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Traveling in Sri Lanka Tips & Trick's

To make your visit to Sri Lanka as hassle free as possible we have compiled the most essential Sri Lanka tips & tricks for you.
This section is regularly updated but if you cannot find what you are looking for please don't hesitate to contact us.

Can I leave my valuables in the hotel room?

I heard about power cuts in Sri Lanka, what's the story?

Beach Boys, Vendors and Guides

How safe or unsafe is it to drive a car or motorbike in Sri Lanka?

What is the best way to send a parcel from Sri Lanka?

What is the cheapest way to call from Sri Lanka?

Sri Lanka Travel Tips

 

Can I leave my valuables in the hotel room?

Safe Deposit Boxes are highly recommended and are available at most resorts in Sri Lanka. Whilst a local charge is sometimes levied it is a small price to pay for security and peace of mind.

I heard about power cuts, what's the story?

Water and electricity restrictions can, and do, happen in Sri Lanka. Usage may be restricted or, on rare occasions, cut off for short periods of time.
Most hotels however do have generators, so even if you don't stay in one go and chill in their bar.

Beach Boys, Vendors and Guides

Most of the so called "Beach Boys" in Sri Lanka are a plague. Especially for single women. It's not about personality but if you meet a young man who doesn't work and parties all night, you should ask yourself what he is doing for a living. Right, he is trying to live off you! If you are happy with it or if you are looking for a toy boy go ahead. Otherwise stay clear. More trouble than what its worth. Especially Hikkaduwa, Bentota and Negombo are known for their high density of Beach Boys. 
Same goes for all the "friendly" guides and touts you meet on the road trying to sell you tours, trips and other "local knowledge".
Mostly you end up in places paying commission to the "guides" plus any transportation fare most likely will be astronomical.
Beach vendors in Sri Lanka are a different chapter. While they are very much in evidence in certain resorts, trying to sell their wares as souvenirs they, despite their persistence, normally they do understand "no thanks". Especially if followed by a smile.
It is possible you may also be offered illegal substances, which should be refused at all times, as penalties for possession can be severe.

How safe or unsafe is it to drive a car or motorbike in Sri Lanka?

That's a tough one. We all from go-lanka drive or have driven in Sri Lanka for many years without any accident. At least nothing to talk about. 
Still you must realize that the traffic in Sri Lanka is most likely very different to what you know from back home.
It is beautiful to drive along the beaches or tea plantations but at the same time you share the roads with cats, dogs, public buses (overtaking each other in villages at a speed of 80 km/h) and drivers who appear to be on a suicide mission.
Indicators are used for a lot of things (like "indicating" that you are allowed to overtake. Or not...) but very rarely for what indicators are actually installed for.
Don't get us wrong, it's great to drive on this tropical island but you only should consider it if you do have some driving experience and if you are able to cope with "strange" situations.
Maybe its a good idea to get started with one of our organized Sri Lanka motorbike tours.

What is the best way to send a parcel from Sri Lanka?

There is a post office in (most) towns and villages. Additionally there are sub post offices and private post agencies.
They are all good value for shipping by air or sea.
If you are looking for a courier and/or registered delivery go for the DHL, FedEx, TNT or one of the other international courier services.
Their agencies can be found in the bigger cities like Colombo, Galle, Matara, Kandy and Negombo.

What is the cheapest way to call from Sri Lanka?

If you only call occasionally use one of the many communication centers.
For people who need more flexibility and want to be reachable, our advice would be a Sri Lankan SIM Card
SIM cards can be bought activated and are recharged by scratch cards or Online.
The biggest providers are DIALOG and Sri Lanka Telecom's MOBITEL.
They all have outlets at the airport.

your Sri Lanka Travel Guide

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