Sri Lanka Landscape

Stay Connected in Paradise

From Colombo to the South Coast, find the best SIM cards, data packs, and WiFi spots for your Sri Lanka journey.

cell_tower 4 Providers
travel_explore 9+ Tourist Plans
5g 5G Available
Quick Picks:
recommendBest Overall:Dialog / Mobitel
savingsBest Budget:Hutch
landscapeRemote / Rural:Dialog

Top Mobile Providers

Compare networks, coverage, and value for your trip.

Sort by: Best Coverage expand_more
Where are you traveling?
D

Dialog Axiata

Urban · Rural
(5/5)
bolt bolt bolt bolt bolt
(4/5)
check_circle Available
From $0.14
per GB
M

SLT-Mobitel

Urban · Rural
(4/5)
bolt bolt bolt bolt bolt
(5/5)
check_circle Available
From $0.17
per GB
H

Hutch

Urban · Budget
(3/5)
bolt bolt bolt bolt bolt
(3/5)
check_circle Available
From $0.08
per GB
A

Airtel

Urban
(2/5)
bolt bolt bolt bolt bolt
(3/5)
Not Available
N/A
per GB

Connectivity Essentials

Everything you need to know about getting connected

storefront

Where to Buy

  • checkAirport Arrival Lobby (24/7)
  • checkDialog, Mobitel, Hutch counters at Arrival lobby
  • checkPrices slightly higher than city but convenient
  • checkCity: Arcades, retail chains (Keells, Singer) offer deals
  • checkPassport required for registration
settings

APN Settings

Usually Automatic
  • codeDialog: "dialogbb"
  • codeMobitel: "mobitel"
  • codeHutch: "hutch3g"
  • refreshRestart phone after installing SIM
warning_amber

If data fails, ensure APN is set correctly.

payments

Top Up Anywhere

Easy Reload Options
  • checkUse Provider Apps (MyDialog, SelfCare)
  • checkSupermarkets (Keells, Cargills) checkout counters
  • checkCommunication shops in every town
  • checkOnline banking or Daraz app
signal_cellular_off

Coverage & Gaps

Varies by Terrain
  • checkColombo/West Coast: Excellent 4G/5G
  • checkHill Country: Signal drops common (Dialog/Mobitel best)
  • checkPower cuts may affect towers (check via apps)
  • checkDownload offline maps for remote areas
warning

Stick to Dialog/Mobitel for deep rural travel.

sim_card eSIM Activation Guide

Change
1

Buy Online

Purchase your plan via the provider's website before you travel.

2

Receive QR

You'll receive a QR code via email instantly.

3

Scan & Activate

Scan the QR code in your phone settings upon arrival in Sri Lanka.

Showing 7 plans recommended for eSIM

Recommended Tourist Data Packages

Find the perfect plan for your trip

Duration
Data Amount
Travel Style
Dialog Axiataevent Weekender

Dialog Tourist Basic

$4Rs. 1399
data_usage
20 GB
Data
calendar_today
30 Days
Validity
check Rs. 174 call credit
4G/5G AccessHotspot enabled
Dialog Axiatastar Explorer

Dialog Tourist Plus

$5Rs. 1799
data_usage
30 GB
Data
calendar_today
30 Days
Validity
check Rs. 164 call credit
4G/5G AccessHotspot enabledIntl Roaming Ready
Dialog Axiataworkspace_premium Digital Nomad

Dialog Tourist Premium

$7Rs. 2450
data_usage
50 GB
Data
calendar_today
30 Days
Validity
check Rs. 250 call credit
Hotspot enabledPriority Support
SLT-Mobitelbolt Short Trip

Mobitel 7-Day Plan

$3Rs. 821
data_usage
15 GB
Data
calendar_today
7 Days
Validity
check Unlimited local calls
1,000 SMS4G Access
SLT-Mobitelstar Explorer

Mobitel 30-Day Plan

$5Rs. 1540
data_usage
30 GB
Data
calendar_today
30 Days
Validity
check Pay-as-you-go
4G accessHotspot enabledBest Value
Hutchworkspace_premium Digital Nomad

