Sri Lanka SIM Card for Indian Tourists (2026)
Short answer: a Sri Lanka eSIM costs ₹428 for 1 GB / 7 days or ₹1,043 for 5 GB / 30 days, against Jio's ₹599 and ₹2,999 data packs. Sri Lanka's ETA is free for Indians from 25 May 2026, but you still apply before you fly. Prices checked 28 Oct 2026.
Your three options, in rupees
| Option | Price | What you get |
|---|---|---|
| Simnity Sri Lanka eSIM | ₹261 | 500 MB, 3 days |
| Simnity Sri Lanka eSIM | ₹428 | 1 GB, 7 days |
| Simnity Sri Lanka eSIM | ₹650 | 3 GB, 30 days |
| Simnity Sri Lanka eSIM | ₹1,043 | 5 GB, 30 days |
| Simnity Sri Lanka eSIM | ₹1,796 | 10 GB, 30 days |
| Simnity Sri Lanka eSIM | ₹2,470 | Unlimited, 7 days |
| Jio roaming pack | ₹599 | 1 GB, 7 days (data only) |
| Jio roaming pack | ₹2,999 | 5 GB, 7 days (data only) |
| Jio roaming pack | ₹951 | 4 GB, 10 days + 100 min out + 100 min in + 25 SMS |
| Jio roaming pack | ₹2,851 | 12 GB, 30 days + 150 min out + 150 min in + 100 SMS |
| Airtel roaming pack | ₹698 | 1 GB, 1 day + 100 min + 10 SMS |
| Airtel roaming pack | ₹2,998 | 10 GB, 30 days + 300 min + 20 SMS |
Prices checked 28 Oct 2026: Simnity plans from the live simnity.com catalogue (data only); Jio packs from jio.com; Airtel packs from airtel.in. Operator packs include calls and SMS on your Indian number where listed.
Which plan for a Sri Lanka trip?
- A week across Colombo, Kandy and Galle: 3 GB (₹650) for light use, 5 GB (₹1,043) for maps and social.
- Two weeks with lots of video: 10 GB for ₹1,796.
- Calls to India on your own number: Jio's ₹951 pack (4 GB + 100 min out + 100 min in, 10 days).
Before you fly from India
- ETA: Indians get a free tourist ETA from 25 May 2026, valid 30 days with double entry. You must still obtain it before arrival at eta.gov.lk. Source: Department of Immigration and Emigration, Sri Lanka.
- Extensions beyond 30 days are paid.
- Tourist hotline: 1912 (Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority, 24 hours).
- Install the eSIM at home; it connects when you land in Colombo.
Entry rules checked 22 Oct 2026 on official government sites. Rules change, so confirm before you travel.
Keeping your Indian number for bank and UPI OTPs
- Keep your Indian SIM switched on as the second line, with its mobile data off. Use the eSIM line for data.
- Jio says incoming SMS are free while roaming. Prepaid users must buy an IR pack at least once to switch roaming on, so check it is active before you fly.
- Airtel prepaid offers a ₹118 roaming activation, valid 28 days, with unlimited incoming SMS (an active domestic plan is needed; calls and data are then charged at standard rates).
Full comparison: Jio vs Airtel roaming vs eSIM.
Set it up before you leave India
- Check your phone supports eSIM: device list.
- Buy the Sri Lanka eSIM and install it at home on Wi-Fi (install guide).
- When you land, switch on the eSIM line and turn on data roaming for that line only.
- Keep your Indian SIM on for calls and SMS, with its data off.
Not sure how much data you need? See how much data for travel.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Jio work in Sri Lanka?
Yes, on a Jio international roaming pack, from ₹599 for 1 GB / 7 days (data only).
Is a Sri Lanka eSIM cheaper than Jio roaming?
For data, yes: 5 GB for 30 days costs ₹1,043 on a Simnity Sri Lanka eSIM, against ₹2,999 for Jio's 5 GB, 7-day pack (checked 28 Oct 2026).
Is the Sri Lanka ETA free for Indians?
Yes, from 25 May 2026 the tourist ETA is free for Indians (30 days, double entry), but you must still get it before arrival.
Can I get a Sri Lanka SIM card in India?
Yes, as an eSIM. Buy it online in rupees and install it at home on Wi-Fi.
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