India eSIM from €2.99 - Airtel 4G/5G, no KYC, instant setup

India eSIM plans and prices

All plans run on the Airtel 4G/5G network. Choose the data and duration that match your trip - every plan is prepaid with a fixed price and no surprise charges. EU customers: VAT applies at checkout.

All plans are prepaid, with no commitment and no hidden activation fee. You can top up at any time from the UPeSIM app or website - no reinstallation needed.

Traveling beyond India? The UPeSIM Asia eSIM covers India plus 15 other destinations across Asia from €2.99 - a great option if your itinerary takes you through multiple countries.

How much data do I need for a trip to India?

Choosing the right plan depends on how you use your phone and how long you stay. Here is a practical guide based on typical traveler usage in India:

Keep in mind: India's cities have excellent 4G/5G Airtel coverage, which means apps like Google Maps, Zomato, Ola, and Paytm load fast. If you stream video or use a hotspot regularly, opt for the 10 GB plan to stay comfortable throughout your trip.

Get your India eSIM ready in 3 simple steps

The whole process is fully digital and takes about 2 minutes. Do everything from home before your trip - that is exactly the right time.

For a full visual walkthrough, read the step-by-step India eSIM setup guide for 2026.

Why travelers choose UPeSIM for India

UPeSIM is a French MVNO founded in 2018 by Olivier and Paul, two telecom professionals with over 20 years of industry experience each. The service covers 200 destinations worldwide. Here is what makes it a particularly strong fit for India:

• No KYC - zero paperwork: Buying a local SIM card in India requires passport copies, visa copies, ID photos, and can take up to 24 hours to activate. With UPeSIM, you buy online, receive your QR code instantly, and install everything at home. No queuing, no documents.
• Airtel 4G/5G network: Your eSIM connects to Airtel, one of India's most reliable operators, with strong 4G/5G coverage across major cities and popular tourist regions.
• Activates on arrival, not before: Your data countdown starts the moment you land in India - never at purchase or installation. Every gigabyte and every day of validity is fully preserved until you need it.
• You keep your number: The UPeSIM eSIM is added alongside your existing SIM. You stay reachable on your usual number. Incoming SMS - including 2FA login codes - are received free of charge.
• Rechargeable mid-trip: Run low on data? Add another plan from the UPeSIM website or app without reinstalling anything or scanning a new QR code.
• 24/7 multilingual support: The UPeSIM team is available around the clock in French, English and Spanish, with responses in under 15 minutes.
• Apple Partner since 2022: UPeSIM is referenced by Apple as a trusted eSIM operator - a technical and trust benchmark that matters.
• Rated 4.9/5 on App Store and Google Play: Thousands of verified customer reviews across both platforms.

Planning your trip? The India eSIM guide: best plans, prices and setup (2026) covers everything you need to know before you fly.

India eSIM vs. roaming vs. local SIM - honest comparison

Travelers heading to India typically weigh three connectivity options. Here is a clear, honest side-by-side view:

Roaming can be convenient for very short stays; a local SIM may suit very long trips requiring calls. An eSIM gives you the advantages of both - fixed price, instant 4G/5G setup, and no SIM swap needed.

Airtel 4G/5G network coverage across India

The UPeSIM India eSIM connects you to the Airtel 4G/5G network, one of India's largest and most established mobile operators, with extensive coverage across the country.

You can count on solid, fast connectivity in India's major cities and most popular travel destinations:

• Metro cities: Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore, Chennai, Kolkata, Hyderabad, Pune, Ahmedabad
• Tourist regions: Goa, Jaipur, Agra, Varanasi, Kochi, Mysore, Udaipur, Rishikesh, Amritsar
• Beach and coastal areas: Kerala backwaters, Goa coastline, Andaman Islands (select areas)
• Transport hubs: all major international airports, railway stations and highway corridors

Honest note on remote areas: signal strength in very high-altitude zones (Ladakh, Spiti Valley, deep Himalayan regions) and some isolated rural districts can vary depending on local infrastructure. In those areas, coverage may be limited regardless of which Indian operator you use. For the vast majority of tourist itineraries across India, Airtel 4G/5G coverage is reliable and consistent.

