At this current time, the following documents are required for entry to Sri Lanka:
The arrival card can only be completed 3 days prior to travel.
Note: Entry requirements change frequently and without prior notice. It is each traveler’s responsibility to ensure they complete the necessary forms and meet the entry requirements for the country visiting. For the most up to date requirements and in-country information, please visit the Smart Traveler Website.
It is strongly recommend you purchase fully comprehensive travel insurance for the duration of your holiday including Covid-19 cover. If you haven’t done so already, please email info@viewslanka.com your insurance provider and policy number for our records.
Please call +94112950517, +94766456633 email info@viewlanka.com or speak to your travel agent should you have any questions regarding entry to Sri Lanka.
Sri Lanka has more UNESCO World Heritage Sites, in such a small area, than anywhere else on earth and over 2,000 years of culture can be discovered at the ancient sites where legendary temples boast beautiful details. But Sri Lanka is not just renowned for its ancient history; it is also home to miles and miles of beautiful beaches, and tea estates in the central hill ranges.
Your Views Lanka Tours experience begins before you travel and we are there every step of the way until you return home. Our customers are our priority, and we will do all we can to ensure your holiday is one to remember.
This Travel Guide provides you with practical advice and cultural information to help you prepare for your holiday. We are aware that this can seem like a lot of reading material, but we ask that you take some time to familiarize yourself with this information prior to departure and refer to the contents within throughout your travels.
The tour dossier and final itinerary provides a straightforward description of the physical activities involved in each day’s sightseeing. If there are any particular challenges, from the length of time spent on your feet, the duration of drives and flights, to the standard of remote accommodation for our more adventurous tours; they will be explained there.
Almost everything will be different from what you may be used to. We have found that our passengers who embark on their journey with a sense of humour and adventure and who accept that things do not always go to plan, are those who find their experience most rewarding.
Travelling to a new destination requires patience with crowds and potential delays. Post pandemic, the world is slowly but surely opening back up and as part of this transition, you may find hotel and restaurant service slower than usual, and difficulty conversing in English.
We urge our customers to embrace the new ‘normal’ and keep in mind all the rewards, as well as challenges, of travelling in a country with a history and culture, so unlike our own. We ask you to recognise it will be busier than expected but to embrace the crowds and enjoy what will be a wonderful experience.
Although Sri Lanka is developing quickly, please note that health and safety standards overseas can differ greatly from those we enjoy at home, often of a lower standard. However, all of our suppliers meet local and national safety standards as a minimum.
At Views Lanka Tours we are continually working with our suppliers to maintain and improve safety standards by seeking good practice in health and safety and we will do our best to ensure that your holiday is safe and trouble free. Part of the enjoyment of travelling abroad is experiencing a different way of life and culture, but it may also mean experiencing different safety and hygiene standards than those we are used to at home. We want you to have an enjoyable holiday so we ask that you take extra care, use your common sense as well as refer to notices and follow the advice from your National Escort/Local Guides.
Our tours are operated at a comfortable, moderate or active pace and this is shown on the tour page in our brochure, on our website, and in the tour dossier. For more information on the more active aspects of our tours, please refer to your tour dossier.
Our National Escort/Local Guides always endeavor to provide the highest level of service and assistance, but they cannot be expected to cater for passengers who are not fit enough to complete the itinerary.
With most airlines, you can check in online 24 hours prior to departure. Make sure you have your passport information and airline reference number handy. Your airline reference number is 6 letters or digits long and can be found on your e-ticket receipt.
You are able to manage your booking and select your seats online through your airline’s “manage my booking” section. Please note that some airlines will allow you to pre-book seats more than 24 hours in advance but will usually charge a fee to do this, which needs to be paid to the airline directly by phone or via their website. Please refer to your airline’s website for further information.
We recommend you arrive at the airport at least 3 hours prior to your international departure, even if you have checked in online, to make sure you clear security in good time.
If you do not have access to the internet, we again recommend that you arrive at the airport 3 hours prior to departure where you can either use one of the available check-in desks or the self-service kiosks before taking your luggage to the bag-drop area.
We recommend that you do not exceed 15kgs of checked in baggage on your international flights. Please check with your airline as to their specific baggage limit and size guide.
As a guide only, your main baggage should not exceed the following dimensions: 90cm x 75cm x 43cm (35.5ins x 29.5ins x 16ins), including the handle, pockets and wheels, and your carry-on baggage should not exceed 55cm x 40cm x 20cm (22ins x 16in x 8ins), maximum weight 7kgs. Additional luggage allowance must be paid at the check-in counter at the airport.
