Is eSIM Allowed in India in 2025?

Is eSIM allowed in India? The answer is definitively positive. The country fully supports eSIM technology across major networks, making it a viable option for international travelers and local users alike.

Major carriers support eSIM in India, international providers operate legally, and whether eSIM works in India depends on your device compatibility and provider choice. However, activation processes, documentation requirements, and available plans vary significantly between local and international providers.

Can You Use eSIM in India as a Tourist or Foreigner?

Yes, but your path depends on which type of eSIM you choose. The question eSIM India for foreigners has a nuanced answer that varies significantly based on your approach. International eSIM providers like Yesim and Saily operate legally in India and cater specifically to tourists.

These services require no identity verification, including eKYC, while activating. You purchase online, receive a QR code, and activate upon arrival. No paperwork, no store visits, no local documentation required. This approach answers how eSIM works in India for international visitors most effectively.

Local Indian carriers (Airtel, Jio, Vi) offer eSIM services but follow different rules. These networks require valid identification documents, local address verification, and registration processes that can take 24-48 hours. Physical presence at authorized stores becomes mandatory for tourists seeking local carrier eSIM services.

• For tourists and short-term visitors, international eSIM providers deliver the simplest experience. Purchase before travel, activate on arrival, and connect immediately. This approach eliminates the complexity many face when asking is eSIM allowed in India for android and iPhone devices through local carriers.
• For long-term residents, students, and expats, local carrier eSIMs offer better rates and comprehensive services but require proper documentation and registration. If you have an Indian ID, local bank account, or long-term visa, local eSIMs provide superior value. The best eSIM for India depends entirely on your residency status and duration of stay.

Government regulations require SMS services to be barred for 24 hours on new eSIM activations – this applies to all carriers and affects initial setup but not data connectivity. Understanding this regulation helps answer eSIM in India good or bad debates, as the temporary SMS limitation frustrates some users initially.

eSIM Compatibility in India: iPhone and Android

Device compatibility determines your eSIM success more than carrier choice. The question is eSIM allowed in India for iPhone has a straightforward answer – yes, but only for specific models. Similarly, whether eSIM is allowed in India for Android depends heavily on your device manufacturer and model year. You can determine whether your device is compatible with an eSIM on this page.

iPhone eSIM compatibility (supported models)

• iPhone 14 series and newer: Native eSIM support
• iPhone 13 series: Full eSIM with dual-SIM capability
• iPhone 12 series: eSIM plus physical SIM combinations
• iPhone XS, XS Max, XR: Original eSIM implementation

Android eSIM compatibility varies by manufacturer

• Samsung Galaxy S20 and newer flagship models
• Google Pixel 3 and newer versions
• OnePlus 11 and select newer models
• Oppo Find X3 Pro and specific premium models

Verifying your device's eSIM capability before purchasing any plan prevents disappointment. iPhone users can check Settings > Cellular > Add Cellular Plan - if this option exists, your device supports eSIM. Android users find eSIM options under Settings > Connections > SIM Manager, though the exact path varies by manufacturer and Android version.

Network activation differences between iOS and Android don't impact functionality significantly. Indian networks accommodate both systems equally, and the QR code scanning process remains identical across platforms. However, how to use eSIM in India may involve slightly different setup steps depending on your operating system version.

Common setup errors include device locks to other carriers, eSIM profile installation failures due to unstable Wi-Fi connections, network selection issues requiring manual carrier selection, and dual-SIM conflicts during initial setup. These technical challenges explain why some users report mixed experiences when researching eSIM in India quora discussions and similar forums.

Best eSIM Providers for India

Your choice between local and international providers shapes your entire connectivity experience. Finding the best eSIM for India requires understanding the fundamental differences between these two approaches.

Airtel

Airtel leads India's eSIM deployment with nationwide availability, making it the strongest choice for long-term users seeking comprehensive plans.

However, Airtel requires Indian ID or proper documentation for activation. Their eSIM process involves sending SMS to 121 with the format "eSIM<>registered email ID" but requires an existing Airtel account and Indian documentation.

Vi (Vodafone Idea)

Vi (Vodafone Idea) offers eSIM support for eligible prepaid and postpaid users with compatible devices like iPhones (XR and newer), recent Samsung, Google Pixel, and select Motorola or Oppo models. Activation involves sending an SMS with your registered email to 199, confirming via reply and phone call, and scanning a QR code sent to your email.

The process is free and takes about 30 minutes. eSIM is available only within India and requires your email to be registered in advance. It's convenient and secure, but not ideal for users traveling abroad or using older phones, as activation and transfers must happen locally.

