Holafly in India: When I Would Use It, When I Wouldn’t and Better Options
Holafly India eSIM: Best Plans for India Trips
Photo by Julian Yu on Unsplash
If you are heading to India and feeling stressed about SIM cards and roaming, an eSIM keeps things simple. This guide shows how Holafly's India plans line up with real trips, how much data you actually need and how to save with my code STEPHANDPETE.
Does Holafly work in India? (Yes, with one important step)
Important: India has blocked some eSIM providers
India recently restricted access to several international eSIM services. However, Holafly continues to work if you download and activate your eSIM before arriving in India.
The Indian government blocked certain eSIM providers from selling or activating new plans within India's borders. This affects travelers who try to buy an eSIM after landing or who attempt to activate it for the first time on Indian soil.
How to make sure your Holafly eSIM works in India
- Buy your plan before you fly. Purchase your Holafly India eSIM at least 24 hours before departure.
- Install the eSIM while still at home. Add the eSIM profile to your phone and complete the setup process before you board your flight.
- Turn it on when you land. Once in India, simply switch your mobile data to the Holafly eSIM and enable data roaming.
Because Holafly uses unlimited data plans, you will not need to top up or buy additional data while in India. The plan you purchased before arrival covers your entire trip with no extra steps required on the ground.
Photos by Naveed Ahmed, Ibrahim Rifath, and Julian Yu on Unsplash
What if I forget to install it before landing?
If you arrive in India without having installed your Holafly eSIM first, you may face issues activating it. Your best option is to find reliable Wi Fi at your hotel or airport lounge and try to complete the installation there. However, this is not guaranteed to work due to the restrictions, so it is always better to install before you fly.
Short on time? Quick save for India
- Go to stephandpete.co/holafly.
- Select India or an Asia regional plan if you are visiting other countries too.
- At checkout, enter code STEPHANDPETE for 5% off.
- Install the eSIM before you leave home to avoid any activation issues in India.
The code usually takes about 5 percent off the live price. I may earn a small commission, your price stays the same.
Which Holafly India plan fits your trip?
Holafly sells unlimited data plans that last a set number of days. The table below uses simple example prices to show how different trips might line up with different plans. Always check the exact amount on Holafly before you book because pricing can change with promos and currency shifts.
| Trip type | Days in India | Suggested plan | Example price* | Example savings with STEPHANDPETE |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| City stopover | 3 days | India eSIM, short plan | $12 | $0.60 |
| Golden Triangle or Mumbai + Goa | 7 days | India eSIM, 7 to 10 day plan | $26 | $1.30 |
| Classic North India loop | 14 days | India eSIM, 15 to 20 day plan | $49 | $2.45 |
| One month in India | 30 days | India eSIM, 30 day plan | $85 | $4.25 |
| India plus Southeast Asia | 4+ weeks total | Asia or Global monthly plan | $65 | $3.25 |
*Prices here are rounded examples based on typical Holafly India and Asia pricing at the time of writing. Your exact total may be slightly different. The code STEPHANDPETE takes around 5 percent off whatever the live price is.
Example: a family of four taking a two week India trip on individual India eSIMs at roughly $49 each would save about $9.80 with the code.
Trip lengths and simple India itineraries
3 days in India – city stopover
This is a long layover style visit. Maybe three nights in Mumbai on the way to Thailand or a short Delhi stop before flying home.
- Holafly fit: India eSIM for about 3 to 5 days.
- Route ideas: Mumbai with one Reality Tours experience and a food tour, or Delhi plus a day trip to Agra.
- Why you want data: ordering cabs, loading restaurant reviews and staying in touch with guides.
1 week in India – Golden Triangle or Mumbai plus Goa
Seven days is enough for a first glimpse of India without feeling like you only lived in airports.
- Holafly fit: India plan in the 7 to 10 day range.
- Route ideas: Option A: Delhi – Agra – Jaipur. Option B: Mumbai – beach town in Goa.
- Data use: trains, WhatsApp with drivers, booking last minute tours and hunting down the best thali in each city.
2 weeks in India – classic North India loop
Two weeks gives you time for big cities and smaller places. Think Rajasthan plus either Delhi or Mumbai.
- Holafly fit: India plan around 15 to 20 days.
- Route ideas: Delhi – Agra – Jaipur – Jodhpur – Udaipur, or swap in Mumbai at the start or end.
- Data use: constant map checks, restaurant hunting and booking experiences as you go.
1 month in India – deeper dive
A month lets you slow down and build real downtime into the itinerary.
- Holafly fit: India 30 day plan.
- Route ideas: two weeks in Rajasthan, several days in Mumbai and ten days split between Goa and Kerala.
- Data use: remote work calls, cloud backups, posting content and checking in on onward flights.
India as part of a longer Asia trip
If India is one stop in a bigger route that includes Thailand, Vietnam, Singapore or Japan, a regional plan often makes more sense than stacking country plans.
