Indian Government in partnership with state owned telecom operator BSNL has launched pre-loaded SIM cards for foreign tourists traveling in India on e-visa. Dr Mahesh Sharma, Minister of State for Tourism and Culture launched the service in New Delhi and added that it will help the tourists to remain connected with their family and friends right from the moment they land in India and that they will not have to make so much efforts in getting an India SIM card.
It will provide the SIM cards to tourists in Delhi on Terminal 3 initially as a pilot. Once the service receives satisfactory response, it will also be extended to all 15 airports in India with e-visa facility. The tourist will need the copy of their e-visa along with the first page of their passport. The SIM card issued to them will be activated instantly. The SIM card will be pre-loaded with INR 50 of talktime and 50MB data.
The government of India has been undertaking a lot of initiatives for the foreign tourists lately. The e-visa facility, which lets tourists of several countries grab a visa without visiting Indian embassy in their respective countries, was introduced to promote hassle free travel to India. It had also launched a toll free number, 1800 111 363, for foreign tourists. The helpline number provides related information to tourists in 12 languages. The tourists can also reach out to the helpline number in case of any distress, threat or medical emergency.