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Mobile Internet
There are many ways to connect to Mobile internet in Sri Lanka such as mobile data, SIM cards, eSIM cards, Pocket Wifi, and more
When you visit a country so beautiful as Sri Lanka it is impossible not to want to share your pictures and videos with your loved ones. And of course, you don’t want to lose contact with them. So, to avoid that, you have to connect to the internet somehow.
In Sri Lanka, you will find wonderful landscapes and amazing beaches. So, to share all your experiences you will need the internet on your side. There are many ways to connect to the internet in Sri Lanka such as cellular data, SIM cards, eSIM cards, Pocket Wifi, or public WiFi. Keep reading this article if you want to learn more!
As we already told you there are many ways to connect to the internet in this destination, SIM cards, eSIM cards, Pocket WiFi, or the public WiFi are just some of them. In case you don’t know a lot about it, we are going to help you. One way to access the internet in this destination is with the services of operators like:
One of the most recommended options is the Holafly SIM card for Sri Lanka. You can buy it at the Holafly virtual store, and you will receive it in no time!
You can connect to the internet using the services of local cellular operators. You should know that the roaming service can be a bit expensive, so it is not very recommended.
This is the main operator in Sri Lanka. It has the best coverage in the country and offers a 4G connection. Also, this operator offers a special plan for those tourists who are visiting the country for just a few days.
Another way to connect to the internet in Sri Lanka is using the services of Hutch. Sometime before it was known as Etisalat. Its coverage is not massive, and it does not include a 4G connection.
Mobitel is another option. It is a big operator, and it has good national coverage. But its coverage and its 4G network connection are worse than Dialog.
The price may vary depending on the plan, the amount of data, and the company you choose. There isn’t a standard price. But you can check the comparison chart below, to learn more about it.
Service | Price |
Dialog Roaming | 3GB / 30 days / €1.52 (Rs.577) |
Hutch Mobile Roaming | 2.7GB / 30 days / €0.54 (Rs.206) |
Mobitel Roaming | 3.82GB / 30 days / €0.52 (Rs.199) |
When you get to the airport you will find physical stores where you can buy a SIM card. At Colombo’s airport, you will find different operators. But you should know that the price can be a bit high.
You can also buy a SIM card before you travel. You can buy the Holafly SIM card, with which you will be able to connect to a 4G network, you can receive it for free! One of the great perks is that customer support is available all the time!
The eSIM card for Sri Lanka is another good option to connect to the internet during your trip. This type of card works virtually, so you won’t have to stop using your usual SIM card or remove it from the phone, or lose your WhatsApp number. You can buy the Holafly eSIM card for Sri Lanka, which has many benefits and offers unlimited data!
Another alternative is to get a Pocket WiFi. It is a viable alternative for travelers, but it is one of the most expensive ones. The reason why the price is so high is that you are not only paying for the data plan but for the device you buy or rent as well. Some sellers are the following:
You can connect to the public WiFi almost in any hotel. In either standard or brand name hotels, you can connect to the public WiFi and save some money. But in some cheaper hotels, this service is not always included. Also, it is not one of the most stable and safe alternatives.
To help you make the best choice, you can read below the comparison chart. You will be able to decide which service and price is best for you:
Service | Price |
SIM card | 8 GB / 30 days / €34 |
eSIM card | Unlimited data / 30 days / $64.00 |
SkyRoam Solis Pocket Wifi | Rent for €8.00 per month |
TravelersWifi Pocket Wifi | Rent for €5.90 per day |
Public Wifi | Free |
Whether you’re uploading photos from Sigiriya Rock or searching for the best curry spot in Kandy, fast and reliable Mobile Internet in Sri Lanka is your passport to a truly effortless journey. Today, staying connected goes beyond sharing palm-lined beach scenes — it’s how you navigate crowded markets, book scenic train rides to Ella, or keep up with friends and family back home. But before you choose a SIM, eSIM, or pocket WiFi for your adventure, it’s worth asking: how much data will you actually need?
Your Mobile Internet needs can vary a lot depending on your travel habits. Streaming a sunrise surf session in Arugam Bay, video calling family from tea plantations, or using Google Maps to explore ancient ruins can burn through your data faster than you might expect. To help you plan ahead, check out the infographic below — it breaks down estimated hourly Mobile Internet usage for all the most popular apps and activities, so you can select the ideal plan for your Sri Lankan escape.
Curious which apps are most likely to drain your data? The video below reveals the top culprits (one app alone can use nearly 200 MB in just five minutes!) and shares practical tips for making your Mobile Internet in Sri Lanka go further. Definitely worth a watch before you touch down on the island.
Want to manage your apps like a pro? Explore our Spotify data usage guide and our resource on using Google Maps efficiently.
If you want to know more about the internet in Sri Lanka, you should read about the internet coverage in this country. You can look at some maps below:
Roaming services are indeed recommended if you are traveling for some days, but it is costly. And, as you could see, other alternatives are better. We recommend you buy the Holafly eSIM or SIM card for Sri Lanka through the Holafly virtual store.
In most cases, you will have to show your passports. Some operators will take a digital photo.
In Sri Lanka, Holafly works with Mobitel and Dialog, so you will connect to these networks.
Usually, eSIM cards only include cellular data. If you want to make calls or send texts you can do it with cellular apps such as WhatsApp or Telegram.