While there are no domestic flights on our tours within Sri Lanka, you must be able to carry your own bags without assistance.
This is shown on your e-ticket. On arrival into any airport, you will be met by your National Escort or Local Guide at the arrivals exit.
If you are transiting from a domestic flight to an international flight (such as domestic flight Melbourne to Sydney, then international flight Sydney to Colombo), or vice versa, you will need to go through immigration during your stopover, collect your luggage, change terminals and re-check in your luggage for your next flight. Allow plenty of time to complete airport formalities. If you’re unsure if this applies to you, check with the airline counter before your first flight.
If you are transiting from one international flight to another international flight (such as in Singapore), your luggage will be checked all the way through to your onward destination. You do not need to go through immigration and leave the airport or collect luggage. You may need to change terminals, refer to your boarding pass and information screens at the airport.
If you miss your connection, please immediately speak to the airline counter to organise a new flight. Views Lanka Tours is generally unable to assist you with missed connections as the airline has control of your flights. Please refer to your final itinerary document for contact information if your arrival flight changes.
Every location on the itinerary will be visited with entrance fees to the main areas included, although the order may change depending on weather, traffic, last minute alterations or other conditions. If you wish to visit places that are not included in the itinerary, you may do so at your own cost, please check in advance with your National Escort. After a day’s sightseeing, you may sometimes be taken directly to dinner rather than have the opportunity to go back to the hotel to shower and rest first. Whilst out sightseeing, western toilets can be difficult to find in remote areas.
Experience the best of Sri Lanka with Views Lanka Tours! 🌍✨ We offer a variety of tours to suit every traveler, ensuring a seamless and comfortable journey.
✅ Tour Guide & Transport:
For groups of less than 10 people, a National Escort will not be provided. However, you will be welcomed by a local guide upon arrival and will have a guide at each destination during your tour.
If your group includes a National Escort, they will greet you upon arrival and accompany you throughout your tour, ensuring a smooth and enjoyable experience. Please refer to your Tour Itinerary for more details.
For Private Tours or Tour Extensions, a National Escort is not included. Instead, you will be guided by expert Local Guides in each city, while your dedicated driver will escort you between destinations (except when flying).
There are so many public holidays and religious festivals in Sri Lanka that we could hardly list them all! (Refer this website for Public holidays in Sri Lanka: Holidays Today and Upcoming Holidays in Sri Lanka (timeanddate.com)
The majority are observed on a regional basis while the important national days (such as Independence Day on 04 February) and major festivals of each religion are observed by several states or the entire nation.
If your tour coincides with a national or local holiday, you may find that transport and business open hours (e.g. shops or banks) are affected, you may encounter crowds and the availability of food or alcohol could be restricted.
Optional excursions may be offered by your National Escort/Local Guide whilst on a tour, time-permitting.
All optional excursions include return transfers and are accompanied by an expert local guide. These excursions are not included in the cost of your tour. Payments will need be collected locally by our representative upon your arrival, once you are happy with your choice of tours.
If you do not wish to take part in any optional excursions, please make arrangements with your guides to enjoy some free time at leisure or to return to the hotel.
Please note that these optional tours are subject to local conditions and might be cancelled at short notice, for example if the weather is very poor or minimum numbers for participation are not achieved. Your national escort will be very happy to assist you with more information if required.
In addition, you will also need to consider additional discretionary tipping for any local guide/vendor/driver who is involved in such activities
Tipping is customary in Sri Lanka as recognition of exceptional service.
Many passengers are often uncertain of how much to tip, so we have established a tipping system whereby every passenger gives a set amount (in US Dollars) to the National Escort who will distribute the amount appropriately throughout your trip. On multi-country trips, this amount will be paid in stages on arrival in each country. All group tour passengers are expected to contribute to the tipping kitty. (If there is no National Escort, please give the money directly to your Local Guides).
The amount for the kitty is calculated for each tour depending on the length, group size and services used during the trip. Your final documents will specify the exact tipping amount for your group. The tipping kitty will cover local guides and drivers in each city/province, local and/or site guides and your National Escort. Porterage to your room is not included.
