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.
Just note that international roaming can be expensive. You better get local prepaid SIM cards to enjoy local rates – much lower than roaming rates.
Luckily for you, SIM cards are inexpensive in Sri Lanka.
You can get a Sri Lankan SIM card for between 98 LKR (0.30 USD) to 999 LKR (3.10 USD) from Dialog, SLTMobitel & Airtel. Hutch gives it for free, but a plan purchase is required. Tourist SIM cards for up to 3500 LKR (10.90 USD) are sold at Colombo-Bandaranaike International Airport and normal stores.
Those prices are not bad, right? Just wait until you know that Sri Lanka is in the top countries with the lowest average cost of data worldwide.
Yes, not just in Asia – globally.
And I will make your journey to Sri Lankan SIM cards easy with this guide.
In this guide, I will tell you everything you need to know about buying a SIM card in Sri Lanka. Let's do this.
Original publication: 19th of February 2020. Last updated: 3rd of June 2023.
Table of Contents
Can You Buy a SIM Card in Sri Lanka?
Anyone 16 years old or older living in or visiting Sri Lanka can buy a Sri Lankan SIM card from the mobile network operators (Dialog (Axiata), SLTMobitel (by Sri Lanka Telecom), Hutch Sri Lanka & Airtel (Sri) Lanka) with no restrictions restrictions.
You do have to comply with the SIM card registration regulations.
- Find out which countries have SIM card registration regulations and what is required from you (lookup tool)
Moreover, you need a phone that supports the frequencies used in the country (preferably all of them to have the most optimal experience while in Sri Lanka).
Furthermore, you need to have a SIM-lock-free device.
Where Can You Buy a SIM Card in Sri Lanka?
You can get a Sri Lankan SIM card in Dialog, SLTMobitel, Hutch & Airtel stores. It is also possible to get SIM cards at Colombo-Bandaranaike International Airport.
You can expect to pay the following for Sri Lankan SIM cards:
- Dialog (Axiata): 150 LKR
- SLTMobitel: 100 LKR
- Hutch Sri Lanka (+former Etisalat Sri Lanka): free, but top-up or plan purchase required
- Airtel (Sri) Lanka: between 98 LKR and 999 LKR (depending on the starter pack)
The following mobile operators also have SIM cards targeting tourists:
- Dialog (Axiata): 1299 LKR
- SLTMobitel: 499 LKR and 999 LKR (airport only)
- Hutch Sri Lanka (+former Etisalat Sri Lanka): various (airport only)
- Airtel (Sri) Lanka: various (airport only)
For up-to-date LKR:your currency (let's say INR) exchange rates, use the Wise Currency Converter tool.
- Find out how much SIM cards cost in every country, including data-only SIM cards and tourist SIM cards, offered by each mobile operator + information about starter benefits (lookup tool)
Can You Use Your Phone in Sri Lanka?
Sri Lanka uses GSM technology for mobile communications. CDMA phones will not work in Sri Lanka. However, there is a 99% chance your phone supports GSM (if your phone has a SIM card slot, then it supports GSM).
Besides that, you need to be aware of the ITU Regions to determine whether your phone will work in other parts of the world.
Although there are three ITU Regions, you only need to know these two terms: American Frequencies and European Frequencies.
Africa, Asia (including the Middle East), Europe & Oceania (ITU Regions 1 & 3) typically use European Frequencies, meaning phones bought in those regions can be used in countries using European Frequencies without issues.
The Americas (North-, Central– & South America + the Caribbean), ITU Region 2, use American Frequencies, which are different from the European Frequencies.
Sri Lanka uses primarily European frequencies for 2G, 3G, 4G/LTE & 5G NR. However, some mobile operators use an American Frequency for 4G/LTE (850 MHz on Band 5).
If you bought your phone in the Americas (ITU Region 2) and have a low/medium-end device (without Tri-Band or Quad-Band) support, then you can get a SIM card from SLTMobitel or Airtel and use their 4G/LTE network on 850 MHz (Band 5).
Note that 850 MHz (Band 5) is not as widespread as other frequencies like 1800 MHz (Band) by SLTMobitel and Airtel, as 850 MHz is a supplementaly frequency to them.
If you purchased your phone in Africa, Asia, Europe, or Oceania (ITU Regions 1 & 3) and have a low/medium-end device (without Tri-Band or Quad-Band) support, you can go with any mobile operator. They support traditional European Frequencies on 2G, 3G, 4G/LTE & 5G NR.
If you have a medium/high-end device with Tri-Band or Quad-Band support, you can use your phone in Sri Lanka without (major) issues – also on 4G/LTE and 5G NR.
Mobile Operators, Networks & Frequencies in Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka has four mobile network operators offering prepaid services easily accessible to travelers:
- Dialog (Axiata) Sri Lanka
- SLTMobitel (by Sri Lanka Telecom)
- Hutch Sri Lanka (+former Etisalat Sri Lanka)
- Airtel (Sri) Lanka
The following frequencies are used in Sri Lanka:
- 2G: 900 MHz & 1800 MHz
- 3G: 2100 MHz (not on Airtel (Sri) Lanka for long anymore)
- 4G/LTE: 850 MHz (Band 5), 900 MHz (Band 8), 1800 MHz (Band 3), 2100 MHz (Band 1) & 2500 MHz (Band 41)
- 5G NR: 3500 MHz (n78) – currently in trial phase
You can learn more about frequencies in the video below.
To check whether your phone will work in Sri Lanka, check out this page by Kimovil or this one by Will My Phone Work (outdated, unfortunately, but extremely user-friendly – useful for phones launched in or before 2019. It does not check for 5G NR compatibility).
Again, make sure your phone is unlocked. Otherwise, you will not be able to use any SIM card except the one from your home operator (meaning you have to roam internationally or buy another unlocked phone that does support the frequencies listed above).
If you want to learn how international roaming works, this guide explains it in-depth. If you wonder why it is often so expensive to roam, this article explains the hidden reason they do not want you to know.
5G NR in Sri Lanka
Commercial 5G NR is not available in Sri Lanka yet in 2022. However, Dialog, SLTMobitel & Hutch have held 5G NR trials (3500 MHz – n78) since mid-2020. Dialog has had an open 5G NR trial phase since July 2021, meaning anyone with a 5G device can try 5G NR for free in various cities.
SLTMobitel's 5G NR trial is, for now, only at one location (One Galle Face branch). Hutch's trial is not open to the public (yet).
It is expected that the 5G NR licenses will be auctioned in 2022, allowing for a nationwide 5G NR rollout the same year.
While not official yet, 5G NR access may require an add-on or a 5G charge. During the trial period (for Dialog, at least), 5G NR can be tried for free.
Best SIM Card in Sri Lanka
If you want to buy the best SIM card in Sri Lanka, I recommend going with Dialog or SLTMobitel. Both operators have the best (4G/LTE) coverage nationwide. SLTMobitel has become the fastest mobile operator over the year, which was previously Dialog. Consider Dialog for early 5G NR access.
Best eSIM in Sri Lanka
Unfortunately, none of the mobile operators offer eSIM (to prepaid customers) in Sri Lanka yet.
However, you can also get a travel eSIM from various eSIM providers.
The list below is not exhaustive – many more providers have eSIMs for Sri Lanka.
But these are the ones I have tried and had pleasant experiences with.
Moreover, they are reasonably priced, which I find very important (you will not see me recommending an eSIM I would not buy myself).
So here are the 12 best eSIMs for Sri Lanka:
- Sri Lankan mobile operators (two offer eSIMs to prepaid customers – read more in my Sri Lanka SIM card buying guide)
- Airalo Miturā eSIM with two choices between 1 GB and 3 GB (best value for money)
- Holafly Sri Lanka eSIM with unlimited data for 5 to 60 days (unlimited data eSIMs)
- Nomad Sri Lanka eSIM with eight choices between 1 GB and 15 GB (best value for money… too)
- Ubigi Sri Lanka Plan (most generous data allowance at relatively low prices)
- AIS eSIM2FLY Asia eSIM through SimOptions with one 6 GB option (eSIM with the most 5G NR supported Asian countries (12/32) at a reasonable price but with a short validity – SimOptions does sell other Asian eSIMs, but they are not as good as AIS)
- Nomad APAC eSIM with seven choices between 1 GB and 20 GB (the best of both worlds in terms of pricing and performance for up to 16 Asian and Oceanian countries)
- Ubigi Asia Plans (extensive Asia coverage (24 countries))
- Airalo Discover Global eSIM with five choices between 1 GB and 20 GB (reasonable global coverage (85+ countries) at attractive prices) – read my ongoing Airalo Discover Global eSIM review too!
- AIS eSIM2FLY Global eSIM through SimOptions with one 6 GB option (eSIM with the most 5G NR supported countries (50/123) at a reasonable price but with a short validity)
- Nomad Global eSIM with three choices between 1 GB and 5 GB (extensive global coverage (110 countries) at high(er) prices)
Because this is the SIM card buying guide for Sri Lanka, I will not spend too much time about travel eSIMs here and throughout this guide (but I will still do here and there).
If you want to learn more about the best eSIMs for Sri Lanka, you better check out my Sri Lanka eSIM buying guide.
It is as helpful and comprehensive as this guide but about eSIMs instead 😜.
SIM Card Registration in Sri Lanka
SIM card registration, with the use of your passport information, is mandatory in Sri Lanka. This will be done at the point of sale.
- Find out which countries have SIM card registration regulations and what is required from you (lookup tool)
A Note about Data Allowances & 4G/LTE Bonus Data in Sri Lanka
Dialog (Axiata), SLTMobitel (Sri Lanka Telecom), Hutch Sri Lanka & Airtel (Sri) Lanka all offer three to four separate data allowances for their plans:
Regular/Anytime data, nighttime data, 4G/LTE (bonus) data & app data.
