Getting connected in Sri Lanka is fast, cheap, and genuinely useful — you’ll want data for maps, PickMe/Uber, and checking train schedules. Major telecom providers run SIM outlets at the Bandaranaike International Airport’s arrivals hall. The main providers are Dialog, Mobitel and Hutch and the whole process takes about 10 minutes.
What you actually need: You just need your passport. It is compulsory to register — no shop can legally sell you a SIM without it, so keep your passport handy
What it costs: Tourist SIM plans typically run LKR 1,300–2,450 (roughly $4–$7 USD) for 20–50GB of data valid 30 days, plus a local calling allowance. Dialog tends to have the widest 4G coverage island-wide, including in the hill country, while Mobitel does well in rural areas too. If you’d rather sort connectivity before you land, an eSIM is an option, though it usually costs a bit more than buying locally.
Insider tip: Buy at the airport rather than waiting — prices are the same as in the city, and you’ll want data from the moment you leave arrivals, especially for booking your first PickMe/Uber ride.