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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 Airport Bangalore (BLR – Kempegowda) 2024: Best Plans + Updated Price
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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. A SIM card allows you to stay connected while traveling in Bangalore with affordable plans and coverage citywide.
This guide will compare carriers, services at the airport, top SIM plans, pricing updates, and budget-friendly packages, helping you choose the right SIM for your trip.
In this article
I. How to Get a SIM Card at Bangalore Airport (BLR)?
To get a SIM card at Bangalore Airport (BLR), you have several options:
- Order online before and collect at the airport: Pre-order a SIM card online and pick it up at a designated counter upon arrival. This saves time and ensures you have a suitable plan ready.
- Buy upon arrival: Purchase a SIM card from kiosks or shops in the arrival area. This allows you to compare plans and prices on the spot, though it may take extra time.
- Buy eSIM (if phone compatible with eSIM): Choose an eSIM for digital activation if your phone supports it. This can be done through a QR code or an app, eliminating the need for a physical SIM card.
II. Where to Buy a SIM Card at Bangalore Airport (BLR)?
Arriving at a new airport, tourists often want to purchase a local SIM card in India to stay connected. However, Kempegowda International Airport is quite large, so finding a SIM retailer can be challenging.
Read this guide to get more information about the locations, opening hours, and prices of mobile operators at this airport.
1. Locations
There are several mobile operators located throughout Terminals 1 and 2 at Kempegowda International Airport.
In Terminal 1 departures, Airtel, Vodafone, and Jio operate stores near gate 10. Jio and Vodafone also have smaller kiosks closer to security screening.
In Terminal 2, which opened in January 2023, Airtel and Jio have large shops in the retail area on the first floor near the escalators from arrivals.
Vodafone has a kiosk between security screening and boarding gates. All operators display their logos and varieties of SIM cards available.
2. Opening Hours
The mobile operator’s stores and kiosks in both terminals operate every day from 5:00 AM to 11:00 PM, providing the convenience for travelers to buy a SIM card during late-night and early-morning flights.
3. Prices
Prepaid SIM cards begin at around 100-200 Indian Rupees (1.25-2.50 US Dollars), including minimum calling and data packages.
Visitors have options like daily, weekly, or monthly data plans depending on trip length, with approximately 250-300 Rupees (3-3.75 US Dollars) providing 1GB of data daily.
Carriers additionally provide wireless internet hotspot access and international plans for using a device when traveling overseas.
III. Do SIM card shops at BLR airport open after midnight?
No, SIM card shops at BLR Airport generally do not stay open after midnight. While airport hours vary, most shops and services inside the airport close around 11 PM to midnight, including SIM card kiosks.
This means if you arrive late at night, you might not be able to buy a SIM card from those stores.
IV. Best Tourist Bangalore SIM Cards Price
For just 24 USD, tourists at BLR airport can get a Jio network SIM card that offers 5GB of data and is valid for 28 days.
Good to know: 1 USD = 83.18 INR (Jan 07, 2024)
Here are the popular India SIM card options for tourists available at Bangalore Airport:
| Operator | Data/Validity | Price (KRW/ USD) |
| Airtel | 5GB data for 28 days | 33 USD |
| Jio | 5GB data for 28 days, unlimited data at 64kbps | 24 USD |
| Vodafone | 10GB data for 10 days | 18 USD |
Based on the plans compared, Vodafone provides the best value for tourists when coming to Bangalore city.
Notes:
- The price of SIM cards can differ between retailers and providers. Check around for the best deal.
- Some SIMs require a deposit that is refunded upon return. Make sure to return it when you leave to get your money back.
- Be certain your phone is compatible with the SIM you select. Not all cards work with all phones.
V. What to Prepare for Getting a SIM Card at Bangalore Airport – Registration Process
When obtaining a SIM card at Bangalore Airport, be ready to go through this sign-up process:
- Present your passport for verification of your identity and India visa. Photocopies of these documents will be made.
- Have a passport photo ready, as one will need to be affixed to the SIM registration form.
- Fill out the SIM registration form providing your details like name, address, passport number, etc.
- The SIM provider will need to verify your details and photo ID. This process can take some time.
- Once verified, you can select a prepaid plan and make payment. Plans at the airport tend to be more expensive and offer less data than outside.
- It may take 1-2 hours for the SIM to get activated after registration. You will need to call the provided number to complete activation.
▶ Our recommendation: Consider skipping airport SIM cards if not urgently needed. Plans are short-term with limited, costly data. Airport kiosks may not be open 24/7. Wait to buy a SIM at a retail store post-airport for better value plans.
For longer visits, opt for retail store SIMs with 1-3GB daily data valid for 1-3 months. Alternatively, get an eSIM with a mobile hotspot for urgent internet needs upon arrival.
VI. eSIM for Bangalore – an Alternative to Prepaid SIM Card Bangalore
eSIM offers a convenient option, activating directly on compatible devices. Benefits include pre-activation from home, skipping crowded kiosks, and using a single profile globally with ease.
When traveling to Bangalore, I would recommend exploring eSIM data packages from Gigago. This is the eSIM provider with the most products (plans) compared to its competitors. This means travelers have many choices and are suitable for many budgets, needs, and trip durations.
For India, 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 many Internet users you are and how long your trip is in India, there is always an option for you with Gigago.
VI. FAQs about SIM card at Bangalore Airport
Is any documentation necessary when purchasing a SIM card at Bangalore airport?
For Indian citizens, regular customer identification documents like a valid identification document and address verification would be required.
What payment methods are accepted if I get a SIM card at Bangalore airport?
Most SIM retailers accept both cash and card payments. Cards from major networks like Visa, Mastercard, Rupay, etc. are generally accepted. It’s safer to carry some cash as a backup.
How can I get SIM delivery if I don’t visit the Bangalore airport?
Some operators offer home delivery options. You can find their numbers at the retail stores and order a SIM to be delivered later for activation.
VII. Conclusion
Whether you’re a global traveler or a resident seeking a fresh connection, acquiring a SIM card remains a convenient method to stay linked while navigating Bangalore.
By comprehending the available plans and their costs, you can choose the perfect option that suits your requirements. In summary, obtaining a SIM card at Bangalore airport remains a straightforward choice for both tourists and locals.
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