Regular data, mostly known as anytime data, is a data allowance with no time restrictions. It can be used at any time during the day.
Nighttime data is a data allowance that only can be used at night.
Only a handful of plans are nighttime-only, but most plans have a dedicated nighttime data allowance.
For Airtel, nighttime is between 1:00 and 7:00. Dialog's nighttime is between 0:00 and 8:00. Hutch and SLTMobitel consider the night to be between 0:00 and 9:00.
Nightime data usage takes priority over regular/daytime data and 4G/LTE (bonus) data allowances.
4G/LTE (bonus) data is a data allowance for the mobile operators' 4G/LTE networks.
When using 4G/LTE, data from the 4G/LTE (bonus) allowance will be consumed first.
However, you can still use 4G/LTE with regular/anytime data when you have exhausted your 4G/LTE (bonus) data allowances. It is just an extra allowance
4G/LTE (bonus) data usage takes priority over regular/anytime data but not nighttime data.
App data is a data allowance for (a) specific app(s)/site(s), such as Office 365 or YouTube.
App data usage takes priority over any other kind of data allowance.
Once again, the priority order is: App Data > Nighttime Data > 4G/LTE (bonus) data (on 4G/LTE) > Anytime Data.
Why will the Sri Lankan operators not combine all these data allowances and turn them into just one allowance?
I have no idea. One could argue about peak and off-peak data usage. But anytime data can literally be used at any time, even during peak hours, so that is probably not the reason.
Arteculate does have an interesting article speculating about the reason.
While I clearly separate each data allowance in dedicated columns, the Sri Lankan mobile operators may promote your plan as 100 GB, while your actual allowances are 40 GB anytime, 40 GB nighttime & 20 GB 4G/LTE (bonus) – be aware of that.
Data & Voice Services Tax in Sri Lanka
As of the 1st of December 2019, the Telecommunications Regulatory Commission of Sri Lanka (TRCSL) reduced the Telecommunications Levy (LT) from 15% to 11.25%.
The Department of Inland Revenue, the local tax authority, removed the Nation Building Tax (NBT – 2.04%) and reduced the VAT rate from 15% to 8%.
As a result, plans have become cheaper across the board.
The new tax percentage for voice services is now 22.60% compared to 37.70% (!). The tax rate for data services is now 10.20% instead of 19.74%.
Most plans show the prices with tax, meaning you do not have to pull out your calculator to determine how much you will be charged for your plan.
However, this is not the case with all plans.
When this is not the case, the price column will say price excl. tax, meaning the relevant taxes are exclusive of the price.
Sri Lanka Mobile Speeds, Mobile Internet Prices & Insights
Compared to other regions, South Asia is a cheap travel destination that has a lot to offer.
Due to the low prices, you can often see and do more things. The same counts for in Sri Lanka.
What is also exceptionally cheap, for global standards, is the cost of mobile data.
The average price for 1 GB of data in Sri Lanka is 0.34 USD, below the Asian average of 1.79 USD. The world average is 4.07 USD.
This makes Sri Lanka the 9th cheapest country for mobile data worldwide and the second-cheapest in Asia – behind Bangladesh.
And the average cost of 1 GB of data has basically halved compared to 2019.
So, data is cheap. But are the networks cheap too?
Not really, but they are not exceptional either.
Sri Lanka's mean mobile download speed is around 13 Mbps, about half the global average.
The speeds have basically been stagnant over the year, even though the four mobile operators have invested heavily in improving their networks.
But that was mostly to improve coverage in places where coverage was non-existent or inadequate, so that is why that is not reflected in speed scores.
Okay, so which mobile operator is the fastest in Sri Lanka?
That would be SLTMobitel, with a median download speed of 20 Mbps. Followed by Dialog (14 Mbps), Hutch (8 Mbps) & Airtel (8 Mbps).
As 5G NR is around the corner and Dialog currently has the best 5G NR coverage, it is expected that Dialog may become the speed king in the near future.
What about the current overall network performance by the Sri Lankan mobile operators?
Dialog is the best in all aspects (except for speed), although it shares some top position with SLTMobitel (4G/LTE availability, online game experience & voice calling (VoIP) experience).
In terms of overall coverage, both Dialog and SLTMobitel are the best. Hutch and Airtel are no match (yet… or will never be).
But you should not expect good/any coverage up in the mountains or deep in the jungles, of course.
With incredibly cheap SIM cards, good nationwide coverage, slow mobile download speeds, and exceptionally low mobile data rates, you should have a decent network experience in Sri Lanka.
Currency in Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka uses the Sri Lankan Rupee with the symbol LKR (which will be used throughout this guide).
However, prices are often listed as Rs, රු or ரூ. For example, 25 LKR = Rs/රු/ரூ 25.
For reference, below are some exchange rates between LKR and USD (US Dollars):
- 10 LKR = 0.03 USD
- 100 LKR = 0.30 USD
- 1000 LKR = 3.10 USD
- 10 000 LKR = 31.10 USD
For up-to-date LKR:your currency (let's say USD) exchange rates, use the Wise Currency Converter tool.
If your credit/debit card charges you foreign exchange fees, get yourself a Wise Borderless Account and Debit Card.
Their fees are MUCH lower than banks, and credit card companies charge you (and Wise is transparent about their fees, unlike banks).
I have saved literal THOUSANDS of Euros, my main currency, when using Wise abroad when traveling compared to my debit and credit cards. Open a Wise account FREE!
Sri Lankan Prepaid SIM Cards
Below, I will guide you through Dialog (Axiata), SLTMobitel (by Sri Lanka Telecom), Hutch Sri Lanka (+former Etisalat Sri Lanka) & Airtel (Sri) Lanka, and go through:
- Background information
- Mobile coverage
- SIM card types, prices, and availability
- Recharge/top-up information
- Combo plans, data plans, and special packs (such as social media packs)
With that being said, let’s see what Sri Lanka to offer to us.
Dialog (Axiata) Sri Lanka
Dialog Axiata, just Dialog, is the largest mobile operator in Sri Lanka.
It is the local division of the Axiata Group from Malaysia (known as Celcom Malaysia there).
In 2018, it was the fastest mobile operator, overtaking SLTMobitel (then just Mobitel).
Since then, it has lost that position. But Dialog is still the second-fastest mobile operator in the country.
- 2G: 900 MHz & 1800 MHz
- 2100 MHz
- 4G/LTE: 1800 MHz (Band 3)
- 5G NR: 3500 MHz (n78)
This is what you will learn about Dialog:
* Coverage
* How to Get a Dialog SIM Card & SIM Card Price
* Topping Up Options & Methods + Balance Check
* Plans & Packages
* Review
* APN/Internet Settings
Coverage – Dialog Sri Lanka
Dialog has, together with SLTMobitel, the best (4G/LTE) coverage in Sri Lanka.
Its 4G/LTE reception is basically nationwide.
Below is Dialog's coverage map produced by Speedtest:
However, click here to see Dialog's official coverage map.
SIM Card Price – Dialog Sri Lanka
You can get a Dialog SIM card for 150 LKR in Dialog stores. SIM cards are also available at Colombo-Bandaranaike International Airport.
Short-term visitors and tourists can also get the Dialog Tourist Pack – Dialog's tourist offering.
For 1299 LKR, you get 6 GB, 4 GB nighttime data for between 0:00 and 8:00, 350 LKR local call credit & 600 LKR international call credit – all for 30 days.
| Price | Data | Nighttime Data 1 | Local Call Credit | International Call Credit | Validity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1299 LKR | 6 GB | 4 GB | 350 LKR | 600 LKR | 30 days |
While the Dialog Tourist Pack is promoted the most at the airport, you do not have to get it there.
It can be purchased at any Dialog retailer if they recharge 1299 LKR.
The only downside of not getting the Dialog Tourist Pack at Colombo-Bandaranaike International Airport is that the SIM card itself will not be free.
Instead, you will be charged 150 LKR for a Dialog SIM card + 1299 for the Dialog Tourist Pack (so 1449 LKR).
So Sri Lanka may be one of the countries where getting a SIM card at the airport is a good deal and where you will not be charged a tourist premium.
That is for Dialog, at least 🤪.
- Find out how much SIM cards cost in every country, including data-only SIM cards and tourist SIM cards, offered by each mobile operator + information about starter benefits (lookup tool)
Therefore, if you wish to get an eSIM for Sri Lanka (without personal detail capturing), you can get Sri Lanka Miturā eSIMs from Airalo (two options):
- 1 GB/7 days – very popular with Phone Travel Wiz readers
- 3 GB/30 days – most popular with Phone Travel Wiz readers
Note: Phone Travel Wiz reader popularity ranking was updated in May based on data up to the 17th of May (2023 data only).
No idea what or who Airalo is? Check out my Airalo review, where I share my hands-on experience after using its eSIMs in more than 25 countries over four years.
If you plan on visiting other neighboring Asian nations, consider the Airalo Asialink eSIM to be used in 14 Asian countries 1 with six variants:
- 1 GB/7 days
- 3 GB/30 days – very popular with Phone Travel Wiz readers
- 5 GB/30 days – most popular with Phone Travel Wiz readers
- 10 GB/30 days – very popular with Phone Travel Wiz readers
- 50 GB/90 days
- 100 GB/180 days
1 currently, newly bought Asialink eSIMs cannot be used in Singapore. Airalo is working on re-including Singapore in its Asialink offering
Do you think the map above is nice, but you want a country list instead (because you do not recognize the countries on a map🗿)? You can find it in my Airalo review!
I have used, and will be using, the Airalo Asialink eSIM in every country it can be used in.
