025, acquiring a local SIM card is a major challenge. It is not a simple purchase; it is a formal legal process governed by strict “Know Your Customer” (KYC) regulations. Recent rule changes have created a new obstacle: the “local reference” problem, where airport vendors may deny you a SIM without an Indian contact.
This guide provides a complete solution. We cover the mandatory KYC document checklist, analyze the pros and cons of your three options (airport SIM, official city store, or an international eSIM), and explain the best hybrid strategy to get connected immediately upon arrival.
Acquiring an Indian Mobile Connection for Foreign Tourists
For most travelers, getting a local SIM card is a simple errand. In India, it is a formal legal process. Understanding this difference is the first step to avoiding serious frustration upon arrival. India’s telecom regulations are designed for national security, meaning every SIM card must be linked to a verified identity.
Recent regulatory changes, fully implemented through 2024 and 2025, have made this process stricter for everyone, including the vendors selling the SIMs.[1] This guide explains the current legal requirements, the practical hurdles you will face, and the best strategy to get connected.
Your Three Connectivity Paths
As a tourist, you have three distinct options for mobile data. Use the filters below to understand the pros and cons of each path.
Path 1: Local SIM at the Airport
This is the traditional method. Kiosks for Airtel, Jio, and Vi are available at major international airports like Delhi (IGI), Mumbai (BOM), and Bangalore (BLR), located in the arrivals hall.[4, 5, 6]
- Pros: Convenient, staff are used to foreign documents [4], activation is relatively fast (1-2 hours).[4]
- Cons: Plans are often more expensive “tourist packs”.[7, 8] Counters may have limited hours (e.g., not 24/7).[8]
- High Risk: This is where you are most likely to face the “local reference” denial.[2] Reports are common, particularly at the Delhi Airport Airtel counter.[2, 3, 9]
Path 2: Local SIM from a City Store
This involves waiting until you are at your hotel and then visiting an *official, carrier-owned* store (e.g., “Jio Store” or “Airtel Store”).[10, 6, 7]
- Pros: This is the cheapest option. You get access to all standard domestic prepaid plans, which offer excellent value compared to airport “tourist packs”.[11, 12]
- Cons: Creates a “connectivity gap” from the airport to your hotel.[4] Activation can take longer (4 to 24 hours).[10]
- High Risk: You must avoid small, unauthorized corner shops. Any shop that does not ask for your full paperwork is running a scam and the SIM will be deactivated.[1, 10, 13]
Path 3: International Travel eSIM (Online)
This is a completely different product from providers like Saily, Airalo, or Holafly. You purchase it online *before* you travel.[14, 15, 16]
- Pros: Zero friction. No paperwork, no KYC, no “local reference”.[17, 18] You install it at home and it activates with internet access the moment you land in India.[19, 16]
- Cons: Data-only; you do *not* get a local Indian phone number.[15, 20, 21] This is a problem for services that require an Indian number for verification. The cost per gigabyte is significantly higher.[22, 23, 21]
- Legal Note: These services bypass local DoT verification rules. Indian authorities have previously blocked these apps, though they appear functional in 2025.[24]
Cost and Value Comparison (2025)
The choice between a local SIM and an international eSIM is a direct trade-off: cost versus convenience. Local Indian plans offer some of the cheapest data rates in the world, while international eSIMs charge a premium to bypass the legal paperwork.
Comparison 1: Local Indian SIM Plans (Typical)
These plans are acquired in-person with the full KYC process. They provide a local Indian number.
| Provider | Example Plan (Cost in INR) | Data Allowance | Validity | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jio | Approx. 299 – 799 INR [25] | 1.5GB – 2GB *per day* [25] | 28 – 84 Days | Often cited as having a very fast 5G network.[11, 26] |
| Airtel | Approx. 299 – 799 INR [4] | 1.5GB – 2GB *per day* [27] | 28 – 84 Days | Strong competitor with excellent coverage.[10, 26] |
| Vi (Vodafone Idea) | Approx. 299 INR [11] | 1.5GB *per day* [11] | 28 Days | Good in cities, but coverage can be weaker in rural areas.[11, 28] |
Comparison 2: International Travel eSIMs (Data-Only)
These plans are bought online before travel and do *not* include a local Indian number.[20, 21]
| Provider | Example Plan (Data / Validity) | Approx. Cost (USD) | Cost per GB (USD) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Saily | 10GB / 30 Days | 23.99 USD [20] | 2.40 USD |
| Airalo | 1GB / 7 Days | 4.50 USD [22] | 4.50 USD |
| Holafly | Unlimited Data / 7 Days | 29.90 USD [23] | N/A (Unlimited) |
Visualizing the Cost: Local SIM vs. Travel eSIM
This chart shows the striking difference in cost per gigabyte. A local SIM (after the one-time registration) is magnitudes cheaper for data.
