Which Sim Works In Kashmir
Overview
As you visit Kashmir, you promise yourself a lifetime experience. The place is world popular for its Mughal Gardens, lakes, hill stations, and many activities to do. If it is your first time being in Kashmir, you need a good mobile connection to explore around. Be it navigating through routes via mobile GPS, or getting to know about a particular destination before visiting, it is the prime necessity. You also need to be in contact with your families back home. It becomes a must to have if you are travelling solo in the valley.
With friends or groups, it is easier but when alone, you have to have a Sim that is suitable for your mobile to function. It must be clear by now that your sim or mobile network that you generally use by now may not work in the valley or alpine regions of Kashmir. Hence the question is which sim works in Kashmir?
There are a bunch of them that top the list and you can choose among them. In this page, we have provided a broad insight about the same. From the best Sim options available to how you can get it, there’s nothing left to know after going through this page. Have a glance!
Does Prepaid Sim Work in Kashmir?
No, prepaid SIM doesn’t work in Kashmir. If your prepaid SIM was bought outside of Jammu and Kashmir, it will be dead as soon as you enter the valley. It is so for safety purposes and concerns. However, you don’t need to worry.
You can buy a prepaid SIM inside Kashmir and it will work seamlessly. Different mobile network operators like Airtel, BSNL and Jio offer prepaid SIMS in Srinagar.
Understanding Mobile Connectivity in Kashmir
Understanding mobile connectivity in Kashmir and available sim cards in Kashmir is necessary. With BSNL, JIO and Airtel as the reliable options, the speeds differ in different regions. You can easily get 4G connections in cities like Srinagar, Gulmarg and Pahalgam.
Airtel even offers 5G connections in the main town of Srinagar. However, in remote locations that are in proximity to the border or alpine regions, you will only get 3G or 2G connections and the speed is moderate as well. Lastly, there’s little to no connection if you are going trekking.
It is the same for some remote local villages as well. In Kashmir, internet services are often shut down due to safety concerns. You may want to keep a satellite phone to remain in contact with your family.
Before getting a sim card in Kashmir, pick the one that is compatible with your phone model. Get the sim card from an authentic service provider. Visit the outlets and office instead of getting it from a random person on the street. While it may seem unlikely, there are some frauds who try to sell fake sims with the promise of activation in a few hours.
Last but not the least, remain informed about internet restriction and network shutdowns that are quite frequent in Kashmir.
Best Network Providers in Kashmir
BSNL
BSNL( Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited) provides best of network services in Kashmir. The main advantage of having a BSNL sim in the valley is that it works even in remote regions.
Your mobile phone will catch strong signals even in alpine regions with a BSNL sim. The speed might be a bit slow but its widespread connectivity is worth it.
If you are on an offbeat tour of Kashmir, it is best to get a prepaid BSNL sim in Srinagar for using GPS and other network services.
It is a good choice for places like Gulmarg, Sonmarg and Pahalgam. You can easily get one from a local service provider.
Airtel
After BSNL, Airtel is a popular choice among visitors. In touristy places like Srinagar and main towns of Gulmarg, Sonmarg and Pahalgam, it is undoubtedly a good option.
There’s 5G connection in developed cities like Srinagar and 4G in most parts of Kashmir. The speed is in the same manner as well.
It’s consistent in urban regions and moderate on the outskirts of cities. The idea of getting 5G connection in Kashmir is commendable.
Get a postpaid airtel sim before visiting the valley or get prepaid Airtel one as you reach Srinagar.
Jio
While Jio has spread as a strong and reliant service provider in the entire country, it is a fast growing network in Kashmir as well. Jio provided good network connections in cities like Srinagar and around.
4G connection works pretty well in the capital city. While it is certainly not the best choice for remote locations, it functions decently in the towns of Gulmarg, Sonmarg and Pahalgam.
There are chances that connection would be lost in the alpine and remote regions, get a Jio sim if you have planned the vacation to limit in major towns only.
Prepaid vs Postpaid, Which is Better?
Postpaid Sims are the better choice for having a stable connection in Kashmir. Prepaid sims from the rest of India don’t work here. However, you can surely buy a prepaid sim once you arrive in Srinagar.
Postpaid Sims:
- Best choice
- priority network access.
- Satisfactory
- customer services.
- Uninterrupted service.
How to get- You need an Aadhar Card as a valid identification Proof and passport size photo.
Prepaid Sim:
- Limitation – Prepaid sims won’t work in Kashmir if bought from any other place outside.
- Substitute: Get a local prepaid sim in Srinagar from the network providers of BSNL, Airtel or JIO.
Requirements Need for Purchasing a Sim Card in Kashmir
You need certain documents for purchasing a sim card in Kashmir.
- Aadhar Card and Passport or driver’s license for Indian Nationals is mandatory.
- Passport and VISA must be carried by foreign nationals.
- Passport-size photos may be needed for the registration process. Keep a couple of them to avoid any potential delay.
After submitting these documents and going through a biometric authentication, you’ll get a new sim card of your choice in less than half an hour.
How to Choose a Sim Card for Travel in Jammu & Kashmir?
Having a sim card that works as per your requirement is essential. Which sim works in Kashmir and how to choose the right one are some questions that should be considered for travel in Jammu and Kashmir.
Contact a service provider and get viable information regarding network coverage of a particular sim in a specific area where you are planning to visit. If you are going on a longer trip, postpaid sims are a better option. For shorter journeys, get prepaid ones in Srinagar.
There are some excellent sim options to choose among such as Jio, BSNL and Airtel. However, get a quick check on their services such as data and voice requirements. Make sure the customer service is good and the activation process is quick as well.
Where to Buy a Local Sim Card in Srinagar?
Sims of Airtel, BSNL and Jio are the popular choice for a good network connectivity in Jammu and Kashmir. You can easily find a few outlets of service providers near tourist attractions. If you are looking to get a prepaid Airtel sim, visit the area around Lal Chowk and Residency Road and you’ll spot a few shops. Jio stores are found near the Srinagar Airport itself and in areas like Lal Chawk and Residency Road.
Get BSNL sims at their office located near the General Post Office in the main city centre. Have all the things required to get a sim to make the activation process a lot quick and easier. These sims will cost you around INR 200-300. Prices differ for each of them.
How to Get a Tourist Sim Card in Kashmir?
To get a tourist sim card in Kashmir, start by picking a mobile service provider from popular options like BSNL, jio and Airtel. Carry mandatory documents like Adhar Card, Passport or driver’s license, VISA and Passport for foreigners, passport sized photos.
Visit a nearby outlet of your preferred service provider. You’ll be handed a form there. Fill in the information and submit the documents. Your biometric will be taken and in under 10-15 minutes, you’ll have a new sim. You can choose a prepaid or postpaid sim based on your requirements.
The SIM will activate in a few hours of purchase. Some providers even offer special tourist sims that avail extra data, SMS services and more. You may take a check on that.
FAQ's
Can I use my prepaid sim card in Kashmir?
Where can foreign nationals get sim cards in Kashmir?
How long does it activitate a local sim card in Kashmir?
Are sim cards available at tourist spots in Kashmir?
How much does a local sim card cost in Kashmir?
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