Buy a simcard in India

QUESTION: I am going on a business trip to India and would like to avoid roaming charges on my cell phone. Is it possible to buy a simcard in India that allows one to make local and international calls, as well as receive international calls? How much is is likely to cost? - Michael Rennie

ANSWER: Yes, you can buy a simcard, which will work in your SA phone as long as it is not blocked for other simcards by your service provider. Simcards (with a 10-digit Indian phone number) are available from most phone retailers for around 100 rupees (around R17). You can use it for local and international calls. There is no charge for incoming international calls and the international dialling code for India is 91. Airtime cards are available in a number of denominations and calls are not considered expensive. Please note that proof of identity is required when buying a simcard in India, so you should take along a photocopy of the page of your passport showing your details and photograph or a copy of your driver’s license. You fill in a purchase form and leave the copy with the retailer. Never leave your passport, just a copy.