18 Jun How can Expatriates secure a Mobile phone connection in India?

One of the most common challenges faced by expatriates moving to India is that of acquiring an Indian Mobile number. Applying for a SIM card in India is a tedious process even for local Indians as it involves submitting a lot of documents and identification cards for verification. Those Expatriates who receive a phone number from their employers do not have as much of a challenge as those who wish to take a SIM in their own name.

The individual has a choice of applying for a SIM card from various Telecom companies operating in India and have a choice of multiple data plan packages. There is also an option of seeking a local SIM card with the pre-paid facility or postpaid billing.

We will discuss the process of securing a prepaid plan below.

Foreigners moving to India must ensure complete documentation for quick access to a personal mobile number in India, but first, they must ensure that they possess a mobile phone which will operate in India.

Documents required :

The government of India is tightening the regulations on the sale of SIM cards due to security reasons.  The minimum document requirements for a Foreigner to secure a SIM under the prepaid method are :

• Two passport size photographs
• A copy of the passport
• Copy of the Visa
• A copy of the proof of the address in the home country.
• Proof of address within India.

A duly filled form will have to be submitted to the TELCO along with the documents mentioned above. The SIM card can be purchased immediately for a cost of around INR 550 and is usually activated within 24 hours after a verification call is received from the service provider.  SIM validity is three months. Once three months elapse, the SIM is required to be revalidated.

Cost

• Minimum balance of Rs 250.
• International calls (US/Canada) Rs.7 per minute
• International text messages Rs.5 per message
• Calls to a cell phone in India Rs.1 per minute
• Local text messages Rs.1 per message.