Traveling to India and need a local SIM card to stay connected? This article provides a guide for buying a SIM card at Delhi Airport (Indira Gandhi) to highlight the process, options, and tips for travelers arriving at Delhi Airport. We cover where and how you can buy a SIM card at India Delhi airport, available cellular providers, data plans and prices, and more to ensure you can get online hassle-free upon landing in the capital city.
In this article
Yes, you can buy a SIM card at Delhi Airport.
Purchasing a SIM card at Chennai International Airport is quick and convenient. It allows you to use your phone immediately after landing, ensuring local connectivity for navigation and communication.
However, SIM cards at the airport tend to be pricier than those bought in the city or online. The data plans available at the airport might also provide less value or fewer options compared to other sources.
Tip: Some travelers use VPNs to boost data security when traveling.
You can buy a SIM card at Delhi Airport at some kiosks at Delhi airport (except BSNL) which sell SIM card of Airtel, BSNL, Jio, VI and MTNL. We will guide you to buy a SIM card at Delhi airport by carrier name at the airport based on the information below:
Location: Centrally located in the arrivals area of T3.
SIM Card: Airtel 4G prepaid SIM
Language Support: English, Hindi
Opening Hours: 6 am – 10 pm daily
Evaluation: One of the largest networks, easy setup and good coverage nationwide.
Location: Near the customs exit in T3 for convenient purchases.
SIM Card: Vodafone 4G prepaid SIM
Language Support: English, Hindi, regional languages
Opening Hours: 5am – 11pm daily
Evaluation: Vast coverage and deals on data packs.
Location: Located in T3 food court for grabs & meals after purchase.
SIM Card: Jio 4G prepaid SIM
Language Support: English, Hindi, regional languages
Opening Hours: 6 am – 11 pm daily
Evaluation: Fastest network for streaming and calls.
Location: Near the T3 taxi stand for easy access.
SIM Card: MTNL 4G prepaid SIM
Language Support: English, Hindi
Opening Hours: 8 am – 8 pm daily
Evaluation: Inexpensive calling rates for MTNL users.
► 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 Delhi 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 Delhi Airport, including Airtel, Jio, Vi (Vodafone Idea), and BSNL:
Good to know: 1 USD = 83.18 INR (Jan 07, 2024)
| Network | Plan Duration | Data | Calls | SMS | Price (INR/USD) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Airtel | 28 days | 1.5 GB/day | Unlimited | 100/day | ₹299 ($3.60) |
| 56 days | 1.5 GB/day | Unlimited | 100/day | ₹479 ($5.77) | |
| 84 days | 2 GB/day | Unlimited | 100/day | ₹698 ($8.41) | |
| 365 days | 2 GB/day | Unlimited | 100/day | ₹2,999 ($36.15) | |
| Jio | 28 days | 2 GB/day | Unlimited | 100/day | ₹299 ($3.60) |
| 56 days | 2 GB/day | Unlimited | 100/day | ₹444 ($5.35) | |
| 84 days | 2 GB/day | Unlimited | 100/day | ₹598 ($7.22) | |
| 365 days | 1.5 GB/day | Unlimited | 100/day | ₹2,399 ($28.92) | |
| BSNL | 28 days | 2 GB/day | Unlimited | 100/day | ₹187 ($2.25) |
| 56 days | 1.5 GB/day | Unlimited | 100/day | ₹319 ($3.85) | |
| 84 days | 2 GB/day | Unlimited | 100/day | ₹485 ($5.87) | |
| 365 days | 2 GB/day | Unlimited | 100/day | ₹1,999 ($24.10) |
Notes:
Here are the key things to prepare when buying a SIM card at Delhi airport:
This process can be complicated, and many tourists are uncomfortable sharing personal information. An easier option is to buy an international SIM card online before your trip or use an eSIM, which doesn’t require a passport.
For travelers arriving in Delhi, eSIM provides a more convenient alternative to purchasing a physical SIM card at the airport.
When traveling to Delhi, I suggest opting for eSIM data packages provided by Gigago. As a prominent eSIM service provider, Gigago offers cost-effective India eSIM plans through Jio, the country’s largest mobile network.
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 Internet users you are and how long your trip is in India, there is always an option for you with Gigago.
Setting up is straightforward – simply scan the QR code sent via email. With 24/7 support, Gigago India eSIM ensures a seamless choice for travelers to stay connected to Delhi’s top cellular network without the need for a physical SIM card.
Yes, you can buy tourist SIM cards outside of Delhi Airport. In fact, purchasing a SIM card in the city can often be more cost-effective and may provide you with more plan options. Here are some common places where you can buy SIM cards in Delhi:
Remember to bring your passport and a passport-sized photo, as these are usually required for SIM card registration in India.
Yes, you can pay for your SIM card using major credit or debit cards like Visa and Mastercard at all authorized airport kiosks and stores. Having cash as a backup is still recommended.
SIM activation usually takes 20-40 minutes after registering your details. Retailers will guide you further on the verification status. Make sure to factor activation time into your arrival plans.
Yes, you’ll need to present your valid passport for identity verification during SIM purchase and activation as per regulations for tourists. A photocopy may also be taken in some cases.
This article is aimed at travelers visiting India who want to stay connected during their trip. Choosing between a BSNL SIM card & eSIM can be confusing, especially regarding availability and activation processes. This guide will shed light on how to acquire and activate both options, ensuring a smooth and connected journey in India. I. […]
Traveling to New Delhi, India, one of the most essential tasks for any traveler is to buy SIM card in New Delhi to stay connected during your trip. This detailed guide is here to give you great tips and practical advice when you buy SIM card in New Delhi. It’ll make sure you breeze through […]
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 […]
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.
Data roaming in India can be very expensive, especially if you don’t understand how international phone roaming charges work. This article will explain how data roaming in India works, whether rates are expensive, alternatives to roaming to access the internet like eSIM, and how to turn off roaming to save money when traveling to India.
This article is for travelers to India who want to get mobile internet to stay connected while traveling to India. It will provide a basic understanding of mobile internet in India, how much it costs, and the best options to get mobile internet for travelers.