Updated September 28, 2026 · NomadCue Editorial Team
Dialog Axiata vs Safaricom
Dialog Axiata
Higher score in this comparison
Safaricom
Dialog Axiata vs Safaricom: the differences
| Compare | Dialog AxiataReviewSee alternativesSee alternatives | SafaricomReviewSee alternativesSee alternatives |
|---|---|---|
| Price from | LKR 1,399 | KES 200 |
| Countries covered | from 200 | 22 |
| Unlimited data | YesHas it | No |
| Reference plan prices | Tourist plan in Sri Lanka: LKR 1399 (20GB), LKR 1799 (30GB), LKR 2450 (50GB plus unlimited WhatsApp), 30 days valid; 4G/5G roaming listed for USA, Japan, UK, Thailand, Turkey, Mexico and other destinations, but per-country roaming rates load dynamically and were not readable | US: KES 1,000 for 2,500MB (7 days); Europe incl. UK, France, Germany, Italy, Netherlands, Spain, Switzerland, Turkey: KES 1,000 for 1,500MB (7 days) and KES 5,500 for 10,000MB (30 days); UK and wider Europe: KES 200 for 10MB data, 10 minutes calls, 10 SMS (1 day); South Africa, Ghana, Netherlands, China: KES 225 for 20MB (24 hours); other networks from KES 14 per MB |
| Fair use policy | Tourist plan: extra data at Rs 0.3 plus tax per MB once the quota is used; unlimited data roaming capped at USD 12 per day for subscribers not on a standard plan; monthly roaming plan not eligible for stays in one destination exceeding 30 days; data roaming temporarily suspended in Myanmar | Capped bundles valid 24 hours, 7 days or 30 days; a new purchase is added to the remaining balance; once the bundle is depleted data is charged at published roaming rates; bundles cannot be transferred or resold |
| Networks | Not confirmed | Vodafone, Vodacom |
| 10 GB in Europe | Not confirmed | KES 5,500 |
Same on both: 5G (Yes), Top-ups (Yes), Seller type (Carrier).
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Key differences
- Dialog Axiata scores higher overall: 9.5 vs 9.1.
- Unlimited data: only Dialog Axiata.
- Founded is lower at Dialog Axiata: 1993 vs 1997.
- Region: only Dialog Axiata offers Local, Global.
- Region: only Safaricom offers Regional.
- Features: only Dialog Axiata offers Unlimited data.
- Audience: only Safaricom offers Long trip.
Our verdict on each
Dialog Axiata
Dialog Axiata is the carrier option in this group, and it suits visitors to Sri Lanka who want a local plan with roaming built in rather than a global eSIM. Coverage reaches from 200, the tourist plans start at LKR 1,399, and top-ups are available.
Safaricom
Safaricom is a home network carrier selling roaming bundles in Kenya, so it fits a traveller leaving the country for a short trip and topping up in small steps. Coverage reaches 22 countries across Vodafone and Vodacom networks, with bundles starting at KES 200 and top-ups available.
Score breakdown
| Area | Dialog Axiata | Safaricom |
|---|---|---|
| Offer | 9.4Higher | 8.9Capped bundles on Vodafone and Vodacom networks across 22 countries, starting at KES 200, with top-ups available and no unlimited data. |
| Trust | 9.6Higher | 9.3 |
Where each is licensed and available
Additional countries for Dialog Axiata: 1. Additional countries for Safaricom: 1.
Where they rank in our lists
| Ranking | Dialog Axiata | Safaricom |
|---|---|---|
| Travel SIMs and eSIMs | 103 of 926 | 225 of 926 |
| Travel eSIMs | 112 of 918 | 232 of 918 |
Sources behind this comparison
Dialog Axiata
- dialog.lk: 15 facts, checked September 26, 2026
Safaricom
- safaricom.co.ke: 8 facts, checked September 26, 2026
- roaming.safaricom.co.ke: 7 facts, checked September 26, 2026
- en.wikipedia.org: 2 facts, checked September 26, 2026
Every fact side by side
| Fact | Dialog Axiata | Safaricom |
|---|---|---|
| Region | Local, Global | Regional |
| Features | Unlimited data, 5G, Carrier planCovers more | 5G, Carrier plan |
| Audience | Short trip | Short trip, Long tripCovers more |
| Legal entity | Dialog Axiata PLC | Safaricom PLC |
| Headquarters | Sri Lanka | Kenya |
| Founded | 1993Lower | 1997 |
| Support channels | Email, Chat, Phone, Help centre | Chat, Email, Phone, Help centre |
Where each stands against the rest
| Fact | Dialog Axiata | Safaricom | Median |
|---|---|---|---|
| Countries covered | from 200highest quarter | 22lowest quarter | 120 |
Median across 492 listed travel providers.
