Jazmin Li
Bangalore Airport (BLR) (also known as Kempegowda Airport) offers SIM cards for tourists and locals, allowing them to stay connected while travelling in Bangalore and across India. This introduction will explore the options available for purchasing a SIM card at Bangalore Airport, including pre-ordering, buying upon arrival, and choosing an eSIM. Additionally, we will discuss the necessary documents and plans offered by different providers, ensuring travellers can select the most suitable option for their trip.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| SIM card availability at Bangalore Airport | Yes |
| Pre-ordering option | Yes |
| eSIM availability | Yes |
| SIM card providers | Airtel, Jio, Vi, BSNL, Vodafone |
| SIM card cost | INR 199 and above |
| Documents required | Passport, visa, address proof |
| Passport photo required | Yes |
| Activation time | Up to 48 hours |
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What You'll Learn
Where to buy SIM cards at Bangalore Airport
Bangalore Airport (BLR) (also known as Kempegowda Airport) has numerous SIM card counters and stores for providers like Airtel, Jio, Vi, and BSNL. Both the international and domestic arrival areas have dedicated SIM counters located before immigration and security checkpoints.
According to one source, there is a SIM card seller after you collect your luggage near the private car transfer counters before you go outside. The same source states that it takes about 20 minutes to set up and that all you need is a passport and visa. Another source states that the shop is located between exit doors 10 and 11, after baggage collection and customs.
If you want to compare plans and prices on the spot, buying a SIM card from kiosks or shops in the arrival area is a good option. However, it may take extra time. Alternatively, you can order a SIM card online and pick it up at a designated counter upon arrival, saving time and ensuring you have a suitable plan ready.
If your phone supports eSIM, you can choose an eSIM for digital activation.
When purchasing a SIM card, you will need to present your passport for identity verification and an India visa. Photocopies of these documents will be made, and you will need to have a passport photo ready to be affixed to the SIM registration form. Some SIMs require a deposit that is refunded upon return. Make sure to return the SIM card when you leave to get your money back.
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Documents required for buying a SIM card
Bangalore Airport has numerous SIM card counters and stores for providers like Airtel, Jio, Vi, and BSNL. Both the international and domestic arrival areas have dedicated SIM counters located before immigration and security checkpoints.
If you are an Indian citizen, you can easily buy a SIM card if you have an Aadhaar card. Foreign nationals, on the other hand, need to submit a separate set of documents to buy a SIM card in India.
- Proof of identity: A passport with photocopies, or other documents such as a driving license, Aadhaar card, or voter ID card.
- Address proof: Photocopies of rent agreements, bank passbooks, and electricity bills. Foreign nationals may need to provide proof of their Indian address, such as hotel details.
- Visa: A photocopy of your visa, and possibly the original document for checking.
- Passport-sized photographs: Generally, only one photograph is needed, but you may be asked to provide up to four photographs in some Indian states.
It is important to note that the process of buying a SIM card may vary from operator to operator, and there may be slight differences in the required documents. Additionally, foreign nationals might need to provide details of a local reference.
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SIM card activation process
Bangalore Airport (BLR) has numerous SIM card counters and stores for providers like Airtel, Jio, Vi, and BSNL. Both the international and domestic arrival areas have dedicated SIM counters located before immigration and security checkpoints. The price of prepaid SIM packs starts from INR 199 and includes local and national calling minutes, SMS, and mobile data.
If you want to avoid the hassle of buying a SIM card at the airport, you can pre-order a SIM card online and pick it up at a designated counter upon arrival. Alternatively, if your phone is compatible with eSIM, you can choose an eSIM for digital activation.
- Understand the SIM Card Types: In India, there are three main types of SIM cards: mini SIM, micro SIM, and nano SIM. Check your device's manual or contact the manufacturer to know which type your device needs.
- Consider Activation Requirements: Some SIM cards may require extra steps or registration before activation. Research different service providers and compare their SIM card offerings to choose the right one for your needs.
- Purchase the SIM Card: You can buy a SIM card from kiosks or shops in the arrival area of Bangalore Airport, or from official brand stores and multi-brand outlets at most airports in India. You can also buy SIM cards from third-party retailers, but activation may take longer.