- Holafly fit: Asia or Global monthly plan.
- Route ideas: 10 days in India then a couple of weeks in Southeast Asia and a city like Singapore, Hong Kong or Tokyo on the way home.
- Savings tip: use STEPHANDPETE on the monthly plan once instead of paying full price for two separate country eSIMs.
How much data do you really need in India?
Most travelers use far more mobile data in India than at home. You will be constantly opening maps, translating menus, messaging drivers and double checking train times.
- Plan for 1 to 2 GB per day if you mostly use maps, messages and a bit of social media.
- Plan for 2 to 3 GB per day if you stream video, upload a lot of content or work remotely.
- Use hotel Wi Fi for big downloads and backups when you can.
Unlimited data means you do not have to think about it in the middle of a crowded station or chaotic traffic circle. Because you purchased your plan before arriving, you have all the data you need for your entire trip with no top-ups required.
Why I like Holafly for India
- No paperwork or waiting in a phone shop after a long flight.
- QR code arrives by email usually within minutes.
- Unlimited data for the number of days you choose.
- 24/7 chat support if something glitches on arrival.
- Works in India if installed before you fly - no issues with the recent eSIM restrictions.
Local SIMs can be cheaper for very long stays, but they often require passport copies, visa details and a local address. For most trips, an eSIM is worth the slightly higher price for the time and stress it saves.
How to install your Holafly India eSIM
- Go to stephandpete.co/holafly, pick India or Asia and enter STEPHANDPETE at checkout.
- Holafly emails you a QR code and written instructions.
- Before you leave home, open Settings on your phone and add a new eSIM using the QR code.
- Label it "India" or "Holafly" so you can tell it apart from your home number.
- When you land in India, switch your mobile data to the Holafly eSIM and enable data roaming.
I tell people to screenshot the QR code or print it before leaving home so you are not dependent on airport Wi Fi to find it. Installing the eSIM before your flight ensures it will work properly when you arrive in India.
See India in motion
Sometimes it is easier to understand why you need reliable data when you can see the reality on the ground. Here are a few of our India videos filmed while using Holafly eSIMs.
Filmed across South Mumbai and along Marine Drive on one of our recent India trips.
Boats, backwaters and small towns where having working maps and WhatsApp makes life easier.
Crowded markets, trams and river views that are much easier to navigate when your phone just works.
Holafly India FAQs
Will my Holafly eSIM work in India with the recent restrictions?
Yes, as long as you purchase and install your Holafly eSIM before arriving in India. The restrictions affect new purchases and activations made within India, but eSIMs installed before arrival continue to work normally. Buy your plan at least 24 hours before your flight and complete the installation process while still at home.
Does Holafly work everywhere in India?
Coverage is strongest in cities and major tourist routes. You can expect solid service in places like Delhi, Mumbai, Jaipur, Agra, Goa and most of Kerala. Very remote areas may be patchier, just like with local SIM cards.
Can I use hotspot with Holafly in India?
Some Holafly India plans allow hotspot and some do not. Check the fine print on the plan page before you buy if you need to share data with a laptop or travel partner.
Is Holafly cheaper than a local SIM?
Local SIMs can be cheaper on paper, especially for long stays, but they usually take more time to set up and may require extra paperwork. For most trips under a month, I value the convenience of having data working the moment we land.
Can I keep my WhatsApp number?
Yes. An eSIM adds a new data plan to your phone, it does not replace your physical SIM. You keep your usual WhatsApp number and can still receive calls or messages as normal if your home carrier allows it.
What if I run out of data on my Holafly plan?
Holafly India plans offer unlimited data, so you will not run out. The plan you purchase covers unlimited data usage for the number of days you selected. Because you installed it before arriving in India, you do not need to worry about buying top-ups or additional data while traveling.
What is the Holafly discount code for India?
Use code STEPHANDPETE for 5% off Holafly India eSIM plans. Enter it at checkout when purchasing your plan.
How much does a Holafly India eSIM cost?
Holafly India eSIM plans typically range from around $12 for 3 days to $85 for 30 days. Regional Asia plans that include India start around $65 for longer coverage. Prices vary with promotions and currency exchange rates.
Need help planning the actual India trip?
If sorting out data is just one item on a very long India planning list, I can help with the rest. I plan custom India trips for families, couples and small groups, from first timers to people who have already done Rajasthan and want something different.
- Route planning that fits your dates and energy level.
- Hotel suggestions with perks where possible.
- Trusted guides and drivers I have used myself.
Work with Steph on your India itinerary
Or email me at steph.hays@fora.travel with your dates, budget and who is traveling.
Affiliate disclosure: I may earn a commission if you buy Holafly using my link or code STEPHANDPETE, at no extra cost to you. We use Holafly ourselves on real trips and only recommend products we trust.