Guide to find the best eSIM for India in 2025
From the bustling streets of Delhi to the Taj Mahal in Agra, from Jaipur’s palaces to the beaches of Goa—India offers endless experiences to explore. But while the journey is unforgettable, staying connected isn’t always simple. Local SIM cards can mean paperwork, queues, and limited flexibility, and India’s network quality varies by region, with 4G widely available and 5G rolling out in major cities.
That’s why many travelers turn to eSIMs: fast to set up, flexible, and ready before you even land. In this guide, we’ll help you choose the best eSIM for India and explain why esimNB is a trusted choice for tourists, business travelers, and digital nomads looking for seamless connectivity across the country.
Why choosing an eSIM for India is hard
Finding the right eSIM for India is not as easy as it sounds. Many websites you see online are run by affiliate marketers. They earn money every time you buy through their links. While some still try to be fair, many focus more on sales than on giving you the full picture. This makes it hard to know if their advice is really in your best interest.
Another challenge comes from review platforms. Sites like TrustPilot let anyone leave a review without checking if they actually used the product. This opens the door to fake positive reviews from sellers or even fake negative reviews from competitors. In the end, you cannot fully trust what you read there.
Because of these issues, travelers often feel lost. You want a simple answer to “which eSIM works best in India,” but instead, you face a mix of sales talk and unreliable reviews. That is why making the right choice takes extra care.
What to know when choosing an eSIM for India
When looking for the best eSIM for India, it’s important to go beyond price alone. Connectivity in India can vary from city to city, so choosing the right provider ensures you’ll stay online whether you’re working remotely, navigating a new city, or sharing your travel moments. Here are the key factors to consider:
- Coverage Across India. India is vast and diverse—from metropolitan hubs like Delhi and Mumbai to rural towns and mountain regions. Make sure your eSIM covers both urban areas and more remote destinations.
- Supported Network Operators. The main telecom providers in India are Jio, Airtel, and Vi (Vodafone Idea). A reliable eSIM should connect to one or more of these major networks to give you consistent 4G or even 5G access.
- Data Speed and Network Quality. In major cities, 4G is strong and 5G is being rolled out, but speeds may drop in rural areas. Check if your eSIM provider offers multi-network switching to ensure the best possible connection.
- Pricing and Data Plans. Compare different plans—some providers focus on short-term packages for tourists, while others offer larger data bundles for long stays. Transparent pricing without hidden roaming charges is a must.
- Ease of Activation. A good eSIM should be simple to install via QR code or app. Look for providers that allow you to set up before departure, so you’re connected the moment you land.
- Validity and Flexibility. Consider how long you’ll be in India. Some plans are valid for just a few days, while others can last weeks or even months. Flexibility to top up or extend your plan can be a big advantage.
- Customer Support. Traveling abroad means you’ll want quick help if something goes wrong. Choose providers that offer 24/7 support, ideally via multiple channels such as live chat, email, or WhatsApp.
- Extra Features (Nice-to-Have). Some eSIMs also include extras like free hotspot sharing, multi-country coverage (e.g., India + nearby countries), or multiple language support in the app.
Top 5 eSIM Providers for India - shortlist
1.esimNB - best eSIM for India(cheap + reliable) 2.RedteaGo- cover the US and India in one eSIM 3.Saily- eSIM provider from NordVPN 4.Holafly- eSIM provider features unlimited data 5.Yesim- another choice for India eSIM
Overview of Best travel eSIM for India
| India eSIM | Rating | Network operator | 1GB price | Hotspot |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| esimNB | 9.6⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | AirTel (5G); Jio(5G) | $4.00 | ✅ Yes |
| RedteaGo | 9.5⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Bharti(4G) Vodafone(4G) | $4.00 | ✅ Yes |
| Saily | 9.2⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Unknown | $3.99 | ✅ Yes |
| Holafly | 8.9⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Airtel; Jio | $9.90 (Unlimited/day) | ✅ Yes |
| Yesim | 8.8⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Unknown | $4.01 | ✅ Yes |
Best eSIM for India in 2025: detailed guide
Here’s the detailed guide of the best eSIMs that actually work in India, you can compare prices, features, and pick the one that fits your trip best.
