Sri Lanka is a popular travel destination because of its location, nature, and affordability. Whether you plan on staying in Colombo or explore the jungle in the middle of nowhere, there is something for every type of traveler in Sri Lanka.
You will want to share your amazing Sri Lanka experiences on the web, and you would need a Sri Lankan SIM card for that. Sure, you could roam with your provider in Sri Lanka, but roaming can be expensive in many cases, which is why many travelers prefer to buy a local SIM card, such as a Sri Lankan one.
Moreover, mobile data rates are low in Sri Lanka compared to (South) Asian standards and the world's average.
With that said, you are interested in buying a SIM card in Sri Lanka and want to know what provider is the best. I had the same question, so I went to Colombo, Sri Lanka, and bought all Sri Lankan SIM cards, including Hutch, besides Dialog, Mobitel, and Airtel Sri Lanka, and tested them.
Let's see how my experience with Hutch was, and how your experience could be when visiting Sri Lanka. Let's get started.
Original publication: 8th of May 2020. Last updated: 15th of January 2024.
Table of Contents
Telecom Providers in Sri Lanka
Before I talk about Hutch, I need to inform you about your options in Sri Lanka. If you have read my Buying a SIM Card in Sri Lanka Guide, then you know what Sri Lanka has 4 Telecom Providers: Dialog, Mobitel, Hutch, and Airtel Sri Lanka.
Sri Lanka has no (prepaid) Mobile Virtual Network Operators (MVNOs), which makes it easy to select a SIM card for your adventure in the country.
Hutch is the third-largest operator in Sri Lanka. They bought Etisalat Sri Lanka in April 2018 and finalized the transaction in November 2018. With this acquisition, Hutch aims to compete with Dialog, the market leader, and Mobitel, by having a larger and better network than before the acquisition.
Although Hutch has a 4G/LTE network, they throttle speeds to 3 Mbps for unknown reasons. This affects the maximum speed you can have with Hutch.
With that out of the way, let’s see what Hutch has to offer to us.
How do I Buy a Hutch Prepaid SIM Card?
You can buy a Hutch SIM card at any Hutch shop or from select retailers. Hutch also has a booth at Colombo Airport (Bandaranayake International Airport). When I was there, they only sold the most expensive plans. I do not recall whether they were tourist plans or just a selection of costly plans.
I decided to buy my Hutch SIM card at a Hutch store so that I had the freedom to select the plan I want.
In Sri Lanka, you have to show your passport and register it with the provider. When you buy your SIM card at a Hutch store, the salesperson will handle all of this for you, but you do have to bring your passport with you if you intend to buy a Sri Lankan SIM card.
The Hutch store looked rather modern if I have to be honest. The employees were friendly, and there was someone opening the door for you before going. I am not sure if the quality of service is this top-notch throughout Sri Lanka – perhaps only in Colombo. Either way, the customer service aspect was on point.
Hutch SIM cards are actually given for free, but it is expected that you at least buy credit or a plan upon activation. If you decide on getting a plan, well, be prepared.
At the time of getting my Hutch SIM card, they had 32 different data packages, grouped into 10 categories. I am all for choice, but there is a certain limit to it. Some of the plans shown on the leaflet are not available anymore or have been renamed. Now, you can choose from 48 different packages. Let’s just say that the perfect plan for you should be available.
I decided to go for the 198 LKR plan that comes with 1.5 GB daytime data and 1 GB nighttime data, which was valid for 30 days.
One thing Sri Lankan operators like to do is to split your data allowance into groups. Some have anytime data, which can be used whenever, others have daytime data, nighttime data, and even 4G bonus data, which can only be used on the 4G/LTE network.
Personally, I am not a fan of this system. I like to have the freedom to use my data whenever I want instead of having to worry about how much anytime/daytime/nighttime/4G data I have. What I would not mind is that you get a bonus, let’s say extra MB/GB for during the night.
With my 198 LKR Value Internet plan, daytime data could be used whenever, whereas nighttime data was to be used between 12 AM to 9 AM.
The Day Time Blast Internet plans, however, have daytime restrictions from 12 AM until 6 PM. This is something to be aware of when buying a Hutch plan, but the restrictions will clearly be mention when I discuss the data packages Hutch offers.
Back to Hutch, once the registration has been successful, you can use your SIM card instantly. You may have to restart your phone, though.
How do I Activate my Hutch SIM Card?
The Hutch salesperson will activate your SIM card upon purchase and registration. Remember to bring your passport with you if you decide to buy a SIM card in town instead of at the airport.
