Which Sim will work in Jammu and Kashmir

Which SIM Will Work in Jammu and Kashmir? A Complete Guide for Tourists

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We’ve been receiving tons of questions from travelers about the SIM cards that work in Jammu and Kashmir. Specifically, many wonder whether their prepaid SIM cards from other states will work, or if they should opt for a local SIM card once they arrive. Well, I’ve got all your doubts covered in this detailed guide, so let’s get started!

Which SIM Will Work in Jammu and Kashmir?

When traveling to Jammu and Kashmir, the SIM card you choose depends on the type of card you have. If you’re using a postpaid SIM card, it will work without issues throughout the region, including Srinagar, Jammu, and even more remote areas. However, prepaid SIM cards from states other than Jammu and Kashmir will not work.

For tourists and non-residents, it’s recommended to buy a local SIM card once you arrive in Jammu or Srinagar.

Will Prepaid SIM Work in Jammu After Article 370?

After the abrogation of Article 370, there were many questions about the functionality of prepaid SIM cards. The answer is NO—prepaid SIM cards from other states won’t work in Jammu and Kashmir. This has led to a lot of confusion among tourists and visitors.

The Solution:

You can buy a tourist SIM card upon arrival, either at the Srinagar International Airport or Jammu Railway Station. These SIM cards are designed for tourists and come with benefits like 1GB/day internet, unlimited national calls, and 100 SMS for just ₹300.

Which SIM is Best in Jammu and Kashmir?

For those living outside Jammu and Kashmir, your postpaid SIM will work just fine. However, for the best network coverage and internet speed in urban areas, Jio and Airtel are the top choices.

Jio: Offers excellent coverage and 4G data services.
Airtel: Known for its reliable network and 4G coverage in urban areas.

If you’re traveling to more remote areas, BSNL might also be a good choice, as it offers coverage in rural parts of the region.

Tourist SIM Card Options in Kashmir

Tourists visiting Kashmir can easily get a tourist SIM card at affordable prices. Here’s what you get for ₹300:

1GB/day internet
Unlimited national calls
100 SMS

Documentation Required: All you need is an Aadhaar card (for Indian tourists), and you’ll be good to go. The SIM activation takes 10-15 minutes.

Available Service Providers:

Jio
Airtel
VI
BSNL

Jammu and Kashmir SIM Card Price

SIM cards in Jammu and Kashmir for tourists cost ₹300. This price includes 1GB/day data, unlimited national calls, and 100 SMS. It’s a very affordable option for those visiting the region for a short time.

Does Jio Prepaid SIM Work in Srinagar?

If you are carrying a Jio prepaid SIM from outside of Jammu and Kashmir, it won’t work in Srinagar or other parts of the region. However, if you get a Jio SIM card within Jammu and Kashmir, it will work perfectly fine.

How to Get a SIM Card in Jammu and Kashmir?

Getting a SIM card in Jammu and Kashmir is incredibly easy. Here’s how you can get one:

Visit the Airport: You can get your SIM card at the Srinagar Airport or Jammu Railway Station.
Required Documents: You’ll need an Aadhaar card (for Indian nationals).
SIM Activation: The process is quick, and the SIM will be activated in about 10 minutes.

You can choose from service providers like Airtel, Jio, and BSNL.

Does Jio SIM Work in Kashmir?

Yes, Jio SIM cards work perfectly well in Kashmir. However, there are a few things to note:

Your postpaid Jio SIM will work fine.
A Jio prepaid SIM from outside Jammu and Kashmir will not work.
If you purchase a Jio tourist SIM locally in Jammu or Srinagar, it will work without issues.

Can I Use Airtel Prepaid SIM in Kashmir?

If you’re traveling from outside Jammu and Kashmir, your Airtel prepaid SIM will not work. However, you can easily buy a tourist SIM card from local stores or airports for around ₹300, which comes with great benefits like 1GB/day data, unlimited calls, and 100 SMS.

Which Telecom Provider Offers the Best Coverage in Kashmir?

When it comes to the best telecom providers in Kashmir:

Airtel and Jio are the top choices for great network coverage and 4G internet speeds in urban areas.
BSNL provides the best coverage in remote areas of Jammu and Kashmir, including difficult-to-reach mountainous regions.

Can I Use an International SIM Card in Kashmir?

Yes, you can use an international SIM card in Jammu and Kashmir as long as international roaming is activated. However, be mindful of the roaming charges, which can be quite expensive compared to local SIM cards.
It’s generally recommended to purchase a local SIM card for more affordable rates.

Conclusion

Choosing the right SIM card for your trip to Jammu and Kashmir is essential for staying connected, whether you’re visiting the urban hubs like Srinagar and Jammu, or traveling to remote areas. If you’re traveling from outside the region, remember that prepaid SIM cards from other states won’t work, but you can easily get a tourist SIM for as low as ₹300 upon arrival.

For the best data speeds and coverage, Jio and Airtel are the preferred choices in cities, while BSNL is a great option for rural and mountainous regions.

Happy travels, and stay connected during your trip to the stunning Jammu and Kashmir!