Best Sri Lanka SIM Cards for Tourists: 2024 Detailed Guide [+Internet & WiFi] 

In this blog post, we will explore the best SIM cards available for tourists in Sri Lanka, including both physical prepaid SIM cards and eSIM options. We will provide information on different mobile networks, available data packages, pricing details, and where you can purchase these SIM cards. Stay informed and connected during your trip to Sri Lanka.

I. Where to Buy a Tourist SIM Card for Sri Lanka?

As a tourist visiting Sri Lanka, you have several options for purchasing a SIM card or eSIM:

• Buying online before departure

• Buying in Sri Lanka Airport

• Buying in city centre

• Buying Sri Lanka eSIM

1.  Online Purchase Before Departure: 

Many mobile operators in Sri Lanka allow you to order a prepaid SIM card online and have it delivered to your address prior to your trip. This ensures that you have a Sri Lanka SIM card ready to use as soon as you arrive.

2. Airport Purchase: 

Major airports in Sri Lanka, such as Bandaranaike International Airport, have kiosks or shops where you can buy a prepaid SIM card upon your arrival. This option is convenient if you prefer to get your SIM card immediately after landing.

3. City Purchase: 

If you prefer to wait until you are in the city, you can purchase a prepaid SIM card from various mobile operator stores, convenience stores, and supermarkets throughout Sri Lanka.

4. eSIM Purchase:

 eSIMs can typically be purchased online through the mobile operator’s website or mobile app. Some providers may also offer eSIM sales at airport kiosks or stores. The advantage of an eSIM is that you can instantly activate it on your compatible device without the need to physically change the SIM card.

II. What Are The Best Sri Lanka SIM Card Packages for Tourists?

There are 4 operators offering Sri Lanka for tourist to choose:

• Dialog

• Airtel

• Hutch

• Mobitel

1. Dialog

Budget Packs – Dialog Sri Lanka

The Budget Packs are combo plans with data (without 5G NR access), minutes & SMS.

Price	Plan	Data	Nighttime Data 1	4G/LTE Data	On-Net Minutes	On-Net SMS	Validity
120 LKR	200 Min Pack	200 MB	200 MB	100 MB	200 minutes	200 SMS	7 days
240 LKR	400 Min Pack	N/A	N/A	N/A	400 minutes	N/A	30 days

Daily Rental Packages – Dialog Sri Lanka

The Daily Rental Packages are data plans (without 5G NR access).

Price (excl. tax)	Data	Nighttime Data 1	4G/LTE Data	Validity
6 LKR	40 MB	40 MB	20 MB	1 day
12 LKR	90 MB	90 MB	45 MB	1 day
24 LKR	200 MB	200 MB	100 MB	1 day

2. Mobitel

30 Day Pocket Pack – SLTMobitel (Sri Lanka Telecom)

The 30 Day Pocket Pack are combo bundles with data (without 5G NR access), minutes & SMS.

The following 30 Day Pocket Pack are available:

Price (incl. Tax)	Data	Local Minutes	Local SMS	Validity
166 LKR	512 MB	250 minutes	250 SMS	30 days

Mobitel Max – SLTMobitel (Sri Lanka Telecom)

Mobitel Max plans are combo bundles with data (without 5G NR access), minutes & SMS.

These Mobitel Max plans are available, which get automatically activated if you top-up 123 LKR or 295 LKR:

Price	Data	On-Net Minutes	On-Net SMS	Validity	Activation Code
159 LKR	1024 GB	250 minutes	250 SMS	7 days	Top up 123 LKR
377 LKR	1000 MB	1000 minutes	1000 SMS	30 days	Top up 295 LKR

3. Hutch

Day & Night Plans – Hutch Sri Lanka (+former Etisalat Sri Lanka)

The Day & Night Plans are data plans (without 5G NR access).

Dial the Activation Code to activate Day & Night Plans:

Price	Data	Nighttime Data 1	Validity
9 LKR	40 MB	45 MB	2 days
25 LKR	140 MB	100 MB	4 days
66 LKR	360 MB	150 MB	7 days
131 LKR	770 MB	550 MB	14 days
259 LKR	1.7 GB	1 GB	30 days
301 LKR	3 GB	2.5 GB	30 days
510 LKR	6 GB	5 GB	45 days
849 LKR	7.7 GB	7 GB	45 days

My Plan – Hutch Sri Lanka (+former Etisalat Sri Lanka)

My Plan is a customizable plan that allows you to set how much data and how many minutes and SMS you want.

The combinations are basically endless, making it impossible for me to list it all in an understandable overview.

4. Airtel

Basic Packs (Freedom Packs) – Airtel Lanka

The Basic Packs, falling under the Freedom Packs category, are combo plans with data (without 5G NR access), minutes & SMS.

These Basic Packs are available:

Price	Data	On-Net Minutes	Off-Net Minutes	On-Net SMS	Off-Net SMS	Validity
99 LKR	1 GB	N/A	25 minutes	1000 SMS	50 SMS	30 days
133 LKR	100 MB	Unlimited	50 minutes	1000 SMS	50 SMS	30 days

Unlimited Data Plans – Airtel Lanka

The Unlimited Data Plans are unlimited data bundles (without 5G NR access) at restricted speeds (1 Mbps, 2 Mbps & 4 Mbps).

Price	Data	Speeds	Validity
1883 LKR	Unlimited Data Plans	1 Mbps	30 days
3357 LKR	Unlimited Data Plans	2 Mbps	30 days
6388 LKR	Unlimited Data Plans	4 Mbps	30 days

III. Do I Need to Buy a SIM Card in Sri Lanka?

Absolutely yes, you should get the Sri Lanka SIM Card due to several benefits below: 

• Affordable Data and Voice Rates: Local SIM cards offer much more affordable data and voice rates compared to international roaming charges from your home carrier.