1. esimNB - Overall best eSIM for India travel
✅ Responsive customer support
✅ Supports over 140+ countries
✅ Plans start from $4.00
✅ No App download needed
esimNB is the best eSIM for India in 2025, with affordable plans that start from 1GB data 7 days, for $4.00, which is cheapper than other eSIM providers. Anything beyond that will last you for up to 30 days and varies from 3 GB for $10.00, to 20 GB for $42.00.
| Destinations | Duration | Data Plans | Price (USD) |
|---|---|---|---|
| India | 7 days | Total 1GB | $4.00 |
| India | 30 days | Total 3GB | $10.00 |
| India | 30 days | Total 5GB | $15.00 |
| India | 30 days | Total 10GB | $25.00 |
| India | 30 days | Total 20GB | $42.00 |
esimNB works with the major mobile operator in India: AirTel (5G) and Jio (5G). This ensures you get the same reliable internet experience as using a local SIM card.
The esimNB homepage is very user-friendly. You can easily find the FAQ section, step-by-step installation guides, and a complete list of compatible devices. After purchasing, simply go to the “My eSIMs” page, where you can clearly check your order details, remaining data balance, and validity period. A step-by-step guide is also available to make installation easy.
2. RedteaGo- eSIM provider from China
RedteaGo is an eSIM provider from China. One of the main reasons it’s worth considering is that, much like esimNB, it offers good value for money. Another advantage is transparency: RedteaGo clearly lists the Indian network operators it supports, giving travelers confidence in coverage. Pricing is also reasonable, making it a decent option for budget-conscious visitors.
However, the downside is the limited range of plans available for India. Currently, RedteaGo only offers 1GB, 3GB, and 5GB data packages. While these may be sufficient for short-term travelers or light data users, they lack flexibility for those who need larger bundles, longer validity, or more customizable options. As a result, RedteaGo may not be the best fit for heavy users or travelers seeking more versatile eSIM plans.
| Destinations | Duration | Data Plans | Price (USD) |
|---|---|---|---|
| India | 30 days | Total 1GB | $4.00 |
| India | 30 days | Total 3GB | $12.31 |
| India | 30 days | Total 5GB | $18.00 |
3. Saily- eSIM provider from NordVPN
Saily is a fast-rising eSIM provider that has been gaining visibility across many blogs and websites. The company is best known for its other flagship product, NordVPN, one of the world’s most popular VPN services. Thanks to this strong brand background, Saily has quickly attracted attention in the eSIM market.
In terms of usability, the Saily app offers a minimalist experience—clean, simple, and very easy to use. Looking ahead, the company also plans to adopt the same data security and encryption technologies used in NordVPN, which would bring an added layer of privacy protection. This makes Saily a promising option in the eSIM space and a brand worth keeping an eye on.
| Destinations | Duration | Data Plans | Price (USD) |
|---|---|---|---|
| India | 7 days | Total 1GB | $3.99 |
| India | 30 days | Total 3GB | $9.99 |
| India | 30 days | Total 5GB | $13.99 |
| India | 30 days | Total 10GB | $23.99 |
| India | 30 days | Total 20GB | $38.99 |
4. Holafly- eSIM provider features unlimited data
Holafly is an eSIM provider that specializes exclusively in unlimited data plans. This means you can only purchase Indian eSIMs on a per-day basis. For travelers who don’t want to worry about running out of data and don’t mind moderate speeds, Holafly can be a convenient option.
However, it’s important to understand how “unlimited” works in practice. Typically, Holafly allows 1GB or 2GB of high-speed data per day, after which the connection is throttled to a lower speed. This reduced speed is usually fine for messaging apps and light browsing, but it may not be suitable for streaming, video calls, or heavy online work. Before purchasing, it’s a good idea to assess your data needs carefully so you know whether Holafly’s daily unlimited model aligns with your usage habits.
| Destinations | Duration | Data Plans | Price (USD) |
|---|---|---|---|
| India | 1 day | Unlimited | $9.90 |
| India | 7 days | Unlimited | $39.90 |
| India | 15 days | Unlimited | $63.90 |
| India | 30 days | Unlimited | $112.90 |
5. Yesim- another choice for India eSIM
Yesim is another solid eSIM provider, and one of its standout features is its mobile-first interface design. Whether you visit the website from a desktop or a smartphone, the platform is optimized for mobile users, making browsing and purchasing effortless. If you’re reading this guide on your phone right now, you can check out Yesim’s website and immediately notice how user-friendly and streamlined it feels.
