they are easily available here....i've seen some as cheap as inr 3.5k & as expensive as inr 15k....in my opinion it will be easier to just buy one here since you will be going to the airtel or vodafone store in any case to get a sim....

airtel & vodafone both sell them in their stores....

Buying a simple cheap gsm smart phone ( ~ USD 100 or cheaper), getting a data sim and enabling the phone wifi hotspot should work right ?

Yes, that was what I was thinking too.

Good post. ^

Thanks all. Looks like this will be my plan after I arrive!

For getting a data sim, there are no restrictions like local id proof / address verification is it ?

its the same as getting a regular sim....they will keep a copy of your passport....no need to have a local id....

what are the costs of the data and voice pre-paid plans ?

prices vary depending on what you are looking for....log onto either the airtel or vodafone website....they have all the information you are looking for....

After all my fidgeting, I found out that most of India still supports CDMA and was able to add 100MB of data to my USA-based Verizon plan for only 25 USD.

The voice rates are terrible, but I just didn't make/answer any calls and the data through my existing device was sufficient for my needs. I was able to use wifi/Skype whenever I needed voice calls (granted, I never needed to place a call while out and about).

Hi all I got a question do they sell sim cards in the HYD airport ?

Can anyone please recommend the best place for a tourist to buy a data/voice sim in Mumbai?

A place at the airport on arrival would be easy. We're staying at the Palladium so anywhere around Lower Parel as well.

Thanks!

SIM card for Delhi
 

Hi,

What SIM for local phone and data can I get to use for a few days in Delhi? I don't care much about overseas call pricing if data is cheap.

Can I buy a SIM at the airport? Or where can I get one?

thanks

You would go to a shop of one of the mobile providers like Vodafone or Airtel. The requirements can be strict (passport photo, address proof, etc.) - it is not just paying some money and putting the card in your phone. It can take a while to activate, and you may have to respond to a verification phone call first. Sometimes extra steps are required for address verification, etc., or to enable international calling or data. If you have a friend resident in India who can help you I strongly suggest enlisting their help. Not sure it is worth the hassle for only a few days in India, especially considering that some cheap international roaming plans are now available (in the US, T-Mobile Simple Choice).

Thanks, in fact we emailed the hotel and they will do it, we can scan/send them the required docs. Only about 100 Rs more expensive - well worth the savings in time...