Do not be surprised that you are constantly asked for tips or money, even if you know it has been paid. Your tips that you provide to the National Escort cover tips which should be paid on your behalf. Any others, such as tips for the toilet attendant or for someone who minds your shoes outside of a temple, are your responsibility but NOT necessary to be paid. Such tips are not included in our tipping kitty because these people are actually trying to sell this service to you as a way of making a living. Luggage porterage to your rooms is also at your discretion.
For Private Tours, Short Stay/Extensions, or group passengers with pre/post tour arrangements
The following table gives suggested tipping amounts per person per day:
Tour Guide US$ 15 per day
Hotel Maid and Porterage US$ 1 per day
For restaurants, if no service charge has been applied to the bill, we recommend 10-15%.
We use a variety of transportation to operate your itinerary at the best pace and to give you an authentic travel experience so you are not always ‘removed’ from the locals.
Our coaches are comfortable, air-conditioned vehicles. Please note that while seatbelts are compulsory by law, the local people largely choose not to wear them. For this reason local operators may or may not have seatbelts hidden underneath protective seat covers. It is recommended that where seatbelts are available, customers should use them and remain seated at all times whilst the vehicle is moving. Views Lanka Tours cannot guarantee that vehicles will be fitted with operable seatbelts.
For Private Tours and Short Stays/Extensions, we use private, air-conditioned vehicles. The vehicle type and model will vary depending on where you are, but we generally use a Toyota Innova (or similar) with plenty of space for your luggage.
Roads in Sri Lanka have generally been improved over recent years, but traffic and/or weather conditions may extend driving times. Your National Escort/Local Guide will do their utmost to avoid possible delays but cannot guarantee against delays, changes or – in rare cases – cancellations of sections of your itinerary. Road construction work usually covers an enormous section of road – not just one or two kilometers as you may be used to. For this reason, the timings listed in your itinerary are approximations only.
Main and inner-city roads in Sri Lanka have a reputation for being very congested. For this reason, it may not always be possible to return to your hotel after sightseeing to freshen up before going to the restaurant for dinner.
Before taking either mode of transport independently, agree on the price of the fare and check that you have enough small change as the drivers are unlikely to have much cash on them. Haggling on the fare can be fun, but it’s a good idea to find out from your National Escort or Local Guide how much the fare should be for the journey you propose. You will have to accept paying more than locals.
Group tour hotels are mainly local three to four star standard and located conveniently in the city, or near markets or shops. All rooms will have private western bathroom facilities, television, air-conditioning and a telephone. Plumbing and electricity supplies can be erratic and quite often the power in hotel rooms is turned off while guests are out of the room. It is not customary for hotels to have in-room fridges or tea/coffee making facilities. If an in-room safety deposit box is not provided, please use the security boxes at reception. Most hotel rooms do not have irons or boards, but most will offer a laundry service that can launder your clothes (typically in 24hrs) for a small fee. Usually check out time is 11am and check in time is 3pm. Please keep this in mind on the days when you are travelling between cities as it may result in a delay of access to your room, or a change of itinerary. Delays due to previous night’s guests are out of our control. Hotels cannot guarantee late checkout.
Double beds are subject to hotel inventory and cannot be guaranteed.
Hotel List – You will receive your hotel list with final documents sent to you 2-3 weeks prior to travel. A sample list of hotels can be found on each tour’s website.
Countries throughout the world adopt various classification systems for hotels in accordance with their chain name and the type of hotel. No international classification system exists. Typically, a three-star Sri Lankan rated hotel cannot be compared to a three-star Australia/New Zealand rated hotel. Attempts at unifying the classification system have been made so that it becomes an internationally recognised and reliable standard. However, differences do exist in the quality of accommodation which plays an integral part in defining which hotel category the specific accommodation fits into. Your accommodation can range from a business hotel in a city to a family-run guesthouse in a smaller town. Please be advised that all hotels used by Wendy Wu Tours are regularly inspected by our staff and our operators so that a good standard of quality and safety are maintained.
All hotels used on our tours have easily accessible Wi-Fi.
Sri Lanka is home to a melting pot of cuisine. Throughout years of colonization and influence from other countries and a history of spice trading, Sri Lanka has cultivated its own distinct flavour. Please be aware that dishes selected for your meals reflect the cooking styles and signature dishes of the local area you are in.
Rice forms the staple base of most meals while coconut (in various forms) is a ubiquitous ingredient. One of the highlights of Sri Lankan cuisine is its variety of sambols, which are fiery condiments made with ingredients like chili, coconut, and lime. Hoppers, which are bowl-shaped pancakes made from fermented rice flour, are a popular breakfast choice, while string hoppers (a nest of steamed rice noodles) are often enjoyed with curries. As Sri Lanka is an island, seafood also features prominently in many dishes, offering an abundance of prawns, crab, and a myriad of fish varieties.
