USEFUL INFORMATION
GEOGRAPHY
Sri Lanka, often referred to as the “Pearl of the Indian Ocean,” is an island country located in South Asia. It is situated to the southeast of India, separated from the Indian subcontinent by the Gulf of Mannar and the Palk Strait. The country’s geography is diverse and captivating, ranging from lush tropical forests and verdant tea plantations to stunning beaches and majestic mountains.
SIZE
Sri Lanka has a total land area of approximately 65,610 square kilometers (25,330 square miles).
LOCAL TIME
GMT+5:30
CURRENCY
The currency in Sri Lanka is the Sri Lankan Rupee or LKR. All major currencies need to be exchanged either on arrival at the airport itself or at authorized money changers, hotels, and banks. LKR is not traded internationally; hence, you cannot get it exchanged in advance before arriving in the country. Carry enough cash with you while traveling in Sri Lanka so it’s easier for you to buy things while on the go as many small vendors may not have the option of electronic payments.
Visa and MasterCard are widely acceptable, however, Amex cards are accepted selectively accepted by large establishments, including hotels, shops, and airlines.
ATM’s are generally available in all the major cities and towns. However, they may not be available or maybe scarce in villages & small towns.
PHONE AND INTERNET
You can expect sound telephone coverage and internet in the prominent cities and towns. It is a good idea to buy a prepaid SIM card on arrival which will save you the hefty roaming charges during your stay in the country. You can get local sim cards at the airport or we can arrange it for you at a nominal cost. Global roaming is also accessible.
Most hotels provide complimentary Wi-Fi. However, your local sim will come with internet service as well. Global roaming is also accessible.
Telephone code: +94
ELECTRICITY
The standard voltage is 230-240V, 50 Hz. Plug types with 3 round pins (type D) or 3 rectangular pins (type G), are the most common. It is recommended that you bring appropriate converters for your electronics if necessary.
VACCINATION
Sri Lanka does not typically require specific vaccinations for entry, except for a Yellow Fever vaccination if you were traveling from a country with risk of Yellow Fever transmission. It is strongly recommended to check with official sources such as the Sri Lankan government, the World Health Organization (WHO), and the embassy or consulate of Sri Lanka in your home country for the most up-to-date information before planning your trip.
LANGUAGE
The country is known for its multilingual society, with several languages playing significant roles in shaping its identity. Sinhala and Tamil are the official languages of Sri Lanka. As a legacy of British colonial rule, English is also widely spoken.
FOOD AND WATER
To be safe, we recommend drinking only bottled or mineral water. Bottled water is available even in small roadside shops. Do make sure that the bottles are sealed and not broken. When it comes to beverages, without a doubt in mind you should try tea as Sri Lanka is one of the biggest exporters of tea.
Sri Lanka’s unique culinary heritage is influenced by recipes and spices brought to the island over the centuries by Indians, Arabs, Malays, Moors, Portuguese, Dutch and the English. The main food or a full meal here includes rice and curry which is full of different spices, flavors, and colors. Now the curry can be either vegetarian or non-vegetarian. Fresh seafood is in abundance here, and it is a must try.
SHOPPING IN SRI LANKA
Sri Lanka is well-known for Gem stones, spices, tea, and handicrafts made of silver, brass, ceramics, bone, terracotta, and wood. Colombo, Negombo, Kandy and Galle are considered to be the best cities for shopping in Sri Lanka. Bargaining is expected.
SAFETY
Sri Lanka is a tourism driven economy and is generally a safe destination for travellers. The locals are very helpful and respectful towards travellers. However it is crucial to stay informed about the current situation, exercise caution, and respect local laws and customs. However, as with any international travel, visitors should be aware of their surroundings and vigilant of their personal belongings.
TIPPING AND GRATUITIES
Tipping is always at your discretion, although it is usual to tip guides, drivers, porters, as well as anyone who provides a direct service. We can give you a guideline to help you determine how much and when to be prepared to tip.
PEOPLE
Sri Lanka is home to several ethnic groups, with the largest being the Sinhalese and Tamil communities. The Sinhalese, who make up the majority of the population, have a history dating back over 2,000 years and are predominantly found in the central and southern parts of the island. The Tamil community, on the other hand, is concentrated in the northern and eastern regions of Sri Lanka.
Sri Lankan society is centred on the practice of Buddhism, with 70% of the population identifying as Buddhist.
LOCAL TRANSPORTATION
Local transportation in Sri Lanka is well connected, diverse and vibrant. Tuk-tuks, or three-wheeled vehicles, are an iconic mode of transportation. Taxis are available in cities and tourist areas, providing a more comfortable and private mode of transportation. In recent years, ride-sharing apps like Uber and PickMe have gained popularity in urban centers, offering an alternative to traditional taxis and tuk-tuks.
Trains are perhaps the best way to see the Sri Lankan landscape. Trains are available to all major tourist towns, but only few offer first-class or air-conditioned carriages.
INSURANCE AND MEDICAL
We recommend travellers to obtain international travel health and accidental insurance. Having medical and accidental insurance is highly advisable in order to obtain the best services and healthcare during your trip, should you need any.
There are extensive network of private as well as public health clinics and hospitals. Most private hospitals are concentrated in the capital city of Colombo providing superior and modern health care facilities for a charge, the state run hospitals offer free of cost services. Medical facilities outside of Colombo are very limited, especially for more serious medical situations.
