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Sri Lanka: Best Tourist eSIMs Reviewed (2024)

Sri Lanka – known as the Pearl of the Indian Ocean, is a popular travel destination.

Which is understandable. The country has a lot to offer. A fascinating culture, stunning nature & fantastic weather.

You could visit the ancient city ruins of Sigiriya.

Perhaps the Yala National Park Safari may be before you.

And if you are into hiking, climbing Sri Pada (Adam's Peak) could be a thrilling challenge.

Whatever you do, do not just stay in Colombo in Sri Lanka – you will miss out on a lot.

Your friends and family do not want to miss out on your Sri Lankan adventures, so you will most likely share your experiences online.

What you should not do, in many cases, is roam internationally in Sri Lanka.

International roaming can be expensive, which is why using local and travel eSIMs is recommended to save money.

And if you get a travel eSIM, you do not have to deal with the SIM card registration bureaucracy and skip the queues in Sri Lanka.

How much will a (travel) eSIM for Sri Lanka cost you?

You can get an eSIM for Sri Lanka for as low as 4 USD and up to 99 USD from Airalo, Alosim, Holafly & Nomad offering between 1 GB and unlimited data to be used locally, in Asia, or globally.

Those are some generous data allowances, right?

And you can even get unlimited data if you want.

See how much it would cost you to use 10 GB while roaming – much more than what Holafly would charge you for unlimited data for 90 days!

In this guide, I will go over the eSIM options offered by the Sri Lankan mobile operators (if available), Airalo, Alosim, Holafly & Nomad. Let's do this.

Buying an eSIM for Sri Lanka Guide (logos of Holafly, Nomad, Discover+, Miturā, Alosim & Airalo)

Original publication: 14th of September 2022. Last updated: 8th of March 2024.


Table of Contents

In a Hurry? A Quick Introduction

I will write about 11 eSIM options in Sri Lanka (and explain why they are included).

But if you want to quickly check out what the best eSIMs are for Sri Lanka without my analysis and explanations, here is an overview of the eSIMs covered in this guide:

Note: the promo codes mentioned above can also be used for regional and global eSIMs (they are not restricted to country-specific eSIMs only). In other news, the eSIM providers are in alphabetical order per grouping (Sri Lanka-only, regional & global) – not in order of preference (you would have to read the complete guide to find out which eSIMs I love the most for Sri Lanka 😜).

Let's truly get started, shall we?


eSIMs offered by Sri Lankan Mobile Operators

To get the best service available, in terms of reception and speeds, you want to go with the local mobile operators directly instead of with a travel eSIM.

That is because you will have a higher priority on the network in case of network congestion.

However, that does not mean travel eSIMs will always be slow.

In fact, some mobile operators throttle (prepaid) on select plans or all plans for “optimization” reasons (read: we cannot be bothered to invest in our network).

Anyway, which Sri Lankan mobile operators offer eSIMs to prepaid customers?

Currently, Dialog Sri Lanka and SLTMobitel offer eSIMs to prepaid customers.

But you have to deal with Sri Lanka's SIM card registration scheme, which is mandatory for anyone using Sri Lankan SIM cards and eSIMs – it can be a time-consuming affair.

SIM Card Registration Worldwide Tool by Phone Travel Wiz

(Why does this matter? Because hackers can steal your (critical) personal data if the mobile operator does not secure your data properly, like what happened in Australia (10 million Optus customers were affected, where info, like passport numbers, were stolen (including mine – luckily not my passport number but my boyfriend was not as lucky) or Indonesia (1.3 billion SIM card-related data was hacked)).

While mobile data is already affordable in Sri Lanka, getting any of the travel eSIMs mentioned in this guide will not break the bank – not at all.

Travel eSIM providers Airalo, Alosim, Holafly, Nomad & SimOptions offer attractive eSIMs for Sri Lanka – some allow their eSIMs to be set up before arriving in Sri Lanka and activating them as soon as you land.

Very convenient, right? And I have used eSIMs from Airalo, Alosim, Holafly, Nomad & SimOptions before, and I can assure you they work well!

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So let's see what these travel eSIM providers have to offer in Sri Lanka, right?


Airalo eSIMs for Sri Lanka (Miturā)

Sri Lanka Miturā eSIM Airalo
© Airalo

If I could only get one travel eSIM during my trip because I do not have the time or opportunity to buy a local SIM card or eSIM, I would always get an eSIM from Airalo, like its Miturā eSIM for Sri Lanka.

Not only does Airalo have eSIMs for more than 200 countries and territories, which is an insane number on its own, I almost always have the best network performance with its eSIMs.

Airalo Supported Countries (February 2023)

Additionally, its eSIMs are frequently one of the cheapest compared to its competition, including the ones mentioned in this guide, which is remarkable on its own.

If you have no idea who or what Airalo is and are confused right now, worry not – I have an in-depth review explaining how Airalo works and all its options based on four years of using Airalo eSIMs – you can read it now or later (I will briefly introduce Airalo anyway in this guide).

Airalo General Review & In-Depth Analysis by Phone Travel Wiz

Basically, what Airalo does is partner up with local mobile operators to sell plans through its eSIMs in a convenient way on its platform.

In many Asian countries, Airalo works with Singtel from Singapore, the country's best mobile operator, which can then be used in various Asian countries.

Singtel Singapore Logo
© Singtel Singapore

That way, you do not have to fly to Singapore, get its SIM card, buy a roaming plan, and then go to Sri Lanka with your new package.

Not only would this be expensive, but it would also be a waste of time (unless you already planned on visiting Singapore anyway, like a transit).

So, I already told you that Airalo's Sri Lanka eSIM is called Miturā.

Sri Lanka Miturā eSIM Airalo
© Airalo

The Miturā eSIM uses the SLT Mobitel and Dialog Sri Lanka networks on 4G/LTE (no 5G NR access yet, but some Airalo eSIMs already do, so it is only a matter of time).