Whether you are searching for an India eSIM, an e-SIM India, or a prepaid tourist eSIM for India, UPeSIM plans use the Airtel 4G/5G network throughout the country.

How does an eSIM work in India?

An eSIM (embedded SIM) is a digital SIM built directly into your phone. It works alongside your existing physical SIM - you do not remove or replace anything. Here is what the experience looks like in practice:

• Dual-SIM made easy: Your phone runs both your home SIM (calls and your usual number) and your India eSIM (4G/5G mobile data) simultaneously. In your device settings, you simply choose which line handles data.
• Install once, at home: Scan the QR code on your home Wi-Fi before departure. The eSIM profile downloads in seconds and is ready on your phone. No data from your plan is used during installation.
• Activates automatically on arrival: The moment your phone connects to the Airtel 4G/5G network in India, your data plan begins. Your validity period starts then - not a minute before.
• Essential for apps in India: A reliable 4G/5G connection is crucial for booking rides via Ola or Uber, navigating with Google Maps, ordering food on Zomato, and using QR code payment apps in markets and restaurants.
• Stay in touch your way: Use WhatsApp, iMessage, or FaceTime over your data connection to call and message family and friends - just as you would at home, with no extra cost beyond your data plan.

Is your phone compatible with an India eSIM?

To use a UPeSIM eSIM in India, your device needs to meet two straightforward conditions:

• eSIM-compatible: Most recent iPhone and Android models support eSIM - iPhone XS and later, Samsung Galaxy S20 and later, Google Pixel 3 and later, and many other models. A full compatibility list is available at check your smartphone compatibility.
• Network-unlocked: Your phone should not be locked to a single carrier. If you bought it outright or have completed your contract, it is almost certainly unlocked.
• The easiest way to check - the UPeSIM app: The UPeSIM app automatically tests whether your smartphone is eSIM-compatible the moment you open it. No technical knowledge needed - it tells you straight away, before you purchase anything.
  

You can also dial *#06# on your keypad: if an EID number appears, your phone supports eSIM. If you have any doubt, our support team is available 24/7 to help.

Watch: how to install your India eSIM (2 minutes)

A quick visual walkthrough so you know exactly what to expect. Watch before you travel and installation will feel completely straightforward:

Top apps to use with your India eSIM

Once connected on Airtel 4G/5G, these apps will make your India trip smoother from day one:

• 📍 Google Maps - Reliable turn-by-turn navigation across cities and highways, including offline map downloads for areas with variable signal
• 🚗 Ola / Uber - Book rides instantly in Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore, Goa and many other cities - a 4G/5G connection is essential for both apps
• 💬 WhatsApp / iMessage / FaceTime - Stay in touch with family and friends over your data connection, just as you would at home
• 🍽️ Zomato - Discover local restaurants, read reviews, and order food delivery across India's major cities
• 💳 Paytm - Useful for QR code-based payments at markets, restaurants and transport hubs where foreign cards with UPI-compatible apps are accepted
• 🚂 IRCTC Rail Connect / MakeMyTrip - Book trains, buses, and domestic flights on the go - India's rail network is vast and booking ahead is strongly recommended
• 🗺️ Maps.me - Offline maps useful as a backup in areas where signal is limited, particularly in rural or mountain regions

Want to understand the broader benefits of traveling with an eSIM? Read what are the benefits of eSIMs for tourists.

FAQ - frequently asked questions about the India eSIM

Which eSIM is best for India?

The best India eSIM depends on your trip length and data needs. UPeSIM offers prepaid plans on the Airtel 4G/5G network from €2.99 for 1 GB / 7 days up to €29.99 for 10 GB / 30 days. Key advantages: instant QR delivery, fixed transparent pricing, no KYC paperwork, and 24/7 support. The UPeSIM app also lets you check your phone's compatibility before you buy. For a detailed comparison, see the India eSIM guide: best plans, prices and setup (2026).

