A photo of Sri Lanka
Destinations / Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka eSIM

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Data only

Full refund before installation

1. Select plan

Multi-traveler eSIMs

Group discount up to 15% for 6+

1

Add 1 more to unlock 5% off. 6+ travelers get 15% off.

2. Fare transparency

Sri Lanka 10 GB · 30 days (×1)$18.99

Total due

$1.90 / GB · $0.63 / day

$18.99

Refund any plan you haven’t installed, up to 30 days from purchase.

Need setup help?

Support within 24 hours at support@vigxoesim.com

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$18.99

Sri Lanka 10 GB · 30 days (×1)

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Setup

Set the eSIM up before you fly to Sri Lanka

Set up your eSIM before you travel. Install it once from the link in your email, switch it on when you arrive, and you’re online.

On iPhone (iOS)

  1. After purchase, open the confirmation email and tap the install link — the eSIM adds itself (iOS 17.4+). Older iPhone: Settings → Cellular → Add eSIM → scan the QR from the same email.
  2. Label the plan (e.g. “vigxo travel”) and set your home line to keep calls/SMS.
  3. Turn on Data Roaming for the vigxo line — this uses the local partner network, not your home carrier.

On Android

  1. Tap the Android install link in your email (recent Android) — or Settings → Network & internet → SIMs → Add eSIM and scan the QR.
  2. Download the profile and set vigxo as your Mobile data line.
  3. When you land, turn on data roaming for the vigxo line so that line can use the local network.

Good to know

  • Works on eSIM-capable phones (iPhone XR/XS+, Pixel 3+, Samsung Galaxy S20+). Older or carrier-locked phones may not support eSIM.
  • Install before you fly on Wi‑Fi — you only need to enable it when you land, no signal required to set up.
  • Data-only plans: keep your home SIM active for calls and texts. Use WhatsApp/FaceTime over data.
  • Prices are final at checkout. Full refund before you install the eSIM.

What you can actually buy for Sri Lanka

7 plans for Sri Lanka, from 3 to 50 GB. Validity runs from 1 day to 180 days. 1 of them run on 5G where the local network has it.

7 plans can be topped up without installing a second eSIM. Plans run on Hutch.

Counted from our live catalogue, not a marketing figure. The list above shows the best-priced plan for each size and validity; the count here includes every plan.

Regional plans that also cover Sri Lanka

37 regional plans include Sri Lanka. The widest covers 127 countries — worth it if Sri Lanka is one stop of several, rather than the whole trip.

Regional coverage starts at $8.99 for 3 GB over 15 days.

How eSIMs work in Sri Lanka

A travel eSIM for Sri Lanka is a digital SIM your phone downloads — no plastic card, no airport pickup counter. You buy online, tap the install link we email you (a QR code is included too), and it installs a second line alongside your existing SIM. Install it on Wi-Fi before you fly. When you land in Sri Lanka, turn on data roaming for that line so it can use Hutch on 5G where available and LTE everywhere else. Your home number keeps working for calls and texts; the eSIM carries the data.

How much data do you need in Sri Lanka?

Maps, messaging and rideshare apps are light — roughly 300–500 MB a day. Add photos, social and the occasional video and you’re closer to 1 GB a day. For a one-week trip a 5 GB plan is comfortable; for two weeks, sharing, or heavy use, choose 10 GB or more, or a reloadable plan you can top up on the go. Sri Lanka plans start at $8.99 across 7 sizes, with the per-GB price shown on every one so the right choice is obvious.

What do you pay for data in Sri Lanka?

A travel eSIM for Sri Lanka is a local data plan. You pay the price shown at checkout. Set the eSIM as your data line and turn data roaming off on your home SIM, so your home carrier does not add this trip's data to your bill. Full refund before you install.

Setting up your Sri Lanka eSIM

  1. 1. Buy a plan — your install link and QR code arrive by email right after payment.
  2. 2. While you’re still on Wi-Fi before you fly, tap the install link in your confirmation email — or open Settings → Cellular/Mobile Data → Add eSIM and scan the QR.
  3. 3. Land in Sri Lanka, turn on data roaming for the eSIM line, and you’re online.

What to eat in Sri Lanka

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.

What to see in Sri Lanka

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

Getting around Sri Lanka

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.

Practical things worth knowing in Sri Lanka

Paying for things

  • Increasingly common in major cities, large retailers, and hotels.
  • Apple Pay is not officially launched for local Sri Lankan cards. Foreign cards loaded on Apple Pay may work at contactless terminals, but acceptance is not guaranteed everywhere.
  • Cash still useful for: Tuk-tuks (if not using an app with card payment), Small local shops and street food stalls, Rural areas and smaller towns, Public buses, Tipping
  • Local wallets: FriMi, Genie, LANKAQR

Basics

  • Emergency number: 119 (Police), 1990 (Ambulance), 110 (Fire)
  • Plugs: G, D, M · 230 V
  • Tap water: no
  • Not mandatory but appreciated. In restaurants, a 10% tip is standard if a service charge isn't included. Small cash tips for hotel staff, drivers, and guides are common.

Public holidays in Sri Lanka

New Year's DayJanuary 1Banks and government offices closed. Some businesses may operate on holiday hours.
National Day (Independence Day)February 4Public holiday with closures of banks, government offices, and some shops. Parades and celebrations may cause local traffic disruptions.
May DayMay 1Public holiday with typical closures. Rallies and events may occur in major cities.
Christmas DayDecember 25Public holiday. Tourist services operate but may be busy. Banks and government offices closed.

Recurring dates — the day these fall on moves year to year.

Sri Lanka eSIM — questions, answered

When does my Sri Lanka eSIM start counting?
Your validity window starts when the eSIM first connects to a network in Sri Lanka, not when you buy it — so you can install it before you fly and it only begins on arrival.
Will my phone work in Sri Lanka?
You need an eSIM-capable, carrier-unlocked phone (iPhone XR/XS+, Pixel 3+, Samsung Galaxy S20+). Check the compatibility page before you buy — and if it turns out your phone can’t use it, you get a full refund since nothing was installed.
Can I keep my number and WhatsApp in Sri Lanka?
Yes. Your vigxo plan is data-only, so your primary SIM stays active for calls, texts and your usual number. WhatsApp, iMessage and all your apps keep working over the eSIM data.
What if I run out of data in Sri Lanka?
If your plan is reloadable, you can top up the same eSIM from your dashboard — no reinstall needed. Otherwise, buy a new plan; it comes as a new eSIM with its own QR code.
How do refunds work?
Full refund before installation, within 30 days of purchase. Once an eSIM is installed the data is released to you, so it can’t be refunded after that.