- Provide Required Documentation: Present your passport for identity verification and India visa. Have a passport photo ready, as one will need to be affixed to the SIM registration form. Indian residents can provide their Unique Identification Number to speed up the activation process.
- Insert the SIM Card: Open the SIM card tray and insert the SIM card, ensuring that the gold-colored contacts are facing down. Your phone should automatically detect the cell service, and the network will display on your device.
- Activate the SIM Card: Activation usually occurs within a few hours, and there are no activation charges. Contact the mobile provider's customer care for assistance. Keep the SIM verification number handy and share it with the representatives who will guide you through the process.
It is important to note that pre-activated SIM cards are not sold in India, and activation times may vary by provider. For existing numbers or replacement SIM cards, activation can often be done via call or SMS.
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Prepaid SIM card plans
Bangalore Airport (BLR) (Kempegowda Airport) has numerous SIM card counters and stores for providers like Airtel, Jio, Vi, and BSNL. Both the international and domestic arrival areas have dedicated SIM counters located before immigration and security checkpoints.
Prepaid SIM packs start from INR 199 and include prepaid plans with local and national calling minutes, SMS, and mobile data. Staff can help set up the SIM card and plans for eSIM-compatible devices.
Vodafone provides the best value for tourists visiting Bangalore. For 24 USD, tourists at BLR airport can get a Jio network SIM card that offers 5GB of data and is valid for 28 days.
If you want to save time, you can pre-order a SIM card online and pick it up at a designated counter upon arrival. Alternatively, you can buy an eSIM for digital activation if your phone supports it.
If you are looking for a prepaid SIM card with international coverage, SimOptions provides Bangalore Prepaid SIM Cards that offer access to high-speed 4G/LTE data and multi-country coverage. Their SIM cards start at $49.90.
Airtel also offers free delivery of their prepaid SIM cards in Bangalore. They offer multiple prepaid recharge plans, OTT benefits with plans, and easy recharge options via the Airtel Thanks app or Airtel website.
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eSIMs at Bangalore Airport
Bangalore Airport (BLR) (Kempegowda airport) has numerous SIM card counters and stores for providers like Airtel, Jio, Vi, and BSNL. Both the international and domestic arrival areas have dedicated SIM counters located before immigration and security checkpoints.
If your phone is compatible with eSIM, you can choose an eSIM for digital activation. eSIMs are digital SIM cards built into your device, allowing you to activate a mobile data plan without a physical SIM card. You can switch between different mobile network carriers and data plans remotely by downloading new profiles to your device.
You can purchase an eSIM from providers such as Gigago, which offers a range of plans suitable for different budgets, needs, and trip durations. Matrix is another eSIM provider that offers international SIM cards and prepaid roaming SIM cards.
Some benefits of eSIMs include:
- Pre-activation from home
- Skipping crowded kiosks
- Using a single profile globally
- No need to swap out your physical SIM card
- No expensive data roaming charges
- Immediate connectivity upon landing
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, Bangalore Airport has numerous SIM card counters and stores for providers like Airtel, Jio, Vi, and BSNL. Both the international and domestic arrival areas have dedicated SIM counters located before immigration and security checkpoints.
You will need a passport with a valid visa stamp and proof of address. It is also recommended to have a passport photo ready, as one will need to be affixed to the SIM registration form.
The price of SIM cards can differ between retailers and providers, so it is recommended to check around for the best deal. Prepaid SIM packs start from INR 199 with prepaid plans that include local and national calling minutes, SMS quota, and mobile data. For 250 rupees, you can get 28 days of connectivity with unlimited calls and 1GB of data per day. For just 24 USD, tourists can get a Jio network SIM card that offers 5GB of data and is valid for 28 days.
The SIM card counters are located in the arrival areas, usually before immigration and baggage claim. One source mentions that there is a SIM card seller after you collect your luggage near the private car transfer counters before you go outside. Another source mentions that there is a kiosk across from Gate 11 in Arrivals.
