freccle

We live in the UK and we're off to Sri Lanka next month, based in Buruwela.
Can I ask anyone who's been a) are there internet cafes and b) can you buy a Sri Lanka SIM (for use in a mobile phone) easily? I have family commitments at home and need to be able to keep in touch.
Any other comments / tips on the area also much appriciated. We're staying at the Neptune.
Oh and also, are massages available everywhere like in Thailand too? (3 years since I had a Thai massage - I have withdrawal symptoms!)

Robbietravels

You will find internet cafes and storefront in most cities. Yes, you can buy a sim card. My husband had an international feature on his cell phone and didn't need one. As for massage, unless it was a spa or very high end hotel, massages were either Western (Swedish) or Ayurvedic (Indian) when I was there two months ago.

Rundu

Yes, You can! (excuse the pun) very easily and their top up cards come in various rates. Make sure that your phone is unlocked to be able to use other sim cards. Just buy a card to suit to your usage.
If I can remember correctly there are a few providers but Mobitel and Dialog are being the main ones. Also have look at this too it is an interesting read!
http://www.lankaweb.com/news/items08/291108-4.html

Mohammed

UK roaming chips will work fine in Sri Lanka however the roaming charges are riduculous, suggest you to buy a local chip, freely available on arrival at the airport just outside from the customs area.... My choice would be "Dialog" although Mobitel is good too....

Mohammed

Recently I have been seeing a lot of internet cafes springing up almost every little town.

You can also by a small GSM "thingy" that goes into a USB port and gives you 3G via the Dialog network, but can be costly as they bill on usage.

Mohammed

Massages are mostky Ayurvedic type - try the Eden hotel spa near Neptune in Beruwela.