Pros and cons
Dialog Axiata
Pros
- Sold by a carrier, so the plan is set up and supported in Sri Lanka itself
- Roaming is listed for the USA, Japan, UK, Thailand, Turkey, Mexico and other destinations
- Top-ups are available, so data can be extended without a new plan
Cons
- The monthly roaming plan puts a limit on the length of a stay in a single destination
- Roaming data in Myanmar is temporarily suspended under the fair use policy
- Once the quota is used, extra data on the tourist plan is charged per MB plus tax
Safaricom
Pros
- Coverage spans 22 countries across Vodafone and Vodacom networks, which suits regional multi-country routes.
- Top-ups are available, so data does not have to be bought in one lump before departure.
- Support runs on chat, email and phone.
Cons
- Unlimited data is not offered, and once a bundle is used up data is charged at published roaming rates.
- Coverage of 22 countries is regional, so a trip outside those routes needs a separate plan.
- Other networks are billed at pay as you go rates, so travelling beyond the listed bundles can cost more than a home bundle.
Who each suits
Dialog Axiata
Who it suits
- Travellers landing in Sri Lanka who want a local plan with roaming included
- Short trips where the same carrier plan covers local use and roaming
- People who would rather top up an existing plan than install a new eSIM
Who should look elsewhere
- Anyone expecting a global eSIM for many countries: Zwitchy covers 200
- Budget shoppers comparing entry prices: eSIMGo.is lists $0.99
- Travellers planning a long stay in a single destination: SimToIsrael is built for a single market
Safaricom
Who it suits
- Anyone leaving Kenya who already holds a Safaricom line and wants data added to it for a few weeks.
- Travellers crossing 22 countries on regional routes where Vodafone and Vodacom networks operate.
- People who would rather top up during the trip than commit to a large prepaid allowance up front.
Who should look elsewhere
- Travellers who want a travel eSIM with no home line: eSIMGo.is starts at $0.99.
- Anyone who needs worldwide reach: Zwitchy covers 200 countries.
- Shoppers comparing a single destination eSIM on upfront price: SimToIsrael starts at $25.
Current offers
Dialog Axiata
Current offer
Bonus
Win 2GB free data every day with the Dia digital assistant: 2GB free data per day
Offer valid till 30th September; enter via Dia chat (WhatsApp, Facebook Messenger, MyDialog App, Instagram, Viber, dialog.lk web)
Source, checked September 26, 2026
Safaricom
Current offer
Bonus
One Voice Tariff: 50% airtime bonus with every top-up
Dial *544# to get started; see voice tariffs
Source, checked September 26, 2026
Bonus
Changamkia YouTube na 10/-: YouTube data bundle at KES 10
Prepay data promotion, validity per bundle offer page
Source, checked September 26, 2026
Bonus
Angaza Music Bundle
Prepay data bundle for music streaming, see offer page
Source, checked September 26, 2026
Bonus
YouTube Shorts
Prepay data promotion, see offer page
Source, checked September 26, 2026
Country by country
| Country | Dialog Axiata | Safaricom |
|---|---|---|
| Kenya | No | Yes |
| Sri Lanka | Yes | No |
Questions about each
Dialog Axiata
How much does the tourist plan cost in Sri Lanka?+
The tourist plan in Sri Lanka starts at LKR 1,399, with larger bundles priced above that and a top tier that adds unlimited WhatsApp on top of the data. Validity suits a short stay, so check it against your trip length before you buy.
Is the data allowance unlimited?+
The tourist plans start at LKR 1,399, and unlimited data is listed as available. The fair use policy sets the boundary: extra data on the tourist plan is charged per MB plus tax once the quota is used, and unlimited data roaming is capped at a daily fee for subscribers who are not on a standard plan.
Safaricom
How much do Safaricom roaming bundles cost?+
Bundles start at KES 200 for a small daily slice of data, and a larger long-stay European allowance is priced at KES 5,500. Reference bundles also cover the US, much of Europe, the UK, South Africa, Ghana, the Netherlands and China, with other networks billed at pay as you go rates.
How many countries does Safaricom roaming cover?+
Coverage stands at 22 countries and runs on Vodafone and Vodacom networks, so the footprint is regional rather than global. Destinations on the reference list include the US, much of Europe, South Africa, Ghana and China. A trip outside those needs a separate arrangement.
Other options to compare
Other rankings
Dialog Axiata
Safaricom