Surf with 4G/5G in India. Delivered instantly by email after purchase.
Traveling to several countries?
With the Asien-Bundle you surf across several countries in your region. Cheaper than individual plans.
Download the app and manage everything on the go!
Keep an eye on your data, top up anytime and install your eSIM with a single tap. Free for iOS & Android.
eSIM for India: activation in 3 steps
Activating your eSIM for India takes just a few minutes and requires no SIM card swap at all. Right after purchase you receive an email with your personal eSIM details in the form of a QR code and an activation code or link, plus instructions. It's best to install the eSIM comfortably from home; you only activate mobile data after your arrival in India.
How to activate the eSIM on iPhone (iOS)
- Open Settings → Cellular → Add eSIM.
- Select Use QR Code and scan the code from our email. Alternatively you can enter the activation details manually.
- Give the line a meaningful name, e.g. "BuddySIM India", and finish the setup.
- in India, activate BuddySIM under Cellular → Data Roaming and select it as the line for mobile data.
How to activate the eSIM on Android (Samsung, Pixel & Co.)
- Open Settings → Connections → SIM manager (on Google Pixel: Network & internet → SIMs).
- Tap Add eSIM and scan the QR code from our email.
- Confirm the download of the eSIM profile and wait until setup is complete.
- After your arrival in India, enable data roaming and select BuddySIM for mobile data.
The exact menu labels may differ slightly depending on your smartphone model and operating system version. You'll find a detailed step-by-step guide by device in our eSIM activation guide.
No second device to scan?
Only have your smartphone and can't scan? No problem! We also send you a one-click installation link and activation details for manual activation of your eSIM.
Why a BuddySIM eSIM for India?
Here's how BuddySIM for India compares to other eSIM providers and the local SIM card on site: transparent, fast and with no hidden costs.
 |
Other eSIM providers | Local SIM card | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Buy online instantly | Available instantly | Usually possible | Only on site |
| Activation only on arrival | Activation in your destination – avoids using data before arrival | Depends on provider | Manual setup |
| Fixed GB plans | Full cost control | Depends on provider | Often confusing |
| Day Pass | Often unlimited with throttling | Depends on provider | |
| Share hotspot | Often limited | Depends on plan | |
| Multi-network coverage* | Multiple networks | Not always transparent | Usually one provider |
| No Net, No Pay guarantee | |||
| Personal support | Personal | Often bot only | On site/hotline |
| Roaming costs | 0,00 €Prepaid, no hidden costs | Mostly prepaid | Depends on plan |
| Flexible top-ups | Flexible anytime | Depends on provider | Often complicated |
| Stress factor | Very low | Medium | High |
*Multi-network coverage: where needed, several local networks are available so you get the best possible coverage. Your device automatically connects to the strongest available signal.
eSIM prices for India
Compare all eSIM plans for India at a glance, including duration, total price and price per GB. This way you transparently find the right data plan for your trip in India, with no hidden costs and no contract.
| Plan | Validity | Price | Per GB |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 GB | 7 days | €6,99 | €6,99/GB |
| 3 GB | 30 days | €17,99 | €5,99/GB |
| 5 GB | 30 days | €27,99 | €5,59/GB |
| 10 GB POPULAR | 30 days | €49,99 | €4,99/GB |
| 20 GB | 30 days | €59,99 | €2,99/GB |
| 50 GB | 30 days | €124,99 | €2,49/GB |
About the eSIM for India
eSIM India: Instant Mobile Data for Your Trip
Our eSIM India Data Plans
Choose your fixed data plan for India by GB and duration.
With the BuddySIM eSIM for India you're online instantly in India: fast mobile internet right after arrival, with no physical SIM card and no expensive roaming fees. You buy your eSIM conveniently online, receive the QR code instantly by email and activate it in just a few steps on your smartphone.
Mobile data in India: no roaming
Instead of hunting for a local SIM card at the airport or paying your home provider's roaming fees, with BuddySIM you simply keep using your familiar smartphone. Your existing number stays active on the physical SIM for calls and SMS, while the eSIM handles only your mobile data in India. So you stay connected at all times for maps, translations, bookings and social media.
