FAQ
Sri Lanka is a country with every aspect of visiting. Its cultural background with 2500 years of written history, Nature with wildlife, Authenticity with rural life, coastlines around the country & diverse landscape with full of attractions are only a few which I can list out. You will be amazed by this little paradise when you visit it.
You certainly do. In addition, if you intend visiting Sri Lanka on a short visit, you will need to obtain an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) prior to arrival. Easiest way to obtain an ETA through an online system. You can submit the ETA application to ETA website. Select the language, click ‘Apply’ and follow the instructions. ETA holders will be issued a 30 day Short Visit visa at the port of entry in Sri Lanka.
To apply and gain more information, visit: www.eta.gov.lk/slvisa/
Sri Lanka being a tropical country best time will be depend on your destination, activities and season you plan to visit to.
Climatically, the best & driest seasons are from December to March on the West & South Coasts and in the hill country, and from May to September in the East Coast. Sri Lanka is subject to two monsoons, the rainy season in the East coast is the dry season in the south west coast & vise versa. This means Sri Lanka is a year around destination, and there is always a ‘right’ season somewhere in the island. Along the coast the average temperature is about 27° C. The temperature rapidly falls with altitude. At Kandy (altitude 450m) the average temperature is 20° C and at Nuwara Eliya (altitude 1890m) it’s down to around 16°C.
Our destination specialists will recommend certain travel times after learning more about your preferences.
Sri Lanka’s electricity runs at 230-240V, 50 cycles AC. Round, three-pin sockets are normally used although you may occasionally find square three-pin sockets as well. It’s better if you can pack a ‘Universal Adapter’ if you have different types of plugs.
Immunizations are not required to visit Sri Lanka. (Exception: if you are traveling from an area infected with Yellow Fever, you must have a certificate.) Depending on the season and region of travel, certain vaccinations and/ or medications are advised. As well, we recommend the Tetanus and Hepatitis A vaccine. Malaria is present in the lowland regions of Sri Lanka, and preventative treatment and tropical strength insect repellent is advised. For detailed information, please contact your physician or visit the CDC website:
http://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel
| Institution | Hours | Open Days | Closed |
|---|---|---|---|
| Banks | 09:00 – 15:00 | Mon – Fri (Some open Sat morning) | Sundays, Poya Days* |
| Government Offices | 09:00 – 17:00 | Mon – Fri (Some open Sat morning) | Sundays, Poya Days* |
| Shops | 09:00 – 19:00 | Mon – Fri (Most open Sat morning) | (Some open Sun morning), Poya Days* |
| Post Offices | 09:00 – 16:00 | Mon – Fri (Sat morning) | Sundays, Poya Days* |
*Poya days (Full moon days)
Credit Cards are widely used and accepted by local establishments (even in small towns). The most widely used card types are Visa and MasterCard, with Amex to a lesser extent. It would be a convenient option to use your Credit Card (valid for international use) whenever possible.
The Sri Lankan currency is the Rupee (Rs), divided in to 100 cents. Notes come in denominations of 10, 20, 50, 100, 200, 500, 1000, 2000 & 5000. Most hotels and other tourist establishments will quote you the price in US$ or Euro and collect in Rupees at the prevailing exchange rate.
Dialling in – Sri Lanka’s country code is 94 Dialling within/ out – If you need to take an overseas call, you’ll have to dial ’00’. You do not have to dial the area code if you are within the area. However, the area code must be dialled if you want to take an outstation call (e.g. calling within Colombo, dial 2XXXXXX, Calling Kandy from Colombo, dial 081 22XXXXX). For more information, visit: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Telephone_numbers_in_Sri_Lanka
All mobile operators support the GSM technology on GSM 900/ 1800 bands. WAP & GPRS is widely supported. 4G and wireless broadband is available in Colombo. Wifi zones are available in selected spots in major towns