Buying Dialog SIM Cards and eSIMs for tourists: Guide to Get and Activate 2024

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. 

Let’s explore some options of Dialog SIM Cards and eSIMs to opt out for the best suitable one for yourself.

This comprehensive guide will provide you with all the essential information about Dialog SIM cards and eSIM: 

  • Where and how to purchase them
  • The best available plans
  • Alternative options, and more 

It is designed to help tourists and individuals who wish to gain a better understanding of Dialog SIM cards in Sri Lanka and how to easily acquire and activate them in 2024.

I. Overview about Dialog – What you need to know

Dialog is one of Sri Lanka’s largest telecommunications service providers,

  • Full name: Dialog Axiata PLC
  • Founded: 1993 
  • Service: Fixed & Mobile Telephony, Fixed & Wireless Broadband, Satellite TV, MobileTV
  • Subscribers: Over 17 million subscribers which amounts to 57% of the Sri Lankan mobile market.
  • Frequencies:  2.5G, 3G, 3.5G, 4G LTE, 5G communications networks
  • Customer support: 24-hour call center, Dialog Self Care App, 24/7 support in English languages via phone, chat, social media, and email.

II. Dialog Covergae in Sri Lanka

Dialog coverage in Sri Lanka
Dialog coverage in Sri Lanka

Dialog has the best network coverage across Sri Lanka. Tourists should expect to have an Internet or calling connection without many disruptions.

  • Dialog covers most of Sri Lanka’s major population centers.
  • In cities and large towns, Dialog 4G/LTE networks are available in most areas of big cities 
  • In more remote rural areas, Sri Lanka is still expanding its 3G and 4G networks. Coverage is good along major highways but can be sporadic in smaller villages.

III. Dialog Speed in Sri Lanka

Dialog Speed Experience in Sri Lanka
Dialog Speed Experience in Sri Lanka

Dialog is the winner of both speed awards of Opensignal in July 2023— Download Speed Experience and Upload Speed Experience. Dialog users continue to experience the fastest download and upload speeds in Sri Lanka, clocking in at 12.8Mbps and 4.8Mbps on average, respectively.

IV. Does Dialog have eSIM in Sri Lanka?

Yes. Dialog provides a Tourist Prepaid eSIM specifically designed for foreign visitors seeking access to the Dialog network without the need for a physical SIM card. The Tourist Prepaid eSIM offers numerous benefits, including:

Dialog eSIM has many advantages
Dialog eSIM has many advantages
  • Super convenience: No hassle of inserting or removing a physical SIM card.
  • Dual SIM feature: Use your existing SIM card and a local SIM simultaneously.
  • Save time: No store visit required.
  • Easy activation: Simple online download and activation process. 

V. Top Dialog SIM Cards for Tourists & Cost

Good to know: 1USD = 300 LKR

You can easily obtain a Dialog SIM card for 150 LKR at Dialog stores or at Colombo-Bandaranaike International Airport.

For short-term visitors and tourists, Dialog offers the Dialog Tourist Pack, which is their dedicated offering for tourists. Priced at 2,450 LKR, it includes 50 GB of data, 250 LKR of international and local call credit, all valid for 30 days

PriceData 1International/Local Call CreditValidity
2450 LKR50 GB250 LKR30 days
Dialog packages
Dialog packages

The only drawback of not purchasing the Dialog Tourist Pack at the airport is that the SIM card itself will not be free. Instead, you will be charged 150 LKR for the Dialog SIM card, in addition to 1,299 LKR for the Dialog Tourist Pack, resulting in a total cost of 1,449 LKR.

It’s worth noting that Sri Lanka is among the countries where buying a SIM card at the airport can be a good deal, as there won’t be any additional charges specific to tourists.