What Prepaid Packages does Hutch Offer, and How do I Activate one?
As mentioned earlier, Hutch has many types of plans to choose from, and they change frequently. There was a delay of 3 months before I wrote this review, and the number of plans has changed quite a bit within those 3 months.
I will, however, try my best to keep the plans and prices up to date, but the Buying a SIM Card in Sri Lanka Guide will have the most up-to-date prices. Otherwise, check the Hutch website.
Hutch has the following 9 types of prepaid plans:
- Any Time Plans
- Pocket Internet
- Value Mega Internet
- Day & Night Internet
- Non Stop Internet
- CliQ Break Free Internet
- Ghost Internet
- 2G Internet Packs
- Unlimited YouTube
Let’s of through each one of them.
Hutch Any Time Plans
Hutch’s Any Time Plans do not have any data allowance restrictions. They can be used at any time. All plans can be activated by dialing *131#. However, some plans can be activated by texting an activation code to 101 or by reloading a specific amount. Dial *344# to check your balance.
The following 7 Hutch Any Time Plans are available:
| Price | Data | Validity | Activation |
|---|---|---|---|
| 47 LKR | 600 MB | 5 Days | Text i47 to 101 or reload 47 LKR |
| 97 LKR | 1.3 GB | 10 days | Text i97 to 101 or reload 97 LKR |
| 197 LKR | 3 GB | 21 days | Text i197 to 101 or reload 197 LKR |
| 297 LKR | 4.7 GB | 30 days | Text i297 to 101 |
| 497 LKR | 8.2 GB | 30 days | Text i497 to 101 |
| 647 LKR | 12 GB | 30 days | Text i697 to 101 |
| 997 LKR | 20 GB | 30 days | Text i997 to 101 |
Hutch Pocket Internet Plans
Hutch’s Pocket Internet plans are their short-term plans that come with a limited data allowance. They come in 4 variants:
| Price | Data | Validity | Extra | Activation |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3 LKR | 24 MB | Until midnight | None | Dial *131*3*1#, text i3 to 101, or reload 3 LKR |
| 14 LKR | 95 MB | 2 days | None | Dial *131*3*2#, text i14 to 101, or reload 14 LKR |
| 29 LKR | 160 MB | 3 days | 100 on-net SMS | Dial *131*3*3#, text i29 to 101, or reload 29 LKR |
| 89 LKR | 720 MB | 14 days | None | Dial *131*3*5#, text i89 to 101, or reload 89 LKR |
Hutch Value Mega Internet Plans
Need a lot of data? Then Hutch’ Value Mega Internet plans may be for you. These plans come with anytime data (24 hours) and nighttime data (from 12 AM to 9 AM). 1 plan also comes with airtime. The following 4 Value Mega Internet plans are available:
| Price | Data | Validity | Extra | Activation |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 195 LKR | 900 MB | 30 days | 100 LKR airtime | Dial *131*3*7#, text i195 to 101, or reload 195 LKR |
| 998 LKR | 18.5 GB (12.5 GB anytime & 6 GB night) | 30 days | None | Dial *131*6*12#, text i998 to 101, or reload 998 LKR |
| 1690 LKR | 34 GB (24 GB anytime & 10 GB night | 45 days | None | Dial *131*6*13#, text i1690 to 101, or reload 1690 LKR |
| 2490 LKR | 46 GB (36 GB anytime & 10 GB night) | 45 days | None | Dial *131*3*15#, text i2490 to 101, or reload 2490 LKR |
Hutch Day & Night Internet
Hutch has a plan called Day & Night Internet that is like the Value Mega Internet plans, as they come with daytime data (read: anytime data) and nighttime data (from 12 AM to 9 AM). The main difference between Value Mega Data and Day & Night is that the data allowances of the Day & Night plans are smaller.
