Best eSIM for India: Top 5 plans compared for UK travellers

Planning a trip to India? Staying connected while travelling is important, but using your UK SIM card abroad can lead to steep roaming charges.

An easier, more cost-effective option is an eSIM, which provides data access without roaming fees. eSIMs work just like regular SIM cards, but you do not need to swap a physical card or visit a store to set it up. You can usually keep your current phone number too, so people can still contact you while you’re away.

In this article, we’ll explore the top eSIM providers available and help you choose the best eSIM for India. We’ll look at each provider’s key features, coverage and pricing to help you find the right plan for your trip.

💳 Learn more about the Wise card

Best eSIM for India: Quick picks
Best coverage: Airalo – Wide range of plans with reliable Jio coverage.
Best unlimited option: Holafly – Flexible unlimited data plans.
Best budget choice: Nomad – Affordable short-term data plans.
Best for frequent travellers: Ubigi – Monthly and annual packages.
Best for added security: Saily – Includes built-in website protection.

Best eSIM providers for India: Top 5 compared

Let’s explore some options to help you find the best eSIM for India:

Provider	Best for	Key features	Pricing	Data options	Coverage
Airalo¹	Unlimited data	Data-only plans (fixed and unlimited)	€4 – €88	1 GB – unlimited	Jio
Saily²	Enhanced security	Data-only plans (fixed and unlimited) Malicious URL blocking	$3.99 – $98.99	1 GB – unlimited	Different local carriers
Holafly³	Unlimited data at 4G/5G speed	Data sharing Customisable plans	£8 – £245	Unlimited	Jio and Airtel
Nomad⁴	Longer trips (most plans last 30 days)	Data-only plans (fixed and unlimited) Free welcome eSIM	£0 – £33.62	1 GB – unlimited	Jio and Airtel
Ubigi⁵	Frequent travelling	Data-only plans (fixed and unlimited) Monthly and annual packages	£3.50 – £58	1 GB – unlimited	Jio⁶

Prices are shown in different currencies depending on the provider. You can use the converter below to quickly check the latest exchange rates.

Airalo

Airalo offers a variety of eSIM plans for India, including options from small data bundles to unlimited options. Plans start at just €4 for 1 GB of data valid for three days, while unlimited monthly packages go up to €88. In India, Airalo operates on the Jio network.¹

Available plans include:

• 1 GB of data for 3 days - €4
• 5 GB of data for 7 days - €12
• 20 GB of data for 15 days - €32.50
• Unlimited data for 3 days - €18.50
• Unlimited data for 10 days - €41
• Unlimited data for 30 days - €88¹

Saily

Saily offers a wide selection of eSIM plans for India, from smaller packages to unlimited options. The service connects through several local networks to provide consistent coverage throughout your trip.²

In addition, Saily includes security features that help block harmful websites and intrusive ads. Many plans also include access to up to 115 virtual locations, giving you more flexibility while you travel.²

Here are some of Saily’s eSIM plans for India:

• 1 GB of data for 7 days - $3.99
• 3 GB of data for 30 days - $9.99
• 10 GB of data for 30 days - $23.99
• 20 GB of data for 30 days - $38.99
• Unlimited data for 10 days - $44.99
• Unlimited data for 30 days - $98.99²

✈️ Read more: When’s the best time to travel to India?

Holafly

If you’re looking for an eSIM with unlimited data for India, Holafly is a strong choice. Their plans can be tailored to the length of your trip, and the longer you stay, the cheaper the daily rate becomes. Prices start at £8.³

Holafly uses India’s Jio and Airtel networks and allows hotspot sharing of up to 500 MB per day, making it a practical option for travellers who want to share data.³

Here are some of Holafly’s available plan options and their prices:

• 1 day - £8
• 5 days - £25
• 7 days - £32
• 10 days - £38
• 90 days - £245³

Nomad

Nomad is a flexible eSIM provider that offers both data-limited and unlimited plans. New users can even access a free 1 GB eSIM, with paid plans starting at £2.99. The most expensive 30-day option costs £33.62.⁴

In India, Nomad runs on the Jio and Airtel networks.⁴

Fixed-data plan options include:

• 1 GB of data for 7 days - £2.99
• 3 GB of data for 30 days - £6.35
• 5 GB of data for 30 days - £9.71
• 10 GB of data for 30 days - £15.69
• 20 GB of data for 30 days - £23.16
• 50 GB of data for 30 days - £33.62⁴

Two unlimited plans are also available, priced at £13.45 for 5 days and £24.65 for 10 days.⁴

Nomad is a strong option for travellers who need unlimited data. However, its fixed-data plans only come in 7-day or 30-day durations, so those seeking more flexible coverage lengths may prefer another provider.

