Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What are my charges for the ETA?

For citizens of SAARC (South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation) countries, the non-refundable ETA processing charge for a 30 day Tourist visa with Double entry cost US$15. For all other country citizens, the cost will be US$30.

Do I need to get an ETA?

Citizens of all countries except of those of The Republic of Maldives and The Republic of Singapore need to get an ETA to visit Sri Lanka.

What is an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) ?

This is an official authorization for a short visit to Sri Lanka. This is issued via an online system. You need this if you are planning to visit Sri Lanka as a Tourist on Business or Transit. You don’t need passport copies, documents or photographs to obtain an ETA.

Do I need a visa to arrive in Sri Lanka?

Yes, you need a visa to arrive in Sri Lanka. Along with that you’re required to obtain an ETA (Electronic Travel Authorization) before your arrival, if you’re planning for a short visit to Sri Lanka.

Do I have free access to the internet?

Most of the hotels provide internet facilities. Most of the towns have internet cafés with ADSL connection. Connections will be slow in remote towns. Ina cyber café, the average charge of surfing is about Euro 0.50 per hour. Guest are provided with free Wi-Fi facilities by many 5 star hotels and boutique hotels.

How do I dial out/inside the country?

When you’re dialing out, dial ‘00’ and the relevant country code before the number. Within the country, in a particular district, for example, Colombo, no area code is needed (just dial 2XXXXXX). But if it’s an outstation call, you need to dial the area code.

Can I buy a local mobile connection while in SL?

Yes. If you have a dual band and an unlocked phone, you can choose a local SIM and top-up (recharge) cards. Dialog, Mobitel, Etisalat, Hutch, Airtel are some of the mobile operators. You can purchase a Dialog connection for Rs.1500/= from the Dialog counter at the Katunayake Airport.

What’s the country code of Sri Lanka and how do I dial in?

When dialing in, Sri Lanka’s country code is 94. For an example, if you want to ring a number in Colombo, dial ++94112XXXXXX. If you want to ring a mobile number dial it after the country code. For example if it’s a Mobitel number, it will be ++9671XXXXXX.

What are the mobile technologies supported in Sri Lanka?

The GSM technology on GSM 900/1800 are supported by all mobile operators. Extensively supported is the WAP and GPRS. In Colombo, 3G and broadband is available. In selected spots in major towns, Wi-Fi zones are found.

Which language(s) does the people understand / communicate?

Though most people understand English which is a link language, Sinhala and Tamil are the official and widely spoken languages in Sri Lanka. Road signs appear both in Sinhalese and English and English and hotels is spoken at all hotels, major restaurants and shops.

Keeping away mosquitoes?

A plug-in mosquito repellent is provided in most hotels which is usually switched on during turn down. In most of the local supermarkets, you will be able to find and purchase (small repellent tablet inserted to the plug-in unit), the burning coil or citronella candle. When dining outside, you can apply some repellent lotion.

What health issues must I be concerned about?

Sri Lanka gas been one of the most reliable healthcare systems in the developing world, though emergency medical facilities may not be available outside the main cities. If you’re travelling from Africa or Latin America, you need to have a valid certificate of vaccination for yellow fever and Meningitis, before arriving in Sri Lanka.

Is it safe to travel to Sri Lanka?

Yes. Sri Lanka is at peace. Tourist visit Sri Lanka in record numbers to enjoy numbers to enjoy the pristine glory of this small island nation as they feel the pervading sense of peace, stability and safety. We also ensure the safety and security of our tourist in the places where we conduct our tours.

What are the safety precautions needed when travelling?

The accepted norm is to put all your valuables (money, passport, tickets, jewels etc) in the hotel safe deposit locker, before travelling. According to the international custom, hotels are not responsible for objects lost in the room. It’s important to keep a note of your Travelers’ Cheque numbers separately from Travelers’ Cheques.

What type of accommodation is to be expected?

A wide range of accommodation is offered from private boutique hotels, villas, ecologies and tents. But, when remote undeveloped outstation destinations are used in some of our nature and adventure trips, the hotel accommodation of international tourist standard may not exist and facilities can be relatively poor.

Is smoking allowed in public places?

No. In Sri Lanka, smoking and having liquor in public areas is banned. In enclosed public areas such as restaurants and social clubs, smoking ban is in effect.

Is it true that liquor is not served on Full Moon days?