The following 9 Hutch Day & Night Internet plans can be purchased:
| Price | Data | Validity | Activation |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6 LKR | 85 MB (40 MB anytime & 45 MB night) | 2 days | Dial *131*6*1#, text i6 to 101, or reload 6 LKR |
| 18 LKR | 240 MB (140 MB anytime & 100 MB night) | 4 days | Dial *131*6*2#, text i18 to 101, or reload 18 LKR |
| 39 LKR | 300 MB (245 MB anytime & 55 MB night) | 7 days | Dial *131*6*6#, text i39 to 101, or reload 39 LKR |
| 48 LKR | 510 MB (360 MB anytime & 150 MB night) | 7 days | Dial *131*6*3#, text i48 to 101, or reload 48 LKR |
| 99 LKR | 1.3 GB (770 MB anytime & 550 MB night) | 14 days | Dial *131*6*4#, text i99 to 101, or reload 99 LKR |
| 198 LKR | 2.7 GB (1.7 GB anytime & 1 GB night) | 30 days | Dial *131*6*7#, text i198 to 101, or reload 198 LKR |
| 290 LKR | 5.5 GB (3 GB anytime & 2.5 GB night) | 30 days | Dial *131*6*8#, text i290 to 101, or reload 290 LKR |
| 490 LKR | 11 GB (6 GB anytime & 5 GB night) | 45 days | Dial *131*6*9#, text i490 to 101, or reload 490 LKR |
| 649 LKR | 14.7 GB (7.7 GB anytime & 7 GB night) | 45 days | Dial *131*6*10#, text i649 to 101, or reload 649 LKR |
Hutch Non Stop Internet Plans
Hutch has several Non Stop Internet plans, which come with unlimited data for a select period, that come in 3 variants: anytime, off peak, and ghost. Anytime Non Stop Internet plans can be used whenever you want. Off Peak Non Stop Internet plans can be used at night between 1 AM to 6 PM, and the Ghost Non Stop Internet plan can be used between 2 AM and 6 AM.
The following 8 Hutch Non Stop Internet plans are available:
| Price | Non Stop Internet Type | Validity | Activation |
|---|---|---|---|
| 19 LKR | Off Peak | 1 hour | Dial *131*7*2*4# or text ti19 to 101 |
| 25 LKR | Anytime | 1 hour | Dial *131*7*1*1# or text pti25 to 101 |
| 25 LKR | Off Peak | 2 hours | Dial *131*7*2*1# or text ti25 to 101 |
| 45 LKR | Anytime | 2 hours | Dial *131*7*1*2# or text pti45 to 101 |
| 45 LKR | Off Peak | 4 hours | Dial *131*7*2*3# or text ti45 to 101 |
| 70 LKR | Anytime | 5 hours | Dial *131*7*1*3# or text pti70 to 101 |
| 70 LKR | Off Peak | 10 hours | Dial *131*7*2*3# or text ti70 to 101 |
| 299 LKR | Ghost | 7 days | Dial *131*7*3*1# or text i299 to 101 |
Hutch/cliQ Break Free Internet Plans
What is cliQ then? The cliQ Break Free Internet plans are another type of unlimited internet plan. These plans have to be purchased on the cliQ app, whereas the Non Stop internet plans can be activated by dialing a USSD code or texting the activation code to 101. cliQ is available on Android and iOS.
cliQ plans are restricted to 3 Mbps. Hutch, however, claims that all their plans are limited to 3 Mbps (but the speed test results may show you otherwise). I am not sure if these speeds are actually throttled to 3 Mbps because cliQ was not a thing when I was in Sri Lanka. Once you have gone over your Fair-Use Policy (FUP) limit, your speed will be reduced to 1 Mbps.
The following 10 cliQ Break Free Internet plans are available:
| Price | FUP | Validity |
|---|---|---|
| 14 LKR | 0.35 GB | 15 minutes |
| 20 LKR | 0.35 GB | 30 minutes |
| 25 LKR | 0.35 GB | 1 hour |
| 40 LKR | 1.5 GB | 4 hours |
| 65 LKR | 1.5 GB | 1 day |
| 120 LKR | 3.5 GB | 2 days |
| 298 LKR | 6 GB | 7 days |
| 398 LKR | 6 GB | 10 days |
| 497 LKR | 15 GB | 15 days |
| 998 LKR | 30 GB | 30 days |
Hutch Ghost Plans
Mainly active at night as a night owl? Hutch has 4 Ghost Plans that are data packs that can be used between 2 AM and 6 AM:
| Price | Data | Validity | Activation |
|---|---|---|---|
| 45 LKR | 2.4 GB | 3 days | Dial *131*7*4*1#, text i45 to 101, or reload 45 LKR |
| 75 LKR | 4.8 GB | 7 days | Dial *131*7*4*2#, text i75 to 101, or reload 75 LKR |
| 175 LKR | 12 GB | 15 days | Dial *131*7*4*3#, text i175 to 101, or reload 175 LKR |
| 299 LKR | Unlimited (between 1 AM and 6 AM) | 7 days | Dial *131*7*3*1# ortext i299 to 101 |
If you buy the same Ghost Internet pack 3 times within 15 days, then you will get the 4 pack for free. The 4th pack can be the 45 LKR, 75 LKR, and 175 LKR packs but not the 299 LKR pack.
