- FAQ -

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Are things expensive in Sri Lanka ?

Sri Lanka offers relatively good value for money as in costs being much cheaper than most parts of the world.

A typical lunch in a restaurant will cost you about 700 rupees. A typical dinner will also cost pretty much the same depending on the restaurant. These rates exclude Alcoholic beverages.  Cocktails could cost about 500 rupees. Meals and Alcoholic drinks at 4 or 5 star hotels can be considerably more expensive. Please use our currency exchange converter on our visas & more page.

Seasons

Sri Lanka - The best time to visit the north-central plains, Kandy, the central highlands, the south-east, the deep south and the south-west coasts of Sri Lanka is between December and April. High Season falls in February, with a peak season applying over New Year and Easter. Low season typically runs from May to mid-July. 

What clothes would I need to take ?

Light cotton or linen clothing is what is recommended for Sri Lanka. We advise you to take along a couple of jumpers and fleece jackets as you will need them when travelling upcountry in Sri Lanka, where the climate is colder than the rest of the island. Flip flops are useful when visiting places of worship and for when relaxing by the beach or your hotel.

What is the time difference?

Sri Lanka is GMT + 4.5 hrs in summer and GMT + 5.5 hrs in winter.

What is the local currency ?

One Sri Lankan Rupee  is equal to 0.0046 GBP and 0.0065 US$.

 Please use our currency exchange converter on our visas & more page.

Where can I exchange money?

Sri Lanka - You can only purchase Sri Lankan Rupees in Sri Lanka. When you arrive in Sri Lanka there will be banks and exchange companies just before the Arrival Hall where there are 24hr facilities.  Banks in the city are generally open 9am to 3pm Mon-Fri.

 All banks are shut at weekends and public holidays.  

Changing Traveller’s Cheques cannot be done in Sri Lanka. 

You are not allowed to take Sri Lankan Rupees out of the country.

ATMs accepting Visa and Mastercard are widely available in cities and towns. If you wish to use Visa or Mastercards in ATMs, (as with all overseas travel) it is best to notify your Bank in your country of residence that you will be travelling to Sri Lanka, prior to your departure.  When changing currency in Sri Lanka it is advisable that you keep a copy of the money exchange certificate with you. Always demand this certificate when you change money as you may be asked for this when you leave. 

Can I use credit cards to pay for meals in hotels?

Most international credit cards are accepted at major establishments including almost all major hotels. However there may be a charge from your bank.

What are the laguages spoken in Sri Lanka ?

Sri Lanka - Sinhala is the official language whilst Tamil and English are widely spoken. 

What is the electricity supply?

For Sri Lanka, it's 230/240 volts AC. Small 3 pin round plugs are used as well as 2 pin plugs. A European 2 pin Adapter can be used in the bottom 2 holes of the socket. Adapters are available at Hotel Receptions and also available for purchase in local shops.

Can I drive in Sri Lanka?

An international driving licence is required which can be temporarily coverted to a local driving licence from the Automobile Association in Colombo.  Vehicles are driven on the left. It must be advised that driving in Sri Lanka is not for the faint hearted.

Where are the main airports in Sri Lanka ?

Sri Lanka - All international flights arrive at Colombo International Airport (CMB), also known as the Bandaranaike International Airport located at Katunayake on the west coast, about an hour’s drive north of Colombo and 30 minutes south of Negombo.

Do I require a Visa?

Please see our Visas page for more info.

What vaccinations do I require?

Please consult your GP or doctor in your country of residence for up to date information before you travel.

Do I need to take precautions against mosquitoes?

Yes, as with all tropical countries, you need to apply mosquito repellent regularly. 

Can I use my mobile phone in Sri Lanka?

Your mobile phone will connect automatically to one of the local phone providers such as Dialog or Mobitel, though you should be aware that making International calls can be quite expensive.  If you are staying in Sri Lanka for longer periods, it would be advisable to consider purchasing a Sri Lankan SIM card. Top-up cards are readily available from Telecom shops. You could also do some research on purchasing an esim card online.

Can I get Internet Access?

Sri Lanka - Hotels, Cafes and Restaurants offer WIFI Access in Colombo and many major towns, although connection speeds can be slow outside Colombo.

What opportunities are there for photography?

There are many opportunities for photography whether it is of scenes of everyday life by the roadside, spectacular vistas or of the amazing wildlife.  Ensure you have a memory card of sufficient size as  you will find yourself taking many photographs.  It would also be a good idea to bring along a pair of binoculars to view the wildlife in the National Parks, as with all wild animals, you will only be able to view them from a distance.

Please note that most places of worship require modest casual clothing, and photography is restricted.

What wines and spirits can I bring into Sri Lanka ?

Sri Lanka - You are allowed to bring in 1.5 litres in total of wines and spirits per person.

Prohibitted Items to Sri Lanka

1. Any meat items cooked or otherwise

2. Pornographic Material

3. Drugs not accompanied by a Doctor's 

    or GP's prescription.

Do I need Insurance?

It is recommended that you have adequate travel insurance for the activities that you are going to participate in whilst on holiday in Sri Lanka such as white water rafting, elephant rides, game drives etc.  

What if I need Assistance whilst in Sri Lanka ?

Please see our useful contacts page for addresses and numbers.