Sri Lanka Travel Guide – Essential Holiday Advice & Tips

Your Complete Guide to Traveling in Sri Lanka

Planning your Sri Lankan holiday? Our comprehensive guide covers everything you need for a smooth, enjoyable, and culturally respectful journey.

Essential Preparations

Power & Documentation

Electrical: Sri Lanka uses European and UK plug styles. Bring a universal adapter or purchase locally at hotels/shops.

Smart Travel Tip: Email yourself copies of passport, visa, flight details, and emergency contacts before departure.

Airport Information

Airport departure tax is included in your flight ticket—no additional payment required.

Cultural Etiquette & Respect

Sri Lankan Pace & Hospitality

Sri Lankans are renowned for courtesy and friendliness but operate at a relaxed pace. Allow extra time for hotel check-outs, dining, and travel.

Photography & Religious Sites

  • Always ask permission before photographing people
  • Respect refusal, especially from minority groups
  • Buddhist monks: Not taboo but assess the situation first
  • Temple visits: Remove shoes/socks, cover shoulders/knees, never touch monks or pose with statues

Local Values

Sri Lankan culture values patience, friendliness, and courtesy. Demonstrating these earns genuine respect.

Clothing Guidelines

Daily Wear

  • Pack for heat/humidity with lightweight, breathable fabrics
  • Long sleeves recommended after dusk (mosquito protection)
  • Hill country: Bring light sweaters for evenings

Beach & Cultural Sites

  • Bikinis acceptable on beaches; topless sunbathing illegal
  • Conservative dress required away from beaches—loose, long clothing
  • Religious sites: Shoulders and knees must be covered

Communications

Mobile & Internet

Cost-effective: Buy Sri Lankan SIM card at Dialog shop outside airport arrivals. Internet: Free WiFi at most hotels and cafes. Sri Lanka Telecom scratch cards available for instant access.

Health & Safety

Pre-Travel Health

Contact your GP one month before travel for vaccinations: tetanus, typhoid, hepatitis A/B, polio.

Essential Health Kit

  • High SPF sun cream, insect repellent
  • Antiseptic and bite relief creams
  • Dioralyte, anti-diarrheal medication

Food & Water Safety

  • Bottled water only (check seals)
  • Follow rule: “Boil it, bake it, peel it, or ignore it”
  • Avoid: Raw salads, unpeeled fruits
  • Local remedy: Coconut water for upset stomachs

Personal Safety

Sri Lanka is extremely safe. Exercise caution around wildlife and heed warning signs. Our chauffeur-guides provide safety briefings for all activities.

Money & Payments

Currency & Exchange

Local currency: Sri Lankan Rupees Bring: US Dollars, Pounds, or Euros Best rates: Airport arrivals hall banks

Payment Methods

Credit/debit cards widely accepted. ATMs available in cities. Avoid traveler’s cheques.

Tipping

  • Restaurants/Hotels: 10% (check if service charge included)
  • Chauffeur-guides: $15+ per day for good service

Transportation

Short Distance

Tuk-Tuk: Most economical (Rs50/km), negotiate prices first Taxi: Good for longer journeys with set charges

Long Distance

Train: Scenic routes to hill country, book first-class Private Car: Chauffeur-driven recommended due to challenging roads Helicopter/Seaplane: Luxury option via Senok Aviation, Cinnamon Air, Helitours, Simplifly

Cultural Celebrations

“Dry Days” & Festivals

Sri Lanka has monthly Poya Days (full moon) when alcohol sales are prohibited. Plan ahead.

April New Year (Avurudhu): Island-wide celebrations with crowds—allow extra time. Alcohol outlets closed April 13-14.

Festival dates: www.srilanka.travel/srilankan_public_holiday

Shopping & Environment

Bargaining Culture

Expected for handicrafts and tuk-tuks. Use light-hearted, courteous approach. Modern shops follow Western no-bargaining practices.

VAT Refund: Tourist VAT Refund System available since 2018.

Environmental Responsibility

Water Conservation: Choose showers over baths, request towels be folded not washed daily. Wildlife Protection: Sri Lanka has 116 amphibian species (90% endemic, 72 threatened). Exercise caution in ecosystems. Waste Reduction: Bring reusable bags, refuse unnecessary plastic.

Practical Information

Language & Religion

  • Languages: Sinhala (80%), Tamil, English widely spoken
  • Religion: Predominantly Buddhist, plus Hindus, Muslims, Christians

Emergency Contacts

  • Police: 011 2433333 | Fire: 011 2422222 | Hospital: 011 2691111
  • Colombo Tourist Info: 011 2252411 | Kandy Tourist Info: 081 2222661

Entertainment

Hotel-based: restaurants, bars, sports facilities, spas, cultural shows Beyond hotels: Independent venues (especially Colombo), casinos for tourists, world-class beaches, game parks, historical sites

Additional Notes

  • Time Zone: GMT +5.5 hours
  • Smoking: Prohibited in public, designated areas available
  • Travel Reality: Long drives on rough roads, basic rural facilities, significant walking at sites
  • Laundry: Hotel services (prices vary) or local launderettes available

Historical Context

The 20-year conflict ended in 2009. Most of the island remained violence-free even during conflict. Tourism has significantly increased post-conflict. Handle as sensitive topic.

This guide ensures you’re well-prepared for your Sri Lankan adventure. Our local expertise helps you navigate cultural nuances while maximizing holiday enjoyment.