Mobile Connectivity & Internet — SIM Cards, eSIM & Wi-Fi in Sri Lanka

Stay online for maps, ride-hailing, bookings, and safety. This guide explains tourist SIMs, eSIM and roaming options, coverage by network, Wi-Fi realities, and practical tips to save data and avoid scams.

Why a Local SIM Helps

Sri Lanka’s cities and tourist belts have strong 4G/LTE coverage; rural zones and parts of the hill country can vary. A local SIM (or eSIM) gives you affordable data for navigation, translations, and secure two-factor logins while traveling.

Major Mobile Networks (Quick Overview)

• Dialog Axiata — Wide 4G/LTE footprint; pilot/limited 5G in key cities; strong airport presence.
• Mobitel (SLT) — Reliable national coverage; good performance on intercity routes.
• Airtel Lanka — Competitive data bundles; popular with budget travelers.
• Hutch — Attractive prepaid data plans; improving coverage in tourist areas.

Coverage varies by valley/mountain and building interiors. If speeds drop, try switching network mode (4G↔3G) or moving to open space.

Tourist SIM — Where & How to Buy

• Where: Official counters at Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB) arrivals and major city outlets.
• What you need: Passport for KYC/registration; local address (hotel) and a phone that supports local bands.
• What you get: Prepaid data (1–50+ GB options), local minutes, international call rates, and top-up via apps/shops.
• Activation: Usually instant at the counter; ask staff to test data and calls before leaving.

Tip: Keep the SIM jacket with the number and PUK. Photograph it for backup.

eSIM, International Roaming & Dual-SIM Tips

• eSIM: Some providers and global eSIM brands support Sri Lanka on compatible phones. Purchase from official apps or counters; scan the QR and restart.
• Roaming: Convenient but often more expensive than local prepaid. Check your home operator’s day-pass rates and data caps.
• Dual-SIM setup: Keep your home SIM active for banking/SMS, use a local SIM for data. Set “Mobile Data” to the local line and disable data on the home line.

Wi-Fi — Hotels, Cafés & Public Spots

• Most hotels/guesthouses provide free Wi-Fi; speeds range from basic browsing to video-friendly depending on location.
• Cafés and coworking spaces in Colombo, Kandy, Galle, and Ella offer reliable connections.
• Public Wi-Fi exists at airports and some transport hubs; use with a VPN and avoid sensitive logins.

Speed, Coverage & Data-Saving Tips

• Expect fast 4G/LTE in cities and coastal belts; speeds can slow on mountain bends and inside deep valleys.
• Download offline maps (Google Maps/Here/Maps.me) for hill country and national parks.
• Set apps to Wi-Fi only for backups/auto-updates; limit social video autoplay.
• If tethering, choose 4G only and keep the phone near a window for better signal.

Safety, Verification & Scam Avoidance

• Buy from official operator counters or verified retailers. Avoid unmarked stalls promising “special tourist rates.”
• Do not share passport photos or SIM ownership details with unverified third parties.
• On public Wi-Fi, use a VPN and turn off auto-connect. Never log into banking via open networks.
• Keep your number private; use messaging apps for calls where possible.

Useful Apps for Connectivity

• Operator apps for balance/top-ups and add-ons.
• Ride-hailing: PickMe, Uber (city zones).
• Communication: WhatsApp, Viber, Telegram; enable two-step verification.
• Navigation: Google Maps (offline), Here WeGo, Maps.me.

DATA SOURCES — OFFICIAL

• Telecommunications Regulatory Commission of Sri Lanka (TRCSL): trc.gov.lk
• Dialog Axiata: dialog.lk
• Mobitel (SLT): mobitel.lk
• Airtel Lanka: airtel.lk
• Hutch Sri Lanka: hutch.lk
• Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority: sltda.gov.lk

Tourist Emergency Contacts — Sri Lanka

• Police Emergency: 118 / 119
• Ambulance (Suwa Seriya, free island-wide): 1990
• Fire & Rescue: 110
• Tourist Police (Colombo HQ): +94 11 242 1052
• Sri Lanka Tourism Hotline: 1912
• Government Information Centre: 1919