The Process of Getting an Indian SIM-card

Last week I decided, I want to get an Indian mobile number. On Wednesday I went to ask in a shop with operator logos outside. The shop owner told me, I have to have a passport picture and a copy of my passport and visa. The next day I started looking for a shop where I can get passport photos taken and after an hour of asking and searching I managed to find it. It was unbelievably cheap to get 10 pictures taken and printed out. I only paid 50 rupees (about 0,60€). 

With the newly printed photos and a copy of my passport and visa, I went to the same shop again and told them I was now ready. But, things weren't quite that easy after all... I still needed proof of my address in India.

Well the next day, Friday, I asked from the office here in the ashram if it was possible to get a form stating that I live here. That was much easier than I thought and I could go back to the shop same day. When I got there and presented all the needed documents, everything seemed to be going well at first. They gave me a list of numbers I could choose from and they even gave me my SIM-card.

Just when I was leaving the shop, the shop owner asked if I had an Indian number. I said no, but I am getting one now, right? Apparently the operator needs an Indian number to call and let you know that your SIM-card has been registered. I showed the document stating that I now live in Vrinda Kunja ashram and pointed at their number. That wasn't enough, they needed a name to go with that number.

So, I walked back to the ashram, found out the complete name of the office boss and walked back to the shop. That seemed to be enough. They told me that it might take a couple of workdays before the office gets a call. I'm still waiting patiently, but if there's no call tomorrow, I'm going to walk to the shop again and start asking questions (that most likely will not be understood).

I'll keep you updated.