Last updated: October 26, 2026
Quick answer: For short and normal trips, OVOSIM is the cheapest eSIM for India, from €2.99 for 1GB and €8.99 for 5GB over 30 days, on Jio with 5G and hotspot allowed. For 10GB and up, Nomad is about the same price or cheaper, and it's also the cheapest for unlimited data at $18 for 5 days. Airalo, Holafly and Saily cost more for the same data. One thing applies to all of them: travel eSIMs don't work in Ladakh or Jammu and Kashmir.
This page is the full price comparison. For the general guide, see Best eSIM for India.
The one thing that decides it
India's networks are good on the main tourist routes, and every provider here uses Jio, Airtel or Vi. In Delhi, Agra, Jaipur, Mumbai, Goa and Kerala, any of them will work.
What separates them is price for the data you need, validity, and whether you want a fixed amount or unlimited. India is a heavy data country, so the gaps add up on a two week trip.
Fixed data plans compared (October 2026)
| Data | OVOSIM | Airalo | Saily | Nomad |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1GB | €2.99 (7 days) | €4 (3 days) | $3.99 (7 days) | $4 (7 days) |
| 3GB | €6.99 (30 days) | €9 (7 days) | $9.99 (30 days) | $8.50 (30 days) |
| 5GB, 30 days | €8.99 | €13 | $13.99 | $13 |
| 10GB, 30 days | €18.99 | €22.50 | $23.99 | $21 |
| 20GB, 30 days | €29.99 | €35 | $38.99 | $33 |
| 50GB, 30 days | €69.99 | Not offered | Not offered | $43 |
Unlimited plans compared
| Length | Nomad | Airalo | Holafly |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3 days | Not offered | €19 | $19.90 |
| 5 days | $18 | €29 | $30.90 |
| 7 days | Not offered | €36.50 | $39.50 |
| 10 days | $33 | €42.50 | $46.90 |
| 15 days | Not offered | €57 | $63.50 |
| 30 days | Not offered | €91 | $111.90 |
OVOSIM doesn't sell an unlimited India plan. Saily lists unlimited options too. Check its site for current prices.
All prices are from each provider's official site in October 2026, before promo codes. OVOSIM and Airalo show euros, the others US dollars. Prices change often, so check before you buy.
Networks and hotspot
| Provider | Network in India | Hotspot |
|---|---|---|
| OVOSIM | Jio | Allowed |
| Airalo | Vi (Vodafone Idea) | Not stated |
| Saily | Local networks, not named | Allowed |
| Nomad | Airtel | Not stated |
| Holafly | Jio and Airtel | Up to 1GB a day |
Jio is India's largest network, with the widest 5G, and Airtel is close behind. Vi is the third network, fine in cities but thinner outside them. If you're heading off the main tourist routes, Jio or Airtel is the safer bet.
None of them work in Ladakh or Jammu and Kashmir. Travel eSIMs and international roaming don't connect there. Plan on a local SIM bought in Leh or Srinagar.
Where each provider fits
OVOSIM
Best for: short and normal trips, up to about 5GB. The cheapest from 1GB to 5GB, with 5GB for 30 days at €8.99, Jio 5G and hotspot allowed. There's also a 1GB plan that lasts 14 days. Trade-off: no unlimited India plan, and at 10GB and up Nomad is about the same price or cheaper.
Airalo
Best for: people already using the Airalo app. A familiar app with lots of options, including short 3 to 15 day plans and unlimited. Trade-off: it runs on Vi, India's smallest of the three big networks, and costs more than OVOSIM at every size.
Holafly
Best for: people who want unlimited data on two networks. Unlimited data on both Jio and Airtel. Trade-off: the most expensive option here, $39.50 for a week, and hotspot is capped at 1GB a day.
Saily
Best for: people who already use Saily or Nord apps. A simple range from 1GB to 20GB, 30 days from 3GB up, and no hotspot limits. Trade-off: costs more than OVOSIM at every size, and the network isn't named.
Nomad
Best for: heavy users, and anyone who wants unlimited data or 20GB plus. The cheapest unlimited plans here ($18 for 5 days, $33 for 10), and the best value at 20GB and 50GB, on Airtel. Trade-off: costs more than OVOSIM up to 5GB, and unlimited only comes in 5 and 10 day lengths.
Which one should you pick?
| Your trip | Pick | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Short city trip | OVOSIM 1GB or 3GB, from €2.99 | Cheapest for a few days |
| Golden Triangle, 7 to 10 days | OVOSIM 5GB, €8.99 | Plenty of data for the lowest price |
| Two weeks, several cities | OVOSIM or Nomad 10GB | About the same price, both well below Airalo and Saily |
| A month, heavy use | Nomad 20GB or 50GB | Best value for big plans |
| Streaming or video calls every day | Nomad unlimited | The cheapest unlimited option |
| Ladakh or Kashmir | A local SIM | Travel eSIMs don't work there |
What to check before buying any India eSIM
- Validity, not just price. A €4 plan for 3 days isn't cheap on a two week trip.
- The network. Jio and Airtel cover more of India than Vi.
- Your route. If Ladakh or Kashmir is on it, no travel eSIM will work there.
- What "unlimited" means. Many unlimited plans slow down under fair use rules.
- Hotspot. Check it's allowed if you'll work from a laptop.
More practical tips are in our India travel guide.
Frequently asked questions
Which is the cheapest eSIM for India?
For short and normal trips, OVOSIM. 5GB for 30 days is €8.99, against $13 at Nomad, €13 at Airalo and $13.99 at Saily. At 10GB and up Nomad is about the same or cheaper, and for unlimited data Nomad is cheapest at $18 for 5 days.
Is Airalo good for India?
It works, but its India plans run on Vi, the smallest of the big three networks, and it costs more than OVOSIM for the same data.
Is Holafly worth it for India?
Only if you want unlimited data on both Jio and Airtel. It's the most expensive option, at $39.50 for 7 days, and hotspot is capped at 1GB a day.
Is Saily good for India?
Yes, it's a solid option with no hotspot limits, but it costs more than OVOSIM and Nomad at most sizes.
Is Nomad good for India?
Yes, especially for unlimited data and big plans, where it's the best value here. Up to 5GB, OVOSIM is cheaper.
Does any eSIM work in Ladakh?
No. Travel eSIMs and international roaming don't work in Ladakh or Jammu and Kashmir. Buy a local SIM there.
The bottom line
For short and normal trips, OVOSIM is the cheapest eSIM for India, on Jio 5G with hotspot allowed. For heavy use, Nomad's big and unlimited plans are the best value. Whichever you pick, plan on a local SIM for Ladakh or Kashmir.
More on India: Best eSIM for India and what to know before you travel.