If you’re planning a trip to Sri Lanka and wants to rent a tuktuk. Staying connected is likely one of your top priorities. Whether you want to share your stunning travel photos, stay in touch with loved ones, or simply using Google mps to navigate your way around in a tuktuk, getting a local SIM card or eSIM is a smart move and recommended one. Truth be told, data is quite cheap in Sri Lanka.
This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about getting a SIM card or eSIM in Sri Lanka, covering the best providers, rates, and where to pick one up—whether at the airport or in the city. We’ll also provide a detailed guide on how to get an eSIM before you even arrive in the country and prepping you to drive your own tuktuk.
Why You Need a Local SIM Card or eSIM in Sri Lanka
Using your home country’s mobile service abroad can be expensive due to high roaming charges. A local SIM card or eSIM not only helps you avoid these charges but also provides you with a local number, making it easier to communicate with locals, book services, and access the internet at affordable rates.
Best SIM Card Providers in Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka has several mobile service providers, each offering a range of packages tailored to different needs. Here’s a rundown of the top providers:
1. Dialog
Dialog is the largest mobile service provider in Sri Lanka, known for its extensive coverage and fast 4G/LTE network. They offer various prepaid packages, including data, voice, and SMS. Prices are competitive, with data packs starting from as low as LKR 49 for 1GB (valid for 1 day) to LKR 1,499 for 40GB (valid for 30 days).
2. Mobitel
Mobitel is another popular choice, offering excellent coverage and a wide range of prepaid packages. Their rates are similar to Dialog, with data packs ranging from LKR 99 for 1GB (valid for 1 day) to LKR 1,500 for 50GB (valid for 30 days).
3. Hutch
Hutch is known for its affordable data packages and good coverage in urban areas. They offer some of the cheapest data rates in the country, starting at LKR 48 for 1GB (valid for 1 day) and LKR 1,200 for 30GB (valid for 30 days).
4. Airtel
Airtel provides decent coverage, particularly in urban areas, and offers competitive rates. Their data packs start at LKR 49 for 1GB (valid for 1 day) and go up to LKR 1,399 for 30GB (valid for 30 days).
Picking Up a Physical SIM Card at the Airport
One of the most convenient places to get a SIM card is at the Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB) upon arrival. As you exit the arrivals hall, you’ll find kiosks for major mobile service providers, including Dialog, Mobitel, and Hutch. These kiosks offer SIM cards tailored for tourists, with packages that typically include a combination of data, local calls, and international calls.
Special Tourist Packages
These airport kiosks often have special tourist packages designed specifically for short-term visitors. These packages are ideal if you’re staying for a week or two and need reliable data for navigation, social media, and keeping in touch with family and friends.
Typical tourist packages include:
- Dialog: Offers a Tourist Pack with 9GB of data, 900 local minutes, 100 international minutes, and unlimited social media access for LKR 1,299, valid for 30 days.
- Mobitel: Their Tourist SIM comes with 7GB of data, 700 local minutes, 70 international minutes, and unlimited access to WhatsApp for LKR 1,200, valid for 14 days.
- Hutch: Provides a Tourist SIM with 10GB of data, 500 local minutes, and 50 international minutes for LKR 999, valid for 30 days.
These packages often include value-added services like unlimited access to popular social media platforms, discounted rates for international calls, and free access to certain local hotspots.
The process to get these SIM cards is straightforward:
- Choose your provider: Each kiosk will display the different packages on offer, including these special tourist deals. Choose the one that best suits your needs.
- Provide your passport: You’ll need to present your passport for registration.
- Make your payment: The staff will assist you in selecting the right package and activating the SIM card on the spot.
- Get connected: Once activated, you’ll be able to use your new SIM card immediately.
These special tourist packages are a hassle-free way to get connected quickly and enjoy the best value for your stay in Sri Lanka.
Buying a SIM Card at Shops in Sri Lanka
If you prefer not to get a SIM card at the airport, you can easily purchase one at numerous retail outlets, convenience stores, and dedicated mobile service shops across the country. Popular chains like Singer, Softlogic, and Keells also sell SIM cards.
The process is similar to that at the airport, requiring your passport for registration. However, the advantage of buying a SIM card in the city is that you might find better deals or promotional offers not available at the airport kiosks.
Getting an eSIM in Sri Lanka: A Step-by-Step Guide
For those who prefer not to switch physical SIM cards, Mobitel offers an eSIM that can be activated before you even arrive in Sri Lanka. This is an excellent option if you want to hit the ground running as soon as you land.
What is an eSIM?
An eSIM is a digital SIM that allows you to activate a cellular plan from a carrier without having to use a physical SIM card. This means you can keep your existing SIM card for your home country and add a Sri Lankan plan to your phone.
How to Get a Dialog eSIM Before Arriving in Sri Lanka
Dialog offers an eSIM service that can be conveniently accessed online. To get an eSIM from before arriving in Sri Lanka. Follow these steps,
- Visit the Dialog eSIM portal: Dialog eSIM.
- Complete the verification process by entering your personal details.
- Choose your preferred number or plan.
- Make the required payment.
- Follow the on-screen instructions to activate your eSIM, and start using it as soon as you land in Sri Lanka.
Whether you choose a physical SIM card or an eSIM, staying connected in Sri Lanka is easy and affordable. By planning ahead and knowing your options, you can ensure a seamless experience from the moment you arrive. Remember to compare packages from different providers to find the best deal that suits your travel needs. Safe travels and enjoy your time in Sri Lanka!
How to Get a Hutch eSIM Before Arriving in Sri Lanka
To get your Hutch eSIM, follow these simple steps,
- Visit the Hutch eSIM portal: Hutch eSIM.
- Select your nationality: Choose Foreign Traveller.
- Select a connection type: Choose Prepaid.
- Select a package to start:
Prepaid 125 GB + Calls (USD 10): 125GB Data, unlimited local calling, and LKR 500 worth IDD calling, valid for 30 days.
Prepaid 50 GB + Calls (USD 7): 50GB Data, unlimited local calling, and LKR 200 worth IDD calling, valid for 14 days. - After selecting the package, choose the eSIM option and click Continue.
- Check your smartphone eSIM compatibility by entering your EID code as prompted.
- Proceed through the verification process.
Select your phone number and proceed to the payment section. - Once the payment is complete, follow the instructions to activate your eSIM.
This streamlined process allows you to set up your Hutch eSIM easily before your arrival in Sri Lanka.
How to Get a Mobitel eSIM Before Arriving in Sri Lanka
Currently, Mobitel’s eSIM service is not fully implemented online. To obtain a Mobitel eSIM, you will need to visit a Mobitel Customer Care Center in person. Here’s what you’ll need to do:
- Visit any Mobitel Customer Care Center in Sri Lanka.
- Bring your passport for identification and verification.
- Request an eSIM and complete the necessary paperwork.
- Once verified, the Mobitel staff will assist you in activating your eSIM.
This manual process ensures that you can still get connected with a Mobitel eSIM during your stay in Sri Lanka.
