5 Things Foreigners Need To Know About SIM Cards

If there’s one thing we can’t live without these days, it’s our trusty smartphone. Since every country’s mobile network is different, here are 5 things you need to know about cell phones and SIM cards in India:

Know your phone

For your phone to work in India, you’ll need a GSM compatible and unlocked phone. If you aren’t sure, call your local provider and confirm these two details before you leave. If you decide to buy a new phone, there’s no rush as India features a great selection of smartphones at reasonable prices.

Get a ‘survival’ SIM card before you leave the airport

It will take a few weeks after your arrival to compile all the documents and registrations necessary to activate a new mobile number. However, in the Delhi airport you have the option to buy a temporary SIM to get you through the first few months.

Before exiting the Terminal 3 building, you can obtain a temporary tourist SIM card and data plan from one of the counters as you enter the arrivals hall. You’ll need an unlocked, GSM-compatible mobile phone, ID-style photos, your passport, and some cash (Rs1,000 will be plenty.) This SIM card will be active for about 3 months, after which you will need to get another SIM, with a new phone number.

Plan to be without a local SIM for 24 hours

New SIM cards are NOT always activated immediately! They can take 2-24 hours to activate. Be sure to make pre-arrangements to meet your ride that won’t require a phone call or arrange an international plan to be able to use your current SIM for the first 24 hours after arrival.

Buying your local SIM

Once you’ve arrived in Dehradun you’ll be able to sign up for a SIM card and plan. Requirements include a copy of your passport & visa, passport sized photos (go ahead and buy LOTS as you’ll need them for everything), and proof of address (such as a rent agreement).

Choosing a plan

India is famous for having the world’s cheapest mobile data and can start as low as ₹200-300 per month. Data is often sold in ‘per day’ packages, so you can find pre-paid plans that give you 1 to 2 Gigabytes of high-speed data per day for 30, 90, 180 or 365 days, plus free voice and SMS (text messaging).

Getting a SIM card and an active mobile connection is just the beginning, and its one of the first things you should do after arriving in India. See the rest of the list: 6 Things To Do In Your First 7 Days In Dehradun.

ABOUT CARLTON
Carlton moved to Dehradun in 2017 where he fell in love with the Himalayan mountains. He especially enjoys riding motorcycles and hiking in the mornings with his dog, Malay.

Carlton is the Director of the top school for foreigners learning Hindi in Dehradun. Students learn from Indian teachers and help support young people beginning their professional careers while getting the best Hindi instruction in the city. To learn more about Heritage Institute of Languages click here.

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