Traditional Greeting

The traditional way of greeting is by saying “Ayubowan!”, which means “may you live long!”

Time zones

+5.5hour ahead of GMT and during summer daylight saving it is +4.5hours ahead of GMT.

Sri Lankan visa information

Except for citizens of Singapore, Maldives, and Seychelles all other nationals should obtain an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA). The process is simple and you need to log on to www.eta.gov.lk to obtain your visa. Visa fee for SAARC countries is US$15 and for other countries US$30.

Travel Information on international flights to Sri Lanka

The main international airport in Sri Lanka is the Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA) in Katunayake, Colombo. BIA is also the hub for the national carrier of the island, Sri Lankan airlines. Other popular airlines that fly to the Bandaranaike International Airport are Air India, Jet Airways, Emirates, Etihad Airways, Qatar Airways, Turkish Airlines, Oman Air, Kuwait Airways, Singapore Airlines, Malaysian Airlines, Thai Airways, Cathay Pacific, Air China, and Korean Airways. Some of the budget carriers that call over at the airport are Air Asia, Fly Dubai, Spice Jet, and Mihin Airlines.

Sri Lanka customs and duty-free allowances

Visitors to Sri Lanka are officially required to declare all currencies, valuable equipment, jewelry, gems, etc. Visitors are not allowed to bring goods in commercial quantities or prohibited/restricted goods such as dangerous drugs, weapons, explosive devices, or gold. You are allowed to bring 1.5 liters of spirits, 2 bottles of wine, 200 cigarettes, 50 cigars or 250g rolling tobacco, a small quantity of perfume, and 250 ml of toilet water. Professional photography or filming equipment must be declared and will be allowed entry on a valid carnet, bank guarantee, or refundable deposit to the tune of the duty payable on the items.

Exchanging Money in Sri Lanka

If you’re carrying in excess of $15,000 in TC, bank drafts, or currency notes into Sri Lanka, then you should declare the amount on arrival. You can convert your foreign currency at authorized money changes located at the arrivals hall in the airport or in some of the key cities. Most hotels and some shopping malls offer money-changing facilities albeit at a lower rate than the official rate. Some of the local banks are a part of the global network of Cirrus ATMs. If your ATM card is a part of the Cirrus network, then you will be able to easily withdraw money, in local currency, from a Cirrus ATM.

Sri Lanka Currency Notes

The local currency in Sri Lanka is Rupees (LKR). Notes are available in LKR5000, LKR 2000, LKR 1000, LKR 500, LKR100, 50 & 20 denominations. Coins are available in smaller denominations such as LKR10, LKR5, LKR2, LKR1 & 50Cents.

Credit Cards

VISA & Master cards are widely accepted in most hotels and shops. Usually, there are no surcharges for processing credit card payments.

Mobile SIM cards

Pre-paid mobile SIM cards are available at the airport arrivals hall. Dialog and Mobitel have good island-wide cellular coverage. Sri Lanka’s international dialing code is +94.

Shopping in Sri Lanka and Consumer Advisory

Travel information on some of the goods you may consider buying when in Sri Lanka are Ceylon Tea, Spices, Gems, Garments, Batiks, Ayurveda products, Handicraft, and Porcelain Ware. In most reputed malls and shops the pricing is clearly displayed on the goods and there is minimal room for negotiating. Whereas in some of the smaller merchant outlets, you have the option of negotiating. However, it is recommended that you be mindful of the quality of goods you are purchasing, since a handful of traders can resort to unethical trading practices.

Insurance Coverage

It’s a good travel practice to have insurance policy that covers for loss of luggage, theft, accidents, and medical problems. If you plan on engaging in any excursions such as white water rafting, diving, surfing or even caving? Then you need to make sure your insurance policy covers you for these activities.

Traveling in Sri Lanka

If you plan on visiting Sri Lanka to purely enjoy a particular holiday destination for a few days. Then it is recommended that you hire a vehicle for the transfer or one-way trip and use public transport for your city tours at the holiday destination. Sri Lanka railways also have good coverage to some of the popular tourist cities such as Kandy, Galle, Hikkaduwa, Nuwara Eliya, Ella in Sri Lanka.

If your interest is to travel around the country and see as many places of interest, then it is recommended that you obtain the services of a professional chauffeur, who in addition to driving you around, will have the skill set to explain some of the places of interest as well.

Accommodation

In the absence of a recommendation or user review on an accommodation. It is always good to inquire if the property is a Sri Lanka tourist board-approved property.

Sunscreen

It is recommended to carry a good sunblock cream with you. Specially, if you are plan on sunbathing or engaging in any excursions. Where you would be exposed to the sun for long durations.

Smoking

Smoking is prohibited in air-conditioned areas such as restaurants, shopping malls, cinemas and also most public places. Please observe non-smoking rules.

Bars

Alcoholic drinks are freely available at bars, restaurants, wine shops, stores & supermarkets. The sale of liquor is prohibited on Poya days (full moon days) and this rule is applicable to hotel bars and restaurants as well.

Main Electricity

230 Volts 50 Hertz AC. Some hotels have transformers/ converters, thereby enabling visitors to use their appliances. It is advisable to take a universal adapter. Hope you found the above list of travel information useful. Please feel free to add your comments to the above list.