Coverage in India: what to know
Opensignal's 2024 report put Jio, not Airtel, ahead on coverage and availability: Jio was on 5G about 67% of the time, roughly triple Airtel. Airtel won 5G speed and video experience.
Checked 3 Nov 2026. Source: telecomtalk.info. Coverage changes, so check your route before you rely on it.
The short answer
The best eSIM for India is the one that fits your trip and your networks. For two weeks of photos, maps and social, NUM picks 5 GB for 30 days at $6.29, as of 3 Nov 2026.
| Plans from | $0.79 on 3 Nov 2026 |
|---|---|
| Networks on local plans | AirTel |
| A week | 3 GB, 15 days, $4.59 (regional plan, 14 countries) |
| Two weeks | 5 GB, 30 days, $6.29 (regional plan, 14 countries) |
| A month | 10 GB, 30 days, $9.89 (regional plan, 14 countries) |
| Longer | 20 GB, 90 days, $34.19 (regional plan, 20 countries) |
| Phone number | None, data only |
| Payment | Apple Pay, Google Pay or card |
A regional plan may list fewer networks here than a local plan. If you need a particular network, check that plan’s network list in the shop before you pay.
Questions people ask about Mumbai
Is there mobile signal at Mumbai?
Lonely Planet lists Mumbai among cities where 5G is readily available; wifi at cafes and coworking spaces is often fast, but public spots can be unreliable.
How much does an eSIM for India cost?
On 3 Nov 2026, India plans started at $0.79 and went up to $72.59 for the biggest. The shop always shows today’s price, and the price on the pay button is the price you pay.
Which network works well in India?
Opensignal's 2024 report put Jio, not Airtel, ahead on coverage and availability: Jio was on 5G about 67% of the time, roughly triple Airtel. Airtel won 5G speed and video experience.
Which network works well in India?
Opensignal's 2024 report put Jio, not Airtel, ahead on coverage and availability: Jio was on 5G about 67% of the time, roughly triple Airtel. Airtel won 5G speed and video experience.
Why does my eSIM show another carrier’s name?
Many travel eSIMs are issued by one carrier and roam on local networks, so your phone can show the issuing carrier’s name while your data runs on a local network. Keep data roaming on for the eSIM.
Will it work on my phone?
Dial *#06# on the phone you’re taking. If you see an EID number, it takes an eSIM. Every iPhone from the XR and XS on does, and the SE from 2020, as do Google Pixel 3 and later and Samsung Galaxy S20 and later. The phone must be carrier-unlocked. Not sure? Text PHONE and your model and we’ll check.
When do I install it?
At home, on wifi, before you fly. Then switch it on when you land. Tell us your landing day and we text you the switch-on steps that morning.
Does it come with a phone number?
No. It’s a data-only eSIM. WhatsApp, LINE, iMessage and FaceTime all work over it, and your home number can stay on for calls and codes.
What if it doesn’t work?
If we can’t issue your eSIM, we refund you in full. If it won’t install or connect, text us and we help you get connected.