How to stay connected in Sri Lanka with your phone and internet?
In Sri Lanka, you can use your phone with a local SIM card (purchased at shops near airports), make calls from red telephone booths, or use free hotel wifi. Local plans typically include calls and internet.
Using your phone in Sri Lanka
To use your mobile, buy a local SIM card in phone shops near airports. The plans offered generally include call credit and internet connection.
Alternative: call centers identifiable by their red signs offer competitive rates and extended hours, convenient given the time difference. Avoid calls from hotels, which are more expensive.
Phone codes to remember
- Calling Sri Lanka from France: 00 + 94 + local number (without the initial zero)
- Calling France from Sri Lanka: 00 + 33 + French number (without the initial zero)
Example: to reach the French Embassy (011 263 94 00), dial 00 94 11 263 94 00.
Internet connection
Two main solutions:
- Local mobile plan: internet credit included in most phone plans
- Free Wifi: generally available in hotels and many establishments