Network coverage & speed in India
The eSIM India connects automatically to Airtel India, Reliance Jio Infocomm and offers you speeds of 4G/LTE & 5G, where available. You surf reliably in the cities and at the most important destinations in India, ideal for streaming, navigation and video calls. Via the personal hotspot you can also share your connection with a laptop or tablet.
Who is the eSIM for India worth it for?
Whether holiday, backpacking, workation or business trip: the BuddySIM eSIM for India is the hassle-free solution for anyone who wants to stay online in India. Simply pick the right data plan for your trip length and get going right away, with no contract and no hidden costs.
Activate eSIM India: in just a few minutes
After purchase you receive your personal QR code directly by email. Install the eSIM comfortably from home, activate the mobile data in India after arrival, and off you go. You'll find a detailed step-by-step guide further up on this page.
Technical specifications: eSIM for India
This is how much data you need in India
All figures are estimates. Your actual usage depends on your smartphone, your app settings and your personal usage.
The story behind BuddySIM
BuddySIM was born during my parental leave, out of real frustration. Expensive roaming fees, stressful queues at the airport with small children and a complicated hunt for SIM cards on site? It doesn't have to be like that.
A holiday is the best time of the year and should be worry-free! That's why I founded BuddySIM, so you can focus on what matters most on holiday: relaxing and spending time with your loved ones.
Rafael Gomez
Founder of BuddySIM
Money-back guarantee for India
100% money-back guarantee
Your satisfaction is our priority. You'll of course get your money back if:
- the eSIM has not yet been activated/used (0.00 MB)
- your device is not eSIM compatible
- your trip was cancelled
Refund within 14 days of purchase. If you had other issues and our support couldn't help you, feel free to write to us anytime as well.
No Net, No Pay guarantee
In the event of a proven, continuous network outage of more than 90 minutes in India, we refund you 100% of the purchase price of the affected eSIM.
Learn more →Frequently asked questions about the eSIM for India
Any questions about your eSIM for India?
Our support team is available around the clock for you, before, during and after your trip. Just write to us, we'll help you quickly and easily.
More information Show less
eSIM for India: enjoy your trip to India mobile and worry-free
The essentials at a glance
- Instant activation: Online at the airport in India – with no paperwork or queues.
- Full cost control: Clear, easy-to-understand prepaid plans with no hidden fees. No risk of expensive roaming traps.
- Maximum flexibility: Choose your plan flexibly and top up at any time.
- Excellent support: Access to personal service via app or WhatsApp – a real plus with BuddySIM in particular.
- Top coverage: Reliably connected thanks to partnerships with the best local networks (e.g. Jio, Airtel).
India's contrasts are reflected in its digital demands too: With the right eSIM you can get online in many regions, from the Himalayas to Goa. Compared directly with a classic SIM card, the eSIM is in many cases
- cheaper,
- more convenient
- and often ready to use right after landing.
What is an eSIM and how does it work?
eSIM stands for „embedded SIM“. This means the SIM chip is already built into the device, and instead of a plastic SIM you simply load the plan you want digitally.
A few clicks are all it takes: Providers like BuddySIM send you a QR code and you're ready to go. No fiddly cards, no risk of loss or theft. Modern smartphones
- from iPhone XS onwards,
- many Samsung, Pixel, Xiaomi, Oppo
- or OnePlus models support eSIM.
You can often check your device's status directly in the settings.
The biggest advantage: You can top up your data connection digitally at any time, hotspot functions are available, and support is conveniently on hand via messenger or email.
Your benefits with an India eSIM
- No roaming fees: Save real money on your trip by going with local rates and avoiding expensive extra costs.
- Quick start in India: Buy the eSIM, activate it, get online – whether from the airport, hotel or a café.
- Convenience & security: No tedious showing of your passport, no SIM-card counters, no risk of losing or forgetting anything.
- Absolute transparency: Prepaid models always let you know how much data and what costs you have.
