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Sri Lanka eSIM
6 data plans · from £7.40 · instant QR code by email
Choose your plan
Travelling as a group? Buy everyone an eSIM in one checkout and the discount is applied automatically — no code needed. See group pricing
6 data plans · from £7.40 · instant QR code by email
Travelling as a group? Buy everyone an eSIM in one checkout and the discount is applied automatically — no code needed. See group pricing
1 day
Streaming, tethering and heavy use
£12.40
£1.18/GB
Buy →
Connects automatically to the strongest signal across Hutch.
Setup
It takes about a minute. Tap the install link we email you, leave the line switched off, then switch it on when you land — and you're online.
On iPhone (iOS)
On Android
Sri Lanka: 10 plans, from 3 to 50 GB. Validity runs from 1 day to 180 days. None of these run on 5G — the Sri Lanka networks we resell are LTE only. We would rather say so here than let you find out on arrival.
6 plans can be topped up without installing a second eSIM. Plans run on Hutch.
Counted from our live catalogue, not a marketing figure — the plan list above this section is the same data.
No regional bundle includes Sri Lanka cover — a single-country plan is the only option here, and it is usually the cheaper one anyway.
A Sri Lanka travel eSIM is a digital SIM that downloads straight to your phone — no plastic card, no queuing at an airport counter. You buy online, tap the install link we email you (the QR code is in there too), and your phone adds a second line alongside your normal SIM. It stays dormant until your trip begins, then connects automatically to Hutch on LTE. Your normal number carries on working for calls and texts while the eSIM handles the data.
Maps, messaging and taxi apps use very little data — roughly 300–500 MB a day. If you add photos, social media and the occasional video, expect to use closer to 1 GB a day. For a one-week trip, a 5 GB plan is usually plenty; for two weeks, tethering, or heavy use, opt for 10 GB or more, or choose a top-up plan you can reload as you go. Sri Lanka plans start at £7.40 across 6 sizes, with the per-GB price clearly shown so you can easily spot the best value.
Yes. A Sri Lanka travel eSIM is a local data plan rather than international roaming — you pay the price you saw online, and there are no per-megabyte charges from your home network provider. Set the eSIM as your mobile data line, switch data roaming off on your normal SIM, and nothing unexpected turns up on your next bill. Full refund at any time before installation, so buying ahead costs you nothing.
Rice and Curry
The backbone of the local diet, featuring steamed rice surrounded by a variety of small bowls containing different curries, dhal, and sambols.
Available everywhere, from local street-side eateries to high-end restaurants.
Kottu Roti
A famous street food made by stir-frying finely chopped godamba roti with vegetables, eggs, spices, and a choice of meat.
Listen for the rhythmic chopping sounds at street food stalls in the evenings.
Hoppers (Appa)
A bowl-shaped, crispy pancake made from fermented rice flour and coconut milk, often served with an egg cracked into the center.
Widely available for breakfast or dinner at local cafes and street vendors.
String Hoppers (Indiyappa)
Steamed rice flour noodles pressed into thin, delicate nests, usually served with curry and coconut sambol.
A breakfast staple found in most local eateries and hotel buffets.
Pol Sambol
A zesty, spicy condiment made from freshly grated coconut, red chili, lime, and onion.
Served as a side dish with almost every traditional meal across the country.
Fish Ambul Thiyal
A famous sour fish curry from the southern coast that uses goraka (a sour fruit) to create a distinct, tangy flavor.
Best tried in southern coastal towns like Galle or Mirissa.
Lamprais
A flavorful legacy of the Dutch Burgher community consisting of rice and various curries wrapped in a banana leaf and slow-cooked.
Colombo has many specialty shops and cafes that serve authentic Lamprais.
Polos (Young Jackfruit) Curry
A delicious vegetarian staple where young green jackfruit is simmered in a rich, coconut-based curry sauce until tender.
Found in traditional rice and curry restaurants and homestays.
Devilled Dishes
A popular fusion-style dish where meat or fish is sautéed in a spicy, sweet-and-sour sauce with peppers and onions.
A common evening dish found in most local restaurants and pubs.
Watalappan
A beloved traditional dessert; a rich, spiced coconut custard made with jaggery, cardamom, and cloves.
Often served at special occasions, but available in many restaurants with traditional menus.
Temple of the Sacred Tooth RelicKandy
A highly revered UNESCO World Heritage site housing the tooth relic of the Buddha, located in the cultural capital.
2-3 hours
Royal Botanical Gardens, PeradeniyaKandy
Renowned for its vast collection of tropical plants, beautiful orchid house, and towering palm avenues.
2-4 hours
Galle Dutch FortGalle
A beautifully preserved UNESCO World Heritage site with colonial architecture, narrow streets, and boutique shops.
Half day to full day
Galle LighthouseGalle
An iconic white lighthouse situated on the edge of the fort walls overlooking the ocean, perfect for photos.
1 hour
Nine Arch BridgeElla
One of Sri Lanka's most iconic photo spots, featuring picturesque stone arches set amidst lush tea plantations.
1-2 hours
Little Adam’s PeakElla
A relatively easy hike offering rewarding panoramic views of the hill country, especially stunning at sunrise.
2-3 hours
Sigiriya Lion Rock FortressSigiriya
A massive ancient rock fortress and palace ruin featuring famous frescoes, water gardens, and dramatic views.
3-4 hours · book ahead
Pidurangala RockSigiriya
Offers an excellent alternative hike to Sigiriya Rock, providing the best vantage point for viewing the Lion Rock itself.
2-3 hours
Dambulla Cave TempleDambulla
A stunning UNESCO site featuring a complex of caves filled with ancient Buddha statues and intricate murals.
1-2 hours
Minneriya National ParkMinneriya
Famous for the 'Elephant Gathering', one of the best places in Sri Lanka to see large herds of wild elephants.
Half day · book ahead
Train
Scenic and affordable public transport. Book reserved seats (1st, 2nd, 3rd class) up to 30 days in advance via Sri Lanka Railways. Unreserved tickets available on the day.
Very affordable, usually between $1-$10 depending on class and distance.
Bus
Extensive network covering almost everywhere. Red SLTB buses are government-run, others are private. Pay the conductor in cash on board.
Extremely cheap, usually less than $1-$2 for short to medium routes.
Ride-Hailing (Tuk-tuks & Cars)
Use apps like PickMe or Uber to book tuk-tuks, bikes, or cars for short to medium distances with fixed or estimated pricing.
Varies by distance, but generally affordable (e.g., $1-$3 for short city trips).
Private Car with Driver
Hire a car and driver for multiple days or specific intercity transfers. Arranged via hotels, tour agencies, or online.
Typically $50-$80+ per day depending on the vehicle and itinerary.
Ride-hailing
PickMe, Uber
PickMe is the most widely used local app with better coverage across the country, especially for tuk-tuks.
Paying for things
Basics
| New Year's Day | January 1 | Banks and government offices closed. Some businesses may operate on holiday hours. |
| National Day (Independence Day) | February 4 | Public holiday with closures of banks, government offices, and some shops. Parades and celebrations may cause local traffic disruptions. |
| May Day | May 1 | Public holiday with typical closures. Rallies and events may occur in major cities. |
| Christmas Day | December 25 | Public holiday. Tourist services operate but may be busy. Banks and government offices closed. |
Recurring dates — the day these fall on moves year to year.