Stay Connected in New Delhi
Network coverage, costs, and options
Connectivity Overview
New Delhi's connectivity situation is actually pretty solid for travelers these days. You'll find 4G coverage across most of the city, with 5G rolling out in major areas, though it's still patchy. The three main carriers—Airtel, Jio, and Vi (Vodafone Idea)—all offer decent service, with Airtel and Jio generally getting the best marks from users. Airport WiFi works well enough for basic browsing, and most hotels and cafes offer free internet, though speeds vary wildly. The good news is that mobile data is remarkably cheap here compared to Western countries. That said, getting set up can be a bit of a hassle if you go the local SIM route—there's paperwork involved, and it's not always tourist-friendly at smaller shops.
Get Connected Before You Land
We recommend Airalo for peace of mind. Buy your eSIM now and activate it when you arrive—no hunting for SIM card shops, no language barriers, no connection problems. Just turn it on and you're immediately connected in New Delhi.
Network Coverage & Speed
Coverage-wise, you'll get reliable 4G throughout central Delhi, including areas like Connaught Place, Karol Bagh, and South Delhi neighborhoods. The Metro stations generally have decent signal too. 5G is live in parts of the city, particularly business districts and major shopping areas, though your phone needs to support Indian 5G bands to actually use it. Speeds are respectable—4G typically gives you 10-25 Mbps, which handles video calls and streaming without too much drama. Airtel tends to be the most consistent performer, especially for international travelers, with strong coverage even in residential areas. Jio offers excellent value and has improved their network significantly, though you might notice more congestion during peak hours. Vi works fine but their network quality has been a bit hit-or-miss lately. Once you venture into Old Delhi's narrow lanes or outer areas, coverage can get spotty regardless of carrier. Worth noting that indoor coverage in older buildings can be weak—concrete and thick walls don't help.
How to Stay Connected
eSIM
eSIMs have become a genuinely practical option for Delhi, assuming your phone supports them (most iPhones from XS onwards and recent Samsung/Google phones do). The main advantage is convenience—you can buy and activate before you even board your flight, and you're connected the moment you land. No hunting for SIM shops, no paperwork, no language barriers. Providers like Airalo offer India plans starting around $4.50 for 1GB, going up to roughly $26 for 10GB over 30 days. That's more expensive than local SIMs, no question, but the time savings and peace of mind might be worth it, especially if this is your first trip. The setup takes maybe five minutes from your hotel room. The downside? You can't top up as easily as a local SIM if you run out, and the per-GB cost is definitely higher if you're a heavy data user.
Local SIM Card
Local SIMs are the budget option—you can get 2GB per day for a month for around ₹300-500 ($3.50-6), which is incredibly cheap. You'll need your passport, a local address (your hotel works), and a passport-sized photo, though some shops can print one for you. The airport has official carrier kiosks that are tourist-friendly but slightly pricier. In the city, you'll find shops everywhere, but stick to official brand stores (Airtel, Jio, Vi) rather than random mobile shops to avoid hassles. Activation can take a few hours, sometimes up to 24 hours, due to verification requirements. Jio is probably easiest for tourists—their process is fairly streamlined. One quirk: prepaid SIMs have a validity period, so a 28-day plan actually expires after 28 days, not when you use up the data. You can recharge online through the carrier's app once you're set up.
Comparison
Honestly, it comes down to your priorities. Local SIM wins on cost—you'll pay a fraction of eSIM prices for way more data. But there's friction: the paperwork, the wait time, the possibility of language barriers or unhelpful shop staff. Roaming from your home carrier is the most expensive option by far, though it's effortless. eSIM sits in the middle—more expensive than local but far more convenient, and you're connected immediately. For most travelers, especially first-timers, the eSIM convenience factor is worth the premium.
Staying Safe on Public WiFi
Public WiFi in Delhi—hotels, cafes, airports—is convenient but worth being cautious about. The risk isn't necessarily that someone's actively trying to hack you, but open networks make it pretty easy for anyone with basic tools to intercept what you're doing. When you're checking bank accounts, booking flights, or accessing anything with passport or credit card info, you're potentially exposing sensitive data. Hotel WiFi is often no better than cafe networks despite feeling more secure. A VPN encrypts your connection so even if someone's snooping on the network, they just see gibberish. NordVPN is a solid option that works reliably in India and doesn't require much technical knowledge. It's not about being paranoid—just sensible protection when you're handling important stuff on networks you don't control.
Protect Your Data with a VPN
When using hotel WiFi, airport networks, or cafe hotspots in New Delhi, your personal data and banking information can be vulnerable. A VPN encrypts your connection, keeping your passwords, credit cards, and private communications safe from hackers on the same network.
Our Recommendations
First-time visitors: Go with an eSIM through Airalo. The convenience of landing with working data is genuinely valuable when you're navigating a new city, and you avoid the stress of airport SIM shops when you're jet-lagged. It's a few dollars more but removes friction at the worst possible time. Budget travelers: If you're on a really tight budget and comfortable with a bit of hassle, local SIMs are significantly cheaper—we're talking $4 versus potentially $25-30 for similar usage. But factor in the time cost of finding a shop, dealing with paperwork, and waiting for activation. For most people, eSIM is worth the premium. Long-term stays (1+ months): Local SIM makes more sense here. The cost difference adds up over time, and you'll want the flexibility of easy top-ups and potentially getting a postpaid plan if you're staying several months. Business travelers: eSIM is really your only practical option. Your time is too valuable to spend hunting for SIM cards, and you need connectivity from the moment you land for taxi apps and communication. The cost difference is negligible in a business context.
Our Top Pick: Airalo
For convenience, price, and safety, we recommend Airalo. Purchase your eSIM before your trip and activate it upon arrival—you'll have instant connectivity without the hassle of finding a local shop, dealing with language barriers, or risking being offline when you first arrive. It's the smart, safe choice for staying connected in New Delhi.
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