Travel Guide to Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka Holiday Buzz would like to give you as much information as possible in
order to make your holiday in Sri Lanka the most comfortable. Below is a comprehensive
guide for all information relating to your travel in Sri Lanka.
When should you visit Sri Lanka?
This resplendent isle is blessed with sunny skies year round. The average temperature
in Sri Lanka is around 27°C - 30°C in most parts of the island. The temperature
in the hilly central highlands is cooler, gradually dropping further as the land
rises, with some parts being as cool as 10°C.
The island has two wet monsoon seasons. The south-west monsoon usually falls between
the months of May and July, whilst the north-east rains set in between the months
of December and January. However, even during the monsoon seasons some days are
bright and sunny, with the rains only falling during the evening and nights.
Organising your trip
There are a number of international flight carriers that have frequent flights to
Katunayake International Airport. Below is a list of some of the carriers that you
can book your flight on.
Sri Lankan Airlines
Emirates
Qatar Airways
Singapore Airlines
Cathay Pacific
Etihad
Condor
Jet Airways
Thai Airways
It is important to note your flight details when planning your round trip. If you
arrive late at night it is best to have an overnight stay in Colombo or Negombo
beach, before continuing on with your round trip.
Visa requirements in Sri Lanka
All individuals entering the country require a visa except for nationals from Singapore
and the Maldives. An online visa is granted and must be applied for, prior to arrival.
The fee is US $ 10 for SAARC country nationals and US $ 20 for other nationals.
Apply for your visa at www.eta.gov.lk
Immigration
Embarkation forms need to be filled out and handed over to immigration. These forms are available at the airport check-in counter.
Customs
The airport security staff reserves the right to conduct random security checks. You maybe required to open your luggage for inspection. Refrain from carrying prohibited goods. It is important to retain your receipts of valuable goods such as gold jewellery or precious stones.
What should you pack?
As Sri Lanka is a tropical island, make sure to pack plenty of cotton clothes, or simply buy your clothes when you arrive. Don’t forget your bathing suits if you are visiting the beach. Sun block or sun tan lotion is also necessary as it can get very hot sometimes. Mosquito repellent is also a good idea as well, especially if you plan on enjoying the outdoors in the night.
If you are visiting any cultural and religious sites, it is a must that you wear the appropriate attire as a form of respect. Gents are required to wear trousers or a sarong with a shirt or t-shirt. Ladies should ideally wear decent attire, such as trousers or a skirt covering your knees paired with a blouse or t-shirt. It is not advisable for ladies to wear deep necked or a sleeveless top.
If your tour itinerary includes a visit to the hilly central highlands of Sri Lanka, make sure to pack warm clothes as it may become quite chilly in the nights.
Currency/ Money Exchange
Foreign currency and Traveller’s Cheques can be changed at your hotel, however most commercial banks have better rates. Converting Sri Lankan rupees back to a selected foreign demonination could be done at the airport bank, which is opened 24 hours of the day. It is advisable to retain your money changing receipts. Currency notes are in 10s, 20s, 50s, 100s, 200s, 500s, 1000s, 2000s ,5000s.
Credit Cards
Most hotels and shops accept international credit cards. However it is safer to inquire if your card type is accepted before using any services. No surcharge is required for the use of these cards. Most widely accepted credit cards include American Express, Visa and Master Card.
Banks are open from 9am to 1 pm, from Monday to Friday. Certain city banks are open till 3pm on weekdays. These banks are closed on Saturdays and Sundays as well as all public holidays. ATM machines are usually found adjoining bank branches.
Shops
Shops are generally open from 9am to 6pm from Monday to Saturday with exception of Poya (full moon) days or any national holidays. Full moon days have religious significance for Buddhists; therefore the sale of alcohol is prohibited on these days. Hotels, bars and restaurants do not serve alcohol on Poya days.
Medical Facilities
If you require the services of a doctor, please contact the hotel reception. Most hotels have an on-call doctor working 24 hours of the day. Pharmacies are located in the town centre or in supermarkets.
Water
Avoid drinking tap water. It is strongly suggested that you drink bottled drinking water which is available at all retail outlets.
Communication
International Direct Dialing (IDD) facilities are available at all major resort hotels, post offices and tele-communication centres.
Tipping
It is customary to tip drivers, guides and house keeping/ restaurant staff. The minimum tip is usually 100 rupees. For meals at restaurants it is common practice to tip 10% of the bill for the restaurant staff.
Electricity: 230 volts AC Plug points are usually three round pin plug points. It is advisable to bring an adapter for your phone or laptop charger.
