Jazmin Li
Getting a SIM card at Bangalore Airport (BLR) (Kempegowda Airport) is a convenient option for most tourists arriving in Bangalore, India. While some sources suggest that SIM cards are not available at this airport, others confirm their availability and recommend purchasing them at the airport for convenience. Tourists can obtain SIM cards from kiosks or shops in the arrival area, with some recommending the area after baggage claim and customs. Additionally, it is possible to pre-order a SIM card online and collect it at a designated airport counter upon arrival. This option ensures that you have a suitable plan ready and saves time.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| SIM card availability at Bangalore Airport | Yes |
| Pre-ordering options | Yes |
| SIM card providers at the airport | Airtel, Jio, Vi, BSNL, Vodafone |
| SIM card price range | INR 199 and above |
| Prepaid SIM packs inclusions | Local and national calling minutes, SMS, and mobile data |
| SIM card activation time | Up to 48 hours |
| Documents required | Passport, India visa, passport photo, SIM registration form |
| Recommended options | eSIM with a mobile hotspot or retail store SIMs for longer visits |
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What You'll Learn
BSNL eSIM vs BSNL SIM card
Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL) is a state-owned telecommunications company in India, offering a wide range of telecom services across the country. BSNL provides services across India, excluding Delhi and Mumbai, offering extensive coverage in both urban and rural areas.
BSNL SIM Card
BSNL SIM cards are available at Bangalore Airport (BLR) (Kempegowda Airport). They can be purchased from kiosks or shops in the arrival area. BSNL SIM cards are also available online, on Amazon India, Flipkart, Paytm, and other sites, and can be pre-ordered and picked up at a designated counter upon arrival.
BSNL eSIM
BSNL launched eSIM support in September 2022. It is available on Google Pixel phones and iPhones via the BSNL SIM App. However, eSIM activation is currently restricted to Indian residents only. International roaming eSIM is not yet available.
Comparison
The BSNL SIM card offers the most convenience and value, with a wide range of prepaid options for travelers, including the Tourist SIM for long tours, the World SIM for short trips, and the General SIM with the cheapest rate per GB but very limited data. BSNL SIMs provide sufficient data, calls, and SMS for India travel at affordable rates, with validity extending from 1 to 84 days.
On the other hand, BSNL eSIMs provide flexibility but have fewer plans. They offer instant connectivity without the need for a physical SIM. However, the activation process for BSNL eSIMs is more complicated and not recommended for tourists, as it involves scanning passports and other requirements.
In conclusion, while BSNL eSIMs offer the convenience of not needing a physical SIM card, the BSNL SIM card is more convenient for travelers due to its wider availability, simpler activation process, and more flexible plan options.
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Pre-ordering a SIM card
Bangalore Airport, also known as Kempegowda Airport or BLR, offers SIM cards to tourists and locals. While it is possible to buy a SIM card at the airport, some sources recommend buying a SIM card at a retail store outside of the airport for better value plans.
If you want to avoid the hassle of buying a SIM card at the airport or elsewhere in the city, you can pre-order a SIM card online and pick it up at a designated counter upon arrival. This option saves time and ensures that you have a suitable plan ready.
- Compare different providers and their plans to find the best deal for your needs. Some popular providers in Bangalore include Jio, Vodafone, Airtel, and BSNL.
- Check if the provider offers a pre-activated SIM card. For example, BSNL offers free pre-activated tourist SIM cards at some airports, including Bangalore Airport.
- Find out the location of the designated counter where you can pick up your pre-ordered SIM card. According to some travellers, the SIM card counters are located after you have cleared customs and immigration and collected your baggage.
- Have the necessary documents ready, such as your passport for verification of your identity and Indian visa. Some sources mention that photocopies of these documents may be required, while others state that the counters will make their own copies.
- Prepare a passport photo, as one will need to be affixed to the SIM registration form.
- Fill out the SIM registration form with your details, including your name, address, and passport number.
- Ensure that your phone is compatible with the SIM card you select. SIM cards come in different sizes, such as standard, micro, or nano.
By pre-ordering a SIM card and having everything prepared in advance, you can streamline the process of staying connected during your trip to Bangalore.
