SIM & Internet: how it works in India — first-hand

From real experience

• When extending an Indian SIM card's service beyond the initial 28-day plan, select different tariff options (e.g., 30, 60, or 90-day packages) instead of just topping up the balance. Simply adding funds without choosing a specific plan can lead to the SIM card being deactivated. Opting for a longer duration plan, even if it involves a slight overpayment for the remaining days, ensures continued service.
• In India, SIM card data plans labeled 'X GB daily' typically mean that the specified amount of data is provided each day and resets at midnight. For example, a '5 GB daily' plan will give you 5 GB of data that can be used within that day, and a new 5 GB allowance will become available at the start of the next day. This is different from a total data allowance for the entire validity period of the SIM card. Some e-SIM providers might offer slightly different pricing structures.
• In Kashmir (India), foreign tourist SIM cards, including eSIMs from providers like Trip.com, may not function. It is generally recommended to purchase a local SIM card upon arrival for reliable connectivity. This has been reported as a recurring issue by travelers in the region.
• Registration for Amazon.in requires an Indian phone number for account verification. Creating an account using only email is possible, but delivery of certain shipments requires OTP verification via SMS. Foreign phone numbers are not supported for account registration or updating. Use a local Indian SIM card number for reliable courier delivery and OTP reception.
• If you used an Airtel SIM card for a couple of weeks in India and plan to return in October, you will be issued a new SIM card with a new number at the airport upon your arrival.
• Indian authorities may implement temporary access restrictions on Telegram, typically in response to specific incidents like exam paper leaks. Users may experience connectivity issues that require VPN services to bypass.
• When opening certain local service accounts or applications in India, it is possible for a manager to contact the client via WhatsApp and arrange a home visit for activation. This convenient service bypasses the need for the client to go to an office.
• If an Indian SIM card is deactivated, the recommended solution is to purchase a new one from an operator's office, preferably a larger one where staff may be more helpful. To prevent deactivation, ensure that tariff plans are paid for accurately and on time. Be aware that SIM cards might deactivate around the 85th day, not always the full 90 days as expected with some tourist visas, so it's advisable to be prepared for this possibility.
• For travel to India: the arrival card must be filled out no later than 72 hours before arrival, and the health declaration (Suvidha) must be completed 24 hours prior. The system may allow filling out the arrival card a maximum of 6 days in advance. Accessing the official website from Russia might require a VPN (preferably a European one), while access from India works normally.
• Tourists in India cannot open standard international-capable bank accounts. For digital payments (Uber, shops, cafes), they can use the Cheq app, which allows verification and funding via transfers from foreign bank accounts (like Sber) to pay via QR codes. It is highly recommended to link these services to a foreign phone number, as Indian SIM cards issued on a tourist visa are typically deactivated after 90 days.
• To extend a SIM card's validity in India, visit an official operator's office approximately 10 days before the current 28-day period ends. Present your valid visa (e.g., a 5-year visa) to extend the SIM card's active status for an additional 84 days. This process allows for longer continuous use of the same SIM card.
• In India, mobile operators often waive data caps and speed throttling for users connected to 5G networks. This provides effectively unlimited data for those within 5G coverage areas.
• Indian tourist SIM cards are strictly limited to 90 days of operation regardless of the data plan purchased (even if the plan covers 365 days). Standard recharge cycles are 28, 56, and 84 days. To maintain connectivity beyond 90 days, a connection must be registered on a local Aadhaar card.

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