The cost of all meals is included in our Classic group tours. You may like to drink beer, soft drinks, fruit juice or bottled water with your meals – please note drinks are not included in your tour price so payment for these is to be made directly to the restaurant staff.
On Go Beyond tours, private tours and group tour independent extensions, meal inclusions are listed in your itinerary.
Breakfast is served in the hotel and usually includes western dishes. Dishes served in restaurants on our tours are varied. Some will be vegetable-based and some meat-based. Our restaurants are aware of the western palate – there are plenty of non-spiced options. Dishes will usually be served either as a set menu with a few choices, or in a buffet style to allow you to sample many different options.
We recommend that when it comes to Sri Lankan food, you stay open-minded and try to be adventurous!
You may also prefer to bring comforts like cereal, biscuits, muesli bars and tea/coffee from home.
Drinks will be at each tour member’s own expense. Beer is widely available and cheap. Wine lovers should remember that western style wine is very expensive to import into Sri Lanka, so is not widely stocked except by upmarket restaurants. Bottled drinking water, soft drinks and fruit juices are also widely available – remember that you should only have ice or fruit juices from a trusted restaurant; where they will use boiled or bottled water to prepare ice and drinks. Hotels will usually serve tea and instant coffee at breakfast or other meals.
On some days, your National Escort/Local Guide may arrange for a simple, packed meal for your group. It may be a matter of schedule (on long driving days), hygiene (on train journeys), or your location (in remote areas) and we ask you to bear this in mind. Although this is not a full meal, most of our passengers seem to enjoy this change from the large portions and more elaborate banquets enjoyed most days.
Any food allergies and dietary requests MUST be specified at the time of booking and should be reiterated to the National Escort/Guide when you meet them. They will do their utmost to cater for any special requests, such as vegetarian meals or food to be avoided in case of allergies.
People on restricted diets should expect complications in Sri Lanka and unfortunately we can give no guarantee that special requirements can be met.
Please be aware that on some days where a lot of sights are covered, dinner times may be early (around 5.30pm) and your tour group may head directly to the restaurant after sightseeing.
Additionally, long driving distances or flight times, for example, may delay/alter your mealtime.
Whilst travelling away from major cities, it is highly recommended that those passengers with food intolerances take additional food items with them as not all dietary requests will be met due to the limited foods available.
Avoid drinking tap water in Sri Lanka. We always recommend bottled water as a first option when in a foreign country. Some hotels provide free bottled water in your room. Bottled drinking water, soft drinks and beer are widely available and affordable.
At Views Lanka Tours we are continually working with our suppliers to maintain and improve safety standards by seeking good practice in health and safety and we will do our best to ensure that your holiday is safe and trouble free. Part of the enjoyment of travelling abroad is experiencing a different way of life and culture, but it may also mean experiencing different safety and hygiene standards than those you are used to at home. We want you to have an enjoyable holiday so we ask that you take extra care, use your common sense as well as refer to notices and follow the advice from your National Escort and/or Local Guide.
We are continually working with our accommodation and transport providers to endeavour to raise safety standards as much as possible and we will do our best to ensure that your holiday is safe and trouble free, but we do ask that you take that little bit of extra care whilst you are away.
Fire and rescue: 110
Medical emergencies: 110
Police: 118 or 119
• Do not place flammable liquids, lighters, matches, gasses or aerosols in your suitcase
• Always carry medication in your hand luggage
• Keep your passport safe and have a photocopy with you just in case
• Pay attention and follow any in flight safety information
• To avoid DVT, drink plenty of water and follow simple exercises or occasionally move around the cabin
• In vehicles always wear a seat belt if one is provided –though it is not compulsory in Sri Lanka to do so. We cannot guarantee that vehicles will be fitted with seat belts
• In minibuses never place luggage in the aisles or footwells
• Ensure you know where your nearest emergency exit is.