VI. Where to Buy a Dialog SIM card?

Finding Dialog SIM cards and eSIMs for your trip to Sri Lanka is convenient, with several options available:

  • Buying Dialog SIM Card for Sri Lanka
  • Buying Dialog eSIM for Sri Lanka

1. Buying Dialog SIM Card for Sri Lanka:

  • Dialog stores: Official Dialog stores are located in various cities and towns across Sri Lanka which can provide all options Dialog SIM Card 
Many Dialog stores in Sri Lanka
Many Dialog stores in Sri Lanka
  • Major airports: Most major airports in Sri Lanka have kiosks or convenience stores that sell Dialog SIM cards. At the airport, the SIM card will cost more, and tariff packages will be offered with more modest amounts of traffic and other limited basic features.
  • Online: You can order Dialog SIM cards online, and the operator will deliver them to your specified address. Alternatively, you can order a tourist SIM and collect it at designated pick-up points. 
  • City convenience stores: Dialog SIM cards are also available at various convenience stores throughout Sri Lanka, offering reasonable prices.

Important Note:

  • Remember to bring your passport for ID verification and SIM registration.

  • SIM card rates at airports may be higher compared to official stores in cities or online options.

VII. Where to buy Dialog eSIM in Sri Lanka:

  • Online via Dialog’s website: You can visit the Dialog website to purchase an eSIM plan online. After the purchase, you will receive activation details via email, which can be completed directly on your mobile device.
  • From reputable retailers

To obtain a Dialog eSIM, tourists have the option to purchase it from trusted online providers like GIGAGO. GIGAGO offers eSIM packages from prestigiuos mobile network carriers in Sri Lanka, including Dialog. By opting for these plans, tourists can still enjoy the extensive coverage and high-speed data provided by these networks at affordable rates.

Gigago Sri Lanka plans
Gigago Sri Lanka plans

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.

Pro Tips:

  • Verify your device's compatibility with eSIM technology, as eSIMs only work on compatible smartphones.

  • Keep your passport ready for identification and registration purposes.

  • Consider data-only eSIM plans, which are often more cost-effective than full-service plans as they don't include voice and messaging features that many travelers may not require

  • Store staff are available to assist with Dialog SIM and eSIM activation

VIII. How to Top-up Dialog SIM/eSIM

Here is the guide on how to top up Dialog SIM/ eSIM:

  • Select “Reload Now” or “Reload & Pay”: On the webpage, you will see options such as “Dialog.lk” and “MyDialog App.” Choose the option that suits you best.
  • Reload using Dialog.lk: This will take you to the Dialog website, where you can reload using multiple options such as Credit Card, ATM card, Genie, eZcash, or Star points.
  • Reload using MyDialog App: If you prefer to use the MyDialog App, click on the “Download App” button to download and install the app on your mobile device.
  • Other options: The webpage also provides alternative methods such as using your Star Points or utilizing eZ Cash or Genie mobile apps.
Convenient top-up process with Dialog SIM Card
Convenient top-up process with Dialog SIM Card

Note: Remember to have your payment details ready and ensure a stable internet connection while performing the top-up process.

IX. FAQs about Dialog in Sri Lanka

How do I activate data packages on my Dialog SIM card?

To activate data packages on your Dialog SIM card, you can use the Dialog website ( www.dialog.lk ) or the MyDialog App. 

How can I activate international roaming on my Dialog SIM card?

To activate international roaming on your Dialog SIM card, you can dial #Roaming (*76264#) from your mobile phone and follow the instructions provided. 

How do I transfer credit from my Dialog SIM card to another Dialog number?

To transfer credit from your Dialog SIM card to another Dialog number, you can dial 121 u0026lt;Receiver’s Number>* u0026lt;Amount> # and press the call button. Follow the on-screen instructions to confirm the transfer.

How can I activate or deactivate my Dialog SIM card’s voicemail?

To activate your Dialog SIM card’s voicemail, dial 888 and follow the instructions provided. To deactivate voicemail, dial #888# and follow the instructions.

X. Conclusion

To sum up, when visiting Sri Lanka, Dialog offers tourists affordable and user-friendly mobile data options, whether you choose a regular SIM card or an eSIM. Dialog SIM cards and eSIMs are readily available at airports and various locations in cities. Additionally, you have the option to purchase an eSIM for Sri Lanka from trusted providers like Gigago. No matter where your travels take you, a Dialog plan ensures reliable internet access, allowing you to have an enjoyable trip exploring the wonders of Sri Lanka.