You can get a prepaid mobile connection in India from various places including airport and the area where you will be staying. It is better to get it from the area where you will be staying. There are three major telecom companies, but it is best to choose Airtel OR Vodafone Idea network.
As on 15-Jul-2024 you pay INR550 and you get
- Free Calling to Mobile and Landlines within India for 28 days.
- 100 text messages free per day for 28 days.
- 1 GB Data per day (4G/5G) for 28 days.
- Free national roaming.
- Free incoming calls.
The cost of INR550 includes SIM Charges, Service Charges and Plan Top Up charges. (eSIM can cost INR650).
Process:
- You visit the telecom shop. The shopkeeper will use the telecom company application to enter your details, capture your passport, capture your visa and your picture in the app. He also needs to capture his picture in the app.
- You also need to provide a mobile number of any reference who has a working mobile connection in India. That person will receive an OTP (one time passcode) on their phone that has be added into the SIM application form. (This is weird, but rules are rules).
- After the data is entered and pictures are captured, the SIM goes into automatic approval process. After about 5-10 minutes, the SIM application is verified and approved by the Telecom company. To know if you application is approved, you will start seeing network name (VI / IND-Airtel / Jio) etc. in your phone.
- Once the signals are visible, you need to dial a number to complete your tele verification process by entering your year of birth and your passport details. This is usually done by the shopkeeper on your behalf. So nothing to worry.
- After successful tele-verification, the SIM will get activated in 5 minutes.
- As a side note it is always better to download the telecom company mobile app to track your usage.
NOTE:
If you are staying at Smyle Inn, New Delhi, then we can call the shopkeeper to the reception and you will get the services in our reception itself. He will input his number as reference to receive an OTP.
Question: Can I get a SIM while being out of India?
Answer: No. You have to get the SIM in person because your live picture is uploaded in the APP for verification.
Question: Can I get more than 1 GB per day?
Answer: Yes you can. You need to download the telecom company app and check the available options in your number.
Question: Can I get SIM validity for less than 28 days?
Answer: No. Minimum validity is 28 days.
Question: Can I get SIM validity for more than 28 days?
Answer: Yes you can. After initial 28 days are over, you can topup from the mobile company application or visit any local shop for topup. It is advisable to download the mobile company application on your phone to check available options on your number.
Question: Can I get an eSIM?
Answer: If you are buying a SIM in Delhi, then you can get an eSIM on Airtel OR Vodafone mobile network.
Question: Will my SIM card work in Kashmir and Leh/laddakh area?
Answer: Prepaid SIM cards don’t work in Jammu, Kashmir, Leh and Laddak Areas. Only post paid connections work there.
Question: Will my SIM get deactivated after my visa expires?
Answer: Yes. Your SIM will get deactivated the moment your visa expires. It won’t extend even if you renew your visa. You just have to get a new connection after renewing your visa.
Question: What if I don’t know anyone who can give his Indian mobile number as a reference?
Answer: The shopkeeper from where you buy the SIM can help you out with this. However, if you are staying at Smyle Inn, the shopkeeper that we call, can provide his own number as reference so that your SIM application can get approved.