Yesim also provides clear and detailed information about its eSIM plans, supported regions, and activation process, which helps travelers make confident choices without fear of hidden issues. Overall, Yesim offers a smooth, reliable, and straightforward experience, making it a safe pick for travelers who value simplicity and convenience.
| Destinations | Duration | Data Plans | Price (USD) |
|---|---|---|---|
| India | 7 days | Total 3GB | $12.00 |
| India | 15 days | Total 5GB | $16.80 |
| India | 30 days | Total 10GB | $24.00 |
| India | 30 days | Total 20GB | $39.60 |
Why do I need an eSIM in India
Traveling in India is an adventure filled with vibrant cities, historic landmarks, and diverse landscapes—from the Taj Mahal in Agra to the backwaters of Kerala. But while the country offers unforgettable experiences, staying connected can be challenging without the right mobile solution. Here’s why having an eSIM in India is a smart choice:
- Skip the Hassle of Local SIM Cards
Buying a traditional SIM in India often requires paperwork, ID verification, and long queues at the airport or local shops. With an eSIM, you can activate your plan instantly—before you even land. - Stay Connected Everywhere
India’s major operators like Jio, Airtel, and Vi provide solid 4G coverage in cities, and 5G is rolling out in urban hubs. A reliable eSIM ensures you stay online whether you’re in Delhi, Mumbai, Jaipur, or exploring smaller towns. - Perfect for Short or Long Trips
Whether you’re a tourist on a 1-week holiday, a business traveler on a short visit, or a digital nomad planning a longer stay, eSIMs offer flexible plans to match your needs. - No Roaming Fees or Hidden Charges
Unlike using your home SIM card abroad, eSIMs offer clear, upfront pricing without shocking roaming bills. - Convenient and Secure
eSIMs eliminate the risk of losing or damaging a physical SIM card, and switching plans is just a few taps away.
In short, an eSIM gives you the freedom to enjoy your trip without worrying about connectivity. It’s the easiest way to make sure maps, payments, rideshares, and communication apps are always at your fingertips while traveling in India.
How do I know if my device supports India eSIM?
To find out if your device is eSIM-compatible, you can check directly in your phone’s settings:
For iPhone users:
Open the Settings app Go to General > About Scroll down and look for Available SIM or Digital SIM If it appears along with an IMEI number, your iPhone supports eSIM
For Android users:
Open your Settings Tap Network & Internet (this may be listed slightly differently depending on your phone) Select Mobile Network If you see an option like Add SIM or Download SIM, your phone likely supports eSIM functionality
How to install an eSIM for India
For more details, please visit how to install eSIM. If you are iPhone users, you can check the installation guide for iPhone.
For iPhone & Samsung:
- Scan the QR code using your phone's camera.
- Click "Cellular Plan" to install.
For Pixel:
- Go to Settings > Network & Internet > Mobile Network or "+" > Add more.
- Scan the QR code to install
Best eSIM for India: which one to choose
In conclusion, if you’re looking for an affordable and reliable eSIM for India, esimNB is highly recommended. It offers some of the lowest-priced plans while supporting two of India’s major network operators, giving you solid coverage and value for money.
Another advantage is its convenience—you don’t need to download any additional apps to buy or manage your eSIM. Plus, when your data runs out, you don’t have to reinstall a new profile. With esimNB, you can simply top up your existing plan, making the experience seamless and stress-free.
Of course, other eSIM providers also have their strengths and may be suitable for different types of travelers. But if you’re seeking the best balance of cost, coverage, and convenience, esimNB stands out as a smart choice for your trip to India.
FAQ about eSIM India
Q1: Is eSIM available in India?
Yes, eSIMs are available in India for both local and international travelers. Major operators like Jio, Airtel, and Vi (Vodafone Idea) support eSIM technology, allowing you to activate a plan without needing a physical SIM card.
Q2: Which is the best eSIM for India?
The best eSIM depends on your travel needs. For affordable, reliable, and convenient options, esimNB is highly recommended, offering plans that support India’s main networks and allow easy top-ups without reinstalling. Other providers like RedteaGo, Holafly, and Yesim may also be suitable depending on whether you prefer unlimited daily data, mobile-optimized interfaces, or specific data packages.
Q3: Can I use an eSIM on any phone in India?
Not all phones support eSIMs. Make sure your device is eSIM-compatible and unlocked before purchasing a plan for India. Most modern smartphones from Apple, Samsung, and Google support eSIM functionality.
Q4: How do I activate an eSIM in India?
Activation is usually quick and easy. After purchasing a plan, you’ll receive a QR code or activation code. Scan it with your phone to install the eSIM, and you’ll be ready to use mobile data immediately, sometimes even before you arrive in India.
Q5: Can I top up my eSIM if I run out of data?
Yes, providers like esimNB allow you to top up your existing eSIM plan without reinstalling a new profile, making it convenient for long trips or heavy data usage.
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