True. As full moon days (known as Poya days), are of religious significance to Buddhists and devoted to prayer and meditation, abstinence is practiced out of respect for Buddhist religious rites. It’s a government decree, that all liquor shops, meat shops and entertainment centers remain to be closed on Poya days.

Is there any other precautions to be taken in choosing drinks?

Do not drink tap water unless it’s purified. Bottled water in containers not with tops or corks but with serrated seals is recommended to be used. Boiled water in thermos flasks, kept in most hotel rooms is safe to drink.

What about beer and liquor?

Sri Lanka has its own two variations of liquor known as toddy and Arrack. Toddy, after tapped from the palm tree and fermented, is a natural intoxicating drink. Refined toddy becomes Arrack. The cost of imported beer and foreign liquor is almost as same as in most western countries.

What about fruit juices and soft drinks?

In major restaurants and smaller ones, plenty of fresh, delectable and healthy fruit juice is available. Thambili or king coconut (which is a clean, cheap natural drink) can be found by the wayside. Popular international soft drinks are available even in the small village boutiques.

What kind of drinks / beverages can I have?

Firstly, you can enjoy Ceylon tea which is considered as the world’s best type of tea. If coffee is preferred, local coffee is available though a little strong. If you like to have expresso it’s only available in Colombo.

What is the food that’s available in an Aryurveda Resort?

It’s exclusively based on Sri Lanka’s rice and curry menu. Though the curries are mostly Sri Lankan vegetables, chicken and fish can be included.

What about ‘Halal’ food?

Halal food is not that much of a common food in major hotels. The Galadari and Holiday Inn in Colombo and the Confifi group of hotels (Eden, Rivering and Club Palm Garden) serve Halal food. There are Halal Restaurants in Colombo and Kandy but hardly anywhere else. The best alternative is seafood.

Is vegetarian food available?

A vegetarian section in the means of 5 star hotels and major restaurants. In smaller local ‘rice and curry’ restaurants, though it says vegetarian, some include fried fish or sprats (anchovies). The South-Indian vegetarian restaurants are purely vegetarian.

What are the business hours and days?

Does Sri Lankan banks have IBAN numbers?

Like in USA and Australia, and most other Asian countries, Sri Lanka uses the current Bank Identifier Code system (BIC or SWIFT code) along with the BBAN (Basic Bank Account Number) instead of IBAN (International Bank Account Numbers).

Can I find ATM machines all over Sri Lanka and will they issue cash for my credit / debit card?

ATM’s are found in most of the cities. In Most ATM’s, you are allowed to take cash against VISA / MasterCard. We recommend you to contact your bank to ensure that your card is valid to be used in Sri Lanka as different banks accept different cards. Watch out for the Maestro or Cirrus logo.

Are credit card charges done in foreign currency?

No, it’s not. According to exchange regulations in the country, your payments will be determined by the local establishments applying the exchange rates prevailing at the date of payment.

Are credit cards accepted everywhere?

Credit cards are used extensively in Sri Lanka. Even in small towns, credit cards are accepted by local establishments. Though Visa and MasterCard are the most popular card types here, Amex is being used to a lesser extent. For your convenience, use your credit card (valid for international use) whenever possible.

Where can I re-exchange?

The re-exchange (purchase of foreign currency) can only be done on your departure from the Bank counters at the Airport. Please remember that they will not accept Money Changer receipts but only bank receipts.

What do I need to re-exchange?

Please keep all the receipts of exchange (including ATM receipts) to declare the money. You will need this when re-exchanging to foreign currency to take back to your country.

How much of money can I take out of the country?

If you intend to take out from Sri Lanka a sum exceeding US $5000(or its equivalent in Euro or some other currency) in currency notes (out of the money brought in), you must declare the total amount brought in, even if it’s less than US$ 15,000.

How much money can I bring into the currency?

You can decide the amount of money in foreign currency to bring to Sri Lanka. It can be in TC’s, Bank drafts or currency notes. But, if it exceeds more than US$15,000 (or its equivalent in EURO or any other currency) it should be declared to Sri Lanka Customs.

What’s the bank fee for foreign exchange?

Generally banks take 0.5% handling fee and a commission, which differs from bank to bank. It will be better if you only convert the amount needed for spending.

Can you suggest a rough pack-list?

If possible, get a sarong as it’s very light, comfortable and packs down to almost nothing. It suits all purpose and occasions, even the temple etiquette.

How to dress myself when visiting a Buddhist / Hindu temple?

