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eSIM in India

Get an eSIM in India from £3.53 on AirTel 5G networks with instant QR delivery. No UK roaming charges, no airport queues, and a 180-day refund guarantee on unactivated eSIMs.

eSIM for India Prepaid Data Plans

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HelloRoam sells prepaid eSIM data plans for India starting at £3.53. Your eSIM connects to local 5G networks the moment you land. Activate by QR code in under two minutes. Keep your EE, Vodafone or Three number on dual SIM while your eSIM handles data.

Mobile networks
212+
network type
5G
Setup
under two minutes

Last updated

Your e SIM India with local network coverage

Cheap eSIM for India, starting from £3.53. Local 5G data on local partner networks in India. Works on any carrier-unlocked, eSIM-compatible phone. The travel sim India from HelloRoam starts at £3.53 on AirTel 5G networks. The plan from £3.53 through HelloRoam connects to AirTel networks across every major city and tourist region. Plans deliver 4G speeds with no roaming fees. QR activation takes two minutes before your flight from Heathrow or Gatwick.

India eSIM with 5G coverage

HelloRoam provides eSIM plans for India starting from £3.53. Connect on 4G via the Jio network across Delhi, Mumbai, Goa, Rajasthan, and the Golden Triangle. Activate via QR code before your flight.

  • Plans start at £3.53 with 5G speeds
  • Coverage from AirTel
  • Instant activation in under 2 minutes
  • 180-day refund on unactivated eSIMs
  • India coverage across major cities
Network
5G
Plans From
£3.53
Activation
Under 2 min
Refund
180 days if unactivated
How to use HelloRoam

How to Set Up an eSIM in India

Follow these steps to get your eSIM sorted on iPhone or Android before your holiday. Works for any eSIM for international travel, no replacement SIM, no shop visit.

Set up an eSIM on your iPhone for travel from the UK

Set up an eSIM on your Android for travel from the UK

  1. 1

    Choose your plan and checkout online

    Choose a data plan for your destination and complete your purchase in GBP.

  2. iPhone scanning QR code for eSIM
    Android scanning QR code for eSIM
    2

    Scan the QR code

    Scan the QR code to install your eSIM straight away.

  3. 3

    Activate in minutes: ready on arrival

    Your eSIM installs instantly and activates when you land.

  4. HelloRoam app showing how much data is left on your eSIM
    4

    Manage it all from our mobile app

    Track usage, top up data, and manage all your eSIMs in one place.

Holiday changed? Not to worry, your money is safe.

Plans change, and that's fine. With HelloRoam, an eSIM that was never activated (not installed or scanned) qualifies for a full refund within 180 days of purchase.

Learn more about our refund policy

HelloRoam India eSIM vs a travel SIM card or EE, Vodafone and Three roaming

Comparing an eSIM with a travel SIM card for India? The eSIM skips the airport SIM kiosk. EE and Vodafone add a daily fee for roaming on many plans, and Three's Go Roam comes with a data limit. HelloRoam sells a prepaid eSIM for India from £3.53, with a 180-day refund on unactivated eSIMs.

Is an India SIM card or a HelloRoam eSIM the better option for British visitors?

  • A SIM card for India purchased at Delhi or Mumbai airport requires a passport registration and can take over an hour to process after a long-haul flight. A HelloRoam eSIM delivers identical local AirTel 5G network access from £3.53 by QR code, sorted entirely at home before you depart.

  • A tourist sim card India sold at airport counters or city bazaars often restricts visitors to a single city circle. A HelloRoam plan covers the full country from Amritsar to Chennai on a single national plan with no mid-trip SIM swap.

  • A prepaid SIM card India from Airtel or Jio shops requires local identity verification that British visitors cannot always provide quickly. A HelloRoam eSIM is activated online before departure with no Indian documentation and no queue at the airport.

  • A data sim card India from a market vendor in Delhi or Jaipur risks counterfeit or unregistered stock that Indian telecoms law prohibits. A HelloRoam eSIM is fully compliant, delivered by authenticated QR code with a 180-day money-back guarantee for unactivated eSIMs.

  • The India data sim from HelloRoam starts at £3.53 and competes directly with local Indian prepaid rates without the hassle of in-country registration. Activate at home, land sorted, and get on with your trip.

  • cheapest eSIM India from HelloRoam keep your UK number active on a dual-SIM unlocked handset alongside your Indian data plan. You stay reachable on your UK number throughout your journey without needing to swap SIMs in your phone.

Why UK Travellers Pick HelloRoam e-sim for India

  • Round-the-clock live chat support

    Need help at 2am in Tokyo or midnight in Paris? HelloRoam support is available 24/7. Message us by live chat, WhatsApp or email at help@helloroam.com. Mobile data problems don't wait for office hours, and neither do we.