- Be sure to check out my Airalo Asialink eSIM review for my insights!
Many more travel eSIMs will perform well in Sri Lanka.
You can read about them in my Best Sri Lanka eSIMs Compared guide for an in-depth comparison.
Top-Up, Recharge & Balance Check – Dialog Sri Lanka
Dialog top-up vouchers are sold in Dialog stores, kiosks, gas stations & grocery stores.
To top up your Dialog SIM card, dial #123#VoucherCode#.
For example, if your voucher code is 123456, you would dial #123#123456#.
You can also recharge online with (international) debit and credit cards.
Dial #456# call 1777, or call 777123456 and select option 1 to check your Dialog balance.
You can also top up and check your balance on the MyDialog app (Android/iOS).
Packages, Plans, Bundles & Offers – Dialog Sri Lanka
Dialog has 14 data-featured prepaid plans:
- Blasters (combo)
- Budget Packs (combo)
- My Plan (customizable combo)
- Daily Rental Packages (data)
- Time Based Packages (data)
- Internet Cards (data)
- Anytime Data (as the name suggests)
- Nighttime Packages (data)
- Unlimited Data Plans (unlimited data at restricted speeds)
- Anytime Data Add-Ons (data add-ons)
- Fun Blaster (social media data)
- Video Conferencing Plans (Office 365, Teams & Zoom data)
- 4G Video Blaster with Unlimited YouTube (as the name suggests + ViU data)
- Unlimited Netflix (as the name implies)
All Dialog plans can be activated by dialing #678#.
Click on the links above to jump to the plan you are interested in.
Blasters – Dialog Sri Lanka
The Blasters, consisting of Daily Blaster 7 and Daily Blaster 14, are combo plans with data, minutes & SMS.
Dial #678# to activate Blasters:
| Price | Plan | Data | Nighttime Data 1 | 4G/LTE Data | On-Net Minutes | On-Net SMS | Validity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 8.35 LKR | Daily Blaster 7 | 15 MB | 15 MB | 7.5 MB | 15 minutes | N/A | 1 day |
| 16.24 LKR | Daily Blaster 14 | 50 MB | 50 MB | 25 MB | 50 minutes | 50 SMS | 1 day |
| 129 LKR | Data Blaster | 1 GB | N/A | N/A | 250 minutes | 250 SMS | 7 days |
| 345 LKR | Triple Blaster/345 Combo | 1.5 GB | N/A | N/A | 1150 minutes | 1150 SMS | 30 days |
1 for between 0:00 and 8:00
Budget Packs – Dialog Sri Lanka
The Budget Packs are combo plans with data, minutes & SMS.
Dial #678# to activate Budget Packs:
| Price | Plan | Data | Nighttime Data 1 | 4G/LTE Data | On-Net Minutes | On-Net SMS | Validity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 73.56 LKR | 100 Min Pack | N/A | N/A | N/A | 100 minutes | N/A | 7 days |
| 118.65 LKR | 200 Min Pack | 200 MB | 200 MB | 100 MB | 200 minutes | 200 SMS | 7 days |
| 245.20 LKR | 400 Min Pack | N/A | N/A | N/A | 400 minutes | N/A | 30 days |
1 for between 0:00 and 8:00
My Plan – Dialog Sri Lanka
My Plan is a customizable plan that allows you to set how much data and how many minutes and SMS you want.
A My Plan configuration has to cost 300 LKR, 600 LKR, or 1200 LKR & has to include at least 40 on-net minutes.
The combinations are basically endless, making it impossible for me to list it all in an understandable overview.
Luckily, My Plan can be set up online or on the Dialog app.
But here are the minimum and maximum of each option (data, on-net minutes, off-net minutes, on-net SMS & off-net SMS:
- Data: 0 MB (0 LKR) – 11 400 MB (1140 LKR)
- On-Net Minutes: 40 minutes (60 LKR) – 800 minutes (1200 LKR)
- Off-Net Minutes: 0 minutes (0 LKR) – 760 minutes (1140 LKR)
- On-Net SMS: 0 SMS (0 LKR) – 5700 SMS (1140 LKR)
- Off-Net SMS: 0 SMS (0 LKR) – 5700 LKR (1140 LKR)
Daily Rental Packages – Dialog Sri Lanka
The Daily Rental Packages are data-only plans.
Daily Rental Packages can be activated by dialing #678#:
| Price (excl. tax) | Data | Nighttime Data 1 | 4G/LTE Data | Validity |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5 LKR | 40 MB | 40 MB | 20 MB | 1 day |
| 10 LKR | 90 MB | 90 MB | 45 MB | 1 day |
| 20 LKR | 200 MB | 200 MB | 100 MB | 1 day |
1 for between 0:00 and 8:00
Daily Rental Packages auto-renew. To disable auto-renewal, text OFF DBB to 678.
Time Based Packages – Dialog Sri Lanka
Time Based Packages are unlimited data-only plans.
While providing unlimited data for up to 10 days, speed restrictions apply.
Dialog works with a block system, meaning that after reaching a certain data allowance, your speeds will be throttled from full speeds to 512 Kbps to 64 Kbps.
Time Based Packages can be activated by dialing #678#:
| Price | First Block | Second Block | Third Block | Validity |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 20 LKR | <= 500 MB = @ full speed | 500 MB – 2 GB = @ 512 Kbps | => 2 GB = @ 64 Kbps | 1 hour |
| 60 LKR | <= 1 GB = @ full speed | 1 GB – 4 GB = @ 512 Kbps | => 4 GB = @ 64 Kbps | 4 hours |
| 100 LKR | <= 2 GB = @ full speed | 2 GB – 8 GB = @ 512 Kbps | => 8 GB = @ 64 Kbps | 2 days |
| 200 LKR | <= 4 GB = @ full speed | 4 GB – 10 GB = @ 512 Kbps | => 10 GB = @ 64 Kbps | 5 days |
| 400 LKR | <= 8 GB = @ full speed | 8 GB – 15 GB = @ 512 Kbps | => 15 GB = @ 64 Kbps | 10 days |
Internet Cards – Dialog Sri Lanka
Internet Cards are data-only plans.
Although the name implies that this data option can be activated through physical cards only, that is not the case.
Internet Cards can be activated by dialing #678#:
| Price | Data | Nighttime Data 1 | 4G/LTE Data | Validity |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 29 LKR | 165 MB | 165 MB | 82.5 MB | 3 days |
| 49 LKR | 330 MB | 330 MB | 165 MB | 8 days |
| 99 LKR | 660 MB | 660 MB | 330 MB | 21 days |
| 199 LKR | 1.43 GB | 1.43 GB | 0.71 GB | 30 days |
| 349 LKR | 2.64 GB | 2.64 GB | 1.32 GB | 30 days |
| 499 LKR | 3.96 GB | 3.96 GB | 1.98 GB | 30 days |
| 649 LKR | 5.5 GB | 5.5 GB | 2.75 GB | 30 days |
| 949 LKR | 8.8 GB | 8.8 GB | 4.4 GB | 30 days |
| 1449 LKR | 14.3 GB | 14.3 GB | 7.15 GB | 30 days |
| 1949 LKR | 19.8 GB | 19.8 GB | 9.9 GB | 30 days |
| 2949 LKR | 33 GB | 33 GB | 16.5 GB | 30 days |
| 3949 LKR | 44 GB | 44 GB | 22 GB | 30 days |
| 6449 LKR | 77 GB | 77 GB | 38.5 GB | 30 days |
1 for between 0:00 and 8:00
Anytime Data – Dialog Sri Lanka
Anytime data plans are data-only plans.
These Anytime Data plans are available, which can be activated by dialing #678#:
| Price | Data | 4G/LTE Data | Validity |
|---|---|---|---|
| 59 LKR | 0.5 GB | 0.25 GB | 7 days |
| 119 LKR | 1 GB | 0.5 GB | 14 days |
| 219 LKR | 2 GB | 1 GB | 30 days |
| 399 LKR | 4 GB | 2 GB | 30 days |
| 999 LKR | 10 GB | 5 GB | 30 days |
Night Time Packages – Dialog Sri Lanka
The Night Time Packages are data-only plans with significant data allowances for nighttime use between 0:00 and 8:00.
These Night Time Packages are available, which can be activated by dialing #678#:
| Price | Data | Nighttime Data 1 | Validity |
|---|---|---|---|
| 95 LKR | 302.5 MB | 3.63 GB | 21 days |
| 1499 LKR | 6.05 GB | 60.5 GB | 30 days |
1 for between 0:00 and 8:00
Unlimited Data Plans – Dialog Sri Lanka
The Unlimited Data Plans are unlimited data bundles at restricted speeds (1 Mbps, 2 Mbps & 4 Mbps).
Be aware that Telegram data and torrenting (peer-2-peer traffic) is always throttled to 512 Kbps – I recommend using a VPN to circumvent this restriction.
These Unlimited Data Plans are available, which can be activated by dialing #678#:
| Price (excl. tax) | Data 1 | Speeds | Validity |
|---|---|---|---|
| 200 LKR | Unlimited | 1 Mbps | 1 day |
| 350 LKR | Unlimited | 1 Mbps | 3 days |
| 360 LKR | Unlimited | 2 Mbps | 1 day |
| 500 LKR | Unlimited | 1 Mbps | 7 days |
| 600 LKR | Unlimited | 2 Mbps | 3 days |
| 660 LKR | Unlimited | 4 Mbps | 1 day |
| 900 LKR | Unlimited | 2 Mbps | 7 days |
| 1150 LKR | Unlimited | 4 Mbps | 3 days |
| 1300 LKR | Unlimited | 1 Mbps | 30 days |
| 1650 LKR | Unlimited | 4 Mbps | 7 days |
| 2300 LKR | Unlimited | 2 Mbps | 30 days |
| 4300 LKR | Unlimited | 4 Mbps | 30 days |
Anytime Data Add-Ons – Dialog Sri Lanka
The Anytime Data Add-Ons are data add-ons. They cannot be purchased as standalone plans.