• Check the location of the fire extinguisher, first aid kit and break glass hammer
• Follow any safety instructions provided by your driver/guide
• Car hire is not recommended in most areas
• Take care crossings as vehicles do not automatically stop
• Often paving can be uneven and loose with kerbs higher than you are used to. Please take more care walking around cities and resort areas
• Crash helmets are often not provided with mopeds and motorbikes – we do not recommend you hire these vehicles
• Ensure you know the location of your nearest fire exit
• Check the location of the nearest fire extinguisher
• Study the fire instructions in your room
• Identify how to raise the alarm if a fire occurs
• Do not smoke in bed
• If a fire occurs, leave immediately, do not stop to collect your belongings
• Proceed to an assembly point well away from the building
• Never lean over, sit or climb on the balcony
• Families with small children should request ground floor rooms whenever possible
• Do not climb or stand on balcony furniture
• Keep all balcony furniture away from the wall/railings
• Familiarise yourself with the pool and its layout, deep and shallow end
• Make note of the depth markings and any hazards
• Most pools do not have life guards, so please take care
• Shower before entering the pool
• Do not swim, if suffering from an upset stomach
• Observe pool rules and information signs at all times
• Do not swim at night, even if it is lit
• Do not swim immediately after a meal or when drinking alcohol
• Pool surrounds can be slippery, don’t run around them
• Observe No Diving signs at all times
• Never jump or dive from raised pool features
• In the event of an emergency ensure you know how to raise help
In order to avoid the possibility of stomach upsets:
• Make sure your food has been thoroughly cooked
• Ensure that serving utensils are used during each meal
• Hot food should be hot, cold food should be cold
• Avoid any uncooked food, except fruit and vegetables,(notably those you can peel or shell yourself)
• Always drink bottled water and ensure the seal is intact when purchasing
• Use boiled or bottled water for brushing your teeth
• Avoid ice in drinks as this is generally made from unsafe tap water
• Avoid purchasing food from street vendors, we cannot vouch for the health and safety of the food and drinks they provide
• Avoid walking in poorly lit areas
• Be aware, stay away from situations where you do not feel comfortable
• Avoid carrying too much money and/or valuables
• Use of a money belt is encouraged at all times
• Ensure your room is left secure when you go out
• Place all valuables in a safety deposit box, where available or with reception (use of these are often a condition of your insurance policy)
• Never leave windows or balcony doors open
• Ensure your main luggage can be locked when left unattended in rooms, carriages, luggage rooms etc.
• Do not take any valuable jewellery on holiday with you
• Ensure you have adequate protection for your type of skin, high factor sunscreens should be utilised initially
• Re-apply sunscreen frequently
• Stay out of the sun during the hottest time of the day
• Drink plenty of water to avoid dehydration
• At the first sign of burning, cover up and get out of the sun
• Beware, you can still burn, dehydrate and get sunstroke in the shade or in the water.
• Take a sunhat, sunglasses and lip salve
• Ensure you have appropriate insurance for your holiday and that it covers any activity you intend to undertake
• If participating in any high risk activity, appraise yourself of the safety standards being operated by the supplier
• Avoid purchasing activities or excursions from anyone not connected to Wendy Wu Tours they often lack public liability insurance and have unchecked safety standards
• Any accident or injury should be reported immediately to the National Escort or Tour Guide and a report obtained
• High altitudes on some tours can affect customers. Please see your Tour Dossier, which will indicate if altitude is relevant to your tour
• AMS (Acute Mountain Sickness) can affect people at altitudes above 3000m
• Symptoms include, dizziness, fatigue, nausea, loss of appetite, breathlessness or headache
• They usually develop in the first 36hrs and not immediately on arrival
• The symptoms can affect people of all ages and level of fitness
• Symptoms will usually subside on their own after 24/48hrs, if they persist you should consult a doctor
• Drink lots of water and/or non-alcoholic, non-caffeinated drinks
• Avoid any exertion over 3000m
• Our overnight accommodation is generally 100m below the highest level reached in the day, another effective method for combating
In keeping with most people’s interests whilst on holiday, your tour will include a reasonable number of opportunities to shop for local goods and souvenirs. We have included visits to establishments that not only provide an opportunity to purchase a locally produced, great-value souvenir, but you may also have the opportunity to witness first-hand how these local products are made, their history and how they support the local economy. We are aware that people like to take home souvenirs, so we endeavour to ensure the shops you visit have a reputation for quality, honesty and authenticity. Most establishments will also feature a place where you can buy refreshments and take a break.
Views Lanka Tours, our staff, National Escorts and Local Guides are not qualified nor permitted to guarantee the quality or value of any goods purchased during your holiday. All passengers who make purchases during their holiday must accept responsibility for their decision regarding the item’s value and authenticity, as well as the risk and process of credit card purchase and/or shipping.