  • Best eSIM for India

    Get data at 5G speeds the moment you land in India. Skip roaming fees from your UK network, such as EE or Vodafone. HelloRoam connects you to local carrier networks in minutes, whether you are travelling or working. You are online before you clear customs.

  • Dual SIM ready

    Keep your UK mobile number active for calls and texts on your main SIM. HelloRoam runs travel data on a second eSIM line on any dual SIM compatible phone. No need to choose between your EE or Vodafone line and your holiday data. Your wireless connectivity abroad stays separate from your home plan, so there are no bill surprises when you return.

  • 212+ carrier networks including India

    HelloRoam eSIM connects to 212+ carrier networks across 185+ countries. Your phone joins a partner 5G network in India automatically, with no manual carrier selection needed. Speeds depend on the local network and where you are.

  • Data alerts before you run out

    HelloRoam emails you as your data runs low on a fixed plan, so you can top up or buy a new plan in time. Where your plan allows it, top up from the app before the plan expires, without reinstalling your eSIM or visiting a shop. Adding a fresh prepaid data package takes under a minute from your account dashboard.

  • Local network speeds in India

    HelloRoam eSIM connects to local 5G networks in India for one prepaid HelloRoam price. Use it for navigation, video calls and streaming, without paying EE or Vodafone daily roaming rates. Speeds depend on the local network and where you are.

  • Global and regional plans

    Visiting more than one country? HelloRoam regional eSIMs cover many countries across Europe, Asia, the Americas and more in a single purchase. Unlimited data plans work for longer holidays. One QR code, no border hassle. A single regional plan gives you mobile data and wireless connectivity across multiple countries without ever swapping a physical SIM card.

  • Hotspot and data sharing in India

    Share your India eSIM data with a laptop or tablet using your phone's mobile hotspot. No extra charges and no separate setup needed. Works on all eSIM compatible phones with data sharing enabled. It is a practical way to keep a travel companion or work device running on the same prepaid data package at no added cost.

eSIM Prices for India

HelloRoam, the best eSIM India. Compare plans from 1 to 30 days and pick the right data for your trip.

eSIM Prices for India
Number of daysPrice
1 day£6.42
3 days£18.30
7 days£39.55
15 days£77.05
22 days£104.53
30 days£130.98

HelloRoam vs Other eSIM Providers for India

See how HelloRoam compares with Airalo, Holafly, Nomad, Saily and Ubigi for India. The table covers a 180-day refund on unactivated eSIMs, data overage charges and instant QR code delivery.

Feature comparison
Feature comparisonHelloRoam
AiraloHolaflyNomadSailyUbigi
180-day refund (unactivated eSIMs)Feature availableFeature not availableFeature availableFeature not availableFeature not availableFeature not available
No data overage chargesFeature availableFeature availableFeature availableFeature availableFeature availableFeature available
Instant QR code deliveryFeature availableFeature availableFeature availableFeature availableFeature availableFeature available

What Is an e SIM? How eSIM Works in India

An eSIM card is a digital SIM built into your phone. There is no plastic chip and no SIM tray to open. Scan a QR code to activate your e SIM in under two minutes on any eSIM compatible iPhone or Android. It works as a prepaid international data plan for India travel with no airport SIM shop queue, no replacement SIM card, and no carrier contract. Mobile data through an eSIM connects to local in-country networks, giving you the same wireless connectivity as a resident rather than a roaming tourist. Follow the step-by-step setup guide to get connected before your flight from Heathrow, Gatwick, or any UK airport. guide

Learn more about eSIM

Mobile connectivity guide for India

India has extensive 4G coverage across its major cities, tourist corridors, and popular destinations. Jio covers Delhi, Mumbai, Goa, Jaipur, Agra, Varanasi, Kolkata, Chennai, Bangalore, and Hyderabad.

Rural areas, remote Himalayan regions, and some tribal areas in the northeast can have limited or no mobile coverage. A HelloRoam eSIM connects you when you land at Indira Gandhi International in Delhi or Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj in Mumbai.

  • HelloRoam connects to AirTel 5G in India
  • 4G LTE across Delhi, Mumbai, Goa, Jaipur, and the Golden Triangle
  • Connect on the Jio network across India
  • Activate via QR code before your long-haul flight from the UK

eSIM Travel Tips for India

  1. Install your eSIM before your long-haul flight to India

    British Airways, Air India, and Virgin Atlantic fly direct from the UK to India. Set up your HelloRoam eSIM at home before departure. Enable data when you land and you will be connected in the arrivals hall. No local SIM registration hassle on arrival.