The “Local eSIM” Misconception: Why You Can’t Get One Online
This is a major source of confusion. While Indian carriers like Airtel, Jio, and Vi *do* offer local eSIMs, their online activation process is designed for *existing customers* who already have an active Indian number to receive verification messages.[29, 30, 31, 32]
As a new tourist, you cannot get a *local* Indian eSIM with an Indian phone number online before you arrive.[33, 34] The only way to get a local Indian eSIM is to:
- First, complete the full, in-person KYC process for a physical SIM card (at the airport or a city store).
- Once that physical SIM is activated and working, you can then contact the carrier (usually via their app) to request a conversion from your physical SIM to an eSIM.[30]
This multi-step process makes it an inconvenient option for most short-term tourists.
The Legal Help Checklist: Mandatory KYC Documents
To successfully get a local Indian SIM, you must complete the “Know Your Customer” (KYC) process. Failure to provide any of these items will result in a denial. Prepare this package *before* you approach the counter.
This is your primary Proof of Identity.[35, 10] The vendor must see the original and will take a copy or scan.[36]
A copy of your visa page or a clear printout of your e-Visa Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) is required.[35, 4]
A printed booking confirmation for your *first hotel* is the standard and accepted document for this.[37, 35, 4]
Bring 2 to 4 physical photos.[38, 10] While many new systems take a live digital photo [39, 40], many vendors still use older paper forms that require one.
Airport counters especially may not accept foreign credit cards. Have at least 500-1000 INR ready.[4, 10]
The vendor must take a live photograph and/or a fingerprint scan to complete the digital registration.[4] This is non-negotiable.
After Purchase: The Activation Process
Getting the SIM card is only the first step. Activation is a separate, mandatory process.
After your KYC is submitted, it can take 30 minutes to 4 hours (or longer in city stores) for the SIM to be processed by the carrier.[39, 10]
You may need to make a call (e.g., to 59059) from your new SIM to verify your details (like name or passport info).[39, 38] The vendor will give you instructions. Skipping this can cause your SIM to be deactivated.[39]
Once activated, make a test call and check that mobile data (LTE/5G) is working before you leave the counter.[4, 38]
The Legal “Dos and Don’ts” for Tourists
Your legal responsibilities begin the moment you sign the Customer Acquisition Form (CAF). The SIM card is registered to your passport, and you are legally liable for all activities conducted with it.[41]
The “DOs” (Your Obligations)
- DO purchase *only* from an official carrier-owned store (Airtel, Jio, Vi) or a designated airport counter.[6, 42]
- DO insist on registering the SIM in your *own name* using your *own* passport.[42]
- DO use your first hotel’s booking confirmation as your address. This address must match the one your hotel files in the mandatory “C-Form” with the Bureau of Immigration.[35, 43]
- DO complete the biometric verification (live photo or fingerprint) as part of the legal registration.[4]
- DO test the SIM before leaving. You must complete any “tele-verification” call (e.g., to 59059) if required by the vendor.[39, 38]
The “DON’Ts” (Critical Warnings)
- CRITICAL: DON’T buy a SIM from an unauthorized street vendor, taxi driver, or corner shop that claims “no paperwork needed”.[1, 44] This is a scam. The SIM is likely registered to another person and will be deactivated.[10, 13]
- CRITICAL: DON’T accept a “pre-activated” or “free” SIM.[6] The old government-backed BSNL “free SIM for e-Visa” program is defunct.[8, 45, 46] Any offer of a pre-activated SIM today is fraudulent.
- CRITICAL: DON’T ever give, lend, sell, or abandon your SIM card.[41] You are legally responsible if that number is used for criminal activity.
- ABSOLUTELY DON’T bring or use a satellite phone. They are strictly prohibited for foreigners in India and can result in arrest.[47]
Tourist Scam Alert: SIMs and Beyond
- The “No Paperwork” SIM Scam: A vendor who doesn’t ask for your passport, visa, and biometrics is not legitimate.[1, 10] They may be stealing your passport data [42] or selling you a SIM registered to another person, which will be deactivated.[13]
- The “Hotel Has Moved” Scam: This is a common taxi scam at airports or train stations.[44, 48] The driver will claim your hotel has burned down or closed and will try to take you to a different hotel where they get a commission. Always use app-based rides (Uber, Ola) or official prepaid taxi counters.[49]
- The “Fake Tourist Office” Scam: Your driver may insist on stopping at a “tourist information center,” which is just a private travel agency that will pressure you to buy overpriced tours.[50]
A Note on Old Travel Guides: The Defunct BSNL Scheme
Many older travel guides mention a government initiative that provided a free BSNL SIM card, pre-loaded with a small amount of data and talk time, to tourists arriving on an e-Visa.[45, 46, 51]
Based on 2024 and 2025 airport reports and vendor guides, this program is no longer active or widely available. Current guides for major airports like Delhi do not list BSNL as a vendor for tourists.[52, 8] You should not expect to receive a free SIM card on arrival.