It is recommended that you double check any items purchased before leaving the store (the item and any credit card receipts) and if you are having a large item shipped, make sure you take a photo of your purchase and the contact details of the store.
We encourage all passengers to enjoy their local shopping expeditions but to take care and buy wisely.
We cannot assist in returning or refunding goods in any circumstances, including purchases made at shops or factories which you may visit as part of your tour with us.
In local shops, markets and street stalls haggling is the accepted way to agree on a selling price. It can be a great way to save money, as well as a wonderful way to interact with the locals. Follow a simple rule: offer half the first price quoted, then bargain to somewhere in between. Always be polite – a smile and some phrases in the local language will get you further than anything else!
When deciding how much to tip for a service or how hard to haggle for a souvenir, please consider that any profit will be sincerely appreciated. Some foreign visitors find it too confronting and prefer to shop in more upmarket tourist shops or department stores, where prices are set.
All travellers should maintain a high level of personal security. Although Sri Lanka is considered safe for travellers, please keep in mind that cash or wallets in pockets, obvious jewellery, swinging handbags, etc. may attract unwanted attention. Keep your belongings with you at all times and beware of pickpockets in market areas and at train stations.
Make sure your valuables and cash are secure and inconspicuous. Do not leave any valuables unattended in your hotel room or on your coach. Lock away cash you do not need during the day/evening, credit cards, airline tickets, passports, jewellery, etc. either in your room’s safe or at reception; as not all hotels will have an in-room safe deposit box.
Wearing a money belt under your clothing is strongly recommended. We advise you not to bring valuable jewellery with you to Sri Lanka and keep a photocopy of your passport and debit/credit card(s).
We also recommend you take taxis rather than walk at night. Taxis are inexpensive, but you may have to haggle for the fee. Make sure the driver is clear on your destination – carry a hotel card so your taxi driver knows where to take you.
Fire and rescue: 110
Medical emergencies: 110
Police: 118 or 119
Sri Lanka is known for its severe weather patterns, including occasional tsunamis. The monsoon season in the country varies depending on the region. In the north-east, it typically occurs from December to March, while in the south-west, it lasts from May to October. During these periods, flooding and landslides are common occurrences.
If a natural disaster occurs:
We recommend that you check the weather forecast prior to your departure so that you can pack accordingly. Generally, casual clothes are recommended. Loose fitting, lightweight cotton materials are the most comfortable for humid weather, while layers of warmer clothes are advised for cooler evenings. A waterproof jacket will be required for the wetter conditions in April. The dress code throughout the tour is casual; however, it is important that all passengers dress conservatively.
Sri Lanka has a tropical climate with two distinct seasons, wet and dry, with two monsoon seasons; the “Yala season” from mid- May to October and the “Maha season” from December to March. The “Yala” season brings heavy rain from the Indian Ocean to the south and west coasts and the Central Highlands, with the northern and eastern parts of the country a little drier. The “Maha” season brings rain from the Bay of Bengal and causes heavy rain in the northeast of the country. The average temperature throughout the country varies from 26-28ºC, with 14-16ºC in the Central Highlands. November to January are the cooler months, with February to May being the hottest.
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We strongly recommend that all travellers take out comprehensive travel insurance including Covid-19 coverage. Please ensure you have the appropriate cover for your holiday as overseas medical costs are expensive. Please inform our office of your relevant policy number and keep details of the policy in your travel documents including policy number, 24 hour emergency number and next of kin details.
If you are taking out travel insurance with your credit card company, you need to investigate the policy’s inclusions and conditions fully. You should receive a policy number, an international access phone number to contact them in an emergency and a copy of full conditions.
All travel insurance providers require you to contact them ASAP in the unlikely event that you need medical treatment, hospitalisation or change travel plans, to inform them of your situation. They will then decide the best course of action in regards to further treatment and/or repatriation and make appropriate booking arrangements. Our staff in Sri Lanka will be able to assist you in contacting your travel insurance company.
In Sri Lanka, the local currency is known as the ‘rupee’ and is written as LKR. 1 rupee is divided into 100 cents. Rupee notes are in the denominations of 10, 20, 50, 100, 200, 1000 and 2000. Coins are in denominations of 5 cents, 10 cents, 25 cents, 50 cents, one rupee, two rupees, five rupees and ten rupees.
We recommend that you have access to more than one source of money – bringing a combination of cash and a credit/debit card will give the most security and flexibility while travelling.