Dial #678# to activate Anytime Data Add-Ons:
| Price (excl. tax) | Data | Validity |
|---|---|---|
| 60 LKR | 1 GB | 1 day |
| 80 LKR | 1 GB | 7 days |
| 100 LKR | 2 GB | 1 day |
| 100 LKR | 1 GB | 30 days |
| 140 LKR | 2 GB | 7 days |
| 180 LKR | 2 GB | 30 days |
| 225 LKR | 5 GB | 1 day |
| 320 LKR | 5 GB | 7 days |
| 350 LKR | 10 GB | 1 day |
| 400 LKR | 5 GB | 30 days |
| 450 LKR | 15 GB | 1 day |
| 525 LKR | 10 GB | 7 days |
| 600 LKR | 25 GB | 1 day |
| 700 LKR | 15 GB | 7 days |
| 700 LKR | 10 GB | 30 days |
| 950 LKR | 15 GB | 30 days |
| 1000 LKR | 25 GB | 7 days |
| 1400 LKR | 25 GB | 30 days |
Fun Blasters – Dialog Sri Lanka
The Fun Blaster(s) are (unlimited) data-only plans for Facebook, Instagram, Spotify, WhatsApp & YouTube.
Dial #678# to activate Anytime Data Add-Ons:
| Price | App Data | Apps | Validity |
|---|---|---|---|
| 97 LKR | Unlimited | Facebook, WhatsApp & YouTube | 7 days |
| 98 LKR | 5 GB | Facebook, Instagram, Spotify & WhatsApp 2 | 14 days |
| 347 LKR | Unlimited 1 | Facebook, WhatsApp & YouTube | 30 days |
1 +1 GB and 1 GB nighttime data (for between 0:00 and 8:00) for general browsing
2 SD quality for music and video streaming on the four apps
Video Conferencing Plans – Dialog Sri Lanka
The Video Conferencing Plans are data-only bundles for Office 365, (Microsoft) Teams & Zoom.
Dial #678# to activate Anytime Data Add-Ons:
| Price | Office 365, Teams & Zoom Data | Validity |
|---|---|---|
| 165 LKR | 25 GB | 30 days |
| 540 LKR | Unlimited (SD Quality) | 30 days |
4G Video Blaster with Unlimited YouTube – Dialog Sri Lanka
The 4G Video Blaster with Unlimited YouTube is a data-only plan with unlimited YouTube & ViU streaming (@ SD quality/360p).
It costs 249 LKR and also features 1.4 GB, 1.4 GB nighttime data (for between 0:00 and 8:00), 0.7 GB 4G/LTE data. Dial #678# to activate it.
| Price | Data | Nighttime Data 1 | 4G/LTE Data | ViU & YouTube Data | Validity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 249 LKR | 1.4 GB | 1.4 GB | 0.7 GB | Unlimited (SD quality) | 30 days |
1 for between 0:00 and 8:00
Unlimited Netflix – Dialog Sri Lanka
The Unlimited Netflix plans are, as the name suggests, unlimited data plans for Netflix @ 4 Mbps (SD quality) or 8 Mbps (HD quality)
Dial #678# to activate Anytime Data Add-Ons:
| Price (excl. tax) | Netflix Data | Speeds | Validity |
|---|---|---|---|
| 590 LKR | Unlimited Netflix | 4 Mbps (SD quality) | 7 days |
| 790 LKR | Unlimited Netflix | 8 Mbps (HD quality) | 7 days |
| 1490 LKR | Unlimited Netflix | 4 Mbps (SD quality) | 30 days |
| 1990 LKR | Unlimited Netflix | 8 Mbps (HD quality) | 30 days |
Review – Dialog Sri Lanka
I had the chance to try out Dialog when I was in Sri Lanka.
Be sure to read my Dialog review if you are considering getting a Dialog SIM card.
APN/Internet Settings – Dialog Sri Lanka
- Name: dialogbb
- APN: dialogbb
Note: leave anything not mentioned above untouched.
Jump back to the Table of Contents.
SLT Mobitel (Sri Lanka Telecom)
SLTMobitel, formerly just Mobitel and not to be confused with Mobitel from Belgium or Slovenia, is the second-largest mobile operator in Sri Lanka.
SLT stands for Sri Lanka Telecom. It used to be wholly state-owned.
Now, it is still owned by the Sri Lankan government for 49.50% and by Maxis Communications from Malaysia (also known as Hotlink) for 44.98%.
As of 2021, Mobitel is now known as SLT Mobitel as part of a brand unification process.
Somehow, the company itself is not clear how it wants to use its new name (SLTMobitel, SLT Mobitel, or SLT-Mobitel – all are used).
But what you care about is if it is any good and what it has to offer :)
Such as knowing that SLTMobitel is the fastest mobile operator in Sri Lanka.
It has even won the Sri Lanka Speedtest Speedtest Award(s) of 2021 (Q1-Q2):
SLTMobitel uses the following frequencies:
- 2G: 900 MHz & 1800 MHz
- 3G: 2100 MHz
- 4G/LTE: 900 MHz (Band 8), 1800 MHz (Band 2) & 2100 MHz (Band 1)
- 5G NR: 3500 MHz (n78) – trial phase
This is what you will learn about SLTMobitel:
* Coverage
* How to Get an SLTMobitel SIM Card & SIM Card Price
* Topping Up Options & Methods + Balance Check
* Plans & Packages
* Review
* APN/Internet Settings
Coverage – SLTMobitel (Sri Lanka Telecom)
SLTMobitel has, together with Dialog (Axiata) Sri Lanka, the best (4G/LTE) coverage in Sri Lanka.
Below is SLTMobitel's coverage map produced by Speedtest:
However, click here to see SLTMobitel's official coverage map.
SIM Card Price – SLTMobitel (Sri Lanka Telecom)
You can get an SLTMobitel SIM card for 100 LKR in SLTMobitel stores. SIM cards are also available at Colombo-Bandaranaike International Airport.
New SLTMobitel SIM cards automatically get enrolled in the New Connection Offer.
It gives you 350 MB and 674 4G/LTE data for 12 months if you recharge at least 100 LKR every month
Short-term visitors and tourists can also get the SLTMobitel Tourist packs – SLTMobitel's tourist SIM cards.
For 499 LKR and 999 LKR, you are supposed to get unlimited data, unlimited local minutes & unlimited international minutes (to your home country) for 30 days.
The issue with these offers is that it is unlikely that you get truly unlimited allowances and that Fair Use Policies (FUP) apply.
But these offers are available at the airport and supposedly in regular SLTMobitel stores.
I could not to get the offer in a regular SLTMobitel store when I was in Sri Lanka (in fact, the salesperson did not know what I was referring to 🥲).
- Find out how much SIM cards cost in every country, including data-only SIM cards and tourist SIM cards, offered by each mobile operator + information about starter benefits (lookup tool)
Therefore, if you wish to get an eSIM for Sri Lanka (without personal detail capturing), you can get unlimited data eSIMs from Holafly (seven options):
- Unlimited/5 days – most popular with Phone Travel Wiz readers
- Unlimited/7 days
- Unlimited/10 days
- Unlimited/15 days
- Unlimited/20 days
- Unlimited/30 days
- Unlimited/60 days – very popular with Phone Travel Wiz readers
Note: Phone Travel Wiz reader popularity ranking was updated in May based on data up to the 17th of May (2023 data only).
The best part is that you can get 5% off using code PHONETRAVELWIZ on each Holafly eSIM purchase!
No idea what or who Holafly is? Check out my Holafly review, where I share my hands-on experience after using its eSIMs in more than ten countries over two years.
If you plan on visiting other neighboring Asia nations, consider the Holafly Asia eSIM to be used in 11 Asian countries with two variants:
- 6 GB/15 days (max. 500 MB/day)
- 10 GB/30 days (max. 500 MB/day)
Do you think the map above is nice, but you want a country list instead (because you do not recognize the countries on a map🗿)? You can find it in my Holafly review!
Remember to use code PHONETRAVELWIZ for 5% off each Holafly purchase!
Many more travel eSIMs will perform well in Sri Lanka.
You can read about them in my Best Sri Lanka eSIMs Compared guide for an in-depth comparison.
Top-Up, Recharge & Balance Check – SLTMobitel (Sri Lanka Telecom)
SLTMobitel top-up vouchers are sold in SLTMobitel stores, kiosks, gas stations & grocery stores.
To top up your SLTMobitel SIM card, dial *102*VoucherCode# or text the VoucherCode to 141.
For example, if your voucher code is 123456, you would dial *102*123456# or text 123456 to 141.
You can also recharge online with (international) debit and credit cards.
Dial *100# to check your SLTMobitel balance.
You can also top up and check your balance on the Mobitel Selfcare app (Android/iOS).
Packages, Plans, Bundles & Offers – SLTMobitel (Sri Lanka Telecom)
SLTMobitel has 12 data-featured prepaid plans:
- Remix Prepaid Plans (combo)
- Mobitel Max (combo)
- Mini Internet Plans (data)
- Prepaid Daily Plans (data)
- Time Based Plans (data)
- Anytime Plans (data)
- Unlimited Plans (unlimited data at restricted speeds)
- 9-In-1 Non-Stop Lokka (data with unlimited social media)
- Best Value Prepaid Internet Plans (as the name implies)
- Work & Learn Data Plans (data)
- Social Networking Unlimited Plan (as the name suggests)
- Unlimited YouTube (as the name implies)
Most SLTMobitel plans can be activated by dialing #170#.