The Evaakil.com Strategy: A Hybrid Approach for 2025
Given the high risk of denial at airports [2] and the inconvenience of city stores, we recommend a two-step hybrid strategy for a smooth arrival.
- Before You Fly: Purchase a small, data-only *international eSIM* from a provider like Saily or Airalo (e.g., 1GB for 7 days).[20, 53] Install it on your phone.[19, 16]
- When You Land: Your international eSIM will activate, giving you immediate data.[16] Use this to order an Uber/Ola, contact your hotel, and use Google Maps. You have solved the “connectivity gap.” [4]
- On Day 1 or 2: At your leisure, go to an *official, carrier-owned* Jio or Airtel store in the city.[10, 6] Bring your full KYC document package (passport, visa printout, hotel printout, photos) and patiently go through the full legal process to get a cheap, high-data local SIM.[25, 27]
This approach gives you the instant convenience of an eSIM and the long-term value and full utility (including a local number) of a legally registered local SIM.
Understanding the Forms: CAF and C-Form
You will not have to fill these by hand, but understanding them helps you know *why* information is being requested.
Template: Customer Acquisition Form (CAF) (Digital)
This is the legal contract between you and the telecom provider (Airtel, Jio, etc.). The vendor will fill this on their tablet.[37]
…plus fields for Biometric Capture (Live Photo/Fingerprint).[40]
Template: Form-C (Hotel Registration)
This is the form your *hotel* is legally required to submit to the Bureau of Immigration within 24 hours of your arrival.[43, 54] The address on your SIM application (CAF) should match this.
…plus other details submitted online by your hotel.[43, 55]
Legal Deep Dive: The C-Form and SIM Address Link
Under the Foreigners Act, 1946, any person or establishment providing accommodation to a foreign national must file a “C-Form”.[54] This includes hotels, guesthouses, and even private homes via services like Airbnb.[55, 56] This form, submitted to the Bureau of Immigration within 24 hours of your arrival [43], legally registers your passport details against your address of stay. Providing this same hotel address on your SIM application (CAF) creates a consistent and verifiable legal record for security agencies.[57]
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I buy a local Indian eSIM (Airtel/Jio) online before I travel?
No. This is a common point of confusion. You cannot get a *local Indian eSIM* with an Indian number online as a new tourist.[33] All local SIMs, whether physical or eSIM, require you to complete the in-person KYC process (passport, visa, biometrics) in India first.[34] You can only get an *international travel eSIM* (data-only) online.[58]
Jio vs. Airtel vs. Vi: Which is best for a tourist?
Both Jio and Airtel offer excellent 4G/5G coverage across most of India.[10, 26] Vi (Vodafone Idea) is also good in major cities but is generally reported to have weaker coverage in remote or rural areas.[11, 28] You will be well-served by either Jio or Airtel.
My SIM suddenly stopped working. What do I do?
This usually happens for two reasons. First, you may have failed to complete the mandatory “tele-verification” call (like dialing 59059) after purchase.[39] Second, you may have bought from an unauthorized (scam) vendor, and the carrier detected the fraudulent registration and deactivated the SIM.[10, 13] Unfortunately, fixing this almost always requires an in-person visit to an official carrier store [59], which is very difficult.
Deactivation Deep Dive: What happens when I leave and can I keep my number?
Deactivation is mandatory and automatic. Indian Department of Telecom (DoT) rules are very strict for tourists. Your SIM *must* be deactivated at the earlier of these two dates: 1) Your visa’s expiry date, OR 2) 90 days from the date of activation.[37, 60]
This specific tourist rule overrides the general domestic rule (which deactivates SIMs after 90 days of *no use* [61]). This means you cannot keep a tourist prepaid SIM active indefinitely from abroad, even by recharging it. This service is generally reserved for Non-Resident Indians (NRIs) with different types of accounts.[62, 63]
CRITICAL: After deactivation, your number will eventually be “recycled” and reassigned to a new customer.[64] You *must* unlink this temporary Indian number from all apps (Uber, Amazon India, etc.) before you leave the country.
I am under 18. Can I get a SIM card?
No. The applicant for a SIM card in India must be 18 years of age or older.[3, 38] A parent or guardian must register the SIM in their own name.