Table of Contents
- Sri Lanka's International Phone Code
- Calling Sri Lankan Landlines
- Calling Sri Lankan Mobiles
- Buying a SIM Card in Sri Lanka
- Mobile Network Coverage & Internet
- Emergency Numbers & Useful Contacts
- Other International Codes for Sri Lanka
- Frequently Asked Questions
Sri Lanka's International Phone Code
To call Sri Lanka from abroad, use the country code +94.
Format: +94 + [area/mobile code] + [number]
Example: +94 77 123 4567
Calling Sri Lankan Landlines
For landlines, dial +94 followed by the area code and local number.
| City | Area Code | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Colombo | 11 | +94 11 234 5678 |
| Kandy | 81 | +94 81 234 5678 |
| Galle | 91 | +94 91 234 5678 |
| Jaffna | 21 | +94 21 234 5678 |
Calling Sri Lankan Mobiles
Mobile numbers also use +94, followed by a mobile prefix:
| Network | Prefix | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Dialog | 71, 77 | +94 71 123 4567 |
| Mobitel | 72 | +94 72 123 4567 |
| Hutch | 76 | +94 76 123 4567 |
| Airtel | 78 | +94 78 123 4567 |
Buying a SIM Card in Sri Lanka
Staying connected in Sri Lanka is easy and affordable for travelers. You can purchase a prepaid SIM card at the airport, mobile shops, or convenience stores. Major providers include Dialog, Mobitel, Hutch, and Airtel.
| Provider | Where to Buy | Tourist SIM Packages | Registration Required |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dialog | Airport, shops | Yes | Passport |
| Mobitel | Airport, shops | Yes | Passport |
| Hutch | Shops | Yes | Passport |
| Airtel | Shops | Yes | Passport |
Tip: Bring your passport for SIM registration. Tourist SIMs often include data, local calls, and international minutes.
Mobile Network Coverage & Internet
Sri Lanka has excellent 4G coverage in cities and tourist areas, with 3G/2G in remote regions. All major providers offer fast mobile internet, and eSIMs are available for some devices.
- Best for coverage: Dialog and Mobitel
- Best for budget: Hutch and Airtel
- Internet speeds: 4G/LTE in most urban areas, 5G rolling out in Colombo
- Top-up: Recharge cards are widely available at shops and kiosks
WiFi: Most hotels, cafes, and restaurants in tourist areas offer free WiFi, but mobile data is more reliable for travel.
Emergency Numbers & Useful Contacts
| Service | Number |
|---|---|
| Police | 119 |
| Ambulance | 110 |
| Fire Brigade | 110 |
| Tourist Police | 1912 |
| General Info | 1919 |
Tip: Save these numbers in your phone. You do not need to dial +94 for emergency services within Sri Lanka.
Other International Codes for Sri Lanka
| Code Type | Value |
|---|---|
| ISO Alpha-2 | LK |
| ISO Alpha-3 | LKA |
| Numeric Code | 144 |
| Internet Domain | .lk |
| Currency Code | LKR |
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need +94 for calls within Sri Lanka?
No. For local calls, just dial the number with the leading "0" (e.g., 077 123 4567).
Is +94 used for both mobile and landline numbers?
Yes, +94 is the country code for all Sri Lankan numbers.
Should I use +94 for emergency numbers?
No. For emergencies in Sri Lanka, dial numbers like 119 or 110 directly, without +94.
How do I call Sri Lanka from another country?
Dial your country's international access code (e.g., 011 from the US, 00 from the UK), then +94, then the number (e.g., 011 94 77 123 4567).
Can I use my foreign SIM card in Sri Lanka?
Yes, but roaming charges may apply. For affordable calls and data, buy a local SIM card or eSIM.
Are eSIMs available for tourists?
Yes, some providers offer eSIMs for compatible phones. Check with Dialog or Mobitel at the airport.
Is mobile internet reliable for travel?
Yes, 4G/LTE is widely available in cities and tourist areas. For remote regions, coverage may drop to 3G/2G.