Jio

Jio (Reliance) offers pan-India coverage and excels for data-heavy users with competitive pricing. Jio eSIM activation requires typing "GETeSIM<32-digit EID><15-digit IMEI>" and sending to 199 from an existing Jio number. The conversion from physical SIM to eSIM comes free, but local verification remains mandatory for new foreign customers.

International eSIM Providers for India

International providers connect through local Indian network infrastructure, primarily using Airtel and Jio partnerships, but handle billing and customer service independently.

This arrangement explains why international eSIM providers can offer services without requiring Indian documentation while still delivering reliable network performance.

Yesim

Yesim stands out as a top choice for travelers to India thanks to its user-friendly platform, excellent customer support, and competitively priced data plans. With instant activation and reliable coverage, Yesim ensures you stay connected from the moment you land, making it the go-to eSIM for India provider.

Airalo

Airalo offers a broad selection of affordable eSIM options for India, with easy purchase and activation through its app. It’s a convenient choice for travelers wanting quick access to local and regional data plans.

• 1 GB for 7 days — $4.50
• 2 GB for 15 days — $8.00
• 3 GB for 30 days — $10.50
• 5 GB for 30 days — $15.00
• 10 GB for 30 days — $25.00
• 20 GB for 30 days — $40.00
• Unlimited data for 10 days — $35.00

Jetpac

Jetpack provides simple data plans focused on users needing continuous connectivity in India’s major cities. It’s a practical option for high data usage during trips.

Saily

Saily delivers straightforward eSIM solutions with secure activation and competitive rates. It serves travelers well with decent coverage, particularly in urban areas.

• 1 GB for 7 days — $3.99
• 3 GB for 30 days — $9.99
• 5 GB for 30 days — $13.99
• 10 GB for 30 days — $23.99
• 20 GB for 30 days — $38.99

How to Activate an eSIM in India

Understanding how to use eSIM in India begins with choosing the right activation method for your situation. The process differs significantly between international and local providers, with international options proving simpler for tourists. International eSIM activation steps for tourists:

• Purchase online before travel through provider's website or app.
• Download eSIM profile via QR code (don't activate yet).
• Travel to India with eSIM profile ready on device.
• Activate upon arrival - profile connects automatically.
• Verify connectivity and begin using data immediately.

Don't activate the eSIM until you land at your destination, as premature activation can waste valuable validity days. Keep printed QR codes during travel as backup in case email access becomes problematic.

Local carrier eSIM activation serves existing customers and new users differently. Existing customers converting from physical SIM can use SMS processes - Airtel customers text through 121, Jio users send specific codes to 199, while Vi limits eSIM to select regions and postpaid accounts.

New customers, particularly tourists and foreigners, must visit authorized retail stores. Present passport and visa documents, complete address verification using hotel bookings or local addresses, then wait 24-48 hours for activation approval. Collect your eSIM QR code and activation instructions once approved. Required documents include valid passport with current visa, local address proof such as hotel reservations, passport-size photographs, and completed application forms.

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Pre-arrival activation possibilities exist only with international eSIM providers. These services allow complete setup before travel, while local Indian carriers require physical presence for new foreign customers.

Pros and Cons of Using an eSIM in India

Evaluating eSIM in India, good or bad, requires honest assessment of both advantages and limitations. The technology delivers significant benefits while presenting specific challenges that affect user experience.

Tips for Travelers Using eSIM in India

Yesim experts have gathered the best tips to help you avoid common connectivity headaches when traveling to India. Follow these simple yet essential strategies to ensure smooth mobile service from the moment you arrive:

• Buy Your International eSIM Before Departure. Airports often have overloaded Wi-Fi networks, making it difficult to download large eSIM profiles on arrival. Purchasing your eSIM in advance guarantees instant access without delays.
• Download Offline Maps and Translation Apps. Activate your eSIM smoothly by pre-downloading offline Google Maps and language packs for Google Translate. This way, you’re prepared even if initial connectivity takes 10–15 minutes.
• Check Network Coverage for Your Destinations. India’s network varies greatly by location. Use provider coverage maps to confirm connectivity in the cities and rural areas you plan to visit.
• Combine Wi-Fi and eSIM Usage Strategically. Use hotel and cafe Wi-Fi for data-heavy tasks, while relying on your eSIM for on-the-go connectivity, ensuring your data lasts longer and your connection stays stable.

Travel to India with Your eSIM

eSIM works reliably in India for tourists, digital nomads, and long-term visitors. The technology is fully legal, widely supported, and increasingly accessible across device categories. For travelers, this means no more hunting for SIM cards at airport kiosks or dealing with local registration hassles.

With Yesim, you can activate your eSIM in minutes, before you even land. It’s fast, secure, and perfect for staying online the moment you arrive. Grab your Yesim eSIM and go explore India with instant, worry-free connectivity.

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