Sending Sim Card By Post

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Meesha

New Member
My brother is currently in Italy, and he had taken with him his Airtel sim card which he has lost. He needs that sim card in Italy. If Airtel sends a duplicate card do you think sending sim card by post would be ok?

He is in Italy for work purposes, and he would be receiving some important calls on that sim card number which is why he needs it.

Please advise.
 
Hello, @Meesha! Welcome to the forum.

Sim cards are not in the list of prohibited items of the India Post. Thus, you can send it via post if you'd like, to your brother in Italy. However, there have been cases wherein the sim card was blocked at the Customs Department and returned to the address from where it originated. So it's very important to declare your item, prior to including it inside a letter and sending it to another country. If you really must use the India Post, make sure you avail of either their Registered Post or Speed Post services, rather than the Ordinary Post service. You can also opt to send the item via parcel through the India Post. Since the item is valuable, you can also have it insured. Here are the steps you need to go through to send a sim card via post from India to Italy:

Steps for Sending Sim Card via India Post from India to Another Country
  • Go to the nearest Post Office to you. In New Delhi alone, there are over 500 branches of the India Post that you can go to. Even in remote areas, you can usually find a few branches of the Post Office.
  • Once you're there, inquire about their Registered Post or Speed Post services. The prior lets you track your parcel and the latter lets you do that as well but your item would be delivered at a quicker time. Of course, the prior is lower in cost and the latter is a bit higher. For the first 250 grams for a Speed Post item, you have to pay Rs. 975, for sending it to Italy. There are additional charges too like tax and delivery to address which are not yet included in this rate.
  • Or you can opt for sending the sim via parcel. With this option, you can choose between a Registered Parcel or an Unregistered Parcel. Like above, a Registered Parcel lets you track your item while the latter won't, although it's cheaper. Sending your item via parcel would be cheaper than sending it via post. A parcel like yours costs Rs. 614 if you would send it via Registered Parcel and it would be delivered to your brother's doorstep. It would take around 4 to 10 days before the parcel gets to your brother.
  • Once you have decided which is the best service for you, have the sim card packed or pack it yourself. You need to wrap it carefully, preferably in bubble wrap and cover it with some paper before enclosing it in an envelope. You would then be putting the required postage stamp and receiving address in the covered item.
  • Fill in the customs form completely and pay the required fees. If you have the item insured, then you have to pay additional fees as well. You would be given a registration slip, from which you need to take note of the tracking number of your item. You can use this to track your item online.
  • Wait for the item to reach your brother, you can track its whereabouts online. Once it reaches the address, your brother has to be there to receive the item and show some proof of identification.
There you go, I hope this helps you. I recommend just choosing Speed Post or Registered Parcel, so that the sim card can be tracked easily. Your other option would be via private courier but rates are definitely higher for that.

Good luck!
 

Sending a SIM Card by Post – Is It Allowed?​

Sending a SIM card via post or courier is a common question, especially for those who want to help family or friends get a working mobile connection while traveling abroad or in remote locations. However, there are a few legal and logistical aspects to consider.

Is It Legal to Send a SIM Card by Post in India?​

✅ Yes, but with restrictions. While it is not explicitly illegal to send a SIM card through a courier or postal service, telecom regulations require that a SIM card must be activated only by the person who applied for it, with proper KYC (Know Your Customer) documentation.

Things to Keep in Mind:
1️⃣ Unactivated SIM cards (not yet registered) can usually be sent without issues.
2️⃣ Activated SIM cards may be flagged if sent internationally, especially if detected by postal scanners.
3️⃣ Some courier services (like DHL, FedEx, and Blue Dart) do not allow SIM cards to be shipped internationally due to security reasons.

Best Ways to Send a SIM Card Securely​

Domestic Shipping (Within India):

  • Use Speed Post (India Post) or reputed couriers like DTDC, Blue Dart, or Delhivery.
  • Place the SIM card inside a sturdy envelope or a small box to avoid damage.
  • Do not mention "SIM Card" on the package—just use "Small Electronics" or "Plastic Card" for safer delivery.
✈️ International Shipping:

  • Some countries strictly prohibit shipping SIM cards internationally (check local laws).
  • If sending to someone abroad, it’s often easier for them to buy a local SIM instead of waiting for postal delays.
  • Virtual SIM or eSIMs are now widely available and can be a better alternative for travelers.

Alternative Options to Sending a SIM Card​

Buy a local SIM at the destination – Most international airports sell prepaid SIM cards.
Use an eSIM – Many providers like Airtel, Jio, and international services like Airalo offer eSIMs that can be activated instantly.
Courier services like DHL and FedEx may allow shipment if declared properly (check with customer service before sending).

Final Thoughts​

While sending a SIM card by post within India is usually fine, international shipping can be tricky due to security and legal concerns. If you're planning to send one, check with your courier service first and consider alternative options like eSIMs for hassle-free connectivity.

Have you ever sent a SIM card by courier? Share your experience below!
 
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