Discover Sri Lanka | Travel to Sri Lanka | Sri Lanka Visa Requirement | Newxplorer | Sri lanka travel

When to travel

Sri Lanka is a year-round destination, and there is always a “right” season somewhere on the island. Climatically, the best and driest seasons are from December to March on the west and south coasts and in the hill country, and from May to September on the east coast. Sri Lanka is subject to two monsoons; the rainy season on the east coast is the dry season on the south and west coasts and vice versa. This means out-of-season travel has its advantages -- not only do the crowds go away, but airfare and accommodation prices often decrease, too. On the coast, the average temperature is about 80°F, and the temperature rapidly falls with altitude. At Kandy (altitude 1,476 feet) the average temperature is about 70° F, and at Nuwara Eliya (altitude 6200 feet) it's down to around 60°F.

Visa requirements

Most visitors including U.S. citizens, European Union members, China, Russia and SAARC member states are eligible for visa upon arrival. These visas are valid up to 30 days for vacation purposes only.

Vaccinations

It is recommended that you consult your healthcare professional to see if you need any vaccinations prior to travel.

Currency, ATM’s and Credit Cards

The Sri Lankan currency is the Rupee (Rs). Like the U.S. dollar, it’s divided into 100 cents and comes in coins and notes with denominations up to 2000. It’s recommended to break down larger notes when changing money, as it can sometimes be a problem for commercial establishments to break down a larger note. ATMs are prevalent in cities and suburban areas, though they are less accessible in the countryside. Credit cards are widely used and accepted by local establishments even in small towns. Visa and MasterCard are the most widely used, and American Express is usually accepted as well.

What to wear and pack

Lightweight, light colored, cotton clothes are best suited for the warm temperatures of a tropical country like Sri Lanka. Some warm clothes are recommended if you are heading for the hilly regions, where the evenings tend to get chilly.

Dress code

-It is advisable to bring at least one eveningwear outfit, as larger hotels insist on ‘long attire’ for men during dinner (no shorts and no sandals). Ladies could come in dresses, skirts or long shorts, but not in any beach or swimwear.

-The Hill Club in Nuwara Eliya insists on ‘formal attire’ for dinner.

-Dress modestly at religious sites. You should remove your shoes and hat when entering a Buddhist or Hindu temple, and if carrying an umbrella unfurl it. Legs and shoulders should be covered; never enter a temple in beach wear such as shorts or singlet.

-Nudity is absolutely not allowed anywhere, including at the beach. Even topless sunbathing is prohibited.

Languages

Sinhala and Tamil are the official languages in Sri Lanka. However, English is the national language and generally understood by most people. English is spoken at all hotels, major restaurants and shops. If you are a non-English speaking Xplorer and would like a translator while you are on the ground, please contact us about translator services.

Communications

Telephone facilities are available extensively throughout the country. There are many telephone booths that accept coins, but the clarity may be poor and talk times short. Most businesses offer telephone calls for a nominal fee. IDD facilities are available in most tourist hotels. Dialing in Sri Lanka’s country code is 94.

It’s a good option to purchase a local SIM card and top up cards for your mobile phone. The mobile call rates are relatively cheap for both local and IDD calls. There are many mobile operators in the country such as Dialog, Mobitel, Etisalat and Hutch, and U.S.-based mobile services such as AT&T Wireless, Verizon Wireless and Sprint partner with local carriers. Check with your local mobile service provider for rates and other options.

Most hotels provide Internet facilities, and there are Internet cafes in most towns with ADSL connection. Many large five-star and some boutique hotels provide WiFi facilities. Dialog also provides WiMAX Broadband wireless connections.

Food

Sri Lankan dishes are based on rice, with a large variety of vegetables, fish, and fruits. Influences from Indians, Arabs, Malays, Moors, Portuguese, Dutch, and English flavor Sri Lankan cuisine and make for a wonderful culinary adventure. All kinds of international foods can be found in all major Sri Lankan restaurants, and most coastal towns have excellent seafood, including prawns and crab. Fruits grow abundantly on the tropical island – mangoes, plantains, rambutan, pineapple, mangosteen, papaya, wood apple, melons, passion fruit, and guavas are a small sample of the amazing variety to be discovered and enjoyed. Most large hotels and restaurants have vegetarian selections on the menu. Smaller local “rice and curry” restaurants often say the food is vegetarian, but include a serving of fried fish or sprats (anchovies). The ‘South Indian’ vegetarian restaurants are 100% vegetarian.

Tipping

Although a 10% service charge is included in bills for food and accommodation, tipping is a customary in Sri Lanka. A rule of thumb is to tip 10% of the total amount due. Housekeeping staff, doormen, and bellboys all expect a little tip. A tip between 100 - 200 rupees for each service is considered sufficient (a $1 bill is acceptable, too). You guide or driver on tour will expect something between US$5 to 15 a day, depending on your level of satisfaction with the service.

Local Customs and Etiquette

The Right Hand rule: Always give, receive, and eat with your right hand. It is extremely bad mannered to use your left hand for eating. Clergy, Elderly and Handicapped: Always offer your seat if no seating is available.