Internet
What Is a Pocket WiFi? How Does It Work? And How to Use It
In this post, we will deeply explore what Pockets WiFi are, how they work, how much they cost, and what are the alternatives.
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When you visit a country so beautiful as Sri Lanka it is impossible not to want to share your pictures and videos with your loved ones. And of course, you don’t want to lose contact with them. So, to avoid that, you have to connect to the internet somehow.
In Sri Lanka, you will find wonderful landscapes and amazing beaches. So, to share all your experiences you will need the internet on your side. There are many ways to connect to the internet in Sri Lanka such as cellular data, SIM cards, eSIM cards, Pocket Wifi, or public WiFi. Keep reading this article if you want to learn more!
Table of Contents
- Internet in Sri Lanka using data
- How to get the internet in Sri Lanka with mobile operators?
- Mobile internet in Sri Lanka: prices
- SIM card to have the internet in Sri Lanka
- eSIM card for Sri Lanka
- How to get a Pocket Wifi for Sri Lanka?
- Public WiFi in Sri Lanka
- Internet alternatives for Sri Lanka: prices
- Internet coverage map in Sri Lanka
- Our recommendation
- Frequent questions about how to have the internet in Sri Lanka
Internet in Sri Lanka using data
As we already told you there are many ways to connect to the internet in this destination, SIM cards, eSIM cards, Pocket WiFi, or the public WiFi are just some of them. In case you don’t know a lot about it, we are going to help you. One way to access the internet in this destination is with the services of operators like:
- Dialog
- Hutch
- Mobitel
One of the most recommended options is the Holafly SIM card for Sri Lanka. You can buy it at the Holafly virtual store, and you will receive it in no time!
How to get the internet in Sri Lanka with mobile operators?
You can connect to the internet using the services of local cellular operators. You should know that the roaming service can be a bit expensive, so it is not very recommended.
Internet in Sri Lanka with Dialog
This is the main operator in Sri Lanka. It has the best coverage in the country and offers a 4G connection. Also, this operator offers a special plan for those tourists who are visiting the country for just a few days.
Internet in Sri Lanka with Hutch
Another way to connect to the internet in Sri Lanka is using the services of Hutch. Sometime before it was known as Etisalat. Its coverage is not massive, and it does not include a 4G connection.
Internet in Sri Lanka with Mobitel
Mobitel is another option. It is a big operator, and it has good national coverage. But its coverage and its 4G network connection are worse than Dialog.
Mobile internet in Sri Lanka: prices
The price may vary depending on the plan, the amount of data, and the company you choose. There isn’t a standard price. But you can check the comparison chart below, to learn more about it.
| Service | Price |
| Dialog Roaming | 3GB / 30 days / €1.52 (Rs.577) |
| Hutch Mobile Roaming | 2.7GB / 30 days / €0.54 (Rs.206) |
| Mobitel Roaming | 3.82GB / 30 days / €0.52 (Rs.199) |
SIM card to have the internet in Sri Lanka
When you get to the airport you will find physical stores where you can buy a SIM card. At Colombo’s airport, you will find different operators. But you should know that the price can be a bit high.
You can also buy a SIM card before you travel. You can buy the Holafly SIM card, with which you will be able to connect to a 4G network, you can receive it for free! One of the great perks is that customer support is available all the time!
SIM card for Sri Lanka: prices
- 8 GB / 30 days / €34
- 12 GB / 30 days / €44
eSIM card for Sri Lanka
The eSIM card for Sri Lanka is another good option to connect to the internet during your trip. This type of card works virtually, so you won’t have to stop using your usual SIM card or remove it from the phone, or lose your WhatsApp number. You can buy the Holafly eSIM card for Sri Lanka, which has many benefits and offers unlimited data!
eSIM card for Sri Lanka with unlimited data
- Unlimited data / 5 days for $19.00
- Unlimited data / 10 days for $34.00
- Unlimited data / 15 days for $47.00
- Unlimited data / 20 days for $54.00
- Unlimited data / 30 days for $64.00
- Unlimited data / 60 days for $84.00
- Unlimited data / 90 days for $99.00
How to get a Pocket Wifi for Sri Lanka?
Another alternative is to get a Pocket WiFi. It is a viable alternative for travelers, but it is one of the most expensive ones. The reason why the price is so high is that you are not only paying for the data plan but for the device you buy or rent as well. Some sellers are the following:
- SkyRoam Solis: This company lets you rent or buy the Pocket WiFi device. Usually, it includes unlimited data and lets you share your internet with 5 devices at the same time.
- Travelers WiFi: This device can be used for 13 hours. And you can share your data with other 5 devices.
Public WiFi in Sri Lanka
You can connect to the public WiFi almost in any hotel. In either standard or brand name hotels, you can connect to the public WiFi and save some money. But in some cheaper hotels, this service is not always included. Also, it is not one of the most stable and safe alternatives.
Internet alternatives for Sri Lanka: prices
To help you make the best choice, you can read below the comparison chart. You will be able to decide which service and price is best for you:
| Service | Price |
| SIM card | 8 GB / 30 days / €34 |
| eSIM card | Unlimited data / 30 days / $64.00 |
| SkyRoam Solis Pocket Wifi | Rent for €8.00 per month |
| TravelersWifi Pocket Wifi | Rent for €5.90 per day |
| Public Wifi | Free |
Internet coverage map in Sri Lanka
If you want to know more about the internet in Sri Lanka, you should read about the internet coverage in this country. You can look at some maps below:
Fixed internet in Sri Lanka coverage
3G, 4G, and 5G coverage in Sri Lanka
Our recommendation
Roaming services are indeed recommended if you are traveling for some days, but it is costly. And, as you could see, other alternatives are better. We recommend you buy the Holafly eSIM or SIM card for Sri Lanka through the Holafly virtual store.
Frequent questions about how to have the internet in Sri Lanka
What do I need, to buy the SIM card for Sri Lanka?
In most cases, you will have to show your passports. Some operators will take a digital photo.
Which network does the Holafly eSIM card connect to?
In Sri Lanka, Holafly works with Mobitel and Dialog, so you will connect to these networks.
Can I make calls or send texts with an eSIM?
Usually, eSIM cards only include cellular data. If you want to make calls or send texts you can do it with cellular apps such as WhatsApp or Telegram.
