FAQs

Question

How do I get up to date information and stay in touch with you?

Answer

Join this What'sApp group: https://chat.whatsapp.com/L0tHap1dbMrCFszM0kexRA We will also be available by Whats App: Tanya - 2165703783 Justin - 2134472051

Question

How do I get a visa?

Answer

You can get your visa at this link: https://www.eta.gov.lk/slvisa/visainfo/apply.jsp The fee is $50.

Question

What medications do you recommend I bring?

Answer

There are no specific vaccinations you need to go to Sri Lanka. The ones that are generally required for the U.S. as well: Covid-19, Hepatitis A, and Hepatitis B. One recommended vaccine that some are doing (and others are not) is Typhoid. You can get a shot or oral version of the vaccine, and should just contact a travel medicine site near you to get it if you choose to. You can also check with your physician. When it comes to water, just to be extra careful, we suggest you use bottled water to drink and brush your teeth. Bottles will be provided at the hotels. Other things we suggest you bring: Pepto Bismal Immodium AD Z-Pack (this requires a prescription) Dramamine or motion sickness medicine if you’re prone to that Advil and/or Tylenol Hand Sanitizer Sunscreen Bug spray Green M&Ms That last one is just to make sure you’ve read it. But what a delicious snack! If you have any specific questions, please reach out to me or Justin, we are happy to help you figure out what is best for you.

Question

Do I need travel shots for Sri Lanka?

Answer

No you do not. As for any trip, we recommend you are up on your routine vaccinations, along with Hep A, Hep B, and Typhoid. These are the same recommendations that the CDC has for Costa Rica, and similar locations.

Question

Should I be worried about food poisoning?

Answer

Consider these rules similar to the rules in Mexico. We are staying in 5-star resorts and all the food will be prepared by fancy pants chefs, etc. Restaurants in Colombo are also top of the line and cater to tourists, so you will be fine if you decide to eat out. Just drink bottled water. We STRONGLY RECOMMEND that you do not eat street food or eat at places where the food has been sitting out for too long, especially outside. I DON'T CARE IF YOU WERE BORN HERE MOM, YOU KNOW WHAT HAPPENED LAST TIME.

Question

Can I wear a saree and/or traditional attire?

Answer

Yes of course! There is a difference between appreciation and appropriation and this is definitely the former. We would love to see you (and help you) wear something that brings you joy. There will be two people from the hotel in Kandalama who will be available to help, however they will not be going room to room so there may be one room where everyone can go to help get dressed. I will update everyone with details as soon as I have them.

Question

How do I get around the island?

Answer

You can use Uber! If you prefer, you can switch your pay option to cash. You can use TukTuks, but if you’re not familiar, we recommend sticking with Uber and doing a TukTuk tour if you’re looking for that experience.

Question

How much should I tip?

Answer

Typically people tip around 10%, but you can do more if you feel you've had exceptional service.

Question

How are we getting from Colombo to Kandalama?

Answer

It's about 4-5 hours and it is a long and winding road. We would recommend bringing some dramamine if you tend to get nauseous. We will be traveling in air-conditioned coaches. We will pickup everyone who is staying at Cinnamon Grand at 10am, and everyone who is staying at Shangri-La at 10:30, give or take a few minutes.

Question

What is the time difference between here and Sri Lanka?

Answer

If you live in EST, the time difference is +9 hours and 30 minutes. If you live in PST, the time difference is +12 hours and 30 minutes. If you live in GMT (HI POPPY), the time difference is +4 hours and 30 minutes.

Question

Should I leave my door open so monkeys can steal my sugar packets?

Answer

This is clearly a leading question. And sadly no. While in Kandalama, please lock your doors. These monkeys be monkeying and will steal your sugar packets. And potentially other things. So lock your doors! You should absolutely name them though. So you can say, "HAROLD, NO!"

Question

Do you have a registry?

Answer

Lol no. You are gift enough. We are fully aware of the time and resources you're committing to this trip, and we could not be more humbled and grateful for your attendance.

Question

Can I bring my kids?

Answer

Given the travel, the distance, the location, and the activities planned, we are concerned about the health and safety of our future bosses. Therefore, this is going to be a child-free event. Thank you for understanding!