Hutch 2G Internet Packs
Hutch also has 2G Internet Packs. Unless you do not have a smartphone, there is no need to browse the web at 2G speeds, which is 100 Kbps, because it is frustratingly slow. You better not load a site with a lot of visuals because it will take ages to load.
The only pro of these plans is that they come with a generous data allowance for the price you pay. Then again, speeds will be extremely slow.
| Price | Data | Validity | Extra | Activation |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 49 LKR | 1.2 GB | 30 days | None | Dial 131*8*1#, text i49 to 102, or reload 49 LKR |
| 149 LKR | 1.2 GB | 30 days | 100 LKR airtime | Dial 131*8*2#, text i149 to 102, or reload 149 LKR |
Hutch Unlimited YouTube Pack
Finally, you have the Hutch Unlimited YouTube pack, which is a pack that comes with genuinely unlimited YouTube video streaming for 147 LKR (30 days – activation: dial *131# or text i147 to 102). Video streaming will, however, be at standard definition quality (480p).
Although you can manually change your video quality to better quality, Hutch claims that you will experience buffering more frequently. Moreover, this plan works the best on phones with a screens size of 5 inches or smaller. If you have a larger device, then you will experience more buffering as well.
What Speeds Will I Get with Hutch in Sri Lanka?
I did 4 speed tests when I was in Sri Lanka: 3 in Colombo itself and in an area near Colombo called Labugama where I was enjoying a secret waterfall. In Colombo, I did a speed test at my Airbnb (Colombo 5), at a Bubble Tea place called Bubble Me Bubble Tea (Colombo 5), and Colombo International Airport.
These are the types of speeds I would expect when using a 3G network. In most cases, I was using Hutch 4G/LTE network when doing these speed tests. The only place where I had 3G was when I was in Labugama. That waterfall was in a remote area, so I actually was not expecting any coverage there if I have to be honest.
Remember when I said that Hutch claims to throttle all speeds to a maximum of 3 Mbps? That may be the reason why the speeds are so disappointing, even though I was using Hutch’ 4G/LTE network.
With these speeds, except for the Labugama one, you can comfortably browse the web. Streaming HD videos could result in buffering, though.
Do I Recommend Hutch to Travelers Visiting Sri Lanka?
I would recommend Hutch to those visiting Sri Lanka. Hutch’s speeds may not be the best compared to other Sri Lankan operators, but the packages they offer are extensive.
That brings me to another point. Do we need that many packages? I mentioned earlier that I am all for choice because having a restrictive selection will do nobody good. But having 48 different packages, grouped in 9 categories may be a bit overkill. I know that it took me a while to choose a data pack. At least the salespeople at Hutch were not pushing me to buy an expensive plan, which was nice.
One thing that I do not like with Sri Lankan operators is that data allowances are sometimes split into anytime/day data and nighttime data. If I buy a data plan that comes with 5 GB, then I want to use the 5 GB whenever I want, regardless of the time of the day. Luckily, a lot of Hutch’ plans that have daytime allowances can be used all day, and they even have Any Time plans that do not have these different categories.
Another thing I was ABSOLUTELY not a fan of is the amount of SMS spam you get from the Sri Lankan operators. I did not get that many from Hutch. In fact, I got the least from Hutch, but it was annoying. Some even send you USSD/system messages that look like this.
If I recall correctly, Hutch did not do this (unlike Airtel Sri Lanka that sent AT LEAST 10 a DAY), but this is something to be aware of when having a Sri Lankan SIM card.
The customer service experience at the Hutch store was excellent. I loved how I got assisted quickly and then everything got explained in detail for the questions I asked. Back then, I was not aware of the speed limit Hutch imposes. If I did, I would have asked them about it.
Coverage with Hutch was also quite good, even outside of Colombo. Sure, Hutch’ coverage is not as excellent as the ones of Dialog or Mobitel, but it is still good. I am, however, not sure if I would recommend Hutch to those exploring many parts of Sri Lanka, those who go up in the mountains, or into forests. You would be better off with Dialog or Mobitel for those cases. For anything else, Hutch could be a cheaper alternative to the two big operators, while offering a large number of packages.
Based on all these experiences, I believe that Hutch deserves a rating of 4 out of 5 stars. Hutch is good, but some flaws make Hutch not great nor excellent. Even then, your experience with Hutch should be good.