Click on the links above to jump to the plan you are interested in.
Remix Prepaid Plans – SLTMobitel (Sri Lanka Telecom)
The Remix Prepaid Plans are combo plans with data, minutes & SMS.
Remix Prepaid Plans can be activated by texting the Activation Code to 649:
| Price | Plan | Data | On-Net Minutes | On-Net SMS | Validity | Activation Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 19.59 LKR | 3 Day Remix | 20 MB | 10 minutes | 15 SMS | 3 days | R16 |
| 48.98 LKR | 7 Day Remix | 50 MB | 25 minutes | 50 SMS | 7 days | R40 |
| 97.96 LKR | 21 Day Remix | 150 MB | 50 minutes | 50 SMS | 21 days | R80 |
Mobitel Max – SLTMobitel (Sri Lanka Telecom)
Mobitel Max plans are combo bundles with data, 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 123 LKR | 1 GB | 250 minutes | 250 SMS | 7 days | Top up 123 LKR |
| 295 LKR | 1000 MB | 1000 minutes | 1000 SMS | 30 days | Top up 295 LKR |
Prepaid Daily Plans – SLTMobitel (Sri Lanka Telecom)
The Prepaid Daily Plans are data-only bundles.
Dial #170#to activate Prepaid Daily Plans:
| Price (excl. tax) | Data | Nighttime Data 1 | Validity |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5 LKR | 40 MB | 25 MB | Until midnight |
| 7 LKR | 60 MB | 60 MB | Until midnight |
| 9 LKR | 80 MB | 80 MB | Until midnight |
| 15 LKR | 140 MB | 140 MB | Until midnight |
| 25 LKR | 250 MB | 250 MB | Until midnight |
1 between 0:00 and 9:00
Mini Internet Plans – SLTMobitel (Sri Lanka Telecom)
The Mini Internet Plans are data-only bundles.
Dial #170#to activate Prepaid Daily Plans:
| Price | Plan | Data | Nighttime Data 1 | 4G/LTE Data | Validity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5 LKR | Internet Chooti | 43 MB | N/A | N/A | 24 hours |
| 29 LKR | 3 Day Internet | 163 MB | 163 MB | N/A | 3 days |
| 49 LKR | 7 Day Internet | 326 MB | 326 MB | 244 MB | 7 days |
| 99 LKR | 21 Day Internet | 652 MB | 652 MB | 489 MB | 21 days |
| 199 LKR | D199 | 1413 MB | 1413 MB | 1087 MB | 30 days |
| 299 LKR | D299 | 2.17 GB | 2.17 GB | 1.629 GB | 30 days |
1 between 0:00 and 9:00
Time Based Plans – SLTMobitel (Sri Lanka Telecom)
The Time Based Plans are short-term unlimited data plans for up to 3 hours.
Dial #170# to activate Time Based Plans:
| Price (excl. tax) | Data | Validity |
|---|---|---|
| 20 LKR | Unlimited | 30 minutes |
| 60 LKR | Unlimited | 3 hours |
Anytime Plans – SLTMobitel (Sri Lanka Telecom)
The Anytime Plans are data-only bundles.
Text the Activation Code to 7678 to activate Anytime Plans:
| Price (excl. tax) | Plan | Data | 4G/LTE Data | Validity | Activation Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 54 LKR | A49 | 375 MB | 375 MB | 7 days | A49 |
| 109 LKR | A99 | 768 MB | 768 MB | 21 days | A99 |
| 219 LKR | A199 | 1690 MB | 1690 MB | 30 days | A199 |
Unlimited Plans – SLTMobitel (Sri Lanka Telecom)
The Unlimited Plans are unlimited data bundles at restricted speeds (1 Mbps, 2 Mbps & 4 Mbps).
Dial #170# to activate Unlimited Plans:
| Price | Data | Speeds | Validity |
|---|---|---|---|
| 220 LKR | Unlimited | 1 Mbps | 1 day |
| 375 LKR | Unlimited | 1 Mbps | 3 days |
| 391 LKR | Unlimited | 2 Mbps | 1 day |
| 551 LKR | Unlimited | 1 Mbps | 7 days |
| 661 LKR | Unlimited | 2 Mbps | 3 days |
| 727 LKR | Unlimited | 4 Mbps | 1 day |
| 970 LKR | Unlimited | 2 Mbps | 7 days |
| 1240 LKR | Unlimited | 4 Mbps | 3 days |
| 1431 LKR | Unlimited | 1 Mbps | 30 days |
| 1824 LKR | Unlimited | 4 Mbps | 7 days |
| 2533 LKR | Unlimited | 2 Mbps | 30 days |
| 4737 LKR | Unlimited | 4 Mbps | 30 days |
9-In-1 Non-Stop Lokka – SLTMobitel (Sri Lanka Telecom)
The 9-In-1 Non-Stop Lokka is a data-only plan with 1 GB anytime data, 1 GB 4G/LTE bonus data & unlimited data for Facebook, Facebook Messenger, IMO, Instagram, LinkedIn, Twitter, Viber, WhatsApp & YouTube.
Note that if you use more than 30 GB, youy speed will be reduced to 1 Mbps.
This applies to when you are on 4G/LTE only. Speeds are always reduced to 3 Mbps on 3G.
9-In-1 Non-Stop Lokka costs 398 LKR for 30 days and can be activated by texting 9IN1 to 160.
| Price | Data | 4G/LTE Data | App Data 1 | Validity | Activation Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 398 LKR | 1 GB | 1 GB | Unlimited 2 | 30 days | 9IN1 |
1 Facebook, Facebook Messenger, IMO, Instagram, LinkedIn, Twitter, Viber, WhatsApp & YouTube
2 30 GB high-speed data, then unlimited @ 1 Mbps on 4G/LTE. On 3G, always @ 1 Mbps
Best Value Pre-Paid Internet Plans – SLTMobitel (Sri Lanka Telecom)
The Best Value Pre-Paid Internet Plans are data-only bundles.
Text the Activation Code to 7678 to activate Best Value Pre-Paid Internet Plans:
| Price | Plan | Data | Validity | Activation Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 399 LKR | D399 | 6.5 GB | 30 days | D399 |
| 499 LKR | D499 | 9 GB | 30 days | D499 |
| 699 LKR | D699 | 14 GB | 30 days | D699 |
| 999 LKR | D999 | 20 GB | 30 days | D999 |
| 1999 LKR | D1999 | 60 GB | 365 days | D1999 |
Work & Learn Data Plans – SLTMobitel (Sri Lanka Telecom)
The Work & Learn Data Plans are data-only plans for mLearning, Office 365, SLT eSiphala, SLT Lynked, Teams & Zoom.
Dial #170# to activate Work & Learn Data Plans:
| Price | App Data 1 | Validity |
|---|---|---|
| 166 LKR | 25 GB | 30 days |
| 651 LKR | Unlimited | 30 days |
1 for mLearning, Office 365, SLT eSiphala, SLT Lynked, Teams & Zoom
The Social Networking Unlimited Plan is an unlimited data plan for Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn & Twitter.
You get 4 GB for LinkedIn and Twitter combined & 8 GB for Facebook and Instagram combined.
Moreover, this plan can only be used on 4G/LTE.
The bundle costs 110 LKR for 30 days and can be activated by texting ACT SN to 160.
| Price | Social Data 1 | Validity | Activation Code |
|---|---|---|---|
| 110 LKR | “Unlimited” 2 | 30 days | ACT SN |
1 for Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn & Twitter
2 4 GB for LinkedIn & Twitter (on 4G/LTE) & 8 GB for Facebook & Instagram (on 4G/LTE)
Unlimited YouTube – SLTMobitel (Sri Lanka Telecom)
The Unlimited YouTube is an unlimited data plan for YouTube.
Note that if you use more than 20 GB, your speed and video quality will be reduced from full speeds/HD quality to 1 Mbps/360p.
This applies to when you are on 4G/LTE only. Speeds video quality are always reduced to 1 Mbps/SD quality on 3G.
Unlimited YouTube costs 275 LKR for 30 days and can be activated by texting ACT YT to 160.
| Price | YouTube Data | Validity | Activation Code |
|---|---|---|---|
| 275 LKR | “Unlimited”, 25 GB 1 | 30 days | ACT YT |
1 25 GB @ HD quality, then unlimited @ 1 MBps/360p on 4G/LTE. On 3G, always @ 1 Mbps/360p
Review – SLTMobitel (Sri Lanka Telecom)
I had the chance to try out SLTMobitel when I was in Sri Lanka.
Be sure to read my SLTMobitel review if you are considering getting an SLTMobitel SIM card.
APN/Internet Settings – SLTMobitel (Sri Lanka Telecom)
- Name: Mobitel
- APN: mobitel
Note: leave anything not mentioned above untouched.
Jump back to the Table of Contents.
Hutch Sri Lanka (+former Etisalat Sri Lanka)
Hutch Sri Lanka, just Hutch, is the third-largest mobile operator in Sri Lanka.
Hutch finalized its purchase of Etisalat Sri Lanka back in 2018.
Hutch is by the Hong Kongese company called CK Hutchison, which also owns the brand called 3 (Three).
3 is active in Austria, Denmark, Hong Kong, Ireland, Indonesia, Macau, Sweden & the United Kingdom.
Hutch uses the following frequencies:
- 2G: 900 MHz & 1800 MHz
- 3G: 2100 MHz
- 4G/LTE: 900 MHz (Band 8) & 1800 MHz (Band 3)
This is what you will learn about Hutch:
* Coverage
* How to Get a Hutch SIM Card & SIM Card Price
* Topping Up Options & Methods + Balance Check
* Plans & Packages
* Review
* APN/Internet Settings
Coverage – Hutch Sri Lanka (+former Etisalat Sri Lanka)
Hutch has decent coverage throughout Sri Lanka.
