Which eSIM to choose for a trip to Sri Lanka?

Planning a vacation in Sri Lanka? Whether you're relaxing on a sandy beach or exploring the Buddhist temples of Kandy or Dambulla, you'll need a reliable and cost-effective way to stay connected to the Internet throughout your trip. To use your smartphone freely, the best option is a travel eSIM plan, which lets you enjoy a 4G or 5G internet connection with no roaming fees, wherever you are. Want to know more? Discover everything you need to know about eSIMs, along with our tips for choosing the best plan for your stay in Sri Lanka.

How to get Internet in Sri Lanka?

There are several options for getting internet access while traveling abroad. But are they really better than an eSIM?

A mobile plan with a travel add-on

Some mobile plans can be supplemented with travel options, allowing you to add communication services from outside your home country. This can include call minutes, SMS/MMS or extra data, usually billed monthly. These can be useful options, but they're often limited to a small number of destinations.

Public Wifi and pocket Wifi

Today, you can connect to many public Wifi networks for free in airports, train stations, hotels or restaurants. However, keep in mind that these networks are not secure and carry a high risk of hacking… More importantly, they won’t give you access everywhere! Alternatively, you can rent a pocket Wifi, but this requires carrying extra equipment and recharging it frequently.

A local SIM card

At Colombo airport, you'll find dedicated shops offering prepaid SIM cards for Sri Lanka. These will provide you with a local phone number and a traditional mobile plan. This can be a good solution, but it means changing your number during your entire trip.

A travel eSIM for Sri Lanka

The rise of eSIM technology has enabled the development of new offers: travel eSIMs. Thanks to their instant and remote activation, they allow you to access a data plan usable from any destination and enjoy a 4G or 5G connection wherever you go — while keeping your usual number! You can purchase a Sri Lanka eSIM plan just before your departure to get internet access as soon as you land.

How does an eSIM for Sri Lanka work?

Travel eSIMs are digital SIM cards that can be configured to work on any country’s network. Here’s how it works.

How does an eSIM work?

The term eSIM stands for “embedded SIM”. More than a digital SIM, it’s a universal SIM built into your device’s hardware that can be configured to connect to any mobile network operator. To install it, simply scan a QR code provided by your eSIM provider, then follow the network setup instructions. Once installed, your eSIM is instantly activated, letting you use your plan right away.

How to get Internet while traveling with an eSIM?

Travel eSIM providers negotiate agreements with local operators to offer data packages valid in many destinations. These deals allow travelers to benefit from affordable 4G or 5G internet without roaming fees.

When you buy a Sri Lanka eSIM, you actually connect through a Sri Lankan network operator, enjoying the same network coverage as a local subscriber.

What’s the best eSIM plan for traveling to Sri Lanka?

Not sure which eSIM plan to choose for your trip to Sri Lanka? Here are our tips to help you pick the best one.

How to choose the best eSIM for Sri Lanka?

• Trip duration: eSIM plans are available with varying validity, usually between 1 and 30 days.
• Data needs: streaming videos requires more data than just using GPS or checking emails.
• Network coverage: if you plan to visit remote areas, check which provider offers the best local coverage.
• Your itinerary: if you’re traveling to multiple Asian countries, consider a regional eSIM for broader coverage.

What are the best eSIM plans for Sri Lanka?

Holafly Sri Lanka eSIM

Holafly offers a Sri Lanka eSIM with unlimited data and customizable duration. Great for heavy data users, but it's one of the most expensive. Tethering is limited to 1 GB/day.

Airalo Sri Lanka eSIM

Airalo provides multiple durations (7, 15, 30 days) with reasonable prices. However, customer support can be slow. Rated 4.6 on app stores.

UPeSIM Sri Lanka eSIM

UPeSIM offers 3 plans: 7 days 1 GB, 10 days 5 GB, 30 days 10 GB. Support responds within 15 minutes. Rated 4.9 out of 5 on app stores.

Provider	Duration	Data	Price	Tethering
Holafly	7 days	Unlimited	€26.90	1 GB/day
	10 days	Unlimited	€33.90
	15 days	Unlimited	€46.90
	30 days	Unlimited	€68.90
Airalo	7 days	1 GB	€4.00	Unlimited
	15 days	2 GB	€5.00
	30 days	10 GB	€10.50
UPeSIM	7 days	1 GB	€2.99	Unlimited
	10 days	5 GB	€12.99
	30 days	10 GB	€24.99

Which eSIM to choose for Sri Lanka and Asia?

If you plan to extend your trip to India or another country in South Asia, you can either purchase an individual eSIM for each country or opt for a regional Asia eSIM. That way, you won’t need to worry about activating a new eSIM each time you cross a border!

We offer eSIMs for 20 Asian countries, including a 15-country Asia eSIM covering Sri Lanka, India, Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand, Cambodia, Vietnam, Macao, Taiwan, Japan, South Korea, Indonesia, the Philippines, Laos, and even China — thanks to the included VPN!

FAQ: All your questions about our Sri Lanka eSIM

When should I install my Sri Lanka eSIM?

We recommend installing your eSIM the day before or the day of your departure to avoid wasting any days of your plan and to have internet access as soon as you land.

How do I install an eSIM?

Installing your eSIM only takes a few seconds: just scan the QR code sent via email with your purchase confirmation, then follow the setup instructions. Your eSIM will activate automatically!

Does WhatsApp work in Sri Lanka?

Yes, you can use WhatsApp throughout your stay in Sri Lanka with your eSIM. Since your number remains unchanged, you’ll have no issues connecting.

Can I share my eSIM connection?

Yes, you can share your eSIM data connection with your other devices using your smartphone’s hotspot mode. We do not impose any daily limits on data sharing!

How do I call loved ones with a travel eSIM?

Travel eSIM plans do not include calls or SMS/MMS. However, you can make calls using all your messaging and social apps: Instagram, Messenger, WhatsApp, Facetime, Signal, etc.