It is possible to exchange money at your arrival airport and some banks in Sri Lanka, we recommend bringing USD which is more widely accepted.
Be prepared with enough cash in hand for the next few days. Once you have started your tour, you will quickly get a sense of how often or how much you need to exchange money. Try not to leave this to the last minute: exchange desks can close, ATMs can run out of cash and your group could be scheduled to leave your hotel at 7am tomorrow morning!
We recommend you take some local currency, where possible, for the country you are visiting as well as US Dollars. We also recommend taking a debit and/or credit card. Please ensure you have sufficient funds to pay for personal expenses such as drinks, snacks, souvenirs, additional tipping and optional extras. On an average two week tour, we would recommend approximately $500-1,000 per person spending money, depending on your needs.
It’s important to note that prices can vary depending on the location and type of establishment. In general, eating at a local restaurant or street vendor will be more affordable than dining at a higher-end restaurant or café. Whilst inexpensive, it is important to check that street food is prepared in hygienic conditions.
You can convert any unused notes at the international airport exchange desks when you depart. You will need to present your passport, airline ticket and some receipts of the money exchanged/withdrawn in Sri Lanka.
This is a problem in Sri Lanka so shop owners and clerks at banks or exchange desks are very cautious and can refuse to accept notes in bad condition. It is a good idea to stand at the desk to count and check the condition of each note. Do not accept any notes which are torn, very faded, a different shade, have ink stamps or any writing on them. If you accept the notes and sign the exchange receipt, then notice a problem, you will not be able to exchange them.
Taking one credit/debit card is recommended in case of emergency and may be used for large purchases in most of your hotels, department stores and souvenir stores. The most widely accepted credit cards include Visa, MasterCard and American Express. However, please do not rely on a credit/ debit card as your only source of spending money and keep a photocopy of your card(s).
While most major towns and cities in Sri Lanka have ATMs, it’s important to note that not all of them accept international cards. However, you can still withdraw cash from Visa and MasterCard cards at most major banks. Additionally, hotels and major shops in Sri Lanka generally accept credit cards. However, we advise against relying solely on ATMs as they can be unreliable, and the withdrawal fees for credit and debit accounts can be quite high. Before you travel, we recommend checking with your bank to ensure that your cards will work in Sri Lanka. It’s also a good idea to regularly check your statements for any signs of credit card fraud or card-skimming incidents.
Banking facilities are very basic and you will need to plan ahead with more care. ATMs in remote areas or rural regions are unreliable and should not be used as a source of money. Few hotels, restaurants or shops are able to take credit/ debit cards.
Cultural relics, handicrafts, gold and silver ornaments and any jewellery purchased in Sri Lanka must be declared at exit. All luggage is x-rayed and if any of the above is not declared, customs agents may seize them. You must also declare all food items on exit if carrying them in your luggage.
Sri Lanka is a multi-ethnic, multi-lingual and multi-religious country. Roughly 70% of the population is Buddhist, 12 % Hindus, 10% Muslims and 8% Christians. With this in mind, the laws, regulations and behaviour are affected by this colourful mix and we ask you to respect them by following some simple rules:
There is an electricity supply of 230-volts and the frequency is 50Hz in Sri Lanka so 220 -240-volt appliances will work safely with this supply. In Sri Lanka the power plug sockets are of type D and G. You can buy adaptors, also known as conversion plugs, from hardware, department and Duty Free stores all over Australia.
Over the recent years, Sri Lanka has had electricity limitations but these issues have since been resolved and all hotels are well equipped with generators to cater to any ransom power outages that may happen.
Information on phone calls, mobile phones, internet, email, postage and remote areas in Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka’s time zone is GMT + 5.5 hours. That is, during the summer, Colombo is 5.5 hours behind Sydney and Melbourne and 2.5 hours behind Perth. During winter, Colombo is 4.5 hours behind Sydney and Melbourne (but still 2.5 hours behind Perth).
International and domestic calls can be made from your hotel room. International calls are expensive (from Rs200 per min) and usually incur an additional service charge. There are also
telephone booths in most towns and cities displaying the letters ‘ISD’, which can place calls for cheaper rates and have meters so you can keep track of the call rate’s progress.
Australia: to call Australia, the international access code is 00, followed by the country code 61, then the local area code (omitting the first 0), then the number. For example, 02 9224 8888 becomes 00 61 2 9224 8888.
