FAQs

Question

Visa

Answer

🛂 For trips to Sri Lanka of up to 30 days, visas (also known as ETAs) can be obtained from the government’s Department of Immigration and Emigration website. The application involves completing a simple form and making an online payment, with no need to submit passport copies, documents, or photographs. An application is also available upon arrival, but it's easier to get it done online beforehand

Question

Currency

Answer

💵 Sri Lanka is a cash-heavy county. If you need an ATM, stick to Bank of Ceylon ATMs as they generally don't charge fees. Keep lower denomination notes for tuk-tuks. LKR is a closed currency, so you will not be able to pre buy your money from UK. GBP, USD and EUR are easily convertible. For convenience however, when you exit the airport, you can convert your money at one of the many banks. All the banks there have the same rate, so it makes no difference which one you choose.

Question

Wifi

Answer

🛬 Wifi can be patchy outside of Colombo and other main cities. Get a Dialog simcard from the airport — right at the exit of the airport you’ll see this booth. It’s easy to pick a tourist simcard.

Question

Getting around Colombo

Answer

🚕Transportation: Uber and Pickme are the two main taxi hailing apps. Download the app. You can choose a variety of vehicles to ride in, including a tuk tuk Tuk tuks- A fun and fast way to travel around Colombo. Make sure you confirm that they have a meter before you get in. If not, negotiate the price before you start the journey

Question

Tipping

Answer

💸 You aren’t expected to tip but drivers and service staff very much appreciate it, especially since Sri Lanka is still recovering from its worst ever economic crisis. So if you experience good service, you can leave 10% of the bill as a tip. If a restaurant charges a service charge, Sri Lankans generally don’t tip as it’s split among the staff.

Question

Poya (full moon) days

Answer

🌚 Sri Lanka is a devoutly Buddhist country and therefore it's worth noting that every poya (full moon) day is a holiday in Sri Lanka. Yes, 12 bank holidays because of the moon!!! White-clad pilgrims gather at Buddhist shrines and buses, trains, and accommodations fill up, especially if the full moon falls on a Friday or Monday. No alcohol is supposed to be sold on poya days and many bars close (though some hotels discreetly provide cold beer "under the table"). This is a particularly atmospheric time to visit a temple

Question

Water

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💧Whilst locals do drink tap water as it's chlorinated to the safety standards of drinking water, most Sri Lankans tend to boil and filter tap water before drinking. As a visitor, it is best to avoid tap water as you may not be used to the microorganisms in it.

Question

Attire

Answer

👗 A largely conservative country, you must cover your shoulders and knees and remove footwear before entering religious sites like Buddhist temples, Hindu temples, and mosques. In some Hindu temples, men have to remove their shirts – always pay attention to signs outside. You’ll also avoid unwanted attention if you dress modestly on public transport and in small towns and rural villages, especially if you are a woman traveling alone. Swimwear, including bikinis, is perfectly fine at the beach. Toplessness and nudity are prohibited

Question

The Heat

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☀️Sri Lanka is blazing hot and that's no exaggeration! Temperatures in Colombo and south coast cities like Galle can reach 37°C (98.6°F) with over 90% humidity throughout the year. The sweltering heat mixed with extreme humidity means that you’ll need easy, breezy, breathable outfits. A sweater and a raincoat come in handy if you’re visiting high country towns like Nuwara Eliya where temperatures can drop below 10°C (50°F) in the evenings and where it’s mostly wet and rainy. Also remember to keep yourself hydrated and take plenty of electrolytes. Coconut water (thambili) is available everywhere and it’s a great way to cool off.

Question

Wildlife

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🐘 As a tropical island, you’ll see wildlife everywhere you go in Sri Lanka, from peacocks to elephants and monitor lizards that often frequent even the urban gardens. Some interior roads in Sri Lanka fall through elephant corridors that wild elephants use for moving between their natural habitats in search of food and water. If you see an elephant on the road, you can observe them from afar, but keep a respectful distance and don't try to feed them. You’ll also often see monkeys across Sri Lanka. Don’t try to feed them as they are increasingly becoming dependent on tourists providing food, which leads to conflict in many areas across the island. Avoid feeding or touching any wildlife at all costs and remember to maintain a safe distance.