4G/LTE reception is available in most places in Sri Lanka.
Below is Hutch's coverage map produced by Speedtest:
However, click here to see Hutch's official coverage map.
SIM Card Price – Hutch Sri Lanka (+former Etisalat Sri Lanka)
You can get a Hutch SIM card for free in Hutch stores. However, a plan purchase or top-up is required. SIM cards are also available at Colombo-Bandaranaike International Airport.
Dial *123# to access the Hutch menu.
Call 346 to change the system's language to Sinhala, 347 for Tamil & 348 for English.
- Find out how much SIM cards cost in every country, including data-only SIM cards and tourist SIM cards, offered by each mobile operator + information about starter benefits (lookup tool)
Therefore, if you wish to get an eSIM for Nomad without personal detail capturing, you can get eSIMs from Nomad (eight options):
- 1 GB/7 days (powered by two different providers with different prices)
- 3 GB/30 days
- 3 GB/15 days
- 5 GB/30 days – very popular with Phone Travel Wiz readers
- 5 GB/15 days
- 10 GB/30 days
- 15 GB/30 days – most popular with Phone Travel Wiz readers
The best part is that you can get 3 USD/2.70 EUR/2.40 GBP/4.05 CAD off using code ADU123 on your first Nomad eSIM purchase!
Promo: until the 30th of June, you can get 10% off plans with 10 GB of data or more by using code NOMADSUMMER23. If you do not need that much data, you can still use code ADU123 for the struck through discounted rates mentioned above – you are welcome 😜.
No idea what or who Nomad is? Check out my Nomad review, where I share my hands-on experience after using its eSIMs in more than 25 countries over two years.
If you plan on visiting other neighboring Asian nations, consider the Nomad APAC eSIM (Asia-Pacific) to be used in 12, or 16 countries, depending on the plan, with eight variants:
Note: only the 12 Countries Plan and 16 Countries Plan can be used in Sri Lanka.
- 1 GB/7 days (16 Countries Plan)
- 3 GB/15 days (16 Countries Plan)
- 3 GB/30 days ( 12 Countries Plan)
- 5 GB/30 days (16 Countries Plan) – most popular with Phone Travel Wiz readers
- 5 GB/30 days (12 Countries Plan) – most popular with Phone Travel Wiz readers
- 10 GB/30 days (16 Countries Plan)
- 20 GB/45 days (16 Countries Plan) – very popular with Phone Travel Wiz readers
- 30 GB/60 days (16 Countries Plan)
Note: Phone Travel Wiz reader popularity ranking was updated in February based on data up to the 7th of February.
Do you think the map above is nice, but you want a country list instead (because you do not recognize the countries on a map🗿)? You can find it in my Nomad review!
Remember to use code ADU123 for 3 USD/2.70 EUR/2.40 GBP/4.05 CAD off your first Nomad purchase!
Promo: until the 30th of June, you can get 10% off plans with 10 GB of data or more by using code NOMADSUMMER23. If you do not need that much data, you can still use code ADU123 for the struck through discounted rates mentioned above – you are welcome 😜.
I have used, and will be using, the Nomad APAC eSIM in select countries it can be used in (I may try the Nomad SEA-Oceania eSIM instead – but in the long run, I will use it in all where possible).
- Be sure to check out my Nomad APAC eSIM review for my insights!
Many more travel eSIMs will perform well in Sri Lanka.
You can read about them in my Best Sri Lanka eSIMs Compared guide for an in-depth comparison.
Top-Up, Recharge & Balance Check – Hutch Sri Lanka (+former Etisalat Sri Lanka)
Hutch top-up vouchers are sold in Hutch stores and Reload Channels, including kiosks, gas stations & grocery stores.
To top up your Hutch SIM card, dial *355*VoucherCode#.
For example, if your voucher code is 123456, you would dial *355*123456#.
You can also recharge online with debit and credit cards. However, only Sri Lanka-issued cards are accepted.
Dial *344# or text BAL to 344 to check your Hutch balance.
You can also top up and check your balance on the Hutch app (Android/iOS/Huawei AppGallery).
Many more travel eSIMs will perform well in Sri Lanka.
You can read about them in my Best Sri Lanka eSIMs Compared guide for an in-depth comparison.
Packages, Plans, Bundles & Offers – Hutch Sri Lanka (+former Etisalat Sri Lanka)
Hutch has ten data-featured prepaid plans:
- Super All-In-1 (combo)
- My Plan (customizable combo)
- Day & Night Plans (data)
- cliQ 3G Break Free Plans (short-term unlimited data at restricted speeds)
- Data Cards (data)
- Unlimited Downloader (nighttime unlimited data)
- Any Time Data (data)
- Long Validity Plans (data)
- Non-Stop Social Media & YouTube (social media data)
- cliQ 4G Break Free Plans (short-term unlimited data at restricted speeds)
Most Hutch plans can be activated by dialing *131#.
Click on the links above to jump to the plan you are interested in.
Super All-In-1 – Hutch Sri Lanka (+former Etisalat Sri Lanka)
The Super All-In-1 Plans, consisting of Weekly Pack Super 90 and Monthly Pack Super 340, are combo plans with data, minutes & SMS.
Dial *340# to activate Super All-In-1:
| Price | Plan | Data | On-Net Minutes | Off-Net Minutes | Local SMS | Validity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 90 LKR | Weekly Pack Super 90 | 350 MB | 200 minutes | 50 minutes | 250 SMS | 7 days |
| 340 LKR | Monthly Pack Super 340 | 1.5 GB | 750 minutes | 250 minutes | 1000 SMS | 30 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.
Luckily, My Plan can be set up online or on the Hutch app.
Day & Night Plans – Hutch Sri Lanka (+former Etisalat Sri Lanka)
The Day & Night Plans are data-only plans.
Dial the Activation Code to activate Day & Night Plans:
| Price | Data | Nighttime Data 1 | Validity | Activation Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 LKR | 40 MB | 45 MB | 2 days | *131*6*1# |
| 18 LKR | 140 MB | 100 MB | 4 days | *131*6*2# |
| 39 LKR | 245 MB | 55 MB | 7 days | *131*6*6# |
| 48 LKR | 360 MB | 150 MB | 7 days | *131*6*3# |
| 99 LKR | 770 MB | 550 MB | 14 days | *131*6*4# |
| 198 LKR | 1.7 GB | 1 GB | 30 days | *131*6*7# |
| 290 LKR | 2 GB | 2.5 GB | 30 days | *131*6*8# |
| 490 LKR | 6 GB | 5 GB | 45 days | *131*6*9# |
| 649 LKR | 7.7 GB | 7 GB | 45 days | *131*6*10# |
1 for between 0:00 and 9:00
cliQ 3G Break Free Plans – Hutch Sri Lanka (+former Etisalat Sri Lanka)
The cliQ 3G Break Free Plans are unlimited data plans at restricted speeds (3 Mbps until you hit the FUP, then 1 Mbps for the remaining time).
cliQ plans have to be activated on the cliQ app (Android/iOS/Huawei App Gallery).
cliQ 3G Break Free Plans can be stacked and mixed with cliQ 4G Break Free Plans.
The following cliQ 3G Break Free Plans are available:
| Price | Data | Validity |
|---|---|---|
| 14 LKR | “Unlimited” @ 3 Mbps, @ 1 Mbps after 0.35 GB | 15 minutes |
| 20 LKR | “Unlimited” @ 3 Mbps, @ 1 Mbps after 0.35 GB | 30 minutes |
| 25 LKR | “Unlimited” @ 3 Mbps, @ 1 Mbps after 0.35 GB | 1 hour |
| 40 LKR | “Unlimited” @ 3 Mbps, @ 1 Mbps after 1.5 GB | 4 hours |
| 65 LKR | “Unlimited” @ 3 Mbps, @ 1 Mbps after 1.5 GB | 1 day |
| 120 LKR | “Unlimited” @ 3 Mbps, @ 1 Mbps after 3.5 GB | 2 days |
| 298 LKR | “Unlimited” @ 3 Mbps, @ 1 Mbps after 6 GB | 7 days |
| 398 LKR | “Unlimited” @ 3 Mbps, @ 1 Mbps after 6 GB | 10 days |
| 497 LKR | “Unlimited” @ 3 Mbps, @ 1 Mbps after 15 GB | 15 days |
| 998 LKR | “Unlimited” @ 3 Mbps, @ 1 Mbps after 30 GB | 30 days |
Data Cards – Hutch Sri Lanka (+former Etisalat Sri Lanka)
The Data Cards are, as the name implies, top-up vouchers for data.
Data Cards can be activated by dialing *355*VoucherCode#:
| Price | Data | Nighttime Data 1 | Validity |
|---|---|---|---|
| 18 LKR | 120 MB | 100 MB | 4 days |
| 48 LKR | 320 MB | 150 MB | 7 days |
| 99 LKR 2 | 320 MB | 150 MB | 7 days |
| 198 LKR | 1.5 GB | 1 GB | 30 days |
1 for between 0:00 and 9:00
Unlimited Downloader – Hutch Sri Lanka (+former Etisalat Sri Lanka)
The Unlimited Downloader plans are unlimited data bundles for nighttime use for between 0:00 and 7:00.
Dial *131# to activate Unlimited Downloader:
| Price | Data | Validity |
|---|---|---|
| 46 LKR | Unlimited | 1 night (0:00 – 7:00) |
| 86 LKR | Unlimited | 3 nights (0:00 – 7:00) |
| 176 LKR | Unlimited | 7 nights (0:00 – 7:00) |
Any Time Plans – Hutch Sri Lanka (+former Etisalat Sri Lanka)
Any Time Plans are data-only plans.
