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Traveling to the capital of Sri Lanka soon and looking for the best way to stay connected? Using an eSIM is easily the best option whenever you’re traveling, allowing you to get internet access wherever you go without having to fiddle around with physical SIM cards or other devices.

You can buy an eSIM for Sri Lanka online and set it up in advance to get connected as soon as your plane lands. But which eSIM should you choose? Follow along, and we’ll explain everything related to the eSIM, its prices, advantages, costs, and where you can buy your eSIM data plan.

eSIM for Colombo

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Where can I buy an eSIM for Colombo?

One of the best things about eSIMs is just how easy they are to buy and set up. You can do everything online without ever having to get up from your couch and buy your eSIM well before your holiday and simply activate it when you arrive.

You do have the option of buying an eSIM from a local carrier, but you might have to visit a physical customer center for that. This also means that you’d have to start off your holiday looking for a way to get internet access instead of being able to enjoy it from the get-go.

Holafly offers flexible Sri Lanka eSIM plans with unlimited mobile data, allowing you to choose any number of days in the range of 1 to 90 for your plan. This means that you can match your plan with the duration of your stay and avoid overpaying for any extra days. 

What is an eSIM? 

An embedded SIM, or eSIM, is a chip that’s embedded in your mobile phone, allowing you to enjoy cellular and mobile internet connection without the need for physical SIM cards. All you need is an eSIM plan, which you can purchase online and activate by scanning the QR code you’ll receive in your email after purchase.

Advantages of an eSIM for Colombo

If eSIMs function just like any other SIM card, why choose them instead of travel SIMs? Well, even though the function is the same, eSIM cards have quite a few advantages over other alternatives.

  • You can buy and set up an eSIM online, so you don’t need to look for a physical stand or customer center when you arrive in Sri Lanka.
  • You can keep your regular SIM card in your phone, which also means keeping your WhatsApp number.
  • The delivery is instant, and the whole setup process only takes a couple of minutes from purchase to enjoying a stable internet connection.
  • You can choose unlimited data plans, so you don’t have to worry about running out of data and losing connection at the worst time. 
  • The eSIM is purely digital, so it leaves no plastic waste behind.
  • Holafly offers 24/7 customer support, so you can always get help if you have any questions or experience issues with your eSIM.

How do I activate my eSIM Colombo?

The eSIM activation process is quick, simple, and shouldn’t take more than a few minutes. Here’s how you can activate your eSIM from Holafly:

  • Choose Sri Lanka or any of Holafly’s other 200+ destinations and select the duration of your plan.
  • Make the payment with one of the available payment methods.
  • As soon as the payment goes through, you’ll receive a QR code in your email.
  • Scan the QR code and follow the instructions to activate your eSIM.
  • We recommend that you rename your eSIM so you can easily differentiate it from any other eSIMs you may use.
  • You should activate eSIM data roaming only when you arrive in Colombo. Once you do, you’ll have seamless internet access all over the country.

Keep in mind that you need to be connected to the internet to set up your eSIM, so it’s best to do so in advance, and only activate the data roaming once you arrive. If you forget to do so, don’t worry, you should be able to find free WiFi at the airport and use it to set up the eSIM.

Holafly eSIM for Sri Lanka
Holafly eSIM for Sri Lanka

How much does a Holafly eSIM card for Colombo cost?

Holafly allows you to choose any number of days from 1 to 90 for your plan. The price will be adjusted depending on the duration you choose. Here are a few pricing examples for the most popular eSIM data plans:

Days of useDataPrice, USD
1 dayUnlimited data$5.90
5 daysUnlimited data$20.90
7 daysUnlimited data$28/90
10 daysUnlimited data$36.90
15 daysUnlimited data$50.90
20 daysUnlimited data$61.90
30 daysUnlimited data$74.90
60 daysUnlimited data$106.90
90 daysUnlimited data$138.90

Travel SIM cards for Colombo

If you don’t have a phone that supports eSIM technology or simply don’t want to use an eSIM for some reason, you can use travel SIM cards while visiting Sri Lanka. Typically, you’ll be able to find stands at the airport where you can buy a prepaid physical SIM card to use during your travels.

These cards allow you to stay connected without an eSIM-compatible phone. They might also include minutes for regular phone calls and SMS messages, while most eSIMs are limited to data plans only.

Local eSIM alternatives

If you prefer to get a local eSIM instead of using a global provider such as Holafly, there are a few options you can choose from in Sri Lanka.

Dialog eSIM card for Colombo

Dialog is the largest cellular operator in Sri Lanka. It’s also the same mobile network that Holafly eSIMs work on. The features of their services are as follows: 

  • Some of the best 4G and 5G coverage in Sri Lanka.
  • Top-ups are available if you run out of data.
  • You can get the eSIM at the Colombo-Bandaranaike International Airport.
  • You can also top up and check your balance on the MyDialog app for Android and iOS.

SLT Mobitel eSIM card for Colombo

Mobitel is another local operator in Sri Lanka that offers solid coverage and prepaid SIM cards for tourists.

  • You can only buy their eSIMs in physical customer centers.
  • They have excellent coverage in the country and stand out for being the fastest cellular operator in Sri Lanka.
  • Top-ups are available if needed.
  • You will be able to choose between different package plans for tourists.

Tips for using an eSIM in Colombo

Before you go out and buy yourself an eSIM, here are a few quick tips that’ll help you get the most out of your experience.

  • Double-check if your mobile device is compatible with eSIM technology. If it’s not, you won’t be able to use eSIM plans.
  • Check which network in Sri Lanka your eSIM uses. For example, Holafly works on the Dialog network, but some other providers may use networks that don’t have great coverage in the country.
  • Make sure your mobile device has unlocked bands so it can connect to mobile networks outside of your home country.

Which is the best eSIM for Colombo? 

If you’re looking for an easy purchase process, affordable pricing, and solid coverage in Colombo, the Holafly eSIM for Sri Lanka is your best choice. It offers unlimited data, so you never lose connection, and works with the largest network in the country, ensuring that you’re always connected.

On top of that, you get 24/7 customer support if things go wrong and intuitive apps for iOS and Android, which make your user experience much easier.

FAQs about the best eSIM for Colombo

When should I set up my eSIM?

You should configure your eSIM before you leave your home and only activate the data plan and enable data roaming once you arrive at your destination. To do so, simply scan the QR code you receive after purchasing your eSIM and follow the simple instructions.

When will I receive my eSIM?

Once you purchase an eSIM, you will receive it immediately to your email address. You then just need to scan the QR code to activate the SIM.

Which eSIM carrier will I connect to in Colombo?

The Holafly eSIM for Sri Lanka works on the Dialog network, which is the largest mobile network in the country.

Can I make phone calls and send messages with my Holafly eSIM?

The Sri Lanka eSIM only allows you to use cellular data. It does not include a local phone number for voice calls or messages. You can still make calls using apps like WhatsApp.

Leoneska Ruiz

Leoneska Ruiz

SEO Specialist Jr.

Hi! Leoneska here, your guide to traveling connected. I'm a Venezuelan SEO content specialist with over four years of experience sharing tips and tricks for using mobile internet while traveling and making the most of your adventures. At Holafly, I take care of providing reliable and high-quality information to travelers like you. I hope you enjoy my content and find it useful!

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