[2025 Latest Edition] 3 recommended eSIMs for traveling to Sri Lanka and a thorough explanation of how to choose them

ආයුබෝවන් (Ayubowan = Hello!)

Are you planning a trip to Sri Lanka? Are you ready for your trip?

Sri Lanka is a country where you can have a memorable experience, where rich nature and deep history are interwoven. In the capital, Colombo, colonial architecture and modern urban culture blend together, and you will find something new just by strolling around. At Sigiriya Rock, you will be overwhelmed by the ruins of the ancient royal palace and the magnificent scenery, and in Kandy you can spend a quiet time experiencing Buddhist culture. The highlands covered with tea plantations and Ayurvedic experiences will also enhance the charm of your trip.

To make your trip to Sri Lanka more enjoyable, it is very important to have a means of communication while you are there. We recommend using an eSIM. You can connect to the internet directly with your smartphone without having to go through the trouble of searching for a SIM card while you are there.

With an eSIM, you can use maps and translation apps smoothly even when you're in mountainous areas or visiting ruins, and you can share your travel records and photos in real time. Enjoy your trip with peace of mind and experience the charm of Sri Lanka to the fullest!

❔What is eSIM?❔

eSIM is a new type of digital SIM that is pre-installed in devices such as smartphones and tablets. There is no need to insert a small card as in the past; instead, you can download your carrier's information directly to your device and start using mobile communications right away.

This eliminates the need to buy and replace SIM cards when traveling, making it easier to set up a communication environment. It's also easy to switch between multiple communication plans, making it perfect for overseas trips and business trips. Make sure to give it a try!

 

✈Benefits of using eSIM when traveling to Sri Lanka

[Lighten your load and travel more freely]

With eSIM, you don't need to carry around pocket Wi-Fi or a physical SIM card. Just download the data plan to your smartphone and you can connect to the local network right away. There's no need to swap out your SIM card, and you can keep using your regular phone number, which is a nice bonus.

[Can be activated immediately at the airport]

When you arrive at Bandaranaike International Airport, you can connect to the Internet immediately by simply setting up your smartphone. There is no need to wander around looking for a local SIM card, as in the past. Immediately after arriving, you can check the location of your hotel on a map app or use a ride-hailing app to get around smoothly.

[Safe across countries and regions]

In Sri Lanka, you can travel to a variety of areas, from the city of Colombo to the Buddhist heritage of Kandy, the tea plantations of Nuwara Eliya, and even the beach resorts in the south. With an eSIM, you can enjoy stable communications not only in urban areas, but also in mountainous and coastal areas.

Furthermore, if you are planning to visit neighboring countries such as India or the Maldives, we recommend an eSIM plan that supports multiple countries. Even when crossing borders, you can continue to use the internet comfortably without the hassle of switching communication environments.

✈Notes about eSIM

[Check device compatibility]

Not all smartphones and tablets support eSIM. First, check whether your model can use eSIM. Even if it does support it, it may not be usable depending on the communication service or country you use, so it's a good idea to check the specifications and supported areas in advance.

[Check if the SIM lock is removed]

Smartphones purchased from mobile carriers may have restrictions that prevent them from being used with other carriers' networks. To use an eSIM, this "SIM lock" must be removed. You can find out how to remove the SIM lock by contacting your carrier's support or official website. If you complete the procedure before traveling, you'll be able to use communications smoothly once you're at home!

[ Check the communication area at your destination ]

In Sri Lanka, urban areas such as Colombo and Kandy have good internet environments and allow for comfortable communication. However, in areas surrounded by nature such as Sigiriya, Nuwara Eliya, and Yala National Park, the signal may be weak in some places. Connections can be unstable, especially in mountainous and forested areas, so it's a good idea to check the communication conditions around your destination in advance.

Also, if you plan to visit neighboring countries such as India or the Maldives during your trip, you can choose an eSIM plan that supports multiple countries to maintain a smooth internet connection. The appeal is that you can continue to use your phone without changing any settings, even when you cross borders.

[For safe internet use]

While traveling, you will often use free Wi-Fi at hotels, cafes, airports, etc., but there is a risk that personal information may be leaked if the network is not secure. Mobile communications using eSIM are relatively safe, but if you want to be even more secure, we recommend using a VPN (Virtual Private Network). By encrypting communications using a VPN, you can use the Internet while protecting your privacy.

📲3 recommended local eSIM providers

📶 1. Dialog Axiata PLC

Dialog Axiata is the largest telecommunications company in Sri Lanka, offering a wide range of services including mobile communications, fixed-line, Internet and digital TV. Its parent company is the Malaysian Axiata Group, and it provides services to more than 20 million users in Sri Lanka.

📌 Recommended points

• Sri Lanka's largest telecommunications operator

• Providing a wide range of services including mobile communications, fixed-line, television, and internet

• Trial operation of 5G is also underway, enabling high-speed communication, especially in urban areas.

📌 Recommended Plans

• Dialog Axiata eSIM Plan A: 20GB/month, ~$4.0

📶 2. SLT-Mobitel

SLT-Mobitel is a brand created by the merger of Sri Lanka's national telecommunications company "Sri Lanka Telecom (SLT)" and its mobile division "Mobitel", and is one of the largest telecommunications infrastructure companies in the country. As a company that supports reliable communications and ICT development throughout the country, SLT-Mobitel plays a central role in Sri Lanka's communications infrastructure.

