Best eSims for India! Compare unlimited and limited data plans from aloSIM, Jetpac, Airalo, and more for seamless travel connectivity.
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Travel eSIM For India
Imagine landing in Mumbai, ready to explore its bustling markets, only to realise your phone has no signal.
Alternatively, try to book an Uber in Delhi without data.
Staying connected while travelling in India is non-negotiable, whether navigating new cities, sharing Instagram stories, or keeping in touch with loved ones.
Traditional SIM cards can be a pain in long queues, language barriers, and the risk of losing your home SIM.
That is where eSIMS save the day.
An eSIM is a digital SIM built into your device that lets you instantly activate a data plan; no store visits are required.
At THOUSIF Inc. – INDIA, we have worked to find the best eSim providers for travellers to India.
This guide compares plans, prices, networks, and features to help you choose the perfect eSIM for your trip.
What Is An eSIM, And Why Is One Used in India?
An eSIM (embedded SIM) is a digital version of a traditional SIM card pre-installed in modern smartphones, tablets, and laptops.
Instead of swapping physical cards, you activate a plan by scanning a QR code or using an app.
This makes eSims a game-changer for travellers:
- Instant Activation: Set up your plan before you land or right after arrival.
- Cost Savings: Skip the sky-high roaming fees from your home carrier.
- Flexibility: Choose plans tailored to your data needs from a few days to a month.
- No Hassle: No need to visit a store or deal with paperwork in a new country.
With its massive mobile network of over 1.1 billion subscribers, India is a hotspot for eSIM adoption.
Whether visiting the Taj Mahal in Agra, exploring Jaipur’s palaces, or working remotely from Bangalore, an eSim ensures you are always connected.
The eSIM Market In India: What Is Available?
Major networks like Reliance Jio and Bharti Airtel dominate India’s mobile landscape, offering extensive coverage and competitive speeds.
eSim providers partner with these networks to deliver travel plans.
After researching the latest offerings, we have identified seven top providers: aloSIM, Jetpac, Airalo, Holafly, Maya Mobile, eTravelSim, and Saily.
Each caters to different needs, from unlimited data for heavy users to budget-friendly plans for light browsing.
Below, we break down their offerings, focusing on unlimited and limited data plans, network coverage, and unique features.
Comparing Unlimited Data Plans
Unlimited data plans are the way for travellers who need constant connectivity, whether for streaming, video calls, or content sharing.
Based on recent data, here is a detailed comparison of the top providers offering unlimited plans in India.
| Provider | Price (USD) | Duration | Network | Notes | Hotspot | Phone Number |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| aloSIM | $21 | 15 days | Jio | Fully unthrottled, 4G/5G/LTE | Yes | Yes (30 mins/50 texts) |
| Holafly | $29–$79 | 5–30 days | Airtel, Jio | Restricted to 18 Mbps | Yes (500MB/day) | No |
| Maya Mobile | $29–$59 | 10–30 days | Not specified | 2GB/day high-speed, then reduced | Yes | No |
| eTravelSim | ~$65 | 30 days | Not specified | Fair usage policy may apply | No | No |
aloSIM
aloSIM stands out for its affordability, offering a 15-day unlimited data plan for just $21.
Using Jio’s network, known for consistent quality across urban and semi-rural areas, this plan is fully unthrottled, meaning you get high-speed 4G/5G without restrictions.
It also includes a free phone number for up to 30 minutes of calls or 50 texts, perfect for booking cabs or making local arrangements.
The plan’s value and lack of speed caps make it ideal for heavy users, though you should confirm the latest pricing on aloSIM’s website.
Holafly
Holafly offers unlimited data plans ranging from $29 for 5 days to $79 for 30 days.
These plans connect to Airtel and Jio, providing robust coverage across India’s cities and tourist destinations, such as Jaipur, Delhi, and Goa.
However, speeds are capped at 18 Mbps for non-European plans, which is sufficient for HD streaming and video calls but may fall short for 4K streaming or high-speed gaming.
Hotspot sharing is allowed but limited to 500MB per day.
Check out Holafly’s latest plans on Holafly’s website.
Maya Mobile
Maya Mobile’s unlimited plans come with a daily high-speed data allowance, typically 2GB per day, after which speeds are reduced.
Prices are around $29 for 10 days and $59 for 30 days, supporting 4G/5G where available.
The plans include hotspot functionality, making them suitable for sharing data with other devices.
While the daily cap may limit heavy users, it is cost-effective for those who can manage within 2GB daily.
Visit Maya Mobile’s website for current offers.
eTravelSim
eTravelSim provides a 30-day unlimited plan for approximately $65.
While it ensures connectivity throughout your trip, tethering is not allowed for unlimited plans, which could be a drawback if you need to share data.
A fair usage policy may also apply to maintain network performance.
For more details, check eTravelSim’s website.
Comparing Limited Data Plans
If you are a light to moderate data user, think checking maps, messaging on WhatsApp, or occasionally browsing, limited data plans offer great value.
Here is how the top providers compare plans ranging from 1GB to 40 GB.
| Provider | Price Range (USD) | Data (GB) | Duration | Network | 5G Support | Hotspot |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jetpac | $1.37–$4/GB | 1–40 | 4–30 days | Jio | Yes | Yes |
| Airalo | $2–$4.50/GB | 1–20 | 7–30 days | Jio | Yes | Yes |
| Saily | $1.94–$3.99/GB | 1–20 | 7–30 days | Undisclosed | Yes | No |
Jetpac
Jetpac is a top choice for budget travellers.