SLT Mobitel Logo
© SLT Mobitel
Dialog Axiata Sri Lanka Logo
© Dialog Axiata Sri Lanka

That way, you can use the SLT Mobitel and Dialog Axiata Sri Lanka 4G/LTE networks without going through Sri Lanka's SIM card registration requirements (legally, of course)!

Anyway, you have six Airalo Miturā eSIM options:

  1. Sri Lanka/Miturā 1 GB eSIM for 7 days, costing 4.50 USD – very popular with Phone Travel Wiz readers
  2. Sri Lanka/Miturā 2 GB eSIM for 15 days, costing 7 USD
  3. Sri Lanka/Miturā 3 GB eSIM for 30 days, costing 9.50 USD – most popular with Phone Travel Wiz readers
  4. Sri Lanka/Miturā 5 GB eSIM for 30 days, costing 13 USD
  5. Sri Lanka/Miturā 10 GB eSIM for 30 days, costing 21 USD
  6. Sri Lanka/Miturā 20 GB eSIM for 30 days, costing 32 USD

Note: Phone Travel Wiz reader popularity ranking was updated in December based on data up to the 30th of December (2023 data only). The (promotional) prices were updated on the 31st of January.

Airalo Sri Lanka Miturā eSIM with Prices
See the list above for up-to-date prices and allowances. The figures in this image may be outdated.

Honestly, the Airalo Miturā eSIM is fantastic and loved by many Phone Travel Wiz readers, especially considering its options and prices.

Let me highlight some strengths and weaknesses of the Airalo Miturā eSIM before you make your purchase decision (but we still have plenty of Sri Lankan travel eSIMs to cover, so do not be too quick!).

Airalo Miturā eSIM Pros

What are the main perks of Airalo's Miturā eSIMs?

  • You can avoid expensive international roaming fees
  • You can purchase and set up your Miturā eSIM before arriving in Sri Lanka (and activate it upon landing)
    • The eSIM will start once you have it enabled and are in Sri Lanka – not earlier (so you can pre-purchase your eSIM months in advance in peace – I do this often)
  • You can skip Sri Lanka's SIM card registration requirements and any queues at the airport or in town
  • You get full (up to 4G/LTE) access to the SLT Mobitel and Dialog Sri Lanka networks
  • The eSIMs are affordable and have generous data allowances
  • You can manage your eSIM easily on the Airalo website or its apps (Android and iOS)
    • If you need more data, top-ups are available (at the same prices as listed earlier – not at a markup)

Airalo Miturā eSIM Cons

What are the main cons of Airalo's Miturā eSIMs?

  • You cannot call or text with the Miturā eSIM – it is a data-only eSIM (so you do not get a (Sri Lankan) phone number either)
  • While you get access to SLT Mobitel and Dialog Sri Lanka's networks, your speeds will not be as fast as going with SLT Mobitel and Dialog Sri Lanka itself because you will be roaming on their networks (and not be a native customer)
  • The Sri Lankan mobile operators have much more generous data allowances (while Miturā's is capped at 3 GB, but top-ups are available)
  • There are no unlimited data plans (unlike some other options mentioned in this guide)
  • There is no 5G NR access with the Miturā eSIM

Airalo Miturā eSIM Overall Thoughts

I have been a big fan of Airalo and its eSIMs in years, as mentioned in my Airalo review, including the Miturā eSIM.

Airalo General Review & In-Depth Analysis by Phone Travel Wiz

It offers reasonable data plans for low prices, especially compared to international roaming.

You get fast (up to 4G/LTE) speeds and access in without standing in queues or dealing with SIM card registration bureaucracy.

Unfortunately, you cannot call or text with the Miturā eSIM, as it is a data-only eSIM.

But if you wish to make actual calls, not through VoIP apps like WhatsApp, consider buying a Sri Lankan SIM card instead (an in-depth guide).

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Alosim eSIMs for Sri Lanka

Alosim Logo
© Alosim

Alosim is an eSIM provider covering 130+ 150+ countries.

Although I only started using its eSIMs in 2023, I like them a lot.

Mostly because Alosim eSIMs have 5G NR access in popular destinations in Asia.

Unfortunately, that is not the case for Sri Lanka yet… but that could change soon 😏.

Something even Airalo, the King of eSIMs, does not offer (yet).

And you know I am all about that speed 🐆.

In Sri Lanka, Alosim uses the SLT Mobitel network.

SLT Mobitel Logo
© SLT Mobitel

Just like Airalo, Alosim often partners with the best local network(s) in a country, which I love.

And the eSIMs are affordable too!

You have the following four Alosim Sri Lanka eSIM options:

  1. Sri Lanka 1 GB eSIM for 7 days, costing 7 USD
  2. Sri Lanka 3 GB eSIM for 30 days, costing 15 USD – most popular with Phone Travel Wiz readers
  3. Sri Lanka 5 GB eSIM for 30 days, costing 25 USD – very popular with Phone Travel Wiz readers
  4. Sri Lanka 10 GB eSIM for 30 days, costing 48 USD – very popular with Phone Travel Wiz readers

Note: Phone Travel Wiz reader popularity ranking was updated in October based on data up to the 11th of October (2023 data only).

Alosim Sri Lanka eSIMs
See the list above for up-to-date prices and allowances. The figures in this image may be outdated.

And as I am always looking out for you, use code PTW for 5% off your Alosim eSIM purchase!

Just note that when you have installed your Alosim eSIM, you always have to manually change the Access Point Name (APN) to alosim instead of the default one, as in the screenshot below.

Alosim APN Settings
The “Name” can be whatever, but “Alosim” works. The APN must “alosim” without any capital letters. You can skip all the other settings (such as proxy, port, username, password, etc.).

Of course, Alosim mentions this on the installation page, but it is not something you have to do with man eSIM providers.

So I thought I would mention it here as a heads-up 😜.

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Holafly eSIMs for Sri Lanka

Holafly Logo
© Holafly

Another eSIM provider I recommend is Holafly.

In June 2022, Holafly introduced something that no other travel eSIM provider had done by that time.

You can now get unlimited data plans for Sri Lanka, several other Asian countries, all European Union member states & a handful of other countries.

