Dialog is a Sri Lankan mobile network provider that offers SIM cards at a cost. The expense largely depends on the type of customer (traveler or permanent country resident), and the plan type, postpaid or prepaid. Like with so many others, the SIM card may be sold separately, letting users pick a plan or recharge credit. It may also be ingrained into the initial expenses, although at a discount, to motivate users into picking an affordable long-term plan. Regardless of what the case may be, you need a SIM, physical or embedded, to start using their service. Therefore, let’s determine what the Dialog SIM card price is.
How much do new prepaid Dialog SIM cards cost?
First, we’ll answer the most commonly asked question, concerning the expenses for tourists and anyone who seeks a prepaid SIM card plan. The price of a Dialog SIM card is around Rs. 150 (LKR or Sri Lankan Rupee, not to be confused with the Indian rupee or INR) depending on the fluctuations. That translates to $0.4 to $0.5, making it unbelievably cheap if you’re a foreigner from a first-world country.
The price is identical whether you purchase it at the airport in Sri Lanka, from a counter near the Customs Desk (baggage claim is nearby), or one of the retail stores across the island. The downside is that this Dialog SIM card, while activated, is useless. You need to top up your credit and sign up for a minimal plan. The most frequent choice is the Tourist Mobile Plan which frequently costs around Rs. 1299 or about 3.6 USD. You can also sign up for far cheaper ones, starting at roughly Rs. 30 to Rs. 50 for data-only plans measured in MB.
If you still choose the tourist plan, the SIM card will remain enabled for 30 days or until you leave the country. You can top up to continue using it past the 30 days. Both citizens and tourists need to be at least 16 years old to purchase it. The former must provide their NIC (National Identity Card), NIC number inside a passport, or a driving license.
What is the price of a postpaid SIM card from Dialog?
It is hard to determine the price of Dialog postpaid SIM cards because they must come with a plan, but we estimate it to be around the same price as prepaid SIM, 150-160 LKR. With that said, the lowest postpaid plans start at roughly Rs. 400 or $1.12 (395 LKR at the time of publication, but the number changes). For about Rs. 250 (400-150=250), you’ll get 1000 mins and 1000 SMS between Dialog numbers and 3G of mobile data at any point of the day. We need to add that these SIMs can only be purchased by someone age 18 and older (compared to age 16 for prepaid). You must provide the same kinds of personal ID, however.
Can I buy Dialog SIM cards from resellers?
Yes, there are resellers of Dialog SIM cards you can contact. However, expect to pay a lot more, upward of Rs. 500, and going up to Rs. 4000. That’s because these SIM cards are registered to other people, meaning you won’t need to provide your NIC or passport and worry about your privacy. Those SIMs may also have lucrative limited-time offers that resellers picked up, and are now selling those benefits at a profit. Finally, those Dialog SIMs can be VIP mobile phone numbers and thus easy to memorize, ideal for people with high status or institutions. Thus, don’t be petrified if you see a price of Rs. 30000 for one.