Frequently Asked Questions

Most visitors to Sri Lanka require an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) before arrival. Here's the process:

Online Application (Recommended):

1. Visit the official ETA website
2. Complete the application form with personal and passport details
3. Pay the visa fee online (credit/debit card)
4. Receive approval via email (usually within 24 hours)

Visa Fees (as of 2023):

Visa Type	Duration	Cost (USD)
Tourist ETA	30 days	$50
Tourist ETA (SAARC countries)	30 days	$20
Double Entry	30 days	$60

On Arrival:

Visas can also be obtained on arrival at the airport, but this may involve longer queues. The fee is the same as online application.

Note: Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from your date of entry into Sri Lanka.

Currency Information:

• Local currency: Sri Lankan Rupee (LKR)
• Best currencies to bring: US Dollars (USD), Euros (EUR), or British Pounds (GBP)
• USD bills printed before 2009 may not be accepted
• Bring crisp, undamaged bills for best exchange rates

Where to Exchange Money:

1. Airport: Competitive rates, open 24/7
2. Banks: Best rates, but may have limited hours
3. Authorized money changers: Convenient locations in tourist areas
4. Hotels: Convenient but usually offer poorer rates

Credit Cards & ATMs:

• Major credit cards accepted in most hotels, restaurants, and shops
• ATMs widely available in cities and tourist areas
• Inform your bank of travel plans to avoid card blocks

Essential Packing List:

• Clothing: Lightweight, breathable fabrics for coastal areas; warmer layers for hill country
• Footwear: Comfortable walking shoes, sandals, and flip-flops
• Rain gear: Compact umbrella or lightweight rain jacket (especially if traveling during monsoon seasons)
• Sun protection: High SPF sunscreen, sunglasses, wide-brimmed hat
• Modest attire: For temple visits (shoulders and knees covered)

Recommended Accessories:

• Universal power adapter (Sri Lanka uses Type D and G plugs, 230V)
• Reusable water bottle with filter
• Basic first aid kit with any personal medications
• Insect repellent (especially for wildlife areas)
• Quick-dry towel

What Not to Pack:

• Single-use plastics (banned in Sri Lanka)
• Camouflage clothing (illegal for civilians)
• Expensive jewelry or unnecessary valuables

Transportation Options:

1. Private Driver (Recommended for Tourists)

• Most comfortable and flexible option
• Our tours include private vehicles with English-speaking drivers
• Average cost: $50-$80 per day including fuel

2. Trains

• Scenic routes (especially Kandy to Ella)
• Reservations recommended for popular routes
• Three classes: 1st (air-conditioned), 2nd, and 3rd class

3. Buses

• Extensive network covering the whole island
• Very economical but can be crowded
• Two types: government (CTB) and private

4. Tuk-tuks (Three-wheelers)

• Good for short distances in cities
• Always negotiate fare before riding or use metered apps like PickMe
• Average cost: $0.50-$2 for short rides

5. Domestic Flights

• Limited routes (Colombo to Jaffna, Trincomalee)
• Time-saving but more expensive

Recommended Vaccinations:

• Routine vaccines: MMR, diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis, varicella, polio
• Hepatitis A: Recommended for all travelers
• Typhoid: Recommended for most travelers
• Hepatitis B: For those who might have sexual contact or medical procedures
• Rabies: For travelers doing outdoor activities or working with animals
• Japanese Encephalitis: For long-term travelers or those visiting rural areas

Malaria Prevention:

Sri Lanka was declared malaria-free in 2016, but dengue fever is present. Use mosquito repellent and wear long sleeves in the evenings.

Medical Facilities:

• Colombo has excellent private hospitals (Asiri, Nawaloka, Lanka Hospitals)
• Carry comprehensive travel insurance that covers medical evacuation
• Bring any prescription medications in their original containers

Sri Lanka is generally very safe for tourists, but like any destination, it's important to take precautions:

General Safety Tips:

• Violent crime against tourists is rare, but beware of pickpockets in crowded areas
• Use hotel safes for valuables and carry only what you need
• Avoid political demonstrations
• Be cautious when swimming - heed warning flags on beaches
• Only use licensed taxis or those arranged by your hotel

Areas to Exercise Caution:

• Northern provinces still have some military presence
• Some eastern beaches may have strong currents
• Wildlife areas - maintain safe distance from animals

Emergency Numbers:

• Police: 119
• Tourist Police: 1912
• Ambulance: 110

General Guidelines:

• Lightweight, breathable fabrics recommended due to heat and humidity
• Modest dress is appreciated, especially in rural areas
• Beachwear is acceptable at resorts but cover up when leaving beach areas

Religious Sites:

• Shoulders and knees must be covered (both men and women)
• Remove shoes and hats before entering temples
• Some temples require men to remove shirts
• Dress conservatively when visiting Buddhist or Hindu temples

Special Considerations:

• Women may want to carry a scarf for temple visits
• Camouflage clothing is illegal for civilians
• Nude or topless sunbathing is prohibited

Official Languages:

• Sinhala: Spoken by about 75% of the population
• Tamil: Spoken by about 25% of the population
• English: Widely spoken in tourist areas and by educated Sri Lankans

Useful Sinhala Phrases:

English	Sinhala	Pronunciation
Hello	ආයුබෝවන්	Ayubowan
Thank you	ඔබට ස්තූතියි	Obata stutiyi
How much?	කීයද?	Kiyada?
Delicious	හොඳයි	Hondayi

Communication Tips:

• English is widely understood in hotels, restaurants and shops
• Learning a few basic phrases is appreciated by locals
• Many signs are in English, especially in tourist areas

Signature Dishes:

• Rice and curry: The national dish with various curries and sambols
• Hoppers (appa): Bowl-shaped pancakes made from fermented rice flour
• Kottu roti: Chopped roti stir-fried with vegetables, egg or meat
• String hoppers: Steamed rice noodles served with curry
• Lamprais: Dutch-influenced dish of rice and curries baked in banana leaves

Dietary Considerations:

• Many Sri Lankans are vegetarian for religious reasons
• Beef is rarely served due to Buddhist beliefs
• Pork is avoided by Muslims
• Alcohol is available but not widely consumed by locals

Food Safety Tips:

• Drink bottled or boiled water
• Peel fruits before eating
• Choose busy restaurants where food turnover is high
• Street food is generally safe if cooked fresh in front of you

Tipping Guidelines:

• Tipping is appreciated but not mandatory
• Many restaurants add a 10% service charge to bills
• For exceptional service, an additional 5-10% is appropriate
• Small tips (50-100 LKR) for bellboys, drivers, and guides are customary

Suggested Tips:

Service	Suggested Tip
Restaurant (no service charge)	10% of bill
Tour guide (full day)	500-1000 LKR
Driver (full day)	300-500 LKR
Hotel staff (per bag)	50-100 LKR

Tipping Tips:

• Carry small bills for tipping
• Tip in local currency when possible
• For private drivers/guides, tip at the end of service

Popular Souvenirs:

• Ceylon tea: World-famous black, green and white teas
• Spices: Cinnamon, cardamom, cloves, pepper
• Gems: Sapphires, rubies, moonstones (buy from government-certified dealers)
• Batik: Traditional hand-dyed fabrics and clothing
• Handicrafts: Wood carvings, lacquerware, masks

Best Shopping Areas:

• Colombo: Barefoot, Paradise Road, Laksala (government handicraft store)
• Kandy: Kandyan Arts Association, Kandy City Centre
• Galle: Galle Fort boutiques, Pedlar Street
• Local markets: For spices and handicrafts at better prices

Shopping Tips:

• Bargaining is expected in markets but not in fixed-price stores
• Get receipts for gem purchases for customs
• Check export restrictions on antiques and religious artifacts
• VAT refund available for purchases over 35,000 LKR from registered shops

General Rules:

• Photography is generally permitted in public places
• Always ask permission before photographing people, especially in rural areas
• Some temples charge camera fees (usually 200-500 LKR)
• Military installations and airports are strictly off-limits

Restricted Locations:

• Inside the Temple of the Tooth (Kandy) - no photos of the relic
• Some Buddhist statues may have "no photo" signs
• Military checkpoints in the north

Drone Photography:

• Requires special permission from Civil Aviation Authority
• Not allowed near airports, military sites or government buildings
• Commercial drone use requires additional permits

Photography Tips:

• Early morning light is best for landscapes
• Carry extra memory cards and batteries
• Protect equipment from dust and humidity

Electrical Information:

• Voltage: 230V
• Frequency: 50Hz
• Plug Types: D (old British 3-pin) and G (British 3-pin)

Adapter Recommendations:

• Universal adapter that includes Type D and G plugs
• Many hotels have multi-plug sockets that accept various plug types
• Adapters can be purchased locally for about 500-1000 LKR

Power Considerations:

• Power cuts are rare in major cities but may occur in rural areas
• Most hotels have backup generators
• Consider bringing a portable power bank for charging devices

Internet Availability:

• Most hotels, restaurants and cafes offer free WiFi
• 4G coverage is good in cities and tourist areas
• Speeds are generally adequate for email and social media

Getting Connected:

• Local SIM cards are inexpensive and available at the airport
• Main providers: Dialog, Mobitel, Hutch
• Tourist packages with data available for about 1000-1500 LKR
• Need passport to purchase SIM card

Internet Restrictions:

• Some social media platforms may be temporarily blocked during political events
• VPN services can bypass restrictions if needed

Major Buddhist Festivals:

• Duruthu Perahera (January): Commemorates Buddha's first visit to Sri Lanka
• Navam Perahera (February): Grand procession in Colombo
• Vesak (May): Celebrates Buddha's birth, enlightenment and death
• Poson (June): Marks introduction of Buddhism to Sri Lanka
• Esala Perahera (July/August): Kandy's famous 10-day festival with elephants

Hindu Festivals:

• Thai Pongal (January): Harvest festival
• Maha Shivaratri (February/March): Dedicated to Lord Shiva
• Deepavali (October/November): Festival of lights

Other Events:

• Sinhala and Tamil New Year (April): Traditional games and rituals
• Christmas (December): Celebrated by Christian community

Festival Travel Tips:

• Book accommodations well in advance during major festivals
• Transportation may be crowded
• Alcohol sales are restricted on full moon (Poya) days

National Parks & Wildlife:

Park	Best For	Best Time
Yala	Leopards, elephants, sloth bears	Feb-Jul
Wilpattu	Leopards, sloth bears, deer	Feb-Oct
Udawalawe	Elephants, birds	Year-round
Minneriya	Elephant gathering (Jul-Oct)	Jul-Oct
Sinharaja	Rainforest birds, endemic species	Jan-Apr, Aug-Sep

Marine Wildlife:

• Whale watching: Mirissa (Dec-Apr), Trincomalee (Jun-Sep)
• Turtle hatcheries: Kosgoda, Rekawa
• Coral reefs: Hikkaduwa, Pigeon Island

Wildlife Viewing Tips:

• Early morning safaris have best animal activity
• Hire experienced guides for better sightings
• Maintain safe distance from all wildlife

West & South Coast Beaches (Dec-Apr):

• Bentota: Long sandy beach, water sports
• Hikkaduwa: Coral reefs, good for snorkeling
• Unawatuna: Sheltered bay, calm waters
• Mirissa: Beautiful crescent beach, whale watching
• Tangalle: Less crowded, pristine beaches

East Coast Beaches (May-Sep):

• Trincomalee: Pristine beaches, good for diving
• Nilaveli: Long sandy beach near Pigeon Island
• Arugam Bay: Surfing hotspot
• Pasikudah: Calm shallow waters

Beach Safety Tips:

• Heed warning flags about currents
• Don't leave valuables unattended
• Some beaches have strong undertows - ask locals about conditions
• Sun protection is essential - high UV index year-round

Sri Lanka is an excellent destination for families with children of all ages. Here's what you need to know:

Family-Friendly Activities:

• Beaches with gentle waves (Bentota, Unawatuna)
• Wildlife safaris (Udawalawe, Yala)
• Train rides through tea country
• Turtle hatcheries (Kosgoda)
• Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage

Practical Considerations:

• Baby food and diapers available in cities but bring specialty items
• Many hotels can arrange baby cots
• Car seats not always available - consider bringing your own
• Child discounts common for attractions (often under 12 years)

Health & Safety:

• Stick to bottled water
• Pack child-safe mosquito repellent
• Medical facilities in Colombo are excellent
• Beach safety - supervise children closely in water

Sri Lanka is generally safe for solo travelers, including women, but some precautions are advisable:

Safety Tips for Solo Travelers:

• Dress modestly to avoid unwanted attention
• Avoid walking alone at night in deserted areas
• Use registered taxis or ride-hailing apps (PickMe, Uber in Colombo)
• Share your itinerary with someone back home
• Stay in well-reviewed accommodations

Cultural Considerations for Women:

• Sri Lankan women typically dress modestly
• Cover shoulders and knees when not at beach resorts
• Public displays of affection are frowned upon
• Be prepared for some staring, especially in rural areas

Meeting Other Travelers:

• Hostels in Colombo, Kandy and Ella are good for meeting people
• Join group tours for popular attractions
• Expat cafes in Colombo are social hubs