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Mobiles or cell phones of many makes and brands are available in Sri Lanka. Android phones are the most popular and mobile phone penetration has grown over the years.

The largest mobile phone providers, according to numbers of users, are:

• Dialog with about 7 million subscribers.
• Mobitel with 4.2 million subscribers.
• Etisalat with 4 million users.
• Airtel with 2.5 million subscribers.
• Hutch with 0.8 million subscribers.

Mobile Contracts or Plans

Here are some basic points you need to consider for choosing the right mobile plan:

• Personal Use: Evaluate how much you use your phone, when and where you are calling, how often you use short message services (SMS), if you need to use the phone abroad, etc.
• Coverage: Most importantly, if you live in a remote place or regularly use your mobile while traveling in the countryside, most companies offer decent coverage.
• Fees & Rates: Each operator offers several different plans and options. Investigate the plans carefully and evaluate your needs.

Pay As You Go

All mobile providers offer a 'pay as you go' facility. Non-Sri Lankans have to be 18 and above to get a prepaid mobile. For buying one, you need to show a photo ID, such as a passport or a driving licence.

First, after getting a phone, you can buy a SIM card from any of the mobile service providers. Then you keep adding money to the SIM as per your need. Since mobile networks compete with each other for subscribers, their prices remain down. While opting for a pre-paid package, you can go for by-the-second or per minute charges. Most of these packages include international calls, though these may turn out to be more expensive.