Stay Connected in the Andaman Islands: SIM Cards, eSIMs & Wi-Fi

A Complete Guide to Mobile Data for Travelers in the Andaman Islands

You've just arrived in the Andaman Islands, a tropical paradise where emerald waters, white sandy beaches, and lush rainforests await. From snorkeling in Havelock’s Radhanagar Beach to exploring the historic Cellular Jail in Port Blair, every corner of the Andamans is brimming with adventure. But as you pull out your phone to check ferry schedules, book a scuba diving session, or capture the sunset at Neil Island, you realize—your mobile data isn’t working.

That’s exactly what happened to me on my first trip to the Andamans. I quickly learned that staying connected here isn’t as simple as in mainland India. With limited Wi-Fi availability and spotty mobile signals in some remote areas, having a solid mobile data plan is a game-changer.

In this guide, I’ll walk you through everything you need to know about getting mobile data in the Andaman Islands—from the best SIM card providers to eSIM options—so you can stay connected while soaking up the sun in this island paradise.

Why Mobile Data is Essential in the Andaman Islands

While the Andaman Islands offer a slice of untouched nature and serenity, reliable internet is not always easy to find. Wi-Fi is available in hotels and a few cafes in Port Blair, but once you venture out to Havelock, Neil, or North Andaman, connectivity can become unreliable.

Having mobile data ensures you can:
✅ Check ferry schedules and book inter-island transport easily.
✅ Use Google Maps to navigate through towns, beaches, and trekking trails.
✅ Stay updated on weather conditions, especially for water activities like diving or island hopping.
✅ Keep in touch with family and friends while exploring remote beaches.
✅ Upload your travel moments on social media without hunting for Wi-Fi.

Mobile Network Providers in the Andaman Islands

India’s leading telecom companies operate in the Andaman Islands, but signal strength and internet speed vary depending on the island. The main network providers here are BSNL, Airtel, Jio, and Vodafone-Idea.

BSNL

📡 Coverage: Best network coverage across the Andaman Islands, including remote areas.
⚡ Speed: 3G in most parts, with some areas still on 2G. No 4G yet.
🌟 Best For: Travelers visiting offbeat locations like North Andaman, Little Andaman, and Baratang.

Airtel

📡 Coverage: Strong coverage in Port Blair, Havelock, and Neil Island, but weak in more remote islands.
⚡ Speed: 4G in Port Blair, but mostly 3G elsewhere.
🌟 Best For: Fastest speeds available in Port Blair and Havelock for social media and video calls.

Jio

📡 Coverage: Decent coverage in Port Blair, Havelock, and Neil, but little to no signal on other islands.
⚡ Speed: 4G available in major areas, but slow speeds elsewhere.
🌟 Best For: Budget-friendly data plans if staying in well-connected areas.

Vodafone-Idea (Vi)

📡 Coverage: Very limited, mostly in Port Blair.
⚡ Speed: 3G at best, but often inconsistent.
🌟 Best For: Short-term travelers who only need connectivity in Port Blair.

How to Get a SIM Card in the Andaman Islands

Getting a local SIM card in the Andamans is simple, but there are some key things to know:

📍 Where to Buy:

• At the Airport – Port Blair’s Veer Savarkar Airport has kiosks selling SIM cards.
• Mobile Stores in Port Blair – BSNL, Airtel, and Jio stores in Aberdeen Bazaar and other parts of Port Blair offer SIM activation.
• Local Shops – Small retailers may sell SIM cards, but registration can be tricky.

📜 Documents Required:

• Passport (for international travelers)
• Visa (for non-Indian citizens)
• A passport-sized photo
• An Indian address proof (if applicable)

⚡ Activation Time: SIM cards may take up to 24 hours to activate. BSNL activation might take longer, so plan accordingly.

Best SIM Card Plans for Tourists

Here’s a breakdown of the best prepaid SIM plans in the Andaman Islands:

BSNL Tourist SIM

💰 Price: ₹300 (~$4 USD)
📶 Data: 5GB for 30 days
📞 Extras: Free local calls, best network for remote areas

Airtel Prepaid Plan

💰 Price: ₹500 (~$6 USD)
📶 Data: 10GB for 30 days
📞 Extras: Best 4G speeds in Port Blair and Havelock

Jio Prepaid Plan

💰 Price: ₹400 (~$5 USD)
📶 Data: 8GB for 30 days
📞 Extras: Unlimited Jio-to-Jio calls, decent coverage in tourist hotspots

eSIM Options for Travelers

If you have a phone that supports eSIM (like iPhone 14, Google Pixel 7, or Samsung Galaxy S23), you can activate a digital SIM before arriving in the Andamans.

🔹 Jio eSIM – Available through Jio stores or online activation.
🔹 Airtel eSIM – Can be activated through the Airtel Thanks app.
🔹 International eSIM Providers – Services like Airalo and Nomad offer India-wide eSIMs starting at $10 for 3GB of data (valid for 7 days).

Free Wi-Fi in the Andaman Islands

While mobile data is essential, there are some places where you can access free Wi-Fi:

🏨 Hotels & Resorts – Most accommodations in Port Blair and Havelock offer free Wi-Fi, but speeds can be slow.
☕ Cafes & Restaurants – Some popular spots in Port Blair and Havelock provide Wi-Fi for customers.
🛳️ Ferry Terminals & Airports – Limited connectivity but useful for quick updates.

Top Tips for Staying Connected

✔️ Activate Your SIM at the Store – Let the staff set it up to avoid any issues.
✔️ Download Offline Maps – Google Maps allows you to save maps for use without internet—super helpful on remote islands.
✔️ Use Messaging Apps – WhatsApp, Signal, or Telegram work best for calls and texts instead of traditional networks.
✔️ Monitor Data Usage – Track your usage to avoid running out of data during your trip.
✔️ Consider Pocket Wi-Fi – If traveling in a group, portable Wi-Fi devices can be a good alternative.

Staying connected in the Andaman Islands is crucial for a hassle-free adventure. Whether you choose a local SIM, an eSIM, or rely on hotel Wi-Fi, a little preparation goes a long way. With the right plan, you’ll have everything you need at your fingertips—whether it’s booking a dive trip, navigating ferry routes, or sharing your island adventures in real time.