Text the Activation Code to 101 activate Any Time Plans:
| Price | Data | Validity | Activation Code |
|---|---|---|---|
| 47 LKR | 600 MB | 5 days | i47 |
| 97 LKR | 1.3 GB | 10 days | i97 |
| 197 LKR | 3 GB | 21 days | i197 |
| 297 LKR | 4.7 GB | 30 days | i297 |
| 497 LKR | 8.2 GB | 30 days | i497 |
| 647 LKR | 12 GB | 30 days | i647 |
| 997 LKR | 20 GB | 30 days | i997 |
Long Validity Plans – Hutch Sri Lanka (+former Etisalat Sri Lanka)
Long Validity Plans are data-only plans.
Text the Activation Code to 101 activate Long Validity Plans:
| Price | Data | Validity | Activation Code |
|---|---|---|---|
| 59 LKR | 750 MB | 15 days | i59 |
| 119 LKR | 1.5 GB | 30 days | i119 |
| 239 LKR | 3.45 GB | 45 days | i239 |
| 369 LKR | 5.5 GB | 60 days | i369 |
| 619 LKR | 10 GB | 60 days | i619 |
| 809 LKR | 15 GB | 60 days | i809 |
| 1239 LKR | 25 GB | 60 days | i1239 |
The Non-Stop Social Media & YouTube plans are unlimited data bundles for Facebook, Facebook Messenger, WhatsApp & YouTube.
Do note that video streaming is restricted to 360p.
Text the Activation Code to 101 activate Non-Stop Social Media & YouTube Plans:
| Price | Data | App Data 1 | App(s) | Validity | Activation Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 54 LKR | N/A | Unlimited | Facebook, Facebook Messenger & WhatsApp | 7 days | I54 |
| 124 LKR | N/A | Unlimited | Facebook, Facebook Messenger & WhatsApp | 30 days | I124 |
| 147 LKR | N/A | Unlimited | YouTube | 30 days | I147 |
| 194 LKR | 600 MB | Unlimited | YouTube | 30 days | I194 |
| 171 LKR | 600 MB | Unlimited | Facebook & WhatsApp | 30 days | I171 |
| 221 LKR | 1.3 GB | Unlimited | Facebook & WhatsApp | 30 days | I221 |
| 224 LKR | 1.3 GB | Unlimited | YouTube | 30 days | I224 |
| 271 LKR | N/A | Unlimited | Facebook, Facebook Messenger, WhatsApp & YouTube | 30 days | I271 |
| 321 LKR | 3 GB | Unlimited | Facebook & WhatsApp | 30 days | I321 |
| 344 LKR | 3 GB | Unlimited | YouTube | 30 days | I344 |
1 video streaming @ 360p
cliQ 4G Break Free Plans – Hutch Sri Lanka (+former Etisalat Sri Lanka)
The cliQ 4G Break Free Plans are unlimited data plans at restricted speeds (10 Mbps until you hit the FUP, then 1 Mbps for the remaining time).
cliQ plans have to be activated on the cliQ app (Android/iOS/Huawei App Gallery).
cliQ 34 Break Free Plans can be stacked and mixed with cliQ 3 Break Free Plans.
The following cliQ 4G Break Free Plans are available:
| Price | Data | Validity |
|---|---|---|
| 149 LKR | “Unlimited” @ 10 Mbps, @ 1 Mbps after 5 GB | 2 days |
| 249 LKR | “Unlimited” @ 10 Mbps, @ 1 Mbps after 7.5 GB | 4 days |
| 495 LKR | “Unlimited” @ 10 Mbps, @ 1 Mbps after 15 GB | 7 days |
| 565 LKR | “Unlimited” @ 10 Mbps, @ 1 Mbps after 15 GB | 10 days |
| 695 LKR | “Unlimited” @ 10 Mbps, @ 1 Mbps after 20 GB | 15 days |
| 1245 LKR | “Unlimited” @ 10 Mbps, @ 1 Mbps after 35 GB | 30 days |
Review – Hutch Sri Lanka (+former Etisalat Sri Lanka)
I had the chance to try out Hutch when I was in Sri Lanka.
Be sure to read my Hutch review if you are considering getting a Hutch SIM card.
APN/Internet Settings – Hutch Sri Lanka (+former Etisalat Sri Lanka)
- Name: hutch
- APN: hutch3g
Note: leave anything not mentioned above untouched.
Jump back to the Table of Contents.
Airtel (Sri) Lanka
Airtel Lanka, just Airtel, is the smallest mobile operator in Sri Lanka.
It was the last mobile operator to introduce 4G/LTE in the country… in 2020.
Dialog Axiata Sri Lanka already had 4G/LTE back in 2013.
So Airtel was behind for seven years.
However, the mobile operator has always been the cheapest option and had reasonable (sometimes the best) coverage in rural areas.
But it has been the worst in almost all regards (with Hutch Sri Lanka sometimes being worse).
Airtel uses the following frequencies:
- 2G: 900 MHz & 1800 MHz
- 3G: 2100 MHz (to be phased out soon)
- 4G/LTE: 850 MHz (Band 5), 2100 MHz (Band 1) & 2500 MHz (Band 41)
This is what you will learn about Airtel:
* Coverage
* How to Get an Airtel SIM Card & SIM Card Price
* Topping Up Options & Methods + Balance Check
* Plans & Packages
* Review
* APN/Internet Settings
Coverage – Airtel Lanka
Airtel has the worst coverage in Sri Lanka.
While it was regarded as the best in some rural places for a while, its competitors have mostly caught up by now.
And with the late introduction of 4G/LTE, Airtel's coverage is no match to the others either.
Be aware that Airtel is already planning on phasing out its 3G network after launching its 4G/LTE network.
As Airtel's 4G/LTE reception is still minuscule compared to its competitors, you may have no data reception at all if you go to a 2G-only area (mostly in remote areas).
Hopefully, its coverage has significantly improved before 3G is turned off.
Below is Airtel's coverage map produced by Speedtest:
However, click here to see Airtel's official coverage map.
SIM Card Price – Airtel Lanka
You can get an Airtel SIM card for as little as 98 LKR to 999 LKR, depending on the starter plan you choose, in Airtel stores. SIM cards are also available at Colombo-Bandaranaike International Airport.
The following starter plans are available:
| Price | 4G/LTE Data | On-Net Minutes | Off-Net Minutes | On-Net SMS | Off-Net SMS | Validity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 98 LKR | 100 MB | Unlimited | 50 minutes | N/A | 50 SMS 1 | 30 days |
| 399 LKR | 1 GB/day (30 GB) | Unlimited | 200 minutes | 1000 SMS | 50 SMS | 30 days |
| 599 LKR | 1 GB/day (30 GB) | Unlimited | 300 minutes | 1000 SMS | 50 SMS | 30 days |
| 999 LKR | 2 GB/day (60 GB) | Unlimited | 300 minutes | 1000 SMS | 50 SMS | 30 days |
1 also for on-net use
Short-term visitors and tourists can also get the Airtel Tourist Packs – Airtel's tourist offering.
The following Airtel Tourist Packs are available:
| Price | Data | Nighttime Data 1 | Call Credit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 600 LKR | 2.9 GB | N/A | Undisclosed |
| 900 LKR | 5.4 GB | 4.8 GB | Undisclosed |
| 1500 LKR | 12.4 GB | 4.8 GB | Undisclosed |
| 2000 LKR | 30 GB | N/A | Undisclosed |
| 3500 LKR | 60 GB | N/A | Undisclosed |
1 for between 1:00 and 7:00
Be aware that these offers are only available at Colombo-Bandaranaike International Airport and cannot be purchased in regular Airtel stores (unlike some of its competitors).
While the packs are permanently limited offers, they do change from time to time – mostly for the better.
Dial *11# to see your Airtel phone number.
- Find out how much SIM cards cost in every country, including data-only SIM cards and tourist SIM cards, offered by each mobile operator + information about starter benefits (lookup tool)
Therefore, if you wish to get an eSIM for Sri Lanka (without personal detail capturing), you can get Sri Lanka Miturā eSIMs from Airalo (two options):
- 1 GB/7 days – very popular with Phone Travel Wiz readers
- 3 GB/30 days – most popular with Phone Travel Wiz readers
Note: Phone Travel Wiz reader popularity ranking was updated in March based on data up to the 13th of March (2023 data only)
No idea what or who Airalo is? Check out my Airalo review, where I share my hands-on experience after using its eSIMs in more than 25 countries over four years.
If you plan on visiting other neighboring Asian OR Oceanian nations, consider the Nomad SEA-Oceania eSIM (Southeast Asia) to be used in eight countries with six variants:
- 1 GB/7 days
- 3 GB/15 days – very popular with Phone Travel Wiz readers
- 5 GB/30 days
- 10 GB/30 days – most popular with Phone Travel Wiz readers
- 20 GB/45 days
- 30 GB/60 days
Note: Phone Travel Wiz reader popularity ranking was updated in February based on data up to the 7th of February.
Do you think the map above is nice, but you want a country list instead (because you do not recognize the countries on a map🗿)? You can find it in my Nomad review!
Remember to use code ADU123 for 3 USD/2.70 EUR/2.40 GBP/4.05 CAD off your first Nomad purchase!
Promo: until the 30th of June, you can get 10% off plans with 10 GB of data or more by using code NOMADSUMMER23. If you do not need that much data, you can still use code ADU123 for the struck through discounted rates mentioned above – you are welcome 😜.