Wait… there is an eSIM provider offering unlimited data plans, and I (you reading this) have never heard of it? Who is Holafly? 🤔

I have an in-depth review explaining how Airalo works and all its options, based on two years of using Holafly eSIMs – you can read it now or later (I will briefly introduce Holafly anyway in this guide).

Holafly General Review & In-Depth Analysis by Phone Travel Wiz

Okay, back to unlimited data eSIMs – is it truly unlimited?

Yes… at least that was what I was told initially.

A few weeks later, though, this paragraph was added to its “Can my connection speed be reduced?” FAQ:

[…] if the mobile operator estimates the usage of more than 90 GB of data in a month, it may temporarily reduce the speed to 256 Kbps – 1 Mbps to avoid affecting other users. This limitation is intended to prevent network saturation and will be removed within 24 hours.

One of Holafly's competitors (an eSIM reseller) tried to hit a daily fair-use limit.

It realized that speeds get throttled after using more than 2.5 GB to 3 GB daily.

Interesting, is it not? 🤔.

Anyway, Holafly's unlimited data plans for Sri Lanka are the most expensive ones mentioned in this guide.

But they are not prohibitively expensive (luckily) – that is the price you pay for unlimited data for up to 90 days.

The Holafly Sri Lanka eSIM uses the SLT Mobitel, Dialog Sri Lanka and Hutch Sri Lanka networks.

SLT Mobitel Logo
© SLT Mobitel
Dialog Axiata Sri Lanka Logo
© Dialog Axiata Sri Lanka
Hutch Sri Lanka Logo
© Hutch Sri Lanka

You have the following seven Holafly Sri Lanka eSIM options:

  1. Sri Lanka unlimited data eSIM for 5 days, costing 19 USD – very popular with Phone Travel Wiz readers
  2. Sri Lanka unlimited data eSIM for 7 days, costing 27 USD
  3. Sri Lanka unlimited data eSIM for 10 days, costing 34 USD
  4. Sri Lanka unlimited data eSIM for 15 days, costing 47 USD – most popular with Phone Travel Wiz readers
  5. Sri Lanka unlimited data eSIM for 20 days, costing 54 USD
  6. Sri Lanka unlimited data eSIM for 30 days, costing 64 USD – very popular with Phone Travel Wiz readers
  7. Sri Lanka unlimited data eSIM for 60 days, costing 99 USD
  8. Sri Lanka unlimited data eSIM for 90 days, costing 99 USD

Note: Phone Travel Wiz reader popularity ranking was updated in December based on data up to the 30th of December (2023 data only).

Holafly Sri Lanka eSIMs
See the list above for up-to-date prices and allowances. The figures in this image may be outdated.

Holafly Sri Lanka eSIM Pros

What are the main perks of Holafly's Sri Lanka eSIMs?

  • You can avoid expensive international roaming fees
  • You can skip Sri Lanka's SIM card registration requirements
  • You get full (up to 4G/LTE) access to the SLT Mobitel, Dialog Axiata &Hutch Sri Lanka networks
  • You do not have to deal with hard data caps because you get unlimited data (72 GB – here I come!)
  • If you, somehow, experience any problems, Holafly's support team responds surprisingly quickly (even on weekends)

Holafly Sri Lanka eSIM Cons

What are the main cons of Holafly's Sri Lanka eSIMs?

  • You cannot call or text with the Holafly Sri Lanka eSIM – it is a data-only eSIM (so you do not get a (Sri Lankan) phone number either)
  • While you get access to the SLT Mobitel, Dialog Sri Lanka & Hutch Sri Lanka networks, your speeds will not be as fast as going with them themselves because you will be roaming on their network (and not be a native customer)
  • The eSIM's validity, supposedly, starts as soon as you scan the QR code, not upon using it in Sri Lanka
    • I say supposedly because I have installed eSIMs literally months in advance and had no issues using them later, but I do not want you to experience this issue with your hard-earned money
  • While you get “unlimited” data, the soft cap seems to be 2.5-3 GB/day and 90 GB per month (if you get the 30-, 60-, or 90-day eSIM)
    • I have not experienced this soft cap myself
  • You cannot use your phone as a hotspot (tether) with any Holafly unlimited data eSIM
  • There is no 5G NR access with the Holafly eSIM
  • You cannot top-up your eSIM – you have to buy a new one (in case you stay in Sri Lanka for a bit longer than initially planned)
  • Holafly is the most expensive eSIM provider in this guide for Sri Lanka-only eSIMs

Holafly Sri Lanka eSIM Overall Thoughts

I love that Holafly decided to innovate and offer unlimited data plans (although unlimited should be written as “unlimited” instead).

I was not a fan of Holafly when it had travel SIM cards (discontinued) because they were crazy expensive (I am talking about 20 USD for 1 GB of data in some Caribbean nation expensive).

Luckily that is not the case with its eSIMs, so I have used Holafly eSIMs in many countries and counting.

Holafly General Review & In-Depth Analysis by Phone Travel Wiz

Be sure to use code PHONETRAVELWIZ for 5% off each Holafly purchase (yes, you can use it multiple times)!

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Nomad eSIMs for Sri Lanka

Nomad eSIMs Logo
© Nomad

Nomad, not to be confused with the (Digital) Nomad lifestyle, has been an eSIM provider I have seen grow significantly over the years.

It has added eSIMs for way more countries than before (improving availability), added more data options (up to 100 GB of data) & DROPPED its prices for many countries.

Incredible, I have to say 🥹 – which is why I have used its eSIMs in more than 25 countries in the past two years.

Nomad General Review & In-Depth Analysis by Phone Travel Wiz

Recently, Nomad started working with JoyTelecom for most APAC (Asia-Pacific) destinations, including Sri Lanka).

JoyTelecom Logo
© JoyTelecom

This allowed Nomad to offer more and cheaper plans than those on the Truphone network.

Not that its Truphone plans are bad… but they can be pricey in some countries (even in Asia – luckily not for Sri Lanka anymore).