  2. India requires local SIM registration

    Purchasing a local Indian SIM card requires your passport, a local address, biometric verification, and can take a day or more for activation. A HelloRoam eSIM avoids all of this entirely. Install before you fly and arrive connected without any paperwork.

  3. Currency and UPI payments in India

    India uses the Indian rupee (INR) and offers excellent value for British visitors. UPI digital payments dominate daily life but need an Indian bank account, so carry cash for markets, tuk-tuks, and smaller restaurants. Keep your HelloRoam eSIM active for finding ATMs and checking live exchange rates.

  4. Coverage in Rajasthan and remote areas

    Delhi, Jaipur, Agra, and the main Golden Triangle route have strong 4G coverage. Remote desert areas west of Jaisalmer near the Pakistan border, rural villages in Rajasthan, and some Himalayan trekking routes can have very limited signal. Download offline maps of your full itinerary before heading into remote areas.

  5. Goa and beach coverage

    Goa has good 4G coverage across all main beaches and tourist areas including Calangute, Baga, Anjuna, Palolem, and Vagator. Remote hilltop areas and village roads between tourist zones can have weaker signal. Coverage is reliable across all main nightlife areas and beach roads.

Mobile networks in India: what British travellers need to know

India's main mobile operators are Jio, Airtel, and Vi (the merged Vodafone Idea brand). HelloRoam connects on Airtel, which provides 4G LTE across the main destinations for British visitors, including Delhi, Agra, Jaipur, Mumbai, Goa and Kerala. Your eSIM connects to Airtel automatically when you land.

AirTel
5G

HelloRoam eSIM vs UK roaming charges in India

A practical comparison of data connectivity for your Indian trip.

HelloRoam eSIM vs UK roaming charges in India
Category
HelloRoam eSIMRecommended
Indian SIM card
Standard roaming (EE, Vodafone UK)
Typical cost

From £3.53 total

—

£6–£8/day

Details

Plans start at £3.53. Buy before your long-haul flight, install via QR code at home, and land in Delhi or Mumbai already connected. No daily UK carrier charges, no local SIM registration process.

Getting a local SIM in India requires passport, visa, local address, biometric registration, and up to 24 hours for activation. The process is complex and time-consuming on arrival. A HelloRoam eSIM is far more straightforward.

India is not covered by UK plans' inclusive EU roaming, so EE, Vodafone UK, O2, and Three charge daily international rates or require add-ons. Over a month-long India trip those daily charges mount up fast. HelloRoam provides predictable costs.

Prices approximate as of . Actual savings vary.

Best time to visit India from the UK

India is a vast country and the best time depends on the region. Northern India (Delhi, Rajasthan, Agra, Varanasi) is ideal from October to March at a pleasant 15°C to 25°C. Goa is best from November to February, dry, sunny, and 28°C to 32°C. Kerala's backwaters are at their best from September to March. South India (Chennai, Bangalore, Tamil Nadu) is reasonably comfortable year-round but fiercely hot from March to May. The monsoon (June to September) brings heavy rain to most of India. British visitors often travel to India over Christmas and New Year when northern India is dry and comfortable.

Reviewed by the HelloRoam Editorial Team

Reviewed by the HelloRoam Editorial Team

Top Destinations in India

  • Mumbai, India

    Mumbai

    Get reliable mobile data in Mumbai, India with HelloRoam. Choose from fixed or unlimited data plans.

    Vi India 4G covers Mumbai; CSMT and Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport have reliable data.

  • Bengaluru Urban, India

    Bengaluru Urban

    HelloRoam delivers mobile data in Bengaluru, keeping you online throughout India.

    Vi India 4G covers Bengaluru well; Kempegowda Airport and the metro system both have indoor signal.

  • Delhi, India

    Delhi

    HelloRoam provides reliable data coverage in Delhi, India for travelers on the go.

    Vi India and Vodafone 4G cover Delhi; IGI Airport, the Metro, and Connaught Place have strong coverage.

  • North 24 Parganas, India

    North 24 Parganas

    HelloRoam supports full data coverage in North 24 Parganas and nearby areas of India.

    Vi India 4G covers North 24 Parganas near Kolkata; the Sundarban delta fringe areas have weak signal.

  • Pune, India

    Pune

    HelloRoam provides reliable data coverage in Pune, India for travelers on the go.

    Vi India 4G covers Pune city well; the IT hubs in Hinjewadi and Pune Airport have consistent coverage.

Showing slide 1 of 5

Reviews

HelloRoam eSIM Reviews from UK Travellers

Real reviews from Trustpilot and the App Store, quoted as written.

