Power & Connectivity (SIM)

Sri Lanka uses 230V / 50Hz, and sockets are a mix of Type D, G and M (a legacy of British and old colonial standards). A universal travel adapter is recommended. Travellers from 100–120V countries need a converter for devices that are not dual-voltage.

The main mobile carriers are Dialog, Mobitel and Hutch, all offering prepaid tourist plans. SIMs are sold at the arrivals area of Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB) and at carrier stores nationwide; bring your passport to register. Coverage is good in Colombo and cities, while rural and hill-country areas can be more variable.

If your device supports eSIM, buying a travel eSIM before arrival is a convenient alternative: activate it online in minutes with no physical SIM or shop visit. eSIM support from local carriers can vary, so check current availability. Confirm your phone is eSIM-capable and carrier-unlocked.

Wi-Fi is widespread at hotels, cafes and restaurants across Sri Lanka, and most tourist accommodation offers it free. Speeds vary by location and time of day, so a local SIM is a useful backup. In Colombo and larger towns connections are generally more reliable than in remote areas.

Everyday internet use is generally open, with common apps and websites accessible; there are no broad, permanent restrictions on typical tourist use. Mobile data is mostly 4G, and speeds in Colombo and cities are good for browsing, maps and messaging. In rural areas and the hill country between Kandy and Ella, connections can be slower, so download offline maps before remote routes.

PickMe is the go-to local app for cars and metered tuk-tuks, and Uber also operates in Colombo. A maps app for navigation, a translation app for Sinhala and Tamil, and a weather app round out the essentials. Setting up ride apps helps you avoid haggling over fares.

Sri Lanka's country code is +94. A local prepaid SIM is usually the cheapest way to make calls and stay connected, while pocket Wi-Fi and international roaming are convenient alternatives if you compare costs. Messaging apps over data or Wi-Fi are handy for calls home. For emergencies, police is 119 and the Suwa Seriya ambulance service is 1990.