And unlike Truphone, JoyTelecom is transparant with what local partner it works with.

That is Hutch Sri Lanka in the case of Sri Lanka.

Hutch Sri Lanka Logo
© Hutch Sri Lanka

You have the following 12 Nomad Sri Lanka eSIM options:

  1. Sri Lanka 1 GB eSIM for 7 days (Joytel), costing 4 USD
  2. Sri Lanka 1 GB eSIM for 7 days (Joytel), costing 6 USD
  3. Sri Lanka 1 GB eSIM for 7 days (Truphone), costing 25 USD
  4. Sri Lanka 3 GB eSIM for 30 days (Joytel), costing 9 USD
  5. Sri Lanka 3 GB eSIM for 30 days (Truphone), costing 11 USD
  6. Sri Lanka 5 GB eSIM for 30 days (Joytel), costing 13 USD – very popular with Phone Travel Wiz readers
  7. Sri Lanka 5 GB eSIM for 30 days (Truphone), costing 14 USD
  8. Sri Lanka 10 GB eSIM for 30 days (Joytel), costing 20 USD – very popular with Phone Travel Wiz readers
  9. Sri Lanka 10 GB eSIM for 30 days (Joytel), costing 22 USD
  10. Sri Lanka 15 GB eSIM for 30 days (Joytel), costing 24 USD – most popular with Phone Travel Wiz readers
  11. Sri Lanka 15 GB eSIM for 30 days (Joytel), costing 28 USD
  12. Sri Lanka 20 GB eSIM for 45 days (Joytel), costing 30 USD

Note: Phone Travel Wiz reader popularity ranking was updated in December based on data up to the 30th of December (2023 data only).

Nomad Sri Lanka eSIMs
See the list above for up-to-date prices and allowances. The figures in this image may be outdated.

And you know that I have a lovely deal waiting for you: use code ADU123 for 3 USD/2.75 EUR/2.35 GBP/4 CAD off your first Nomad eSIM purchase!

Nomad Sri Lanka eSIM Pros

What are the main perks of Nomad's Sri Lanka eSIMs?

  • You can avoid expensive international roaming fees
  • You can skip Sri Lanka's SIM card registration requirements and any queues at the airport or in town
  • You get full (up to 4G/LTE) access to the Hutch Sri Lanka network
  • The eSIMs are affordable and have generous data allowances
  • You can manage your eSIM easily on the Nomad website or its apps (Android and iOS)
    • If you need more data, top-ups are available (at the same prices as listed earlier – not at a markup)
  • If you, somehow, experience any problems, Nomad's support team responds surprisingly quickly (even on weekends)

But it is not all good news with Nomad though – there are some disadvantages.

Nomad Sri Lanka eSIM Cons

What are the main cons of Nomad's Sri Lanka eSIMs?

  • You cannot call or text with the Nomad Sri Lanka eSIM – it is a data-only eSIM (so you do not get a (Sri Lanka) phone number either)
  • While you get access to the Hutch Sri Lanka network, your speeds will not be as fast as going with Hutch Sri Lanka itself because you will be roaming on its network (and not be a native customer)
  • The eSIM's validity starts after 30 days of purchase, not upon using it in Sri Lanka
    • During select promotions, this gets extended (up to six months I have seen), but do not buy your eSIM too early, else it will self-activate after 30 days and simply expire
  • The Sri Lankan mobile operators have much more generous data allowances (while Nomad's is capped at 15 GB, but top-ups are available)
  • There are no unlimited data plans (although this may or may be coming soon… I know of nothing 🤫)
  • There is no 5G NR access with the Nomad Sri Lanka eSIM

Nomad Sri Lanka eSIM Overall Thoughts

Generally, I am happy to have seen Nomad grow and become much better over the years.

Especially for its offering in many Asian countries.

This resulted in me using its eSIMs in more than 25 countries so far (and I share my experience in my Nomad review).

Nomad General Review & In-Depth Analysis by Phone Travel Wiz

From becoming a mediocre option to one of the leading eSIM providers (especially for many Asian eSIMs) within a year is quite an achievement.

And to celebrate, use code ADU123 for 3 USD/2.75 EUR/2.35 GBP/4 CAD off your first Nomad eSIM purchase… like the Sri Lankan one!

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Best eSIMs for Asia & the World (including Sri Lanka)

So what if you plan to visit a neighboring Asian country?

Unfortunately, you cannot use your Airalo, Holafly or Nomad eSIMs in any country than Sri Lanka.

Luckily, some of the eSIM providers mentioned so far do have eSIMs that can be used throughout most or all of Asia.

And there are also some global eSIMs with attractive prices that can be useful if you visit Asia and another continent or region.

I highly recommend these Asia or global eSIMs if you plan to visit multiple Asian countries to save money!


AIS eSIM2FLY Asia eSIM

AIS Thailand Logo
© AIS

There is a new kid on the block with 5G NR access in several Asian countries with its Asia eSIM: AIS eSIM2FLY Asia.

SimOptions AIS eSIM2FLY eSIM Banner
© SimOptions

Okay, AIS (Thailand) is not new at all – it is the largest mobile operator in the country.

What is relatively new, however, is its updated AIS eSIM2FLY Asia eSIM.

You still get 6 GB of data for 15 days in 32 Asian countries.

But you also get FREE 5G NR access in about a dozen supported countries – and more will be added shortly.

And I can tell you that not many eSIM providers have this benefit for Asia (including the ones in this guide)… so this is a unique selling point for the AIS eSIM2FLY Asia eSIM.

Now, many resellers are selling this eSIM – but I recommend getting it from SimOptions.

SimOptions Logo
© SimOptions

Mainly because SimOptions was probably the first travel SIM card company I started working with in 2019.

But also because its price is competitive (19.90 USD) – even while offering STELLAR after-sales support (which not all AIS eSIM2FLY Asia eSIM resellers do… they just tell you to contact AIS directly, smh).

