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This guide provides information on different WiFi options, safety tips, and where to find charging stations throughout the airport.
Buying a SIM card at Mumbai Airport BOM (Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj) 2024: Travelers Guide
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Getting online right upon arrival is vital for many travelers visiting India, and buying a SIM card at Mumbai airport (BOM) (Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj) makes staying connected easy.
This guide provides tips for selecting a SIM card at the airport to have data, calling, and SMS access while exploring Mumbai and beyond. Factors like network coverage, data allowances, and add-on options will be mentioned to choose the best fit.
In this article
I. Where to Buy a SIM Card at Mumbai Airport (BOM)?
Upon arrival at Mumbai Airport (Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj), there are various onsite options available for purchasing local SIM cards in India.
In contrast to Delhi Airport, Mumbai Airport exclusively offers SIM cards from 02 primary carriers for tourists, namely Airtel and MTNL. The following details provide information on their locations, operating hours, and prices for your convenience.
1. Location
Airtel maintains a prominent booth in the arrival hall of Terminal 2, situated next to Exit B after baggage claim and customs clearance. This makes their SIM cards highly accessible for arriving travelers looking to get connected.
Meanwhile, past reports from 2013 indicated MTNL also had a small SIM sales counter located near the taxi stands in Terminal 3. However, recent confirmation of MTNL’s continued airport counter presence could not be found.
2. Opening Hours
The Airtel booth at Mumbai Airport is open daily. The store hours are estimated to be between 6 am-10 pm daily to cover most flight arrival times.
3. Prices
Airtel offers a 28-day prepaid plan at the airport booth, providing 1.5GB of daily data and local calling for ₹600 (approximately $7.50).
However, some travelers observed that the identical plan is available for ₹299 when bought directly from Airtel through their app or website. Payments can be made using debit/credit cards or cash in Indian rupees (INR).
II. Best Tourist Mumbai SIM Cards Deals and Price
Good to know: 1 USD = 83.18 INR (Jan 07, 2024)
Here are the commonly chosen SIM card choices for tourists exploring Mumbai, India:
| Operator | Data/ Validity | Price (INR/ KRW/ USD) |
| Airtel | 1GB Data valid for 14 days | 149 INR/ 21,000 KRW/ $16 |
| Vodafone | 1GB Data valid for 15 days | 129 INR/ 18,500 KRW/ $14 |
| Jio | 2GB Data valid for 30 days | 252 INR/ 36,000 KRW/ $27 |
| BSNL | 1GB Data valid for 30 days | 100 INR/ 14,500 KRW/ $11 |
As you can see, the Jio provides the best value for tourists. Thus, when choosing mobile operator for your India SIM, consider Jio.
III. What to Prepare for Getting a SIM Card at Mumbai Airport – Registration Processư
Here are the key things to prepare when buying a SIM card at Mumbai Airport:
- Passport: Have your passport ready for ID verification at the SIM card retailer.
- Unlocked phone: Ensure your mobile isn’t carrier-specific for using a local SIM card.
- Cash in Indian rupees: Carry INR cash for SIM card payment as foreign currency might not be accepted.
- Registration details: Provide name, nationality, and stay duration; being prepared saves time.
- Hotel/address proof: Show hotel booking to verify stay if needed.
Note: Do not worry about languages as the staff at airport kiosks speak English fluently and will guide you through the purchase and activation process.
► Recommendation: If you don’t need immediate internet access upon arrival, consider buying a SIM card from city stores. Airport SIM prices are higher with basic plans and limited hours, while stores offer monthly plans at lower prices.
VI. eSIM for Mumbai – an Alternative to Prepaid SIM Card Mumbai
For travelers arriving in Mumbai, eSIM provides a more convenient alternative to purchasing a physical SIM card at the airport. The key benefits of using an eSIM for Mumbai include:
- Easy activation: Activate your eSIM online before traveling, no need to buy a physical SIM at the airport.
- Skip lines: Avoid long queues at SIM kiosks and airports in Mumbai by quickly setting up your phone with an eSIM, perfect for short trips.
- Quick setup with QR code: Connect your phone by scanning a QR code – a fast, hassle-free process.
- Use on any network: One eSIM profile for multiple networks on your device, ideal for different country visits.
When traveling to Mumbai, I recommend opting for eSIM data packages provided by Gigago. As a prominent eSIM service provider, Gigago offers affordable eSIM plans for Mumbai through Jio, the largest mobile network in the city.
Gigago offers multiple data plan options, starting from 3 GB for 30 days with $14.50 . What is great about Gigago’s India eSIM is that its plans’ costs are diversifying, varying between $14.50 – $29.90 . Thus, it does not matter how Internet users you are and how long your trip is in India, there is always an option for you with Gigago.
VII. FAQs about SIM card at Mumbai Airport
How can I recharge the SIM purchased at Mumbai airport when the credit ends?
You can recharge online via apps or websites. Look for stores near your hotel/ destination too. Stores at airports may charge a premium.
Should I show my passport when buying a SIM card at Mumbai airport?
If you purchase the SIM card online, there’s no need to present it, whereas if you acquire it at the airport, you’ll be required to show it.
Is it possible to purchase a SIM card at Mumbai airport with a locked phone?
If your phone is locked, you can’t use a SIM card from India. So, it’s not possible to buy one at Mumbai airport in that case. If you need internet during your stay, consider renting a wireless device.
VIII. Conclusion
Whether you are visiting from another country or a resident looking to switch, getting a prepaid SIM card is still one of the simplest ways to stay connected while traveling around Mumbai. By learning about the main choices and costs available, you can pick the best plan for your needs.
To sum up, acquiring a SIM card at Mumbai airport remains a straightforward choice for both visitors and locals.
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