📌 Recommended points

• Providing both fixed and mobile communications

• Focus on digital services

• International connectivity through undersea cables

📌 Recommended Plans

• Standard Combo: 7GB/30 days, approx. Rs.555

📶 3. Airtel Lanka

Airtel Lanka is a telecommunications company that began services in 2009 as the Sri Lankan subsidiary of Bharti Airtel, a major Indian telecommunications company. It provides mobile communications and broadband services within Sri Lanka and is especially popular among young people.

📌 Recommended points

• An Indian-owned global brand

• Low-cost, easy-to-understand plans

• Nationwide 4G network

*Please check the latest information on each official website.

📲How to use eSIM: Easy installation with QR code

1. Purchase : Purchase from a trusted eSIM provider such as VOYAGE eSIM.

2. Scan the QR code : Open your smartphone's camera, scan the QR code and install the app.

3. Switch on your data plan : Once you arrive at your destination, activate the eSIM in your device's settings menu. Reboot if necessary.

It only takes a few minutes to set up and you'll be connected to the Internet in no time.
For detailed instructions on how to use the product, please refer to the manual provided by each manufacturer .  

[Reference] VOYAGE eSIM: eSIM How to Use Manual

✈How to choose an eSIM that you won't regret when traveling to Sri Lanka

[Choose the data capacity that suits your usage style]

It is important to choose an appropriate data capacity depending on the length of your stay and how you will use your smartphone.
If you plan on using map apps to search for routes or upload a lot of photos and videos from tourist spots, it's best to choose a medium to large capacity plan.
On the other hand, if you mainly use it for messaging and browsing social media, a smaller amount of data will be sufficient.

If you get a rough idea of ​​how much data you will use per day before you travel, you can choose a plan that is cost-effective and doesn't waste space.

[Check the support system in case of trouble]

Although eSIMs are convenient and easy to use, you may run into some issues with setting them up and connecting. That's when customer support can help.

• Service hours (local time)
  
• Can I contact you by chat or email?
  
• Is there support in English or Japanese?

Checking these things in advance will give you peace of mind in case you run into trouble once you get there.

[Refer to user reviews]

In addition to the information on the official website, reviews and experiences from travelers who have actually used the eSIM are also very helpful.

• Stability of communication
• Communication speed
• Ease of setup
• Support Response

By checking and comparing multiple real testimonials like these, you can choose the eSIM that best suits your travel style!

✈VOYAGEE SIM is recommended for traveling to Sri Lanka !

Reason for recommendation 1 : Ideal for first-time users: Money-back guarantee

VOYAGEe SIM offers a 30-day money-back guarantee so that first-time eSIM users can use it with peace of mind. We will flexibly respond to any troubles that may occur, such as setup issues or communication not working as expected. With a money-back guarantee, you can easily introduce eSIM without worrying about risks, even on your first overseas trip or business trip. VOYAGEe SIM's strength is that we have created an environment where you can try it out with peace of mind.

Reason for recommendation 2: Peace of mind as it is run by a Japanese company

VOYAGEESIM is operated by a Japanese company, so the fact that support is available in Japanese is a major reassuring point. Even if you have any trouble while traveling, support is available via chat every day from 9:00 to 18:00 (Japan time), so you can receive support without worrying about the language barrier. Communication problems can be particularly worrying overseas, but the fact that support is available in Japanese means you can use the service with peace of mind.  

Reason #3: Secure design that ensures uninterrupted communication

Another big advantage of VOYAGEE SIM is that communication will not be interrupted during the usage period. Even if you use up your high-speed data capacity, you can still use emails, messages, and simple searches. This function allows you to always have access to the information you need, so you won't feel inconvenienced while traveling. Although the speed will drop to 128kbps, you can continue to use the Internet without any problems, such as sending and receiving emails and messages, and doing light Internet searches.

✈Recommended for traveling to Sri Lanka ! eSIM " VOYAGEESIM "📲

VOYAGESIM FOR GLOBAL

Supported countries are here

Click here for a list of products

You can choose from two plans: 10GB for 15 days and 20GB for 30 days .

🛫If you use "VOYAGEESIM"
Easy online purchase !
"Convenient" - Just set up your device and you're ready to go !
"Great value" Great value for money with a plan that suits you! Reasonable prices!
"Peace of mind" We provide support in Japanese for any troubles you may have! We also offer refunds for first-time customers!

By covering a wide area,

We will make your trip ✨"comfortable"✨ !

*The communications service for this product is provided by Weitaige Technology Co. Ltd.

🌟 Summary

To make your trip to Sri Lanka more enjoyable, we highly recommend using an eSIM. In this article, we've introduced the benefits of choosing an eSIM as your means of communication in Sri Lanka, as well as some tips on how to choose one.
With an eSIM, you can set up your communications environment before you leave Japan and connect to the internet as soon as you arrive. A smooth communications environment is essential for enjoying the unique nature and history of Sri Lanka, whether you're walking around the city of Colombo, seeing the spectacular views of Sigiriya Rock, experiencing Buddhist culture in Kandy, or exploring the tea plantations of Nuwara Eliya.

Experience the charm of Sri Lanka to your heart's content through a journey that takes you through beautiful scenery, encounters with warm people, and a deep culture.

සුභ ගමනක් වේවා! (Suba Gamanak Wewa = Have a nice trip!)