Airtel SIM Cards and eSIM 2024: a Comprehensive Guide for Tourists

Claudia Anderson

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Latest update: October 2024

If you plan to visit Sri Lanka for a few days, weeks, or months, obtaining a Airtel SIM card can be a good option for tourists. 

Here is a comprehensive guide that outlines the process of purchasing Airtel SIM cards and eSIMs in Sri Lanka.

I. Overview about Airtel – What you need to know

Airtel is an Indian multinational telecommunications services company based in New Delhi: 

• Full name: Bharti Airtel Limited

• Founded: 1995

• Services: Fixed line telephone, Mobile telephony, Broadband, Satellite television, Payments bank, Digital television, Internet television, IPTV

• Subscribers: pproximately 3 million subscribers of the Sri Lankan mobile market (Q4/2022)

• Frequencies: Airtel currently uses 2G/ 4G LTE and VoLTE. and is currently under testing 5G Capabilities.

• Awards: National Business Excellence Awards-Merit (Other Services/Other Sectors) (2021), Great Place to Work Awards – Great Place to Work Certified Company – Top 40 Great Places to Work in Sri Lanka (2021), Great Manager Awards – Company with Great Managers 2021. Three Individual Great Manager Awards (2021)

II. Airtel Coverage in Sri Lanka

Airtel can provide telecommunications services that meet the basic needs of residents and visitors to Sri Lanka.

1. Coverage

Airtel’s 4G Availability is a score of 88.9% of time – the winner of Opensignal in 2023.

The availability of Airtel’s network is 88.6% of time

III. Airtel Speed in Sri Lanka

Bharti Airtel Lanka Pvt. Limited is an internet service provider which operates in Sri Lanka. Currently it ranks on the place 6 from 11 providers in Sri Lanka.

Its Download and Upload speed are 8.3 Mbps and 1.8 Mpbs, respectively

V. Top Airtel SIM cards for Tourists & Cost

You can obtain an Airtel SIM card at Airtel stores in Sri Lanka for prices ranging from 98 LKR to 999 LKR, depending on the specific starter plan you choose. Additionally, SIM cards are also available for purchase at Colombo-Bandaranaike International Airport.

The following starter plans are available:

Short-term visitors and tourists can also get the Airtel Tourist Packs – Airtel’s tourist offering.

The following Airtel Tourist Packs are available:

IV. Does Airtel Sri Lanka have eSIM?

Yes, Airtel in Sri Lanka supports eSIM, which is an electronic SIM card that eliminates the need for a physical SIM card.

To activate the eSIM service, Airtel customers can simply download the Airtel eSIM app and follow the provided instructions. Once activated, they can connect to Airtel’s network without the need for a physical SIM card.

Please ensure that your phone supports eSIM functionality before making a purchase. 

VI. Where can you buy an Airtel SIM card and eSIM?

When it comes to purchasing an Airtel SIM card/eSIM in Sri Lanka, it’s important to choose the right place: 

• Airtel SIM Card for Sri Lanka 

• Airtel eSIM for Sri Lanka

1. Where to Buy Airtel SIM Card in Sri Lanka?

1.1. Airtel Stores and Outlets:

The most reliable option for buying an Airtel SIM card in Sri Lanka is to visit the official Airtel stores and outlets. We highly recommend this to ensure a smooth registration process and to avoid any future issues. Here are the benefits of purchasing from official stores:

• Staff at these stores can assist you in English, which is very helpful.

• They will properly register your phone and identity documents.

• It’s easy to add a data plan immediately.

1.2. Authorized Retail Stores:

You can also purchase an Airtel SIM card from authorized retail stores in Sri Lanka. However, it’s important to ensure that these stores are authorized by Airtel. Buying from such stores may be convenient, but be cautious as they may not provide the same level of support and documentation verification as official Airtel stores.

1.3. Online Platforms:

Airtel SIM cards may also be available for purchase through online platforms in Sri Lanka. Make sure to choose reputable and trusted platforms to ensure a genuine Airtel SIM card and a secure transaction.

Note: Ensure that your device is unlocked and compatible with Airtel’s network before purchasing a SIM card.

VII. A Better Alternatives to Airtel SIM Card – Sri Lanka eSIM

If tourists feel that the speed and coverage of the Airtel network does not meet your requirements, you can refer to Dialog and SLTMobitel networks – the two networks with the best quality in Sri Lanka.

Regarding coverage, these are the two networks with the largest coverage in Sri Lanka with Availability figures of Dialog and Mobitel being 92% of time and 91.5% of time respectively. 

Especially with the Dialog network, this is the network with the fastest download and upload speeds of 12.8Mbps and 4.8Mbps. Ranked 2nd is Mobitel

When it comes to reliable eSIM providers in Sri Lanka, Gigago stands out with its different packages and affordable prices. Additionally, Gigago offers excellent customer service, providing support 24/7 and offering instant delivery of eSIMs.

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.

VIII. How to top up Airtel Sri Lanka SIM/eSIM

Travelers can follow general instructions on how to top up your Airtel SIM card below: 

• Visit the Airtel website 

• Find an option for “Prepaid Recharge”  and click on it.

• Enter your Airtel mobile number in the designated field. 

• Select the desired recharge amount or the specific prepaid plan you wish to activate.

• Choose your preferred payment method from the available options. 

• Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the payment process securely.

• Once the payment is successful, your Airtel SIM card will be topped up with the selected recharge amount or the chosen prepaid plan will be activated.

IX. FAQs about Airtel in Sri Lanka

XI. Conclusion

We’re glad that our guide on getting Airtel SIM cards in Sri Lanka was helpful to you! We hope it has saved you from any potential troubles!