Alright, the AIS eSIM2FLY Asia eSIM can be used in the following 32 countries:

  • Australia 1
  • Bahrain 1
  • Bangladesh
  • Brunei
  • Cambodia
  • China 1
  • Georgia
  • Guam
  • Hong Kong 1
  • India
  • Indonesia 1
  • Israel 1
  • Japan 1
  • Jordan
  • Kazakhstan
  • Kuwait 1
  • Laos
  • Macau
  • Malaysia
  • Mongolia
  • Myanmar
  • Nepal
  • Oman 1
  • Pakistan
  • Philippines 1
  • Qatar 1
  • Singapore 1
  • South Korea 1
  • Sri Lanka
  • Taiwan
  • Uzbekistan
  • Vietnam 1

1 with 5G NR access

It is nice to see when an eSIM provider does not consider only some East- and Southeast Asian countries as Asia 🗿.

What is more: you get a Thai phone number (+66) that can be used for incoming calls and SMS.

If you go to the SimOptions website and look at its Asia eSIMs, you will see the following six eSIMs:

SimOptions Asia eSIMs (AIS eSIM2FLY, China Unicom, Three (3) APAC Pass)

I will talk about the AIS eSIM2FLY Global eSIM in the global section (it also allows for 5G NR access in quite a number of countries).

But why do I only mention and recommend the AIS eSIM2FLY Asia eSIM from SimOptions?

Mostly because the eSIM is vastly superior to any other Asia eSIM SimOptions sells.

The AIS eSIM2FLY Asia eSIM covers an equal number of countries as the Smart Traveler eSIM and more than the China Unicom Hong Kong Smart Data eSIM and the 3 Hong Kong 30-Day APAC Pass eSIMs.

Moreover, the performance with the AIS eSIM2FLY Asia eSIM will be (significantly) better because it often works on the network of the best local mobile operator.

Furthermore, it costs roughly the same as the other eSIMs.

The only main drawback with the AIS eSIM2FLY Asia eSIM is that it has the shortest validity – eight days.

Unless you plan in staying all 32 supported countries for maybe an hour before flying again, it will be impossible to use the eSIM in all of them.

Let alone two or three countries within eight days.

So yes, it is a regional eSIM, but you will most likely use it in one or two only.

But unlike the other eSIMs, you will get 5G NR access with the AIS eSIM2FLY Asia eSIM.

But if you want to explore your options, check out the SimOptions site.

Although I believe you will have a better experience with the AIS eSIM2FLY Asia eSIM or the other Asia eSIMs mentioned in this guide.

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Nomad APAC eSIM

Nomad eSIMs Logo
© Nomad

Another affordable eSIM for Asia is Nomad's APAC (Asia-Pacific) eSIM.

One thing to be aware of is that the APAC eSIM is split into two plans: 15 Countries Plan and 20 Countries Plan.

Nomad APAC 15 Countries and 20 Countries Plans eSIM

The Nomad APAC eSIM can be used in the following 15, or 20 countries:

  • Australia 1, 2
  • China 1, 2
  • Hong Kong 2
  • India 2
  • Indonesia 1, 2
  • Japan 1, 2
  • Macau 2
  • Malaysia 1, 2
  • New Zealand 1, 2
  • Philippines 1, 2
  • Singapore 1, 2
  • South Korea 1, 2
  • Sri Lanka 1, 2
  • Taiwan 2
  • Thailand 1, 2
  • Vietnam 1, 2

1 15 Countries Plan
2 20 Countries Plan

Nomad APAC eSIM Eligible Countries Map Infographic by Phone Travel Wiz (October 2023 Version).png

And you have these 11 Nomad APAC eSIMs:

  1. APAC (20 Countries Plan) 1 GB eSIM for 7 days, costing 8 USD
  2. APAC (15 Countries Plan) 1 GB eSIM for 7 days, costing 10 USD
  3. APAC (20 Countries Plan) 3 GB eSIM for 15 days, costing 13 USD
  4. APAC (15 Countries Plan) 3 GB eSIM for 30 days, costing 17 USD
  5. APAC (15 Countries Plan) 5 GB eSIM for 30 days, costing 23 USD – very popular with Phone Travel Wiz readers
  6. APAC (20 Countries Plan) 5 GB eSIM for 30 days, costing 12 USD – very popular with Phone Travel Wiz readers
  7. APAC (20 Countries Plan) 10 GB eSIM for 30 days, costing 28 23 USD (on sale) – very popular with Phone Travel Wiz readers
  8. APAC (15 Countries Plan) 10 GB eSIM for 30 days, costing 37 USD – very popular with Phone Travel Wiz readers
  9. APAC (20 Countries Plan) 20 GB eSIM for 45 days, costing 38 29 USD (on sale) – most popular with Phone Travel Wiz readers
  10. APAC (15 Countries Plan) 20 GB eSIM for 30 days, costing 62 USD – most popular with Phone Travel Wiz readers
  11. APAC (20 Countries Plan) 30 GB eSIM for 60 days, costing 65 USD

Note: Phone Travel Wiz reader popularity ranking was updated in December based on data up to the 30th of December (2023 data only).

Remember to use code ADU123 for 3 USD/2.75 EUR/2.35 GBP/4 CAD off your first Nomad purchase!

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Airalo Discover(+) eSIM (formerly Discover Global)

Airalo Discover eSIM
© Airalo
Airalo Discover+ eSIM
© Airalo

Airalo was probably the first eSIM provider to introduce a global eSIM – it was called Discover Global.

Discover Global eSIM Airalo
© Airalo

I have had decent to good experiences with that eSIM, but I felt it could improve.

Such as extending the validity of most plans (maximum used to be 180 days) and having 5G NR access in popular destinations (like many regional Airalo eSIMs do nowadays, even country-specific ones).

In August 2023, Airalo made a radical change to its global eSIM.

Until then, the eSIM could be used in about 85 countries – always up to 4G/LTE (with some networks on 3G only).

This eSIM was powered by FL1 Telecom Liechtenstein (network name can be Mobilkom (Liechtenstein) at times).

FL1 Liechtenstein Telecom Logo
© FL1 Liechtenstein Telecom

This mobile operator worked well in Europe and some Asian countries, but it was often one of the slowest performing (Airalo eSIMs).

Now, Airalo's global eSIM is called Discover(+).

Airalo Discover eSIM
© Airalo
Airalo Discover+ eSIM
© Airalo

It is powered by eSIM Go (which is basically Drei Austria).

eSIM Go Logo
© eSIM Go
Three (3) Logo
© Three (3)

The difference between the Airalo Discover and Airalo Discover+ eSIMs is that the latter has calling and texting functionalities (with an Austrian +43 phone number).

Because of this, Discover+ eSIMs can be up to 20 USD more expensive than regular Discover eSIMs.

For the previous Airalo Discover Global eSIMs, you paid the same prices as the Discover+ eSIMs for worse availability (85+ countries instead of 125+) and no calling or texting at all.

So… it is an upgrade 😎.

Not only that, but you (finally) get 5G NR access in quite some countries (55+)1 as well.

1 click here, press select the variant you want & click on network to see which network(s) allow for 5G NR access. You often have access to multiple local networks, but not all have 5G NR access (and some do not even give you 4G/LTE access)

Airalo Discover(+) eSIM Network Availability (3G-4G-5G)

Moreover, the most expensive option is now valid for a whole year (365 days) instead of 180 days.

The Airalo Discover(+) eSIM can be used in the following 125+ countries:

    • Åland Islands 3
    • Albania
    • Argentina
    • Armenia (new)
    • Australia 5
    • Austria 3
    • Azerbaijan
    • Bahrain (new) 3
    • Bangladesh (new)
    • Belarus 1
    • Belgium 3
    • Bolivia (new)
    • Bosnia & Herzegovina
    • Botswana (new) 2
    • Brazil 5
    • Brunei (new) 1
    • Bulgaria 5
    • Cambodia
    • Canada 5
    • Central African Republic (new) 1
    • Chad (new)
    • Chile
    • China 3
    • Colombia
    • Congo, Democratic Republic of (new)
    • Congo, Republic of (new)
    • Costa Rica (new)
    • Croatia 3
    • Cyprus 5
    • Czech Republic 3
    • Denmark 5
    • Dominican Republic 1
    • Ecuador
    • Egypt (new)
    • El Salvador (new) 1
    • Estonia 5
    • Eswatini (new) 1
    • Finland 5
    • France 3
    • French West Indies (new) 3
    • Gabon (new)
    • Georgia
    • Germany 3
    • Ghana (new)
    • Gibraltar 1
    • Greece 3
    • Greenland (new) 1
    • Guatemala (new) 1
    • Guernsey (new)
    • Guinea-Bissau (new) 1
    • Honduras (new) 1
    • Hong Kong 3
    • Hungary 5
    • Iceland 3
    • India
    • Indonesia 3
    • Ireland 3
    • Isle of Man (new)
    • Iraq 1
    • Israel 5
    • Italy 5
    • Ivory Coast
    • Japan 3
    • Jersey
    • Jordan (new)
    • Kazakhstan (new)
    • Kenya (new)
    • Kosovo
    • Kuwait 3
    • Kyrgyzstan (new)
    • Latvia 3
    • Liberia 1
    • Liechtenstein 4
    • Lithuania 5
    • Luxembourg 3
    • Macau
    • Madagascar (new)
    • Malawi (new)
    • Malaysia
    • Mali
    • Malta 3
    • Mexico 5
    • Moldova
    • Monaco (new)
    • Montenegro 5
    • Morocco (new)
    • Netherlands 5
    • New Zealand
    • Nicaragua (new)
    • Niger (new) 1
    • Nigeria (new) 2
    • North Macedonia
    • Norway 5
    • Oman (new)
    • Pakistan (new)
    • Panama
    • Paraguay 1
    • Peru
    • Philippines 3
    • Poland 3
    • Portugal 3
    • Puerto Rico
    • Qatar 5
    • Réunion (new)
    • Romania 5
    • Russia
    • Saudi Arabia 5
    • Senegal (new) 1
    • Serbia
    • Seychelles (new)
    • Singapore
    • Slovakia 3
    • Slovenia 5
    • South Africa
    • South Korea 3
    • Spain 5
    • Sri Lanka
    • Sudan
    • Sweden 5
    • Switzerland 3
    • Taiwan 3
    • Tanzania (new)
    • Tajikistan 1
    • Thailand 5
    • Tunisia (new)
    • Turkey 3
    • Uganda (new)
    • Ukraine (new)
    • United Arab Emirates (new) 3
    • United Kingdom 5
    • United States 5
    • Uruguay (new)
    • Uzbekistan (new)
    • U.S. Virgin Islands
    • Vietnam
    • Yemen (new) 1
    • Zambia (new) 1

    * “(new)” is compared to the previous Discover Global eSIM (discontinued) or recently added countries
    1 on 3G only
    2 check the networks section on the Airalo website or app because at least one of the available networks is on 3G only (while the others are up to 4G/LTE)
    3 5G NR access for all available networks
    4 even if your phone does not support 5G NR, select FL1 Telecom/Telecom Liechtenstein for 4G/LTE access because Salt Liechtenstein is restricted to 3G only
    5 check the networks section on the Airalo website or app because at least one of the available networks is up to 4G/LTE (while the others are up to 5G NR)

Airalo Discover Global eSIM Eligible Countries Map Infographic by Phone Travel Wiz (October 2023 Version)

You have these 12 Airalo Discover Global eSIMs:

