Sri Lanka SIM Cards: Everything You Need To Know | 2022
About to visit Sri Lanka?Make sure you know what to expect when you buy Sri Lanka SIM card.
Fortunately, Asia is one of the best places where you can easily buy a SIM card. You should be able to find cheap SIM cards almost anywhere in Asia. The fact that most packets are affordable makes the whole thing easier!
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In this guide, we will explain how to buy a SIM card in Sri Lanka in person and online. We’ll also discuss prepaid SIM cards and eSIMs if your phone supports it.
Before reading this guide, you may be wondering if you really need a SIM card in Sri Lanka. If you don’t mind not having internet, you’ll probably find free Wifi in restaurants, shopping malls, and hotels.
That said, if you need data to get around, hail a taxi, or translate Sinhala or Tamil – you’ll probably need a SIM card to use when traveling in Sri Lanka.
best sim card in sri lanka
If you are traveling in Sri Lanka, we recommend that you use a SIM card from Dialog, Mobitel, Airtel or Airalo. (I’ll be back to Airalo later, so read on to learn more!)
That said, if you plan to visit other countries during your Asia trip, you may want to make sure to select an option that covers other Asian countries.
How to buy a SIM card in Sri Lanka
You can buy Sri Lankan prepaid SIM cards at some international airports, mobile operator stores, convenience stores or online.
Generally, you can get higher cost and lower data at the airport, so we do not recommend buying a SIM card at the airport. That said, you won’t necessarily find a SIM card store at every airport, so keep that in mind. And, when you see a store, your options may also be limited.
For this reason, I recommend buying a SIM card directly from the mobile provider’s store. Note that you may need a passport to purchase.
Although, that means you won’t get the data immediately upon arrival. So if you want to stay connected at all times, you can use an eSIM or buy an Asian prepaid SIM card online.
Now, let’s look at the data plans offered by Dialog, Mobitel and Airtel.
Conversation SIM
dialogue Offers a travel program that includes:
- 10 GB data
- 1,299 Sri Lankan Rupees ($3.54)
Mobile SIM
mobile phone Prepaid tour plans are also available:
- Unlimited data
- Free international calls to your country
- 999 Sri Lankan Rupees ($2.72)
As you can see, it is cheaper than Dialog and also offers unlimited data.
Airtel SIM card
telecommunications There are two main SIM-only plans for tourists:
- 30 GB, 30 days, LKR 749 ($2.04) – Unlimited Social Media
- 30 GB, 30 days, LKR 515 ($1.40)
Overall, we think Mobitel is the best option if you’re planning to buy a SIM card yourself. That is, if you can’t find their store, anyone will!
How to buy Sri Lanka prepaid SIM card online
If you wish to have your SIM card ready when you arrive, you can buy it online or on sites like Amazon.
You’ll find different plans on Amazon. E.g, OneSim card Works in over 200 countries and gives you data for $0.01 per MB. Including Sri Lanka.
But there are many other options worth considering, so check and make sure the country you plan to visit is listed.
Another option is to buy a prepaid Asian SIM card simplify. This method works if you live in the US or Australia. They currently offer 3 different packages covering Sri Lanka:
- 6 GB, valid for 12 days, $25 – works in 13 countries
- 6 GB, valid for 15 days, $40 – works in 18 countries
- 10 GB valid for 30 days for $29 – available in 13 countries
Finally, the last option is to buy an eSIM for Sri Lanka or, if you’re traveling to multiple countries, an eSIM plan for Asia.
How to buy an eSIM card for Sri Lanka
eSIM is a new concept that allows you to have a virtual SIM card inside your phone. If your phone supports eSIM – this is definitely one of the best options for getting data in Sri Lanka.
curious? Learn more about eSIM for travelers eSIM Roamer.
I started using eSIM as soon as my phone supported it. I tried it for the first time while visiting family in Canada.To buy an eSIM, I usually use Airalo. Read on to learn more about the best eSIMs in Sri Lanka.
Elalo, Sri Lanka
If you want to buy an eSIM for Sri Lanka, you can Airalo. The site offers many eSIM cards worldwide and special plans for Asia and Sri Lanka. I’ve been using Airalo for a few months and it works great.
here has Available options:
- Mitura: 1 GB, 7-day validity, $7
- Mitura: 3 GB, valid for 30 days, $15
Alternatively, you can try Discover Global, which covers 87 countries including Sri Lanka.
Here is an overview Options available on Discover Global:
- 1 GB valid for 7 days for $9
- 3 GB, valid for 15 days, $24
- 5 GB, valid for 30 days, $35
- 10 GB, valid for 60 days, $59
- 20 GB valid for 180 days for $89
Now, one important thing to note about Airalo is that you need to keep an eye on the provider in each country. Let’s say you can’t connect to the Internet while you’re on the road. In this case, it may be because you are automatically connected to the network and you need to select the network manually.
After purchasing an eSIM, you will have access to a list of supported networks in each country.
Holafly Sri Lanka
Alternatively, you can review your options Holafley. You can read our Holafly review to learn more about this eSIM store.
Here is an overview of their plans for Sri Lanka:
- Unlimited data, valid for 5 days, $19
- Unlimited data, valid for 10 days, $34
- Unlimited data, valid for 15 days, $47
- Unlimited data, valid for 20 days, $57
- Unlimited data, valid for 30 days, $69
- Unlimited data, valid for 60 days, $87
- Unlimited data, valid for 90 days, $99
nomadic sri lanka
at last, nomads Also a great eSIM provider. Below is an overview of the programs available in Sri Lanka:
- 1GB, valid for 7 days, $20
- 2GB, valid for 30 days, $48
- 3GB, valid for 30 days, $54
nomads also have Asia-Pacific, eSIM plans in Asia. This plan provides insurance in Sri Lanka. Here is an overview:
- 1GB, valid for 7 days, $6
- 3GB, valid for 30 days, $15
- 5GB, valid for 30 days, $17
- 10GB, valid for 30 days, $50
- 20GB, valid for 30 days, $69
Final Thoughts on Sri Lanka SIM Cards
As you can see, getting a prepaid SIM card in Sri Lanka, or even an eSIM while traveling in Sri Lanka, is very simple. You can even stay connected anywhere in Asia without changing SIM cards, especially if you buy an Asia plan.
If you want data on arrival, I believe an eSIM is the easiest way to get data in Sri Lanka. This way, you don’t need to go to the store to buy a SIM card. Obviously, you need to make sure your phone supports eSIM first.
Heading to Sri Lanka? Read one of the following blog posts:
