Best eSIM for India Travel: An Informative Guide

If there’s one country that sneaks into every traveller’s bucket list, it’s India. This exotic country is a beautiful fusion of cultures, people, practices, and landscapes. And food, let’s not forget food! Few cuisines around the world are as diverse as Indian cuisine.

Okay, let’s not get carried away! To fully experience what India has to offer, you’ll need a reliable data plan, among many other things. Many travellers recommend getting a digital SIM for your trip to India.

But they seldom say how to get an eSIM for India. Well, this blog is here to rectify that. In addition to how you can get an eSIM, we’ve also discussed eSIM’s safety features and lots more! Dive right in.

Stay Connected in India with Flexible eSIM Plans

How to Get an eSIM for India from the UK?

Okay, first things first. How can you, a traveller, get an eSIM for India from the UK?

Well, you have to remember that whenever the topic of travel eSIMs comes up, you’re talking about data-only eSIMs. This means that the eSIM you’re buying only has data benefits. There are exceptions, but about 90% of the time, it’s just data.

The next thing you should check is compatibility. It is important to know that not all phones support eSIMs.

To check whether you have an eSIM-compatible smartphone, dial *#06# on your phone app. If you see an EID (Embedded Identity Document), a 32-digit serial number, along with your IMEI, then your phone supports eSIMs. You’re free to purchase any eSIM plan.

With the two major considerations out of the way, let’s focus on how you can get an eSIM for India from the UK.

Step 1

Start off by choosing a provider. You have multiple options here:

• Choose one of the numerous travel eSIM providers. They offer data-only eSIMs for short and long-term visits. The only downside is that they lack plans with call and text benefits.
• Pick an operator whose PAYG plans include international benefits to India. (Here’s a cool piece of information. Lyca Mobile has both travel eSIMs and pay as you go SIM only plans with India benefits. You can never go wrong with Lyca Mobile)

Step 2

Once you’ve finalised a provider, the next step is purchase an eSIM plan and activate it. Purchasing can be done online, but activation is where things get tricky.

Some providers, like Lyca Mobile, expect their eSIMs to be activated in the UK. Others would advise their users to activate their eSIM in India. Just make sure you read the fine print of the plan you’re purchasing so that you’re not left stranded without a data plan. And the actual activation process is easier than you think.

Just connect to a source of internet, probably airport Wi-Fi, and scan the activation QR code your provider sends you. A few taps and your eSIM will be activated. Some providers expect you to download their mobile app to activate an eSIM. Be sure to read the instructions carefully.

Step 3

This may not be applicable in all cases, but it is a suggestion that you should consider. Some providers would like Data Roaming to be disabled, while others expect it to be enabled. This is an important concept, as failure to enable/disable data roaming might result in malfunction. With the core concepts out of the way, let’s dive into the additional details.

Is it Safe to Use an eSIM in India?

Absolutely! In fact, eSIMs are safer than physical SIM cards. Here are the reasons why:

• eSIMs are Theft-Proof: Since an eSIM is embedded in your smartphone, it cannot be physically stolen. This benefit also comes in handy if you lose your device, as it makes tracking a lot easier.
• eSIMs are Damage-Proof: Physical SIM cards are vulnerable to damage. A simple scratch on the contact plate or embedded microcontroller chip means the SIM card needs replacement. eSIMs sit securely inside the device, making damage a non-issue.
• eSIMs use Advanced Encryption and Authentication: As eSIMs are 100% digital, the risk of unauthorised SIM duplication is non-existent. Plus, the use of advanced encryption standards makes eSIMs an extremely safe alternative to physical SIM cards.

Should You Buy a Local SIM Instead?

Okay, this is another question that often comes up. A local physical SIM card might sound like a better alternative, but it comes with its share of issues. For starters, if your passport information falls into the wrong hands, then there’s a high chance that you may end up being a victim of identity theft.

Then comes the need to swap out your primary SIM card. If you have a smartphone with one physical SIM card slot and one eSIM, then you’ll have to replace your primary SIM with the local SIM. This means you cannot access OTPs and other important messages you receive on your primary SIM card.

Activation issues are another headache. Most often, a local physical SIM card in India takes a few hours to be activated. In worst cases, this can be 12 hours or more, which is inconvenient if you want a mobile plan at the airport itself.

Can I buy an eSIM Directly in India?

Yes and no. Yes, if you choose a network provider that has a partnership with an Indian operator. No, if the eSIM you choose explicitly states that it has to be activated in the UK.

You also have to keep in mind that you need a stable internet connection to purchase and activate an eSIM.

When you’re in the UK, you can use the data from your primary line to activate your eSIM. But if you try this outside the UK, you’ll be hit with massive roaming charges. So think wisely and make a decision.

Picking an eSIM that needs to be activated in the UK means that you’ll have a data plan the moment you land at an Indian airport. Opting for an eSIM that needs to be activated in India means that you’ll have to look for an internet connection to initiate the activation process.

Why Choose a Lyca Mobile eSIM for Your India Trip?

Okay, time for recommendations! Lyca Mobile knows the plight of the average tourist without a data plan in India. That’s why we bring you an Indian eSIM with data benefits.

With this data-only eSIM, you can explore India without worrying about roaming charges. Even if you run out of data, you can easily top up your plan using the official Lyca Mobile app (available for Android & iOS) or the Lyca Mobile website.

But why should you choose Lyca Mobile?

Lyca Mobile is one of the top MVNOs (Mobile Virtual Network Operators) in the world. A customer base of over 16 million, presence in 18 countries, and two decades of telecom experience make us the right partner to help you stay connected in India.

Lyca Mobile has also won numerous awards over the years across different categories. So, if you’re heading to India, be sure to pick up a Lyca Mobile eSIM. Your wallet will thank you!

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• Our Best UK eSIM
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