  1. Discover 1 GB eSIM for 7 days, costing 9 USD
  2. Discover+ 1 GB (with 10 minutes and 10 SMS) eSIM for 7 days, costing 15 USD
  3. Discover 2 GB eSIM for 15 days, costing 17 USD
  4. Discover+ 2 GB (with 20 minutes and 20 SMS) eSIM for 15 days, costing 27 USD
  5. Discover 3 GB eSIM for 30 days, costing 24 USD
  6. Discover+ 3 GB (with 30 minutes and 30 SMS) eSIM for 30 days, costing 36 USD – very popular with Phone Travel Wiz readers
  7. Discover 5 GB eSIM for 60 days, costing 35 USD – very popular with Phone Travel Wiz readers
  8. Discover+ 5 GB (with 50 minutes and 50 SMS) eSIM for 60 days, costing 50 USD
  9. Discover 10 GB eSIM for 180 days, costing 59 USD
  10. Discover+ 10 GB (with 100 minutes and 100 SMS) eSIM for 180 days, costing 79 USD
  11. Discover 20 GB eSIM for 365 days, costing 69 USD – most popular with Phone Travel Wiz readers
  12. Discover+ 20 GB (with 200 minutes and 200 SMS) eSIM for 365 days, costing 89 USD

Note: Phone Travel Wiz reader popularity ranking was updated in December based on data up to the 30th of December (2023 data only). The (promotional) prices were updated on the 31st of January.

Interested in using the Airalo Discover(+) eSIM in another country or countries? Read my Airalo Global eSIM review (tested in numerous countries and counting).

Before Airalo updated its global eSIM, I used the old version (Discover Global) in 15+ countries. From August 2023, I will only test the Discover+ eSIM. This is why some country-specific reviews (like Global in Japan) still refer to the Discover Global one and show the old eSIM image instead of Discover+.

Airalo Discover Global eSIM Review by Phone Travel Wiz
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AIS eSIM2FLY Global eSIM

AIS Thailand Logo
© AIS

SimOptions also sells a global eSIM: AIS eSIM2FLY Global.

And it can be used in 140+ countries for 15 days53 of them with 5G NR access.

The AIS eSIM2FLY Global eSIM can be used in the following countries:

  • Afghanistan
  • Åland Islands
  • Albania
  • Argentina
  • Armenia
  • Australia 1
  • Austria 1
  • Azerbaijan
  • Bahrain 1
  • Bangladesh
  • Belarus
  • Belgium 1
  • Bhutan 1
  • Bolivia
  • Bosnia & Herzegovina
  • Brazil
  • Brunei
  • Bulgaria 1
  • Cambodia
  • Canada 1
  • Chad
  • Chile
  • China 1
  • Colombia
  • Congo, Republic of
  • Congo, Democratic Republic of
  • Costa Rica
  • Croatia 1
  • Cyprus 1
  • Czech Republic 1
  • Denmark 1
  • Dominican Republic
  • Ecuador
  • Egypt
  • El Salvador
  • Estonia 1
  • Eswatini
  • Faroe Islands
  • Fiji
  • Finland 1
  • France 1
  • Gabon
  • Georgia
  • Germany 1
  • Ghana
  • Gibraltar
  • Greece
  • Greenland
  • Guam
  • Guatemala
  • Guernsey
  • Honduras
  • Hong Kong 1
  • Hungary 1
  • Iceland
  • India
  • Indonesia 1
  • Iran 1
  • Ireland 1
  • Isle of Man
  • Israel 1
  • Italy 1
  • Japan 1
  • Jordan
  • Kazakhstan
  • Kenya
  • Kuwait 1
  • Kyrgyzstan
  • Laos
  • Latvia 1
  • Liechtenstein
  • Lithuania
  • Luxembourg 1
  • Macau
  • Madagascar
  • Malawi
  • Malaysia
  • Maldives 1
  • Malta 1
  • Mauritius
  • Mexico
  • Moldova
  • Monaco
  • Mongolia
  • Montenegro
  • Morocco
  • Nauru
  • Nepal
  • Netherlands 1
  • New Zealand
  • Nicaragua
  • Nigeria
  • North Macedonia
  • Norway 1
  • Oman 1
  • Pakistan
  • Panama
  • Papua New Guinea
  • Paraguay
  • Peru
  • Philippines 1
  • Poland 1
  • Portugal 1
  • Puerto Rico
  • Qatar 1
  • Réunion
  • Romania
  • Russia 1
  • Samoa
  • San Marino 1
  • Saudi Arabia 1
  • Senegal
  • Serbia
  • Seychelles
  • Singapore 1
  • Slovakia 1
  • Slovenia 1
  • Solomon Islands
  • South Africa
  • South Korea
  • Spain 1
  • Sri Lanka
  • Svalbard and Jan Mayen
  • Sweden 1
  • Switzerland 1
  • Taiwan 1
  • Tajikistan
  • Tanzania
  • Tonga
  • Tunisia
  • Turkey 1
  • Uganda
  • Ukraine
  • United Arab Emirates 1
  • United Kingdom 1
  • United States America 1
  • Uruguay
  • U.S. Virgin Islands Virgin
  • Uzbekistan
  • Vanuatu
  • Vatican City 1
  • Vietnam 1

1 with 5G NR access

If you get this eSIM from SimOptions, which I recommend, you will pay 39.90 USD.

The main issue I have with the AIS eSIM2FLY Global eSIM is its short validity.

Making it hard to call it an actual global eSIM… unless you can somehow visit 140+ countries within 15 days – something not even I can do🧐.

Still, it is a relatively affordable global eSIM covering 140+ countries… with 5G NR access!

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Nomad Global eSIM

Nomad eSIMs Logo
© Nomad

Besides Nomad's eSIM for Sri Lanka, it also has a global eSIM that can be used in Sri Lanka and a total of 109/139 countries (including most European ones).

While Nomad's Global eSIM covers a few more countries than Airalo's Discover(+) eSIMs (109/139 vs. 130 (previously 85+)), it is significantly more expensive than Airalo (but not the most costly global eSIM in this guide).

Even so, Phone Travel Wiz readers have shown interest in this eSIM and have had positive experiences with it, especially after Nomad improved it (with its 139 Country Plan powered by eSIM Go (has 5G NR access in 50+ countries) instead of the 109 Country Plan by Truphone (4G/LTE only).