How do I get an eSIM for India?

Select your plan on the UPeSIM website, pay securely online, and receive your QR code by email within minutes. While still at home on Wi-Fi, open your phone's eSIM settings and scan the QR code - installation takes about 2 minutes. Your data plan does not start until you arrive in India and your phone connects to the Airtel 4G/5G network. No shop visit, no documents, no waiting at the airport.

Is eSIM possible in India?

Yes, absolutely. India has supported eSIM technology since 2018. The UPeSIM India eSIM connects to the Airtel 4G/5G network, providing fast mobile internet access across India's cities and major tourist regions. For international travelers, a prepaid eSIM is far more practical than buying a local SIM on arrival - which in India involves a KYC process requiring passport copies, visa copies, ID photos, and can take up to 24 hours to activate.

Can a tourist get an eSIM in India?

Yes - and with UPeSIM, you do not even need to wait until you arrive. You buy your prepaid eSIM online before your trip, install it at home, and it activates automatically when you land. This sidesteps the local KYC registration process entirely. As a traveler using a UPeSIM prepaid eSIM, none of the India-specific identity verification requirements apply to you.

Will I keep my phone number when using an India eSIM?

Yes. The UPeSIM eSIM is added on top of your existing SIM. Your usual number stays fully active throughout your trip. You remain perfectly reachable, and incoming SMS - including 2FA login codes - are received free of charge. For calls and messages to loved ones, WhatsApp, iMessage, or FaceTime over your Airtel 4G/5G data connection work perfectly with no extra cost.

Is my phone compatible with an India eSIM?

The simplest way to check: download the UPeSIM app - it automatically tests your phone's eSIM compatibility the moment you open it. Generally, most smartphones from 2018 onwards support eSIM: iPhone XS and later, Samsung Galaxy S20 and later, Google Pixel 3 and later. Your phone also needs to be network-unlocked. You can also dial *#06#: if an EID number appears, your phone is eSIM-ready. Visit the UPeSIM compatibility page for the full list.

What are the disadvantages of eSIM in India?

In practice, very few for travelers. Your phone must be eSIM-compatible and network-unlocked - easily checked with the UPeSIM app before buying. Coverage in very remote areas such as high-altitude Himalayan zones may be limited, as with any Indian operator. UPeSIM India eSIM plans are data-only, so traditional outgoing voice calls and SMS are not included; WhatsApp, iMessage, and FaceTime over your Airtel 4G/5G data work perfectly as alternatives. For the vast majority of travelers visiting India's cities and tourist regions, a prepaid eSIM is the most convenient, stress-free option available.

Should I install the eSIM before or after arriving in India?

Before - always. Install your India eSIM at home on a stable Wi-Fi connection. The installation takes about 2 minutes and does not consume any data from your plan. Once installed, your eSIM profile sits ready on your phone. When you land in India and enable mobile data on your eSIM line, the plan activates automatically on the Airtel 4G/5G network - your gigabytes and validity days only begin at that moment, never earlier. You step off the plane already connected.

Can I top up or add more data to my India eSIM during my trip?

Yes. If you use up your data or want to extend your stay, purchase an additional India eSIM plan directly on the UPeSIM website or through the UPeSIM app, even while you are already in India. There is no need to reinstall anything or scan a new QR code - your Airtel 4G/5G connection continues seamlessly.

Does the India eSIM include calls and SMS?

UPeSIM India eSIM plans are data-only - no outgoing voice calls or outgoing SMS are included. Your existing home SIM stays active on your phone at the same time, so you remain reachable on your usual number and receive SMS including 2FA codes free of charge. For calls and messages to family and friends, WhatsApp, iMessage, and FaceTime over your Airtel 4G/5G data connection work perfectly - and cost nothing beyond your data plan.