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Best eSIM for Sri Lanka in 2024: Which eSIM to buy?
Find out what Holafly, Maya Mobile, Hutch, Dialog, and Global YO has to offer and find the best eSIM for Sri Lanka.
One unique way to explore Sri Lanka is to take some of the famous train rides, such as the ones from Kandy to Ella or Colombo to Badulla. However, there’s a downside to these unforgettable rides—there’s no WiFi on the trains, just like in much of the country. Free WiFi isn’t widely available and is often slow and unreliable, so your best option to avoid data roaming in Sri Lanka is to get an unlimited eSIM data plan.
In this article, we’ll compare the eSIM data plan offers from the most reliable providers and help you choose the best eSIM for Sri Lanka.
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Will my eSIM work in Sri Lanka?
Yes, your eSIM will work if you get it from a reputable provider and choose a virtual SIM card plan covering Sri Lanka. If that’s covered, you will have no issues connecting to the Sri Lanka network with your eSIM.
Currently, different carriers are offering the eSIM service in the country. One of those is Dialog, which partners with international companies to provide eSIM services in Sri Lanka.
While eSIM is the best way to stay connected, not all phones have an embedded SIM card necessary for an eSIM service to work. For those who have to keep using their physical SIM card, there are other ways to stay connected while in Sri Lanka.
- Data roaming: This used to be the preferred method of staying connected in the past, but its popularity has dropped due to high costs and the availability of alternative options.
- Physical SIM card: Before eSIMs, people usually purchased a local, traditional SIM card in Sri Lanka. Some still do this, but they often have to deal with limited data plans, customer support, and instructions in a foreign language.
- Pocket WiFi: If you need a stable internet connection for several devices at once and a mobile hotspot at all times, pocket WiFi could work. However, be prepared to shell out up to £80 per week for that convenience and deal with all the issues of renting a device.
- Free WiFi: In Sri Lanka’s urban areas, free WiFi is an option. It can be available in hotels, museums, cafes, and bars. However, don’t expect it to be as easily accessible as you are used to back home. It’s just not that common in Sri Lanka. Free WiFi is not an option if you plan to explore rural areas.
Which eSIM card is best for Sri Lanka?
Here’s a list of the best eSIMs to use when traveling to Sri Lanka. We’ll discuss each company’s main features, prices, advantages, and disadvantages so you can choose the best data plan for your trip.
- Holafly: Best unlimited data eSIM with data sharing.
- Dialog: Provider with the best coverage in Sri Lanka.
- Hutch: The most accessible local eSIM for travelers.
- Maya Mobile: eSIM with the largest eSIM package offer.
- Global YO: Best eSIM for lite data users and short trips to Sri Lanka.
1. Holafly unlimited data eSIM for Sri Lanka
Holafly is the top pick for your trip to Sri Lanka, even if you need an eSIM for Asia. Its unbeatable feature is that you can get unlimited data for the exact number of days you need.
You can choose any number of days between 1 and 90 and get a tailored eSIM data plan for that precise number of days. Moreover, you still keep your traditional SIM card and your usual number. You just get an additional digital SIM card to use only to connect to the Internet and avoid data roaming.
The best part is that you don’t have to worry about running out of data.
Also, the Holafly eSIM for Sri Lanka will work with Dialog’s network, which means you’ll enjoy speeds up to 5G during your trip.
Plans and pricing
Holafly eSIM for Sri Lanka starts at £5 per day. Since you can choose your own eSIM validity, here are some prices for the most popular plans:
- 1 day: £5
- 5 days: £16
- 10 days: £29
- 20 days: £49
- 30 days: £59
- 60 days: £89
- 90 days: £119
Advantages and disadvantages
Advantages:
- A support team available 24/7 in different languages through both the Holafly app or WhatsApp.
- Unlimited eSIM data plan includes data sharing of up to 500 MBs per day
- Excellent coverage in the region, connecting to the strongest local networks
- You can purchase an eSIM Asia with coverage in 16 destinations, including Sri Lanka.
- Only need to scan a QR code for the eSIM to work on your device
- Easy to purchase through the Holafly website or mobile app
- Extremely flexible refund policy
Disadvantages:
- It doesn’t include phone calls, but thanks to the unlimited data, you can make calls with WhatsApp, Facetime, and similar apps
2. Dialog
Dialog is one of the most popular carriers in Sri Lanka. With up to 5G speeds and excellent coverage, it has rapidly become a go-to mobile provider for many locals.