Mobile phones are very popular in Sri Lanka and you will find high quality coverage. Sri Lanka has active roaming agreements with most international phone carriers. However, SMS and call rates can be expensive. We recommend that you contact your Australian mobile provider if you intend to use international roaming during your holiday and ensure you investigate all associated costs before you depart on your tour.
We recommend that you use the post offices, rather than your hotel, to post items. We advise you to use a courier service from post offices to send anything valuable or important.
There are limited internet cafes in cities and small towns these days, where you can access your email or place an internet phone call. Wi-Fi is widely available and usually free, but please take care to ensure there are no charges. Many hotels and restaurants offer Wi-Fi.
You will rarely be able to access phone or internet facilities and mobile phones may not have reception. We advise that you let friends and family at home know that you will be out of phone contact during these sections of your itinerary.
If you are travelling within the below Sri Lankan Public Holidays, please note that celebrations can last a couple of days and during these times some businesses will be closed. Coach, air and train travel may be affected. Tourist attractions will be open but may be crowded.
Mon, 15 Jan – Tamil Thai Pongal Day
Thu, 25 Jan – Duruthu Full Moon Poya Day
Sun, 4 Feb – National Day also known as Independence Day
Sat, 24 Feb – Navam Full Moon Poya Day
Fri, 8 Mar – Mahasivarathri Day
Sun, 24 Mar – Madin Full Moon Poya Day
Fri, 29 Mar – Good Friday
Wed, 10 Apr – Id UI-Fitr
Fri, 12 Apr – Day prior to Sinhala & Tamil New Year Day
Sat, 13 Apr – Sinhala & Tamil New Year Day
Tue, 23 Apr – Bak Full Moon Poya Day
Wed, 01 May – May Day
Thu, 23 May – Vesak Full Moon Poya Day
Fri, 24 May – Day following Vesak Full Moon Poya Day
Mon, 17 Jun – Id UI-Alha
Fri, 21 Jun – Poson Full Moon Poya Day
Sat, 20 Jul – Esala Full Moon Poya Day
Mon, 19 Aug – Nikini Full Moon Poya Day
Mon, 16 Sep – Milad un-Nabi
Tue, 17 Sep – Binara Full Moon Poya Day
Thu, 17 Oct – Vap Full Moon Poya Day
Thu, 31 Oct – Deepavali
Fri, 15 Nov – III Full Moon Poya Day
Sat, 14 Dec – Unduvap Full Moon Poya Day
Wed, 25 Dec – Christmas Day
Sri Lanka gained independence from British colonial rule on February 4th, 1948, marking a significant milestone in the country’s history. This momentous event is now celebrated as a national annual holiday throughout Sri Lanka. Independence Day holds great importance and is commemorated with various festivities across the country.
On this special day, Sri Lankans proudly showcase their patriotism and unity. The streets come alive with vibrant parades, cultural performances, and colorful decorations. Schools, government buildings, and public spaces are adorned with the national flag, creating a festive atmosphere.
The celebrations typically begin with the hoisting of the national flag and the singing of the national anthem. This is followed by speeches by prominent leaders and dignitaries, highlighting the achievements and progress of the nation since gaining independence. Cultural shows, traditional music, and dance performances further add to the joyful spirit of the day.
In addition to the official ceremonies, communities organize various events and activities to celebrate Independence Day. These include sports competitions, exhibitions showcasing Sri Lankan arts and crafts, and food festivals featuring traditional cuisine
Poya is a monthly public holiday in Sri Lanka that holds great significance for the Buddhist community. These special days commemorate important moments in Buddhism, both in Sri Lankan Buddhism and the religion as a whole. Each Poya day has its own unique importance and is observed with religious ceremonies and rituals.
During Poya days, Buddhists in Sri Lanka engage in various religious activities such as visiting temples, offering alms to monks, and participating in meditation and prayer sessions. These celebrations provide devotees with an opportunity to deepen their spiritual practice and reflect on the teachings of Buddha.
Poya days are not only religious occasions but also cultural events that bring communities together. People decorate their homes and streets with colorful lanterns and Buddhist flags, creating a festive atmosphere. In many parts of the country, special events and processions are organized, showcasing traditional music, dance, and cultural performances.
On these public holidays, some businesses may be closed, and public transportation, including coach, air, and train travel, may be affected. However, tourist attractions remain open, although they may be crowded with both locals and visitors.
Understanding and respecting the significance of these celebrations will allow visitors to fully appreciate the rich cultural heritage and religious traditions of Sri Lanka.
