Buying a SIM Card in Kotte for Travelers 2024: Guide from Locals

Getting a SIM card for tourists in Kotte is simple and convenient. You can easily find and buy a SIM Card in Kotte, and we’ll guide you on where to buy one, the costs involved, and other ways to stay connected while exploring the city.

I. Why Buy SIM card in Kotte?

A SIM card is a convenient solution for accessing the internet while exploring Kotte. Here’s why you should consider buying a SIM card in Kotte:

• Stay connected on the go: With a SIM card that provides cellular data, you can easily navigate Kotte, find attractions or stay in touch with your loved ones.

• Avoid expensive roaming fees: Roaming charges from your home network carrier can be costly. Purchasing a local SIM card in Kotte is generally much more affordable.

• Enjoy reliable connectivity: Public Wi-Fi hotspots may not always be available or reliable. By having a local SIM card for Kotte, you can enjoy reliable and budget-friendly internet access wherever you go in the city.

II. Which mobile internet carrier is the best in Kotte?

There are four (04) major network carriers in Kotte: Dialog, Hutch, Airtel, Mobitel

1. Dialog

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

• Rank: Dialog is the the largest network in Sri Lanka

• Coverage: This network covers over 92% of Sri Lanka’s population

• Speed: Dialog has the fastest download and upload speeds in Sri Lanka, clocking in at 12.8Mbps and 4.8Mbps on average, respectively

• Rates: Priced at 8 USD, it includes 50 GB of data and 0,8 USD of international and local call credit, all valid for 30 days

2. SLTMobitel

SLTMobitel is the national telecommunications services provider in Sri Lanka and the second largest mobile company in Sri Lanka

• Rank: SLTMobitel is the second largest network in Sri Lanka

• Coverage: Mobitel provides excellent network availability, with connectivity available 91% of the time. 

• Speed: SLTMobitel becomes the second fastest mobile operators in Sri Lanka

• Rates: You can purchase an SLTMobitel SIM card for 0.5 USD at SLTMobitel stores with 350 MB 

3. Airtel

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

• Rank: Airtel is the third largest network in Sri Lanka

• Coverage: The availability of Airtel’s network is 88.6% of time

• Speed: its speed ranks on the place 6 from 11 providers in Sri Lanka.

• Rates: You can obtain an Airtel SIM card at Airtel stores in Sri Lanka for prices ranging from 0,3 USD to 4 USD

4. Hutch

Hutchison is a Sri Lankan telecommunication service provider and the country’s third largest mobile network operator: 

• Rank: Hutch is the fourth largest network in Sri Lanka

• Coverage: Hutch has network coverage of approximately 88% of the entire island

• Speed: Hutch Sri Lanka speed ranks on the place 4 from 11 providers in Sri Lanka.

• Rates: For $3 USD, you can get a data package with a Hutch prepaid SIM card in Sri Lanka. This package includes 15 GB of data that is valid for 45 days.

III. Best Kotte SIM Card Plans and Price

To help you select the best Sri Lanka SIM card plan, we have listed several popular SIM packages offered by major carriers in Kotte Sri Lanka as follows:

Operator	Data	Cost	Validity
Dialog	50 GB	2450 LKR	30 days
SLTMobitel	Unlimited data	499 LKR	30 days
SLTMobitel	Unlimited data	999 LKR	30 days
Hutch	3 GB	301 LKR	30 days
Hutch	7.7 GB	849 LKR	45 days
Airtel	1 GB/day (30 GB)	399 LKR	30 days
Airtel	60 GB	3500 LKR	30 days

IV. Where to Buy SIM Card in Kotte?

Travelers can buy SIM Card in Kotte buy two ways:

• Buying online before departure

•  Buying a SIM card in Kotte city center

1. Buying online before departure

You can purchase a prepaid SIM card/eSIM for Sri Lanka online before your trip.

Pros: No need to visit stores, can activate before trip. Start utilizing great data plans as soon as you land.

Cons: Refunds cannot be made if there is a change in travel itinerary

2. Buying a SIM card in Kotte city center

If you have the time and want to find the cheapest SIM card for Kotte, you can explore the city center to purchase one.

Pros: Various plan options available, lower prices, assistance from telecom store staff

Cons: Additional travel to Kotte city center

Recommendations:

• If convenience is your top priority, buying a SIM card before departure online would be the best option for you.
• If you have the freedom of time and don’t mind traveling, heading to the city center will provide you with SIM cards with assistance from staff

V. Sri Lanka eSIM card for Kotte – Alternative to SIM Card for travelers

If you have a mobile phone compatible with eSIM technology, choosing an eSIM plan for your stay in Kotte, Sri Lanka, is highly recommended.

With eSIM, you can enjoy benefits such as avoiding the need to visit a physical store, a simple online download and activation process, the ability to switch between different data packages and carriers without changing physical SIM cards, and the convenience of not needing a new SIM card each time you visit a new country.

There are generally two ways to acquire an eSIM for Kotte:

• Purchase from websites or major carriers that offer eSIM services. This method usually requires tourists to present their passports for identification.

• Purchase an eSIM from trusted eSIM providers such as GIGAGO.

If you choose to get an eSIM from Gigago, you will not need to show your passport for identification. Your eSIM will be activated and ready for use within just several minutes.

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.

VI. What to Prepare to buy SIM card in Kotte

Here are the essential items you need to prepare when getting a SIM card in Kotte:

• Passport: Most stores will require your passport as proof of identification.

• Payment method: Bring cash or credit cards to pay for the SIM card and initial plan/balance.

• Phone compatibility: Make sure your device is unlocked and compatible with the carrier’s network bands before purchasing a SIM card.

VII. Extra Tips when buying SIM card in Kotte

Extra Tips When Buying a SIM Card in Kotte:

• Visit carrier stores for the best options and support. 

• Consider pay-as-you-go plans if you’re visiting Kotte for a short trip. No long-term contracts are necessary.

• Bring your unlocked phone to the store to verify compatibility before making a purchase. 

VIII. FAQs

IX. Conclusion

In conclusion, buying a SIM Card in Kotte is a simple and convenient way to stay connected while exploring Kotte. Tourists have the option to purchase a SIM card either in Kotte city center or buy online before departure. For those with eSIM-supported devices, an eSIM is a secure and cost-effective alternative to consider.