Transport
There are a few ways you can get around Sri Lanka.
Public transport
In Sri Lanka, public buses and trains are very common in all the major cities. You can book train seats prior to your visit and can choose from first class or second class which are a more comfortable or third-class seats, that are commonly used by locals for day to day travelling.
Public buses can be crowded, especially during the daytime. You will find semi-luxury buses that stop only at main bus stops for long journeys or A/C buses that run between major cities.
Although private transportation can be affordable, public transportation can be very tiresome, bumpy, crowded and noisy.
Tuk
Three-wheeler or Tuk Tuks are ideal for travelling short distances. Always make sure to get into a meter taxi to avoid scams.
Rental Services
Car and van rental services are very common in Sri Lanka. You can hire a self-drive car or a car with a chauffeur in any main city without a hassle. Most of the time, you’ll be charged for the kilometres travelled.
However, self-driving can be uncomfortable and dangerous due to the traffic, road conditions and careless drivers. So, it’s always wise to hire a driver and a car (*Book your car and driver here) so you can be relaxed on the road without having to worry about the safety as you have a driving expert behind the wheels.
Food and drinks.
In Sri Lanka, the staple food is rice and curry and the cuisine involve a lot of spices. So, beware of the spicy levels of food if you are not that tolerant to spicy food. Make sure to always drink bottled water and look for clean places when you eat. In Sri Lanka, you can enjoy a filling meal for a couple of dollars up to a couple of hundred dollars, depending on the place you eat. Star class hotels and fine restaurants and street food are very common in all parts of the country.
Money
Sri Lanka Rupees is the Local currency in Sri Lanka. You can exchange your currency to LKR at the airport at a very competitive rate. Credit cards are widely accepted in restaurants, hotels and shopping outlets and ATM machines are commonly found around the country. However, beware of credit card frauds and ATM scams.
Communication
It’s always affordable to buy a local SIM card for your mobile phone, for both local and international calls. You can find places to buy SIM cards at the airport.
The Internet is relatively fast in Sri Lanka and 4G is now available in a few major cities including Colombo. You can find cheap data cards for all the telecommunication brands, around the country. Also, you’ll find free Wi-Fi in cafes and restaurants.
Tipping
If you prefer, you can tip 10% or amount preferred for taxi drivers, in hotels and restaurants.
Visa
You can apply for Sri Lanka online from here
Clothing
Pack light clothing preferably cotton, linen. Make sure to wear properly covering clothes when visiting religious places.
There might be mosquitos and other insects in rural areas, especially at night. Thus, packing a good mosquito repellent is always wise.
Mosquitos
There might be mosquitos and other insects in rural areas, especially at night. Thus, packing a good mosquito repellent is always wise.
Language
The main language spoken in Sri Lanka is Sinhala, yet you’ll find people with basic English knowledge wherever you go, so communication with locals won’t be that much of a problem.
Photography
Sri Lankans are happy to pose for photographs but it is polite to ask for permission first. Street entertainers like snake charmers would expect a fee for posting.
Adaptor
Make sure to pack an international adaptor as in Sri Lanka you’ll find a range of sockets in use, including European and UK plug styles.
Safety
As in any country, theft can occur, especially when travelling by train. It is sensible to secure valuables, Passport and credit cards out of sight, such as in a money belt or buttoned pockets, and not to leave bags, computers etc,..unattended when travelling.
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