The situation can be a bit challenging for tourists. To get a prepaid eSIM for Sri Lanka from Dialog, you have to be prepared to give your passport number and upload a screenshot of your personal document. There’s only one prepaid eSIM plan available, and it will cost you £7.13 (GBP).
Plans and pricing
- £7.13 for an eSIM with 0.52p per minute and 0.52p per SMS. 1 free MB for every minute of call made.
You don’t get a proper data plan with this package. It’s a complicated and unusual way to get data, so not many tourists use it.
Postpaid plans are available only to residents of Sri Lanka. However, if you are a tourist who just needs reliable connection for a few days in Colombo, this is too much work.
Advantages and disadvantages
Advantages:
- Offers access to the best local network
- The cost of eSIM is very low
Disadvantages:
- The purchase process is not user-friendly at all
- Using data with the basic plan is extremely complicated
- You are required to upload a photo of your passport
3. Hutch
Hutch is another local carrier providing easier access to eSIMs for travellers compared to Dialog. They offer two eSIM data plans for tourists.
The purchase process for travelers is a bit complicated, as it requires your phone number, identity verification, and proof of your hotel booking. While it provides good coverage, purchasing a data plan will take longer than many other companies.
Plans and pricing
- 125 GB, unlimited local calls, valid for 30 days: £7.82
- 50 GB, unlimited local calls, valid for 14 days: £5.20
Advantages and disadvantages
Advantages:
- Decent data plan budgets for both plans
- Offers a connection to a reliable network in Sri Lanka
- Includes unlimited local phone calls
Disadvantages:
- The purchase process is complex and requires a detailed verification process
- You need to have a hotel booking to get a prepaid tourist eSIM in Sri Lanka
4. Maya Mobile eSIM
Maya Mobile is another alternative for getting an eSIM data plan for your visit to Sri Lanka. They offer both Prepaid and Unlimited plans. Maya eSIM connects to SLT Mobitel, and they can provide speeds up to 4G.
Plans and pricing
Maya Mobile offers a variety of data plans, with 5, 10, 15, or 30 days of data budgets ranging from 3 GB to 40 GB.
Unlimited plans have three tiers, each offering different features. The Lite plan offers 2 GB of daily high-speed internet, Standard offers 3 GB, and Unlimited is capped at 5 GB. After you spend Each of these plans is designed for certain uses, like streaming, data-sharing, or simply traveling alone and avoiding data roaming rates.
Prepaid plans
- 5 days: 3 GB is £5 GBP; 5 GB is £9 GBP; 10 GB is £13 GBP; 20 GB is £25 GBP, and 40 GB is £45 GBP
- 10 days: 3 GB is £6 GBP; 5 GB is £9 GBP; 10 GB is £14 GBP; 20 GB is £26 GBP, and 40 GB is £46 GBP
- 15 days: 3 GB is £7 GBP; 5 GB is £10 GBP; 10 GB is £15 GBP; 20 GB is £28 GBP, and 40 GB is £48 GBP
- 30 days: 3 GB is £9 GBP; 5 GB is £12 GBP; 10 GB is £17 GBP; 20 GB is £30 GBP, and 50 GB is £55 GBP
Unlimited plans
- 5 days: Lite is £18 GBP; Standard is £23 GBP; Max is £29 GBP
- 10 days: Lite is £24 GBP; Standard is £37 GBP; Max is £45 GBP
- 15 days: Lite is £37 GBP; Standard is £52 GBP; Max is £68 GBP
- 30 days: Lite is £48 GBP; Standard is £64 GBP; Max is £80 GBP
Advantages and disadvantages
Advantages:
- Variety of data packages that work well for different types of travelers
- Data plans vary from 5 to 30 days and include limited or unlimited data
- Easier to purchase compared to local carriers
Disadvantages:
- Doesn’t work with 5G data speeds
- Unlimited plans have capped daily speed allowance
- Lite unlimited plans for Sri Lanka don’t have a hotspot option
- Doesn’t offer reliable information about its coverage in Sri Lanka
5. Global YO
Of all the suggested eSIM providers, Global YO is the newest option on the market. They offer both fixed data packages and unlimited data packages. They seem to be catering to tourists who don’t need much data and are only visiting Sri Lanka for a short period of time. Their smallest package starts at 500 MB for one day.
