Are you planning a trip to Sri Lanka? With its breathtaking scenery, delectable cuisine, and warm-hearted locals, Sri Lanka is a popular destination for millions of international travelers each year. However, to fully enjoy your experience, it’s crucial to have a reliable internet connection.
In this blog post, we will explore the top options for getting mobile internet in Sri Lanka. Discover the best prepaid SIM cards offered by major carriers and international eSIM plans designed specifically for travelers. Keep reading to find the perfect data solution for your Sri Lanka adventure!
In this article
Sri Lanka’s internet coverage and speed are average but are increasingly improving to meet the needs of residents and tourists.
At the beginning of 2023, the internet penetration rate in Sri Lanka was 66.7 percent, which means that about two-thirds of the total population had access to the internet.
Between 2022 and 2023, the number of internet users in Sri Lanka increased by 43 thousand people (0.3 percent).
Internet users in Sri Lanka experienced the following internet speeds:
There are 4 main options for tourists to stay connected in Sri Lanka
| Options | Pros | Cons |
| Free Wi-Fi | Free Wi-Fi | – Security risks – Limited coverage – Variable speed and reliability |
| Sri Lanka SIM Card | – Wide coverage – Cost control – Reliable connection | -It takes effort to buy or wait for the SIM to be shipped to install it – Main SIM is easily lost when removed – 1 phone only uses 1 sim |
| Sri Lanka Roaming | -Use the same current SIM | – Expensive roaming charges – Not all carriers have aggreement with Sri Lanka mobile operators |
| Sri Lanka pocket wifi | -The phone does not need to be unlocked to receive the Internet – Easy to use: turn on and use | – High equipment rental/purchase costs – Must go to the place to buy/wait for delivery – Always carry it with you – Must charge or use backup charger- Must be returned after trip ends (if rented) |
Here is a comparison of mobile internet rates using common options:
| OPTION | DATA ALLOWANCE | COST ($) |
| Prepaid Sri Lanka SIM Card/eSIM | Various plans available | Starting from $1 |
| Dialog Sri Lanka Roaming | Depends on your home plan | 3GB / 30 days / $1.7 |
| Mobitel Sri Lanka Roaming | Depends on your home plan | 3.82GB / 30 days / $1 |
| Hutch Sri Lanka Roaming | Depends on your home plan | 2.7GB / 30 days / $1 |
| Pocket WiFi Rental | Unlimited data | Starting at $5 per day |
| Sri Lanka Public WiFi | Varies depending on location | Free |
As a visitor to Sri Lanka, getting connectivity via a local SIM card is often the simplest and most affordable. Here are overall packages rates of some main operators in Sri Lanka:
For travelers visiting Sri Lanka, eSIM plans provide several advantages over traditional roaming or temporary SIM cards, especially if you have newer iPhone or Android models that support eSIM functionality
Carriers like Dialog or Hutch, Airtel offer eSIM plans that can be purchased and activated online for use within Sri Lanka. These plans provide Sri Lanka-wide connectivity on advanced 4G/5G networks.
However, setting up the account through the carrier’s website and dealing with overseas support may pose some challenges. Additionally, the validity of tourist plans offered by these carriers may be shorter compared to some physical SIM cards.
GIGAGO is a dedicated global eSIM provider that offers connectivity in over 190 countries, including Sri Lanka. They specialize in providing tourist and temporary data plans. GIGAGO offers the convenience of easy eSIM installation, 24/7 support service, and a seamless online purchasing process.
To buy an eSIM from GIGAGO, you simply need to visit their website, select the country (Sri Lanka), choose your desired data allowance, make the payment, and wait for an email containing the QR code. Once you receive the QR code, you can follow the activation guide on your phone to activate the eSIM.
For Sri Lanka, Gigago offers multiple data plan options, starting from 1 GB for 7 days with $7.90 . What is great about Gigago’s Sri Lanka eSIM is that its plans’ costs are diversifying, varying between $7.90 – $16.50 . Thus, it does not matter how Internet users you are and how long your trip is in Sri Lanka, there is always an option for you with Gigago.
Sri Lanka has 2G, 3G, and 4G/LTE networks. Some network operators also offer 5G services in select areas.
Yes, network operators provide various methods for topping up or recharging your mobile internet data. You can do this through online portals, mobile apps, USSD codes, or by purchasing top-up vouchers from authorized retailers.
Yes, network operators in Sri Lanka offer data-only plans that cater specifically to mobile internet usage. These plans focus on providing data allowances without including voice call minutes.
With reliable mobile internet access, Sri Lanka ensures a fantastic and digitally-connected experience for international guests, allowing them to enjoy its world-class attractions
In this guide, we will explore where and how to purchase a SIM card for Sri Lanka at this airport, provide information on the best plans and current prices, and present the optimal option for a smooth and cost-effective trip.
We will provide information on different mobile networks, available data packages, pricing details, and where you can purchase these SIM cards.
Dialog is a leading network carrier in Sri Lanka, providing extensive coverage throughout the country along with competitive SIM card plans and high-speed 4G/5G networks.
Here is a comprehensive guide that outlines the process of purchasing Airtel SIM cards and eSIMs in Sri Lanka.
In this comprehensive guide, we will provide you with all the information you need to know how to use cell phone in Sri Lanka.
This comprehensive guide provides all the essential information you need to know about data roaming with your cell phone in Sri Lanka.
