India is a fascinating but complex destination in terms of connectivity. It has some of the cheapest data rates in the world for locals, but the process of getting a SIM card as a foreign tourist can be bureaucratic. eSIM completely simplifies arrival: you arrive in Delhi or Mumbai with data from the airport, no queues.
Coverage in India
| Operator | Coverage | Network | eSIM |
|---|---|---|---|
| Airtel | ✅ National | 4G/5G | ✅ |
| Jio | ✅ National (best price) | 4G/5G | ✅ |
| Vodafone Idea | ✅ National | 4G | ✅ |
Speed in India
Recommended Plans for India
| Days | GB | Est. Price | Profile |
|---|---|---|---|
| 7d | 10 GB | €10–15 | Tourist |
| 14d | 20 GB | €16–24 | Backpacker |
| 1 month | Monthly Plan 30 GB | €25–38 | Nomad/Erasmus |
Best option: India 20 GB plan for 14 days at €16–24.
Activation
- Purchase at purasim.com before departure
- Install the QR from home
- Upon landing, activate in Settings → Mobile Data
Comparison
| Option | Cost 7d | Management |
|---|---|---|
| Spanish Roaming | €50–100 | No management |
| Local SIM | €8–18 | In-store procedures |
| PuraSIM eSIM | €10–20 | 100% digital |
Conclusion
PuraSIM's eSIM for India is the most convenient way to arrive connected. Activate it at home and you'll have data from the moment you land in Delhi.
Frequently asked questions
Are there internet restrictions in India?
India occasionally blocks social media in situations of political tension. Major services are available most of the time. Specific restrictions may apply in Kashmir.
Does eSIM work at the Taj Mahal and in Rajasthan?
In Agra (Taj Mahal) and the main cities of Rajasthan (Jaipur, Udaipur, Jodhpur), there is good 4G coverage from Airtel. In very small villages and rural areas, it may be 2G or no signal.
How many GB do I need in India?
For 14 days as a tourist: 15–20 GB with moderate use. Train journeys (which can last 8–15 hours) consume a lot of data if you watch videos.
Does eSIM work on the Mumbai-Delhi train?
Yes, with 4G coverage for most of the journey. In some rural sections, it may drop to 2G or 3G.
Do I need a VPN in India?
It's not essential, but it can be useful for accessing blocked Western streaming services or for greater privacy in public WiFi areas.