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SIM card activation
Bangalore Airport (BLR) (also known as Kempegowda Airport) offers SIM cards to tourists and locals. While some sources suggest that SIM cards can be purchased at kiosks or shops in the arrival area, others claim that SIM cards are not sold at the airport. Therefore, it is advisable to pre-order a SIM card online and collect it at a designated counter upon arrival. This saves time and ensures you have a suitable plan ready.
Regarding SIM card activation, it is important to note that the process may vary depending on the provider and country. In the context of Indian SIM cards, the activation process typically involves the following steps:
- Present your passport for identity verification and visa verification. Photocopies of these documents will be made.
- Have a passport-sized photo ready to be affixed to the SIM registration form.
- Fill out the SIM registration form, providing your details such as name, address, and passport number.
- Choose a suitable prepaid plan that meets your requirements for call time, texts, and data.
- Insert the SIM card into your device. Ensure that you know what type of SIM card your phone requires (standard, micro, or nano).
- Allow for activation time: In some cases, SIM card activation can take a few hours to up to 48 hours.
- Follow any additional activation steps provided by the SIM card provider. For example, the owner of the SIM card may need to call a number and answer questions via a series of prompts, including providing an access code that is part of their passport number.
It is worth noting that eSIMs are also available and can be a convenient option, as they can be pre-activated from home and used on compatible devices. However, traditional SIM cards may be more readily available at the airport.
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Best-value providers
Although it is possible to purchase a SIM card at Bangalore Airport, it is recommended that you consider buying one at a retail store post-airport for better value plans, especially if you are planning a longer visit.
If you are looking for a short-term plan, you can get a Jio network SIM card for 24 USD, which offers 5GB of data and is valid for 28 days. However, for longer visits, it is recommended to opt for retail store SIMs with 1-3GB daily data valid for 1-3 months.
Vodafone has been mentioned as a good option for tourists, with one user commenting that the process of purchasing a SIM card with them was "very smooth and not a pain at all".
Another option is to get an eSIM with a mobile hotspot for urgent internet needs upon arrival. eSIM offers a convenient option, activating directly on compatible devices and allowing you to pre-activate from home. Gigago is recommended as an eSIM provider with many choices suitable for many budgets, needs, and trip durations.
If you are looking for a physical store, Airtel and Vodafone have been recommended as good options. Airtel has been described as having better throughput use than Vodafone, making it a preferable option if you need to transfer data.
It is important to note that you will need to provide proof of identity, such as a passport with a valid visa stamp, and proof of address when purchasing a SIM card in India.
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Buying a SIM card outside the airport
While it is possible to buy a SIM card at Bangalore Airport, some sources suggest that it is not the best option. Airport SIM cards tend to be more expensive and offer less data than those purchased outside the airport. The plans are often short-term with limited, costly data. Airport kiosks may also not be open 24/7.
If you are not in a hurry, it is recommended to wait until you are outside the airport to purchase a SIM card. You will find better value plans at retail stores, especially for longer visits. Opt for retail store SIMs with 1-3GB daily data valid for 1-3 months.
If you need immediate internet access upon arrival, consider getting an eSIM with a mobile hotspot. eSIMs offer a convenient option that can be pre-activated from home, skipping crowded kiosks. They also allow you to use a single profile globally with ease. When travelling to Bangalore, consider exploring eSIM data packages from Gigago, which offers a wide range of plans suitable for different budgets, needs, and trip durations.
If you do decide to purchase a SIM card outside the airport, make sure you carry your original passport as ID proof, as this is mandatory for foreign tourists when buying a SIM card in India. You will also need a passport photo, as one will need to be affixed to the SIM registration form. It is also recommended to have cash on hand, as some stores may not accept credit cards. Additionally, be sure to check that your phone is compatible with the SIM card you select.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, Bangalore Airport has 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 process is straightforward. You can either pre-order a SIM card online and collect it at a designated counter upon arrival or buy it directly from the kiosks or shops in the arrival area. To get a SIM card, you need to present your passport for verification and provide a photocopy of your India visa. You will also need a passport photo, as one will need to be affixed to the SIM registration form.
Getting a SIM card at the airport ensures that you have a suitable plan ready and allows you to stay connected while travelling in Bangalore with affordable plans and coverage citywide.
Airport SIM cards usually offer short-term plans with limited and costly data. Airport kiosks may not be open 24/7, and it might be more convenient to purchase a SIM card at a retail store post-airport, where you can find better value plans.