I have used, and will be using, the Nomad SEA-Oceania eSIM in select countries it can be used in (I may try the Nomad APAC eSIM instead – but in the long run, I will use it in all where possible).
- Be sure to check out my Nomad SEA-Oceania eSIM review for my insights!
Many more travel eSIMs will perform well in Sri Lanka.
You can read about them in my Best Sri Lanka eSIMs Compared guide for an in-depth comparison.
Top-Up, Recharge & Balance Check – Airtel Lanka
Airtel top-up vouchers are sold in Airtel stores, kiosks, gas stations & grocery stores.
To top up your Airtel SIM card, dial *567*VoucherCode#.
For example, if your voucher code is 123456, you would dial #567*123456#.
You can also recharge online with (international) debit and credit cards.
Dial *550# to check your Airtel balance.
You can also top up and check your balance on the My Airtel (Sri Lanka) app (Android/iOS).
Do note that this app is geo-restricted. Meaning only Google accounts registered in Sri Lanka can download it (the Android app, at least).
You can also download an .APK from a reputable source and get it that way.
Trying to download the app with a VPN will not do the trick.
Packages, Plans, Bundles & Offers – Airtel Lanka
Airtel has nine data-featured prepaid plans:
- Basic Packs/Freedom Packs (combo)
- Special Packs (combo)
- 4G Data Packs/Freedom Packs (combo – yes, really)
- Data Downloader (data)
- Anytime Range (data)
- Work From Home Plans (data)
- Unlimited Data Plans (unlimited data at restricted speeds)
- Data Top-Ups/Freedom Packs (data add-ons for Freedom Packs)
- Social Media Data Pack (as the name implies)
Click on the links above to jump to the plan you are interested in.
Basic Packs (Freedom Packs) – Airtel Lanka
The Basic Packs, falling under the Freedom Packs category, are combo plans with data, minutes & SMS.
These Basic Packs are available:
| Price | Data | On-Net Minutes | Off-Net Minutes | Local SMS | Validity | Activation Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 48 LKR | 50 MB | Unlimited | 25 minutes | 50 SMS | 15 days | Top up 48 LKR |
| 98 LKR | 100 MB | Unlimited | 50 minutes | 50 SMS | 30 days | *98# |
Special Packs – Airtel Lanka
The Special Packs are combo plans with data, minutes, call credit & SMS.
These Special Packs are available, which get automatically activated if you top-up 99 LKR or 148 LKR:
| Price | Data | On-Net Minutes | Local Call Credit | On-Net SMS | Validity | Activation Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 99 LKR | 350 MB | N/A | 99 LKR | 1000 SMS | 21 days | Top up 99 LKR |
| 148 LKR | 108 MB | Unlimited | 50 LKR | 1000 SMS | 30 days | Top up 148 LKR |
4G Data Packs (Freedom Packs) – Airtel Lanka
The 4G Data Packs, calling under the Freedom Packs category, are combo plans with data, minutes & SMS.
These 4G Data Packs can be activated by dialing the Activation Code:
| Price | 4G/LTE Data | On-Net Minutes | Off-Net Minutes | On-Net SMS | Off-Net SMS | Validity | Activation Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 199 LKR | 1 GB | Unlimited | 100 minutes | N/A | 50 SMS 1 | 30 days | *199# |
| 399 LKR | 1 GB/day (30 GB) | Unlimited | 200 minutes | 1000 SMS | 50 SMS | 30 days | *399# |
| 599 LKR | 1 GB/day (30 GB) | Unlimited | 300 minutes | 1000 SMS | 50 SMS | 30 days | *599# |
| 999 LKR | 2 GB/day (60 GB) | Unlimited | 300 minutes | 1000 SMS | 50 SMS | 30 days | *999# |
1 also for on-net use
Data Downloader – Airtel Lanka
The Data Downloader is a data-only plan with 330 MB anytime data, 475 MB nighttime data (for between 1:00 and 7:00, and 206 MB bonus data that has to be redeemed through the My Airtel (Sri Lanka) app.
It costs 59 LKR and automatically gets activated when you top-up 59 LKR.
| Price | Data | Nighttime Data 1 | App Bonus 2 | Validity | Activation Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 59 LKR | 330 MB | 475 MB | 206 MB | 4 days | Top up 59 LKR |
1 for between 1:00 and 7:00
2 to be redeemed on the My Airtel (Sri Lanka) app (geo-restricted)
Anytime Range – Airtel Lanka
The Anytime Range plan is a data-only plan with 1.5 GB anytime data and 623 MB bonus data that has to be redeemed through the My Airtel (Sri Lanka) app.
It costs 179 LKR and automatically gets activated when you top-up 179 LKR.
| Price | Data | App Bonus 1 | Validity | Activation Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 179 LKR | 1.5 GB | 623 GB | 14 days | Top up 179 LKR |
1 to be redeemed on the My Airtel (Sri Lanka) app (geo-restricted)
Work From Home Plans – Airtel Lanka
The Work From Home Plans are data-only plans.
Although they are intended for working from home, there are no usage restrictions to these plans, making them attractive packages for any Airtel customer.
Work From Home Plans can be activated by dialing the Activation Code:
| Price | Data | Validity | Activation Code |
|---|---|---|---|
| 159 LKR | 30 GB | 30 days | *159# |
| 540 LKR | Unlimited | 30 days | *540# |
Unlimited Data Plans – Airtel Lanka
The Unlimited Data Plans are unlimited data bundles at restricted speeds (1 Mbps, 2 Mbps & 4 Mbps).
Note that torrenting is excluded from these plans – I recommend using a VPN to circumvent this restriction.
Dial the Activation Code to activate Unlimited Data Plans:
| Price | Data | Speeds | Validity | Activation Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1399 LKR | Unlimited Data Plans | 1 Mbps | 30 days | *1399# |
| 2499 LKR | Unlimited Data Plans | 2 Mbps | 30 days | *2499# |
| 4699 LKR | Unlimited Data Plans | 4 Mbps | 30 days | *4699# |
Data Top-Up (Freedom Packs) – Airtel Lanka
The Data Top-Ups are data add-ons for plans in the Freedom Packs category (Basic Packs & 4G Data Packs).
They can only be activated for Freedom Packs and cannot be purchased as standalone plans.
Dial the Activation Code to activate Data Top-Ups:
| Price | Data | Validity | Activation Code |
|---|---|---|---|
| 58 LKR | 1 GB | No expiry | *58# |
| 198 LKR | 5 GB | No expiry | *198# |
The Social Media Data Pack is an unlimited data plan for Facebook, Facebook Messenger, Viber, WhatsApp & YouTube (video streaming @ SD quality/360p).
It costs 286 LKR and can be activated by dialing *286#:
| Price | Social Data 1 | Validity | Activation Code |
|---|---|---|---|
| 286 LKR | Unlimited | 30 days | *286# |
1 Facebook, Facebook Messenger, Viber, WhatsApp & YouTube (@ SD quality/360p)
Review – Airtel Lanka
I had the chance to try out Airtel when I was in Sri Lanka.
Be sure to read my Airtel review if you are considering getting an Airtel SIM card.
APN/Internet Settings – Airtel Lanka
- Name: airtellive
- APN: airtellive
Note: leave anything not mentioned above untouched.
Jump back to the Table of Contents.
The Preferred Way to Stay Connected When Traveling in Sri Lanka
Getting a SIM card from Dialog or SLTMobitel would do you well when considering a Sri Lankan SIM card.
Local Prepaid SIM Card in Other Asian Countries
Visiting other countries in Asia? Check out my region-specific SIM card buying guides:
- Central Asia
- East Asia
- (Middle East)
- South Asia
- Southeast Asia (revamped in September 2022)
- West Asia
Or check out my SIM card buying guides for individual Asian countries:
Going to other places around the world? Then you should also check out my sim card buying guides for other destinations around the world.
Next Steps to Enhance Your Travel Experiences
Looking for the next steps to enhance your phone travel experiences? Here is what to do:
Support Phone Travel Wiz
It takes a lot of time to analyze, translate & review the SIM card options worldwide (especially to test them out).
Your support helps me keep producing impartial content by eliminating the need to recommend international SIM cards as the best local SIM card (but some of them CAN be useful).
Every Ko-Fi donation, one-time or monthly, helps me to spend more time creating local SIM card buying guides.
Check Out My Resource Page
Looking for the best companies and gadgets to enhance your travel experience?
Check out my travel resources page for the best companies to use when you travel!
Save money with international SIM cards, on plane tickets, bus rides, cruises & accommodation.
Besides that, I also list services and items I use to make my life easier – and I believe they will help you too!
Start Your Own Online Business – Make Money While Traveling
Do you want to learn how I started an online business that allows me to generate income while traveling?
In my starting an online business guide, I tell you which tools, services & products I have for this site and my YouTube channel.
If I can start a business about something I am passionate about (phone travel), then you can do it too!
Learn About Your Phone Travel Options
You can buy local prepaid SIM cards, international SIM cards, mobile hotspots, or roam internationally.
Each of these options has its pros and cons. Learn more about them, and find the best option for you.
Phone Travel Tips, Tricks & Hacks
I have written many articles with tips and hacks to save money on mobile costs while abroad. You surely want to check them out!
Sign Up for the Phone Travel Wiz Newsletter
Get updates related to the newest guides, videos & recommended products and services.
Moreover, I send you many tips and tricks on saving money while traveling every now and then.
Let's Be Social
Did you know that I have a YouTube channel covering everything you need to know about traveling with your phone?
A lot of useful videos are uploaded multiple times a week, and you do not want to miss out on them!
Learn More About Who Adu Actually Is
Who is the guy behind Phone Travel Wiz? Well, find out on the Ernest Adu about page!