Sri Lanka Travel Tips

Banks: 09:00 to 13:00, Monday to Friday (some stay open until 15:00)
Post Offices: 09:00 to 17:00, Monday to Friday
Department Stores and Shops: 09:00 to 17:30, Monday to Friday; 09:00 to 13:00 Saturdays
Museums: 10:00 to 16:30, Tuesday to Saturday
Business Offices: 09:00 to 17:00, Monday to Friday

The ongoing war between the government and the Tamil Tigers in the north has deterred many visitors from coming to Sri Lanka. However, although fighting is indeed fierce and frequent, it is mainly limited to specific regions in the north and northeast of the island. Travellers will be warned or prohibited from visiting these hotspots by the local government and tourism office.

The rest of Sri Lanka is generally very peaceful and safe. Colombo, and to a lesser degree Kandy, have a small problem with petty crime, which is usually limited to theft. Keep a close eye on your valuables and bags when visiting tourist attractions or beach resorts, as this is where much of the theft takes place. Violent crime against tourists is rare, but you should use extra caution when travelling around at night.

Electricity: 230V AC, 50Hz; round three-pin plugs are the norm.

No specific inoculations are needed to enter Sri Lanka, but these regulations can change at short notice so it is best to check with your nearest Sri Lankan embassy before travelling. All travellers are recommended to be vaccinated against hepatitis, tuberculosis and Japanese B encephalitis just to be safe.

The biggest health risk in Sri Lanka comes from consuming contaminated food and water. Although most restaurants in the main cities and resort towns should be up to international standards of hygiene, be careful at smaller food shops or roadside stalls. Ensure that any meat or seafood has been thoroughly cooked, and avoid raw vegetables or unpeeled fruit. Water should be considered unsafe to drink everywhere on the island. Bottled water is readily available, so stick to that for everything from drinking to brushing your teeth.

The sun can also be a potential health hazard in Sri Lanka. With so many beautiful beaches, it is easy to forget that the tropical sun this close to the equator is extremely strong. You can get sunburn in less than an hour, so use plenty of sunscreen and wear a hat when venturing out.

Should you get seriously ill, there is adequate medical treatment at the government hospitals and clinics in the larger cities. Colombo National Hospital has 24-hour treatment, and is probably the best place to go in an emergency. Many upscale hotels also have their own doctors. Buying travel insurance is highly suggested for a trip to Sri Lanka, as it will cover any unforeseen medical care.

Colombo National Hospital: +94 11 2694731

The official language of Sri Lanka is Sinhala, though English is widely spoken in the tourist areas and by people working within the tourist industry.

Sri Lanka’s currency is the rupee (Rs). There are 100 cents in one rupee, and banknotes come in denominations of Rs2,000, 1,000, 500, 200, 100, 50, 20 and 10. Coins come in denominations of Rs10, 5, 2 and 1, as well as 50, 25, 10, 5, 2 and 1 cents.

The best places to exchange foreign currency into rupee are authorised moneychangers, banks and hotels. Hotels will likely offer the lowest rates, but they are convenient. Major cities such as Colombo and Kandy are the easiest sites for money transactions. There are plenty of ATMs, though some of them don’t accept international debit cards. The smaller and more remote the town, the less money amenities will be available.

Credit cards such as Visa, MasterCard and American Express are widely accepted around the country, although in small shops and cafés you will need to use cash. Traveller’s cheques are accepted in all banks and at many hotels, and the exchange rates are often slightly better for cheques than those offered for cash exchanges.

Each visitor over the age of 18 years may bring two bottles of wine, 1.5 litres of spirits, and a small quantity of perfume into the country for personal use. Visitors are no longer allowed to bring any tobacco products into Sri Lanka without incurring a duty tax. Although a few packs of cigarettes are allowed for personal use, each carton brought in will cost Rs6,000 in duty tax. Also note that only two members of the same family are eligible for duty-free imports.

A handshake is the most common form of greeting in Sri Lanka, though try to remember to use your right hand for all physical exchanges. If you are visiting someone’s home, you will likely be offered a cup of tea, and it is considered rude to refuse it. Furthermore, a small gift or souvenir from your home country is a great offering for the host. Appointment times should be kept, as punctuality is appreciated in this country.

Dress is casual in Sri Lanka, though when visiting Buddhist temples you should take extra care to cover your skin and wear your nicest clothes. Be prepared to remove your shoes when entering any temple or home, and never touch the head of a Buddhist. Don’t turn your back on a statue of the Buddha if you are in close proximity. It is fine to take photos of Buddhist statues, but try and face the Buddha when standing next to it. Monks here are held in very high regard, so be extra polite and respectful to them regardless of their age.

Dining Etiquette
There is very little specific dining etiquette to be concerned about when visiting Sri Lanka. If you are invited to dine at someone’s home, be sure to arrive on time and bring a small gift for the host. Something from your home country will be a popular gift. Otherwise, a simple desert or flowers are fine.

As you will notice, the locals eat with their right hand only, so if you really want to fit in then try using your hand for eating. It’s a unique experience, and having a go at eating like the locals will certainly impress your hosts. Alternatively, cutlery is available at all restaurants so just ask if you think you won’t manage without.

Visitors from most countries are eligible for a tourist visa upon arrival at the airport in Sri Lanka. Tourist visas are valid for stays of up to 30 days and require a small fee. Make sure your passport is valid for at least six months from your date of entry. If you want to extend your stay, you need to apply at the immigration office in Colombo.

There is an excellent tourism information office in Colombo, as well as a smaller information centre at the Railroad Tourist Office at Fort Station.

Sri Lanka Tourist Board
78 Stuart Place
Colombo
Phone: +94 11 441 464