40k+ travellers have used HelloRoam

Cat

Trustpilot
On a trip to Europe, my hotel Wi-Fi was so slow and outside Wi-Fi was unreliable. I couldn’t take it anymore so I got helloroam for a few days. It was tricky to set up correctly because of the primary settings (with my original number). But I reached out to their customer service via WhatsApp. Super responsive and helpful, with specific and clear steps to troubleshoot. Appreciate having 4G roaming instead of being stuck with in and out Wi-Fi during my trip!!

Rated 5 out of 5 by this reviewer

A traveller smiles at the view while holding her phone by an airport window
Very good experience! The eSIM was easy to set up and worked great in London. It was much cheaper than it would have been to use my own operator there.

Ilona

Trustpilot

Rated 5 out of 5 by this reviewer

metulker

App Store
Hard to set up but help was good

Rated 5 out of 5 by this reviewer

Reuben

Trustpilot
Really happy with HelloRoam. Everything worked as expected, from messaging and Google Maps through to streaming without any issues. Easy to use, reliable and affordable. Would happily use them again when travelling.

Rated 5 out of 5 by this reviewer

Hikers with backpacks walk along the Great Wall of China

Angeline

Trustpilot
Reliable connection. Reasonable pricing.

Rated 4 out of 5 by this reviewer

Last updated

Common Questions About India eSIM

Does an eSIM for India work on UK unlocked smartphones?

The cheapest eSIM for India from HelloRoam starts at £3.53 on AirTel 5G networks. Plans are prepaid with QR activation, no paperwork, and no physical SIM card or airport counter needed on arrival. HelloRoam plans start from £3.53 with instant QR delivery and no contract.

Which plan works across all 28 Indian states?

A travel eSIM India from HelloRoam activates by QR code before your flight, giving instant local data on AirTel 5G networks from £3.53. Plans start at £3.53 on AirTel networks nationwide. Activate by QR code before your flight from Heathrow and land connected with no airport queue.

Does a HelloRoam eSIM India plan cover Rajasthan, Goa, and Kerala on the same allowance?

A HelloRoam eSIM India plan connects to AirTel 5G networks across India's main states including Rajasthan, Goa, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, and Maharashtra. The plan covers the whole country on one allowance, so there is no need for different state-specific SIM cards. Plans start from £3.53 and activate before your long-haul flight from the UK.

How does a HelloRoam eSIM for India handle the Jio and Airtel network registration requirements for foreign visitors?

Foreign visitors in India face mandatory passport-linked SIM registration requirements when buying local prepaid cards at airport kiosks or stores. A HelloRoam eSIM for India bypasses this process entirely, connecting to AirTel 5G networks through a pre-approved international eSIM profile from £3.53 without any in-country paperwork.

What is the best eSIM for India?

HelloRoam is a practical eSIM option for British travellers visiting India, connecting on Airtel with 4G LTE across Delhi, Mumbai, Goa, Jaipur and the main tourist circuit. Plans start from £3.53. Install via QR code and arrive connected without SIM registration hassle.

Does a HelloRoam eSIM avoid India's SIM registration process?

Yes. A HelloRoam eSIM installs via QR code at home and does not require the complex in-person passport, biometric, and address registration process required for local Indian SIM cards. You arrive in India already connected.

What to Know Before You Buy

  • eSIM requires an unlocked, eSIM-compatible device. Check your phone settings before purchasing.

  • Most travel eSIM plans provide data only. Your existing phone number stays active for calls and texts on your primary SIM.

  • Coverage quality varies by location within India. Urban areas typically have strong 5G coverage, while rural or remote areas may have limited connectivity.

  • Install your eSIM before departure. Activation requires an internet connection, which may not be available at your destination airport.

Transparency Notice

Service Provider Name (SPN)
HelloRoam appears as the carrier name on your phone's status bar through the SPN, a standardized field in the eSIM profile. Unlike most travel eSIM resellers, HelloRoam provisions its own Service Provider Name.
Public Network Name (PNN)
The PNN is the network name field in your eSIM profile, defined in 3GPP TS 31.102 (EF_PNN). Your phone can read it to display the name of the network you are connected to.
Access Point Name (APN)
HelloRoam eSIMs auto-configure their Access Point Name during installation. Your device connects to a local partner network without manual settings.

Prices are our retail rates across 185+ countries. The recommended plan is picked by data size and price. Every purchase includes a 180-day refund window if the eSIM has not been activated.

Future Syncs Limited 124 City Road, London, EC1V 2NX, UK +44 203 916 6249 help@helloroam.com Reg. No. 15950168

Sources

  1. GSMA eSIM Specification
  2. ITU Telecom Statistics
  3. HelloRoam Network Coverage

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