Why won't Airalo and Holafly open in India? Get ready before you go
You land in India and there's no internet on your phone. You try to open the Airalo or Holafly app, but it won't load or its website won't open. You try to buy a new eSIM, but the internet you'd need to do that runs through the very services that are blocked.
The real problem isn't eSIM technology. The problem is the process of buying and setting up a new eSIM inside India. If you install your eSIM profile on your phone before the trip, it will work normally on local networks once you reach India.
Why has India restricted foreign eSIM services?
In early 2024, India's Department of Telecommunications (DoT) introduced new requirements aimed at foreign travel eSIM platforms. As a result, Airalo, Holafly and similar services were pulled from India's App Store and Google Play, and many internet providers were instructed to restrict access to those services' websites.
The reason given is that SIM card sales in the country are governed by strict KYC (Know Your Customer) rules. Because foreign eSIM platforms operate outside this process, restrictions have been applied.
For that reason, after you arrive in India:
- you may not be able to find the Airalo or Holafly app;
- official websites may not open;
- buying or activating a new eSIM may become difficult.
What works and what doesn't?
Works
- An eSIM profile installed on your phone before you arrive in India.
- A local Indian SIM card (after passport and registration procedures).
May be difficult or may not work
- Downloading the Airalo or Holafly app for the first time inside India.
- Buying an eSIM by visiting those platforms' websites over local internet.
- Trying to buy an eSIM at the airport at the last minute.
That's why the safest approach for India is to set up your eSIM before you fly.
Why does a pre-installed eSIM work?
There are two separate stages here:
- Buying the eSIM profile and installing it on your phone.
- Using mobile internet through that profile.
The restrictions in India mainly affect the first stage.
Once the profile is written to your phone, it works like an ordinary digital SIM card. The phone connects to one of India's local carriers, and your internet connection no longer depends on the Airalo or Holafly app.
In other words, if you install the eSIM profile in advance, the block doesn't stop it from working once you reach the country.
Do this before you go to India
Complete the following steps before your trip:
- Buy an eSIM plan for India.
- Open the QR code or installation link from your email.
- On your phone, install the profile under Settings → Mobile Network → Add eSIM.
- Check in advance that your phone supports eSIM.
- After you arrive in India, enable mobile data for that eSIM and turn on data roaming.
The most important point is to do all of this before you leave for India.
Things to keep in mind during your trip
No eSIM delivers the same speed everywhere in a country. In Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore and other big cities the internet is usually fast. In more remote areas mobile coverage can weaken.
Most travel eSIMs provide mobile data only. If you need a local phone number, calls or SMS, you'll have to plan for that separately.
If your data runs out, some eSIM providers require you to go back to their website to top up. In India this may not always be possible. So it's wiser to choose a package large enough for the length of your trip.
Set up your eSIM plan for India before you board and get online the moment you land.
Frequently asked questions
- Can I download the Airalo app in India?
In most cases, no. In India there may be restrictions on the app appearing in app stores or on reaching its official website. That's why it's recommended to set up your eSIM before your trip.
- Will an Airalo or Holafly eSIM I installed in advance work in India?
Yes. If the profile is already installed on your phone, it keeps working on the local carrier's network. The restriction mainly applies to downloading the app and buying a new profile.
- Is it better to buy a local Indian SIM card?
Local SIM cards can sometimes be cheaper, but they require passport, registration and activation procedures. A travel eSIM, on the other hand, is usually ready to use the moment you step off the plane.
- Will Airalo or Holafly work if I use a VPN?
In some cases a VPN can help, but you may still run into problems at the payment, activation and other stages. The most reliable solution is to set up the eSIM profile before your trip.
- Does my phone support eSIM?
Most iPhone models made in recent years (XR and later) and many flagship Android devices support eSIM. If your phone's mobile network settings have an "Add eSIM" option, your device is compatible.