The procedure is same for Indian citizens too. All operators ask for address proof, ID proof and a passport size photo. You'll immediately get SIM card and it w

The procedure is same for Indian citizens too. All operators ask for address proof, ID proof and a passport size photo. You'll immediately get SIM card and it would be activated after 24 hours, sometimes much sooner. Moreover, if you're buying a postpaid or Internet connection, then operators send somebody to the address you've given during purchase to verify if it's genuine. All these steps are in place to prevent criminals/terrorists getting SIM cards with fake identities: http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2012-11-17/hyderabad/35171328_1_new-mobile-connections-mobile-operators-sim-cards http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2012-11-17/hyder... This link has some info for travelers: http://www.indiamike.com/india-articles/buying-a-prepaid-sim-card-in-india-as-a-foreigner http://www.indiamike.com/india-articles/buying-a-prepaid-sim...