Just buy Dialog at CMB or preload Airalo before we land?
18 days, need Google Maps and PickMe OTP. Hearing Dialog 20GB is like 1,400 rupees and Airalo 10GB is USD 18. Also will a UK number even get the PickMe SMS?
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4 Answers from travellers
Dialog shops sit in arrivals after customs. Passport required. Their tourist plans (inc tax): Rs 1,399 / about USD 4 = 20GB + some voice, 1,799 / about USD 5 = 30GB, 2,450 / about USD 7 = 50GB + unlimited WhatsApp. Activate with the exact reload or #778# or the shop. Coverage is the usual "best island-wide" answer. Hills and parks still drop. UK number often does not get PickMe OTP reliably - get the local SIM.
Physical Dialog at CMB took 10 minutes. PickMe OTP worked. Airalo is fine if you want data before you land, just more money per GB. Dual-SIM: keep home SIM, Dialog in slot 2.
Mobitel and Airtel are also at the airport. Mobitel travel SIMs in 2026 round-ups sit around USD 5 for about 15-30GB. Dialog won on the maps for us in Ella.
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