It offers plans from 1GB to 40GB for 4 to 30 days, with prices ranging from $1.37 to $4 per GB.
For example, a 5GB plan for 30 days might cost around $6.85–$20, depending on the duration.
Using Jio’s network, Jetpac ensures reliable connectivity and includes unique perks like free airport lounge access for flight delays over 60 minutes and a 30-day ExpressVPN trial.
Explore Jetpac’s plans at Jetpac’s website.
Airalo
Airalo’s plans range from $4.50 for 1GB for 7 days to $40 for 20GB for 30 days.
A 5GB plan for 30 days costs around $15, making it a solid option for moderate users.
Also, Airalo is praised for its easy setup and reliability when using Jio’s network. It supports hotspot sharing and 5G, where available.
Check the latest deals on Airalo’s website.
Saily
Saily offers 1GB to 20GB plans for 7 to 30 days, priced at $1.94 to $3.99 per GB.
A 5GB plan might cost around $9.70–$19.95.
While the network provider is not specified, Saily supports 5G and includes security features like malware protection and ad blocking, which is ideal for travellers concerned about online safety.
However, hotspot sharing is not supported. Visit Saily’s website for more information.
Network Coverage In India
India’s mobile networks are vast, but coverage and performance vary:
- Reliance Jio: Known for consistent quality, Jio is excellent for everyday apps like video calls, social media, and navigation. It has extensive coverage across urban and semi-rural areas, making it reliable for most tourist destinations.
- Bharti Airtel: Airtel leads in 5G experience, offering faster download and upload speeds, ideal for streaming, gaming, or remote work. It is a great choice for urban areas like Delhi, Mumbai, and Bangalore.
Providers like Holafly, which use both Jio and Airtel, may offer better coverage in diverse regions, including remote areas like the Himalayas or Assam’s jungles.
However, connectivity there can be spotty. Jetpac, Airalo, and aloSIM rely on Jio, ensuring consistent performance but potentially less 5G speed than Airtel.
Additional Features To Consider
Beyond data and coverage, some providers offer extras that can enhance your travel experience:
- aloSIM: Includes a free phone number with some plans, allowing up to 30 minutes of calls or 50 texts via its sister app, Hushed. This is handy for local bookings or emergencies.
- Jetpac: This company offers free airport lounge access for flight delays over an hour and a 30-day ExpressVPN trial, adding value for frequent travellers.
- Saily: Provides malware protection and ad blocking, perfect for those prioritising online security.
- Maya Mobile and Airalo: Support hotspot sharing across all plans, which is ideal for connecting multiple devices.
- Holafly: Allows limited hotspot sharing (500MB/day) but no phone number support.
Choosing The Right eSIM For Your Needs
Your ideal eSIM depends on your travel plans and data usage:
- Heavy Data Users: If you need unlimited data for streaming, video calls, or work, aloSIM’s $21 for 15 days is a standout choice for its price and unthrottled speeds. Holafly is a good alternative if you prefer broader network coverage despite the 18 Mbps cap.
- Light to Moderate Users: Jetpac and Airalo offer the best value for limited data plans, with Jetpac slightly cheaper at $1.37–$4 per GB. Both are great for navigation, messaging, and casual browsing.
- 5G Enthusiasts: Holafly’s access to Airtel’s 5G network makes it a top pick for high-speed needs, though the speed cap may limit its full potential.
- Security-Conscious Travellers: Saily’s security features make it a strong option for those worried about online threats.
- Hotspot Users: Maya Mobile, Jetpac, Airalo, and aloSIM support hotspot sharing, while eTravelSim restricts it for unlimited plans.
Before purchasing, visit the providers’ websites to confirm the latest plans and prices, as offerings can change.
Also, check with the provider’s compatibility tool to ensure your device is eSIM-compatible.
Tips For Using An eSIM In India
- Check Device Compatibility: Most modern smartphones (e.g., iPhone 12+, Samsung Galaxy S20+, Google Pixel 4+) support eSIMs. Use the provider’s compatibility checker to confirm.
- Activate Before Travel: Install your eSim via a QR code or app before leaving to avoid connectivity issues upon arrival.
- Turn Off Primary SIM Roaming: Disable data roaming on your home SIM to avoid unexpected charges.
- Monitor Data Usage: Use the provider’s app to track your data, especially for limited plans.
- Top-Up Options: Most providers allow easy top-ups if you run out of data.
Conclusion
Choosing the right eSim for your India trip does not have to be overwhelming.
For unlimited data, aloSIM’s $21 for 15 days is fantastic.
It offers unthrottled speeds on Jio’s reliable network.
Light users can save with Jetpac or Airalo’s affordable plans, while Holafly’s dual-network coverage is great for those needing 5G.
Saily adds security features for peace of mind, and Maya Mobile and eTravelSim cater to specific needs like hotspot sharing or long-term plans.
Whatever your travel style, an eSim keeps you connected across India’s diverse landscapes.
Explore other articles on THOUSIF Inc. – INDIA’s website for more travel tips and tech insights.
Trivia: A Fun Fact About India’s Mobile Network
Did you know that India has one of the largest mobile networks in the world, with over 1.1 billion subscribers as of 2025? This massive infrastructure, combined with the rise of eSim technology, makes staying connected easier than ever for travellers exploring this vibrant country.
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