Hutch eSIM Premium

$10Rs. 3000
data_usage
125 GB
Data
calendar_today
30 Days
Validity
check Unlimited local calls
check Rs. 500 IDD credit
eSIM - no physical cardMost data for price

Connectivity Map

Find coverage, WiFi, and SIM sellers

Map Layers

Browse Locations

  • flight
    Bandaranaike International AirportAirport SIM Counter
  • flight
    Mattala Rajapaksa International AirportAirport SIM Counter
  • flight
    Jaffna International AirportAirport SIM Counter
Connectivity Map Preview
Leaflet | © OpenStreetMap contributors © CARTO

Digital Nomad Hub

Coworking spaces and remote work infrastructure across Sri Lanka

Regus

location_on Colombo

High-speed internetProfessional atmosphereMeeting rooms

Multiple locations: International chain with premium facilities

iHatch

location_on Colombo

Startup friendlyEvents & networkingModern workspace

Popular with local tech community

The Hub

location_on Colombo

Community focusedEventsMentorship programs

Great for networking

~$150/mo

NETS Cowork & Colive

location_on Ahungama • South Coast

Solar poweredPool accessBeachside locationColiving available

Opened 2023. Eco-friendly with backup power.

~$120/mo

Focus Hub Co-Working

location_on Ahungama • South Coast

Generator backupAir conditioningQuiet environment

Reliable power and AC

Outpost

location_on Weligama • South Coast

Reliable WifiBeach communityAccommodation available

Built-in expat community. Very popular.

bolt Power Considerations

warning_amber

Power outages are common, especially outside Colombo

warning_amber

Most coworking spaces have generators or battery backup

warning_amber

Always carry a portable power bank for mobile devices

warning_amber

Hotels often have backup power but Wifi may drop

warning_amber

Check if accommodation has inverter/generator before booking

badge

Digital Nomad Visa Available

Valid for 1 year with possibility of renewal. Cost: $500 (covers spouse and dependents)

Requirements:

  • checkWork remotely for clients/employer outside Sri Lanka
  • checkMinimum $2,000/month income channeled through Sri Lankan bank
  • checkValid passport with 6+ months validity
  • checkTravel Insurance valid for entire stay
  • checkProof of remote work (contract/freelance agreements)

Key Details:

  • paymentsMin. Income: $2,000/month
  • calendar_todayValidity: 1 year (renewable)
  • family_restroomFamily: Included

Tips & Recommendations

Expert advice for staying connected in Sri Lanka

For Most Tourists

Best coverage and value. Purchase at airport for convenience or city for better prices.

Suggested Plans:
Dialog Tourist PlusMobitel 30-Day Plan
Best Areas:
All
For Digital Nomads

Base on south coast for best infrastructure. Use Dialog/Mobitel for reliable connectivity.

Suggested Plans:
Dialog Tourist PremiumHutch eSIM Premium
Best Areas:
• Weligama• Ahungama• Hiriketiya
For Budget Travelers

Hutch offers most affordable plans. Adequate for urban areas. May struggle in remote regions.

Suggested Plans:
Hutch Tourist SIMMobitel 7-Day Plan
For Short Trips (< 1 week)

Mobitel 7-day plan offers best value for short visits with unlimited calls.

Suggested Plans:
Mobitel 7-Day Plan

lightbulb_outline Best Practices

check_circle_outline Use WIFI at hotels/cafes and disable background data to extend plan lifespan
check_circle_outline Choose Dialog or Mobitel for best coverage if traveling to rural areas
check_circle_outline Consider eSIM for convenience if your device supports it
check_circle_outline Purchase SIM in city for better deals than airport (10-20% cheaper)
check_circle_outline Top up data at any Dialog/Mobitel shop or via their apps
check_circle_outline Enable WiFi calling for better indoor coverage
check_circle_outline Download offline maps before leaving major cities
check_circle_outline Speed test your connection before important video calls