Getting a SIM card at Bangalore Airport (BLR) (Kempegowda airport) is one of the first things to do upon arrival when finding ways to stay connected in Bangalore, India for most tourists. Though Airtel and Jio both run kiosks in the arrivals area, and Vi has a smaller counter, but none of them are open around the clock. This article shows exactly where to buy a Bangalore Airport (BLR) SIM card, what a SIM actually costs today, what to bring, and a backup option for when the counters are closed.
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Travelers arriving at Bangalore Airport (BLR) have 3 main ways to get mobile data:
If you choose to buy or pick up a local SIM card in India upon arrival at BLR airport, you can head to the International Arrivals area of Terminal 2 (T2), located past immigration and customs, near the taxi booking counters. All international flights land exclusively at Terminal 2 (T2). Terminal 1 handles domestic flights only.
Airtel and Jio both have full-service counters while Vi (formerly Vodafone Idea) has a smaller counter nearby.
The SIM counters do not operate on a fixed 24/7 schedule; instead, staffing generally tracks the daily international flight schedule.
Because counter hours depend on arriving international flights, staff may close the kiosk once the night’s scheduled flights have cleared.
If your flight lands late at night or during the early morning hours, kiosks may be closed.
If your need immediate connectivity upon landing, it is better to set up a data India eSIM before your flight and pick up a physical SIM the next day if you want a local number.
To register a physical SIM card at Bangalore Airport, foreign tourists must present 4 items:
This is the same documentation India requires nationwide, not a Bangalore-specific rule.
→ A few extra things to keep in mind:
Official prepaid data plans from Airtel and Jio start at ₹199 to ₹399 INR (~$2.40 to $4.80 USD) for 28–30 days, though convenience markups may apply at physical airport kiosks.
Below are typical plans for tourists of Airtel and Jio:
| Operator | Data | Validity | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Airtel | 2GB total | 28 days | ₹199 (~$2.40) |
| Airtel | 1GB/day | 28 days | ₹299 (~$3.60) |
| Airtel | 2GB/day + 5G | 30 days | ₹379 (~$4.55) |
| Jio | 2GB/day | 28 days | ₹349 (~$4.20) |
| Jio | 2.5GB/day | 28 days | ₹399 (~$4.80) |
While base plans are inexpensive, airport kiosk staff occasionally charge higher “convenience rates” (sometimes quoting ₹700 to ₹1,700 INR for a 30-day plan).
Buying a Gigago India eSIM will let you set up your internet before you even leave home, skip the airport counter queues, passport checks, and activation delays. Your QR code arrives by email within minutes of purchase, no identity verification required.
Once you land in Bangalore, it automatically connects to India’s leading networks (Airtel, Jio, or Vi). Plans range from 500MB to 20GB (1 to 30 days) starting from $2.50. Since it’s a data-only plan, you can easily make calls and send messages through apps like WhatsApp.
Terminal 2, in the arrivals area. All international flights have used T2 since September 2023, so that’s where you’ll land if you’re arriving from abroad.
No. They generally track the flight schedule and close once the last international flight of the night has cleared, so late-night arrivals may find them shut.
No. Since a mid-2024 regulatory change, the OTP can be sent to your email instead.
No, this is not permitted under current rules, at any airport or store in India.
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