Buying a SIM card in Chennai?

I may be able to borrow a GSM phone here in Canada but would need to buy a prepaid SIM card once we arrive in Chennai.

Is it easy to buy one? Where would I find a store that sells them? What kinds of stores do have them?

Our flight gets in around midnight, so not likely that any airport stores would be open.

And we will be travelling extensively in South India, eventually ending up in Bangalore. WOuld the SIM card I buy in Chennai work everywhere?

Thanks, Peter www.peterkburian.com

Buying a SIM card in Chennai?

Everyone has cell phones, drivers, street vendors, and even some maids. It%26#39;s the easiest thing to buy. You may not find it at the airport at that time, but prepaid cards are sold in literally every street corner. There are also several shops owned and operated by the networks themselves.

I think you will need to fill in a form, and give them a copy of the id page of your passport, and also a couple of photos. Not sure about this bit, but a South African friend of mine had to do that about 6 months ago. Better to be prepared.

- Deepa

Buying a SIM card in Chennai?

Airtel has coverage in Chennai, Andhra Pradesh and in Karnataka.

http://www.airtel.in/

Thanks, Deepa. But we leave on Saturday so I will need to buy a prepaid SIM card once we arrive in Chennai.

Where exactly do they sell such cards?

Peter

That airtel site has the list of places where you can buy.

airtel.in/reach_home.aspx鈥?/a>

Select Airtel Relationship Centre, pick the location as Chennai and click on Go.

- Deepa

Hello,

Can we send text message arround the world with airtel?

Thx

sure, texting across the world is possible through Airtel or any other ervice provider as long the phone is a triband GSM phone and your package (sim card option)includes global roaming (which most of them do).

Rajan

Deepa,

Sorry for butting in, but would you happen to know if Airtel has good coverage in Tamil Nadu?

Having Airtel simcards was a big hit for us in Rajasthan/Northern India, but maybe a different provider would be better in Tamil Nadu?

Thanks!

Hunbille

Hi Hunbille

Airtel is one of the leading service providers in the Tamil Nadu region and have good coverage across the state.

Rajan

Hi Peter. It%26#39;s not super easy to buya SIM card as a foreigner in Chennai. Though they seel them in loads of small shops for a couple of dollars with talktime, as a foreigner you will need to prove you live here or sort of! Apparently it%26#39;s to control terrorism..! So if you know anyone in the places you are going (Indian or foreigenr) they cans sort of %26#39;vouch%26#39; for you by presenting their utilities bill, ID photocopy etc. Hope this helps! If you do manage to get one, yes it can be used anywhere in India though you will pay %26#39;roaming%26#39; rates if you leave the State you bought it in... Salut, Sandrine

Hello Peter ..Better You get the Sim card with the local people whom you know.. and once u leave india destroy IT .