🇮🇳 Read more: Money and banks in India

Ubigi

Ubigi’s India eSIM plans are available in weekly, monthly, and annual options, making them suitable for both short trips and longer stays. Prices start at £3.50 and go up to £58.⁵

In India, Ubigi connects through the Jio network.⁶

Some of the eSIM options Ubigi offers for India include:

• 1 GB of data for 7 days - £3.50
• 10 GB of data for 7 days - £13
• 25 GB of data for 30 days - £27
• Unlimited data for 15 days - £39
• Unlimited data for 30 days - £58
• 20 GB of data a month - £16/month
• 60 GB of data per year (5 GB/month) - £37⁵

Ubigi’s monthly and yearly plans are easy to renew, making them ideal for those who travel often. However, if you only need a short-term or small-data option, there are fewer choices available.⁵

How to choose the best eSIM for your India trip

With a wide range of eSIM providers to choose from, finding the right option for India isn’t always straightforward. Before buying, it’s worth comparing a few key details to make sure the plan suits your needs:

• Cost
• Compatibility with your phone
• Plan duration
• How much data is included
• Network reliability and speed

How to install and activate an eSIM for India travel

Installing and activating an eSIM differs between iPhone and Android devices, so we’ve outlined the steps for each below.

If you’re using an iPhone, follow these steps to install your eSIM:

• Go to Settings and tap Cellular or Mobile Data
• Select Add eSIM, then choose Use QR Code
• Tap Scan the QR Code or Enter Details Manually⁷

After installation, you can activate your eSIM by completing the following steps:

• Open Settings and select Cellular
• Tap your eSIM
• Make sure the Turn On This Line option is switched on
• Enable Data Roaming
• Return to Cellular and tap Cellular Data
• Choose your eSIM as the mobile data line⁷

If you’re using an Android device, here’s how to install your eSIM:

• Open Settings and tap Connections
• Tap SIM Manager and select Add eSIM
• Choose Scan QR Code or Enter Activation Code
• If you’re entering the code manually, make sure you include the LPA and colons
• Click Add⁷

Once the eSIM is installed, you can activate it using these steps:

• Go to Settings and select Connections
• Tap SIM Manager and switch on your eSIM
• Turn off any other active SIMs
• Select your eSIM under Mobile Data
• Go back to Connections and tap Mobile Network
• Turn on Data Roaming of your eSIM⁷

Find out more: Best travel cards for India in the UK

Why use an eSIM for travelling to India?

There are many benefits to using eSIMs when travelling compared to physical SIM cards. Here’s a quick look at some of them:

• They’re often more affordable than traditional SIM cards
• Can be activated instantly
• There’s no risk of losing or damaging them
• You can keep your UK phone number while using an eSIM for data
• A more sustainable option

Save on holiday spending in India with the Wise card

The best eSIM for India depends on your travel needs and budget, but there’s an option for everyone. Short-term visitors can even get free plans, while a one-week eSIM may cost as little as £3.50. As you compare providers, it’s also worth considering the ways you can keep your holiday spending under control.

The Wise debit card can be a convenient choice for your trip to India. For a one-time cost of £7, you can spend and withdraw in over 150+ countries, including India. You can also send money to pay for a rental car, accommodation or other travel expenses while still in the UK.

With the Wise card, your pounds are automatically converted at the mid-market exchange rate whenever you spend. You’ll just pay a small conversion fee, or no fee if you already have the currency in your Wise account.

Join Wise today for free 🌍

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FAQs about using an eSIM in India

Let’s go through some frequent questions about using an India travel eSIM:

Is an eSIM secure?

Yes, eSIMs are secure, especially since you don’t need to worry about damaging or losing them.

Is my phone compatible with eSIM?

If your phone supports eSIM, you’ll usually see an option for it in your settings. The easiest way to check is in your settings or on your carrier’s website.

Can I keep my original phone number?

Most eSIMs are data-only, so your original number typically stays on your main SIM.

Can I make calls and send texts with an eSIM?

Some eSIMs support calls and texts, but many are data-only. If yours is data-only, you’ll need to use your regular SIM or messaging apps for calling and texting.

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

For most trips, 2–5 GB per week is enough for basic use, but you may need 10 GB or more if you stream or use social media a lot.

What if I run out of data?

Depending on the provider, you can top up your data or buy a new plan when you reach your limit.

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Sources used:

1. Airalo - India eSIM
2. Saily - India eSIM
3. Holafly - eSIM India
4. Nomad - India eSIM
5. Ubigi - eSIM for India
6. Ubigi - India 10 GB eSIM
7. Holafly - setting up your eSIM

Sources last checked on date: 27-Jan-2026