Anyone who wants to be especially flexible, or who combines India with neighbouring countries like Nepal or Sri Lanka, will find multi-country eSIMs with many providers too.
|
eSIM for India |
Classic SIM card |
|
Instant activation, even before you set off |
Buy & activate in person on site |
|
Fully digital, no card swap needed |
Swap/insert a physical card |
|
Prepaid & transparent costs |
Prepaid/contract often only with passport & bureaucracy |
|
Online right after arrival |
Waiting, filling in forms, possibly no immediate start |
|
Hotspot and top-ups are straightforward |
Only partly possible, sometimes complicated |
|
Access to several local networks (e.g. Jio, Airtel) |
Often limited to one network |
Key criteria when choosing your India eSIM
- Estimate your data usage: How many GB do you need (base it on streaming, maps, social media)?
- Check the duration: Are you staying just 7, 15 or 30 days?
- Check locations & coverage: Destinations in the Himalayas, Goa or remote regions? Jio and Airtel are usually the first choice.
- Your device's compatibility: eSIM only works with modern smartphones/tablets.
- Extras & service: Hotspot, WhatsApp support & refunds (e.g. BuddySIM's worry-free guarantee) make the difference.
|
Provider |
Data allowance |
Duration |
Coverage |
Special features |
|
BuddySIM |
1–20 GB, also Unlimited |
7–30 days |
Multi-network (Jio, Airtel) |
Worry-free guarantee, hotspot, WhatsApp support |
|
Holafly |
unlimited* |
5–30 days |
Jio, Airtel |
Unlimited data, support |
|
Airalo |
1–20 GB |
7–30 days |
Several providers |
Multi-country eSIM, app-based |
*Fair-use policy: throttling possible with very high usage
Checklist: step by step to your India eSIM
- Choose a provider & data package: e.g. BuddySIM with flexible 1–20 GB plans.
- Complete your purchase: Receive a QR code or installation link by email.
- In your phone's settings menu tap „Add eSIM“, scan the QR code or enter the details manually.
- Online straight away: Check your usage and options conveniently at any time via the app/portal.
- Data packages can be topped up at any time – so you stay flexible.
Tip: It's best to activate your eSIM on Wi-Fi before your trip begins!
Technical requirements & device compatibility
Only eSIM-capable devices are compatible. These include: iPhone XS/XR and newer, Galaxy S2x/Flip/Fold, Google Pixel (from 3), and current models from Oppo, Xiaomi and OnePlus. To be safe, use BuddySIM's compatibility check.
If you still have an older phone, check alternatives in good time, such as a classic local SIM card or an upgrade to a new smartphone.
Experiences & tips for a relaxed everyday life in India with an eSIM
Travellers' experiences show that many find getting started with an eSIM especially straightforward. Already in the taxi from the airport you have access to WhatsApp, can order an Uber or book train tickets. Good cost control – without high roaming fees – is an important advantage, especially for digital nomads, families or frequent travellers.
Travelling through Rajasthan, the Himalayas or the country's interior is no problem: good providers like BuddySIM connect you to the best local network, update you directly if there are problems, and enable hotspot sharing for laptops & friends. And don't worry: should there ever be longer network outages, the worry-free guarantee kicks in and your plan is refunded without any hassle.
Wherever your journey takes you: find your perfect eSIM buddy
FAQ
How do I install an eSIM for India?
After purchase you receive a QR code/installation link by email. In your smartphone's mobile settings tap „Add eSIM“, scan the code, let it search for the network, and you're done. It's best to activate the eSIM on Wi-Fi a few hours before departure or right after arrival.
Which providers have the best coverage?
In India, Jio and Airtel lead the way. Providers like BuddySIM, Holafly, Airalo, Saily & Jetpac tap into these. For remote areas we recommend checking coverage beforehand.
Calls/texts with an eSIM: is that possible?
By default, the common India eSIMs only include data plans. For calls and messages, messenger apps like WhatsApp or Skype are recommended. A few providers such as aloSIM or Holafly offer voice options you can add on.
How do I know whether my phone supports eSIM?
Check your device settings or use BuddySIM's compatibility tool. Most smartphones from 2019 onwards are eSIM-ready.
What should I do if there are problems?
Contact the provider's support directly. Common sources of error are incorrectly activated eSIMs, disabled data roaming or local network issues. BuddySIM offers a „worry-free guarantee“ and fast support via WhatsApp, email and live chat.