Travel Tips
VISA
All holiday or business travelers to Sri Lanka must have Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) for entering in to Sri Lanka. For more info. viusit: www.eta.gov.lk/slvisa/
When to visit Sri Lanka?
Sri Lanka is a tropical island nation surrounded by indian Ocean. Latitudes 5°- 10°N, longitudes 79° – 82°E and +5.5 hours ahead of GMT (Greenwich Median Time), a destination with sunshine all year round. The average temperature is around 27°C – 30°C in most parts of Island. The temperature gradually drops as the land rises towards the hill country, with some parts of the highland as low as below 15°C.
The island has two wet monsoon seasons but no off season. Clear blue skied bright sunny days are the general.
Therefore, you can explore Sri Lanka any time, any day
Customs
Refrain from carrying prohibited or restricted goods. you can get more info here…
Important: Retain your shopping receipts, especially for gems.
What to pack
Sri Lanka is a tropical country and humidity is pretty high. 100% Cotton clothes are the most ideal to wear. Sunscreen, also known as sunblock and suntan lotion could be very handy as it can be very hot sometimes.
If you are visiting the cultural and religious sites, it is a must that you wear appropriate clothing. Gents are required to wear trousers to cover their knees or a “sarong” with a shirt or T-shirt. Ladies should ideally wear decent attire such as a trouser or a skirt to cover the knees and a blouse or T-shirt. For ladies, no sleeveless top
Currency/ Money Exchange
Foreign currency and Traveller’s Cheques may be changed at any hotel. Converting Sri Lankan rupees back to a selected foreign denomination could be done at the airport, anytime. Please retain your money changing receipts.
The exchange rates are bit different between well known Banks and local kiosks
Shopping
Shops at Shopping malls are usually opens at 10.00am and close at 8.00pm and closed on Sundays and Full moon (Poya) days. The full moon poya day has religious significance for Buddhists and alcohol is not served in hotels, bars and public recreational areas on this day.
Road shops or kiosks are usually opens and colse in different times. some opens 5.00am and some are open until mid-night.
Medical Facilities
Government Hospitals are served free. There are many private hospitals in many cities.
If you need a doctor, you can contact the hotel reception. The hotel will have a doctor within the hotel premises or nearby. Pharmacies can generally be found at the commercial centre of most towns.
Transpotation
Based mainly on the road network. Trains , Busues, Private Vans, Three wheeles (took took) are the most famous.
Train network is limited. But paved through elegent surroundings. You can drive youeself by hiring a took took or motor bike. If you want to use public transpotation, try to avoid office hours (7.00am to 9.30am and 4.00pm to 6.30pm). Coz heavily crowded
Food & Drink
Be carefull when trying street foods. Any kind of fruit is ok to consume. But don’t forget to try one or two Sri Lankan cuisine. Some of the staples of Sri Lankan cuisine are rice, coconut, and spices.
Drink “king Coconut” without any hassle, as it is a remody for all blood inconsistencies
Communication
Sri Lanka has two official languages . Sinhala and Tamil – with English as a link language. Most people have some knowledge of English, and signboards are often in English.
Smoking
Ciggaretts is aloved but prohibited within city limits and where the banned sign is in place. Also you can’t smoke in public transport.
“Ganja”, “Canabis” is strictly prohibited and you will end up in jail if found retained.