• Unlimited Data Packages: Many SIM card providers in Sri Lanka offer unlimited data packages, allowing you to browse the internet, stream content, and stay connected without worrying about data limits.

• Stay Connected: Having a local SIM card enables you to easily stay in touch with your friends and family back home, share your travel experiences, and access important information during your trip.

• Reliable Network Coverage: Sri Lanka mobile networks provide extensive coverage across the country, ensuring stable connections even in remote areas.

When it comes to staying connected while traveling in Sri Lanka, there are several options available to tourists, including local SIM cards, free WiFi, roaming with your current plan, or renting a pocket WiFi device. Here’s a comparison:

Option	Costs	Coverage	Convenience
Local Sri Lanka SIM	Low cost calls/data.	Works anywhere in Sri Lanka. No hunting for WiFi.	Easily make calls/use maps/messaging anytime.
Free WiFi	No data costs.	Only works at locations that offer WiFi, like cafes.	Have to be in range of WiFi hotspots.
Roaming	May cost a lot extra per day in roaming fees.	Works, but roaming fees can add up quickly.	Still using your regular phone number and plan.
Pocket WiFi	Rental fees every few days.	Portable hotspot but limited to one device at a time.	Have to remember to charge it daily.

As you can see, a local Sri Lanka SIM card offers the most cost-effective solution, providing flexible coverage throughout your travels without unexpected charges.  

IV. What to Prepare to Buy Prepaid SIM cards in Sri Lanka?

To purchase a prepaid SIM card in Sri Lanka, you will need to present a valid form of identification. This can be either your passport or, if you are a Sri Lankan resident, your National Identity Card.

V. Types of Sri Lanka SIM Card for Tourists – Which One is the Best?

When it comes to SIM cards in Sri Lanka, tourists have two main options: prepaid physical SIM cards and prepaid tourist eSIMs.

1. Prepaid physical SIM card in Sri Lanka

Prepaid Sri Lanka SIM Cards: Prepaid SIM cards are the traditional choice for tourists. They come in standard, micro, and nano sizes to fit various phone models. These SIM cards offer voice, text, and data packages that can be easily topped up as needed.

2. Prepaid Tourist Sri Lanka eSIM

An eSIM (embedded SIM) is a digital SIM card that allows you to activate a mobile data plan directly on your compatible smartphone without the need for a physical SIM card. Some Sri Lanka mobile operators offer prepaid eSIM options specifically designed for tourists.

VI. Sri Lanka eSIM – Alternative to Physical SIM Cards to Get Internet in Sri Lanka

eSIMs present a convenient alternative to traditional physical SIM cards, offering numerous advantages for tourists visiting Sri Lanka:

• Instant Activation: eSIMs can be activated instantly upon purchase, allowing you to establish a connection without waiting for the delivery of a physical SIM card.

• No SIM Card Swapping: With an eSIM, there is no need to physically swap or insert a SIM card into your device. This simplifies the process of switching between carriers or plans.

• Compatibility: eSIMs are compatible with a wide range of smartphones, including recent iPhone and Android models.

• Convenience: You can effortlessly purchase and manage your eSIM plan directly from your device, eliminating the need to visit physical stores or kiosks.

To utilize an eSIM in Sri Lanka, you will require a compatible device that supports eSIM technology. 

You can choose to buy Sri Lanka eSIM from eSIM provider like Gigago. With their eSIM plans, you will have:

• More options for data and validity

• Better prices

• Easier purchasing process

• No identity document required

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.

VII. How to Use Sri Lanka Prepaid SIM Cards and eSIM

Once you have purchased your prepaid SIM card or eSIM for Sri Lanka, it is important to know how to set it up and use it effectively. Here are the steps:

1. Using prepaid Sri Lanka tourist SIM Cards

Step 1: Insert the SIM Card

If you have purchased a physical prepaid SIM card, power off your device, remove the existing SIM card (if applicable), and insert the new Sri Lanka SIM card.

Step 2: Set up the SIM Card

Power on your device and follow the on-screen instructions to set up and activate the SIM card.

Step 3: Top up and Activate the Plan

Most prepaid SIM cards come with a small amount of credit preloaded. To activate your chosen data package and enjoy its benefits, top up your SIM card with the required amount.

Step 4: Manage and Monitor Usage

Once your prepaid SIM card is set up and activated, you can use it for voice calls, text messages, and mobile data. Monitor your usage to avoid unexpected charges or service interruptions due to running out of data or credit.

2. Setting up and Activating Sri Lanka eSIM:

Step 1: Check Device Compatibility

Before purchasing an eSIM, ensure that your smartphone or device is compatible with eSIM technology. Most recent iPhone and Android models support eSIM, but verify with your device manufacturer or the mobile operator’s website.

Step 2: Purchase and Activate the eSIM

Purchase an eSIM plan from the mobile operator’s website or through a dedicated app. Follow the instructions provided to scan the QR code or enter the activation code to install and activate the eSIM on your device.

Step 3: Configure the eSIM

After activating the eSIM, configure it as your primary or secondary SIM, depending on your device and preferences. Refer to your device’s manual or the mobile operator’s instructions for guidance on setting up and managing the eSIM.

Step 4: Start Using the eSIM

Once the eSIM is activated and configured, you can use it for voice calls, text messages, and mobile data. Monitor your usage and manage your account through the mobile operator’s app or online portal.

VIII. FAQs

Having a local SIM card or eSIM in Sri Lanka can greatly enhance your travel experience, ensuring you stay connected, access important information, and share your adventures with loved ones back home. To make the best choice for your needs and budget, consider factors such as network coverage, data packages, and prices.