Mobile SIM cards (physical and eSIM) 🇮🇳 India
Foreign SIM cards may be brought in freely, but buying a local Indian SIM requires passport registration; tourist SIMs are available at airports.
Can I bring Mobile SIM cards (physical and eSIM) into India?
Foreign SIM cards may be brought in freely, but buying a local Indian SIM requires passport registration; tourist SIMs are available at airports.
No import restriction; tourist SIM purchase typically limited to 1-2 SIMs
- Passport (for local SIM purchase)
- Indian visa
Required at the destination customs authority
Full details
The Indian Customs Act 1962 imposes no restrictions on importing foreign SIM cards. However, the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) and TRAI require real-name registration for all SIM purchases. Foreign tourists can purchase prepaid SIMs with a passport and visa; Aadhaar (Indian national ID) is not required for non-residents. Tourist SIMs are sold at international airports by Airtel, Jio, and BSNL. Activating a local SIM may take up to 24 hours. Roaming on a foreign SIM is permitted without restriction.
PENALTIES
- Fine: 5000–500000 INR
- Civil penalty only
Leaving India with mobile sim cards (physical and esim)
Personal-use sim cards may be taken out of India without export formalities. Personal SIM cards face no export controls. Note that some destinations require identity registration to activate foreign or local SIMs on arrival.
Pick up a tourist SIM at the international arrivals hall — airport counters for Airtel and Jio are available at most major airports. Bring your passport and visa for registration. Allow 24 hours for activation.
No import restriction; tourist SIM purchase typically limited to 1-2 SIMs
- Passport (for local SIM purchase)
- Indian visa
Indian Customs Act 1962; The Indian Telegraph Act 1885; DoT SIM Registration Guidelines
This page covers destination customs rules in India. Whether you can carry mobile sim cards (physical and esim) through security, in carry-on, or in checked baggage depends on airline and screening rules — see air travel rules.
Mobile SIM cards (physical and eSIM) is classified under Class 9 — Miscellaneous dangerous goods. Cabin and checked-baggage rules apply on top of any destination regulation.
Related rules
Mobile SIM cards (physical and eSIM) rules in other countries
Mobile SIM cards (physical and eSIM)
🇺🇸 United States
SIM cards may be freely brought into or purchased in the US by travellers with no import restrictions.
Mobile SIM cards (physical and eSIM)
🇨🇳 China
Foreign SIM cards work in China on roaming, but local SIM card purchase requires passport registration; internet services are restricted behind the Great Firewall.