First 90 minutes

Colombo airport arrival guide

Immigration, money, SIM cards and the easiest first transfer after a long flight.

6 min readReviewed 7 September 2026

After landing

Follow signs to immigration, collect baggage and use authorised services in the arrivals area. Keep your accommodation address accessible offline.

SIM and money

Compare the clearly displayed tourist SIM packages and withdraw or exchange a modest amount for your first days.

Where to sleep first

Negombo is convenient for a gentle first night. Colombo suits travellers beginning with the capital, while immediate long transfers are best avoided after an overnight flight.

Leaving the airport

Use a pre-arranged hotel transfer, authorised taxi counter or a reputable app where available. Confirm the destination and total price.