Plans and pricing
Fixed data plans
- 500 MB: 1 day for £0.49
- 1 GB: 1 day for £0.74
- 1 GB: 7 days for £4.47
- 2 GB: 7 days for £9.37
- 3 GB: 15 days for £9.71
- 5 GB: 15 days for £11.70
- 10 GB: 30 days for £29.29
Unlimited data plans
- 7 days for £11.28
- 15 days for £20.99
Advantages and disadvantages
Advantages:
- International calls add-on for £3.83
- YOYO$ currency users can earn and exchange for discounts and different perks
Disadvantages:
- Relatively new service without many reviews from other travelers
- Only two unlimited plans for Sri Lanka
- No 5G speeds available
- Relatively low data budgets with validity up to 30 days
How do you purchase an eSIM for Sri Lanka?
Once you’ve reviewed all the data plans and chosen the best eSIM for your next trip to Sri Lanka, here’s the most convenient way to buy your eSIM card.
Time needed: 5 minutes
Step 1: Visit the Holafly website or the Holafly mobile app.
Step 2: Type “Sri Lanka” in the search bar. Select “Sri Lanka” from the offered results.
Step 3: When on the Sri Lanka eSIM page, choose how many days and eSIMs you need.
Step 4: Go to the checkout and pay for your new eSIM profile.
After a few seconds, you will receive an email with a QR code for your Sri Lanka eSIM card. Scan QR code, which will automatically install your embedded SIM card.
Requirements to install a Sri Lanka eSIM
Before you buy your Sri Lanka eSIM, it’s worth seeing if you can actually use eSIM services and data plans. There are two things to check:
- if your phone is eSIM-compatible. Most modern smartphones can use eSIM cards without problems, but check if your phone is on the list, just in case.
- if your phone is unlocked. This isn’t common in the UK, but some US iPhones are sometimes locked to their carriers, which means they can’t install their eSIM profile or use eSIM cards.
Once you check the requirements, you can download different eSIM cards, avoid data roaming, and maintain a great internet connection anywhere – including Sri Lanka.
Android:
- Go to your device “Settings” and then “Connections.”
- Tap “SIM Manager” and choose “Add eSIM.”
- Scan the QR code you received in your email and wait until it is installed. You will also receive an activation code if you need to complete this process manually.
iPhone:
- Go to “Settings” and then “Mobile Data.”
- Tap “Add Data Plan” and scan the QR code you received in your email to add your eSIM.
- The iPhone does not require manual installation. Depending on your carrier, your eSIM can also be installed automatically, as with the Holafly iOS app.
Conclusion
Choosing the right eSIM can make all the difference when it comes to enjoying your trip to Sri Lanka. Whether you’re roaming the busy streets of Colombo or exploring the hiking trails of the hills of Ella, a reliable network and a good eSIM with a mobile data plan ensure all your data needs are met.
To find the best deal for you, look out for Sri Lanka eSIM data plans that have no hidden fees, offer affordable prices, and allow you to tether other devices, if you need to. By using Holafly’s Sri Lanka eSIM for mobile data, you can trust that your connectivity won’t be interrupted. You’ll have the freedom to explore Sri Lanka without worrying about your internet access or having to enable roaming on your phone.
FAQ about the Sri Landa eSIM
Yes, you can get an eSIM in Sri Lanka. You can choose between local eSIM cards and international eSIM providers that offer eSIM plans for Sri Lanka. Keep in mind that local providers in Sri Lanka have a rather complicated process of selling their SIM cards to foreign tourists.
If you don’t have an eSIM-compatible phone and absolutely have to use a SIM card in Sri Lanka, it is best to look into Dialog and Hutch.
Yes, you can use Airtel SIM in Sri Lanka. However, if you have an Airtel SIM card, you can expect to pay for international roaming while using your phone in Sri Lanka.
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I first started my content creation journey as a freelancer in 2019, before connecting with Holafly in 2021. At Holafly, my travel and tech interests come together in one place as I craft high-quality articles about the eSIM and related markets. My content aims to help travelers stay connected, wherever they are.