Anyway, you have these six Nomad Global eSIMs:

  1. Global (109 Countries Plan) 1 GB eSIM for 7 days, costing 25 USD – very popular with Phone Travel Wiz readers
  2. Global (139 Countries Plan) 1 GB eSIM for 7 days, costing 19 USD – very popular with Phone Travel Wiz readers
  3. Global (109 Countries Plan) 3 GB eSIM for 30 days, costing 40 USD – very popular with Phone Travel Wiz readers
  4. Global (139 Countries Plan) 3 GB eSIM for 30 days, costing 40 USD – very popular with Phone Travel Wiz readers
  5. Global (109 Countries Plan) 5 GB eSIM for 30 days, costing 45 USD – most popular with Phone Travel Wiz readers
  6. Global (139 Countries Plan) 5 GB eSIM for 30 days, costing 57 USD – most popular with Phone Travel Wiz readers

Note: Phone Travel Wiz reader popularity ranking was updated in December based on data up to the 30th of December (2023 data only).

Nomad Global eSIM 109 Countries Plan with Prices (Truphone)
See the list above for up-to-date prices and allowances. The figures in this image may be outdated.
Nomad Global eSIM 139 Countries Plan with Prices (eSIM Go)

The Nomad Global eSIM can be used in the following 109 (Truphone)/139 (eSIM Go) countries:

  • Åland Islands 2, 3
  • Albania
  • Algeria 2
  • Andorra 2
  • Argentina
  • Armenia
  • Australia
  • Austria
  • Azerbaijan 2
  • Bahrain 2, 3
  • Bangladesh 2
  • Barbados 1
  • Belarus 2
  • Belgium
  • Bermuda 1
  • Bolivia 2
  • Bosnia & Herzegovina 2
  • Botswana 2
  • Brazil
  • Brunei 2
  • Bulgaria
  • Cambodia
  • Cameroon 2
  • Canada 2, 3
  • Central African Republic 2
  • Chad 2
  • Chile
  • China
  • Colombia
  • Congo, Democratic Republic of the 2
  • Congo, Republic of the
  • Costa Rica
  • Croatia
  • Cyprus
  • Czech Republic
  • Denmark
  • Dominican Republic 2
  • Ecuador
  • Egypt 2
  • El Salvador
  • Estonia
  • Eswatini 2, 3
  • Faroe Islands 1
  • Fiji 1
  • Finland
  • France
  • French Guiana 1
  • French Southern Territories 2
  • Gabon 2
  • Georgia 2
  • Germany
  • Ghana
  • Gibraltar
  • Greece
  • Greenland 2
  • Grenada 1
  • Guadeloupe 1
  • Guam 2
  • Guatemala
  • Guernsey
  • Guinea-Bissau 2
  • Guyana 1
  • Holy See (Vatican City) 1
  • Honduras 1
  • Hong Kong
  • Hungary
  • Iceland
  • India 2
  • Indonesia
  • Iraq 2
  • Ireland
  • Isle of Man
  • Israel
  • Italy
  • Ivory Coast 2
  • Jamaica 1
  • Japan
  • Jersey
  • Jordan 2
  • Kazakhstan
  • Kenya 2
  • Kosovo 2
  • Kuwait 2, 3
  • Kyrgyzstan 2
  • Laos 2
  • Latvia
  • Liberia 2
  • Liechtenstein
  • Lithuania
  • Luxembourg
  • Macau 2
  • Madagascar 2
  • Malawi 2
  • Malaysia
  • Mali 2
  • Malta
  • Martinique 1
  • Mayotte 1
  • Mexico
  • Moldova
  • Monaco
  • Mongolia
  • Montenegro
  • Montserrat 1
  • Morocco 2
  • Mozambique 1
  • Myanmar 2
  • Netherlands
  • New Zealand
  • Nicaragua
  • Niger 2
  • Nigeria 2
  • North Macedonia
  • Norway
  • Oman 2
  • Pakistan 2
  • Panama
  • Paraguay
  • Peru
  • Philippines
  • Poland
  • Portugal
  • Puerto Rico 1
  • Qatar
  • Réunion
  • Romania
  • Russia 2
  • Saint Kitts & Nevis 1
  • Saint Lucia 1
  • Samoa 1
  • San Marino 1
  • Saudi Arabia
  • Senegal 2
  • Serbia
  • Seychelles 2
  • Singapore
  • Slovakia
  • Slovenia
  • Solomon Islands 1
  • South Africa
  • South Korea
  • Spain
  • Sri Lanka
  • Suriname 1
  • Sweden
  • Switzerland
  • Taiwan
  • Tajikistan 2
  • Tanzania
  • Thailand
  • Trinidad & Tobago 1
  • Tunisia 2
  • Turkey
  • Turks & Caicos 1
  • Uganda 2
  • Ukraine 2
  • United Arab Emirates
  • United Kingdom
  • United States 2, 3
  • Uruguay
  • Uzbekistan 2
  • Vanuatu 1
  • Vietnam
  • Yemen 2
  • Zambia 2

1 109 Countries Plan (Truphone) only
2 139 Countries Plan (eSIM Go) only
3 5G NR access (if you have the 139 Countries Plan (eSIM GO) – does not apply to the 109 Countries Plan (Truphone)

Remember to use code ADU123 for 3 USD/2.75 EUR/2.35 GBP/4 CAD off your first Nomad purchase!

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Overview of the Best eSIMs for Sri Lanka

So, we reviewed some eSIMs that can be used in Sri Lanka.

I will give you a quick recap of each and link to their product pages in case you need more info or want to purchase an eSIM already (just remember the activation policies of Holafly, Nomad & SimOptions – do not buy their eSIMs too early):

Remember to use code the relevant discount codes for (ADU123 (Nomad), PTW (Alosim), or PHONETRAVELWIZ (others)).


Buying a SIM Card in Sri Lanka

Want to just use a SIM card but not your current one because roaming will be criminally expensive?

Consider getting a Sri Lankan SIM card instead – local SIM cards are the cheapest way to stay connected abroad.

Buying a SIM Card in Sri Lanka Guide (logos of Dialog, Hutch, Airtel & SLTMobitel)