This article is written for international travelers who will be arriving at Chennai International Airport and need cellular connectivity during their visit to plan trips or stay in touch with contacts.
In this post, readers will learn where and how to easily purchase a SIM card at Chennai Airport to have mobile access, as well as alternative options if they are unable to at the airport.
In this article
Yes, you can buy SIM card at Chennai Internationnal airport.
Buying a SIM card at Chennai International Airport is convenient and saves time. You can start using your phone immediately after landing, ensuring you have local connectivity for navigation and communication right away.
However, SIM cards at the airport can be more expensive compared to buying them in the city or online. The data plans available at the airport might also offer less value or fewer options than those found elsewhere.
If your phone does not support eSIM, this is the fastest and easiest way to get internet access for travel in India.
At Chennai Airport, you can find SIM card booths from top providers in the arrival halls. Seek out the Airtel, Vi, Jio, and BSNL booths just before immigration for a fast post-landing connection.
What to prepare: Passport or local ID and cash (preferred by most kiosks)
Cost: Prepaid SIM packages start at INR 199.
Pros:
Cons:
► Our recommendation: If you do not know which provider to choose, we recommend Jio mobile operator.
No, the airport does not have many nighttime arrivals, SIM shops here (Airtel, Jio, BSNL) will be closed before midnight. This means if you arrive late at night, you might not be able to buy a SIM card from those stores.
You can buy a SIM card at MAA Airport for just ₹269, which includes 2 GB of data per day for 28 days. Below is a popular data plan from Jio that you might consider:
The most popular tourist SIM card plans at MAA Airport are offered by the three major mobile network operators: Airtel, Jio, BSNL.
Here’s a comparison table of popular tourist SIM card options available at Chennai Airport, including Airtel, Jio, Vi (Vodafone Idea), and BSNL:
| Network | Plan Name | Validity | Data | SMS | Price (USD) | Price (INR) |
| Airtel | Airtel Xstream Prepaid eSIM (4GB Daily) | 30 Days | 4GB/Day | 100 SMS/Day | 9 | 741 |
| Jio | Jio Welcome Offer | 28 Days | 10GB | 100 SMS/Day | 7 | 577 |
| Vi | Vi™ RED (Data + Talk) | 28 Days | 2GB/Day | Unlimited | 11 | 891 |
| BSNL | BSNL Tourist SIM | 30 Days | 10GB | Unlimited | 8 | 655 |
Notes:
Good preparation makes the registration process easier. Here are some things you need to know.
Preparation:
Registration Process:
This process can be complicated, and many tourists don’t like sharing personal information. An easier option is to buy an international SIM card online before you leave or use an eSIM, which doesn’t need a passport.
With some drawbacks of buying a SIM card at Chennai International Airport such as limited options and overpriced services, right now, eSIM is your best option.
In this way, Gigago stands out as the top eSIM provider for visitors to any country. For India, Gigago has various data plans, starting at 3GB for 30 days at $14.50 .
Gigago provides many India eSIM plans for tourists with range from $14.50 – $29.90 , so there’s an option for everyone, no matter how much data you need or how long you’ll be in India.
Yes, you can buy a SIM card outside the airport with our recommendation:
While English is widely understood in major airports like Chennai, you might encounter vendors who are more comfortable speaking Hindi or Tamil. Don’t hesitate to use simple phrases or ask for clarification if needed.
Yes, you can make international calls using your Indian SIM card. However, international call rates can vary significantly, so be sure to check the specific charges beforehand to avoid unexpected costs.
It’s really important to throw away the SIM card in a safe way to prevent any security problems or harm to the environment. Many official stores, like the ones at the airport, have ways to safely throw away old SIM cards.
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