When entering a Buddhist / Hindu temple, you need to remove your shoes and hat. Unfurl your umbrella, if you’re carrying one. Make sure your legs and shoulders are covered and never to enter a temple in beach wear (eg: shorts or singlet).

Is there a dress code to follow?

As larger hotels insist on long attire for men during dinner (no shorts and no sandal) it’s useful if one set of evening wear is brought. For ladies, dresser, skirts or long shorts can be worn but not any beach / swim wear.

What kind of clothes to pack?

As Sri Lanka is a tropical country, lightweight, light-coloured cotton clothes are ideal for this warm climate. You will need some warm clothes, if you’re planning to visit the hilly regions as the evenings get chilly.

What’s the best time to travel?

To visit the South and the West coast and the hilly country, the bet and driest seasons are from December to March. You can visit the East coast from May to September.

How can I process my digital photos?

It’s best to bring a USB cord (Camera to PC) and transfer the pictures to a PC. Internet cafes do this too. From the PC, you burn them into a CD. This is not expensive. This helps you to keep the memory card empty.

Can I process my digital photos in Sri Lanka?

The franchised photo shops with the advanced digital imaging service of Kodak and Fuji are found in major towns. Digital data storage devices of almost all types are accepted. But it’s better if you could keep a backup of your pictures before handing over for processing.

What places should I refrain from photographing for military purposes?

Do not take pictures of dams, roadblocks, Airports or any that’s connected with the military. Taking photos are not allowed even around the Colombo Fort.

Do I have to pay when taking pictures of people or places?

Sometimes tourists are asked to pay to money for taking pictures. It’s better if you ask whether payment if required, before taking pictures. Our representative who is accompanying you, will be able to guide you too.

Is there anything else I should know?

Taking pictures of the frescoes at Sigiriya is prohibited. You should not pose beside or in front of a Buddha statue (i.e. with your back facing the statue) as such is considered as extremely disrespectful. Ask permission before photographing a monk. Also, please behave responsibly, although there’s no ban.

Can I take pictures inside temples and monasteries?

Ask for permission before taking pictures of people, inside sacred places. It’s forbidden to take pictures inside the Dambulla rock complex.

Tell me the dos and don’ts of local photography?

Always ask for permission before taking pictures of people. If they refuse, please respect their decision. If pictures are taken, kindly send copies (through our representative or directly to the village) for the people to have copies.

What about out of season travel?

When the big crowds go away, most airfares and accommodation process go down and many special offers will be given. These are the out of season travel benefits. At this time, the average temperature on the coast is around 27 ͦ C. This falls rapidly as the altitude gets higher and higher.

What about the rainy seasons?

Sri Lanka goes through two monsoons. When it’s the rainy season in the East coast, it’s the dry season in the South-west coast and vice-versa. This is how it is Sri Lanka all year round.

What are the special concerns?

Do not insert a 110V—120V appliance (hairdryer etc.) into a Sri Lankan plug base of 240V. It will catch fire in your hands.

What types of plug types can I use?

There are two types of plug bases in Sri Lankan hotels – it’s either UK (Type G) or Indian (Type D)..
*Do not get confused with the longer 15 Amp plug that’s used for "heavy duty" appliances (eg: air conditioners, microwave ovens)

What’s the Sri Lankan plug type?

In Sri Lanka, the voltage is 220/240V.

What’s the amount I should tip?

For your housekeeping staff, bellboy, doorman, a little tip between Rs.100 – 200 (1-2 USD) for each service is adequate. Depending on your level of satisfaction, you can give your guide or driver on tour, something between US$5 – 15 a day.

Is tipping accepted?

Yes, it is accepted. Because it is the customary way of showing your appreciation for the rendered service.

How is the nightlife in Sri Lanka?

Colombo, Negombo and Hikkaduwa has some active nightlife. There are some decent pubs, night clubs, karaoke lounges and bars in Colombo. All night partying days are Friday and Saturday night.

Is there anything special to shop?

There is a wide variety of splendid handcraft on sale in Sri Lanka. The most popular collector’s item is the Sri Lankan mask. Along with the famous “Ceylon Tea”, batiks, wood carvings, gemstones, semi-precious stones, lacquer-ware, handmade silver and brass objects are other recommendations.

What should I keep in mind when mingling with locals?

Always use your right-hand to give, receive and eat. Don’t ever use your left-hand to eat. Be mindful to respect cultural differences, the local laws and import regulations. Your behavior should not violate environmental responsibility.

How can I discover more information about Sri Lanka in general?

Visit the official Sri Lanka tourism website.