We have complied here the most frequently questions and tips about holidaying in Sri Lanka.
This section is regularly updated but if you cannot find what you are looking for please don't hesitate to contact us.
When traveling to Sri Lanka
one should bring as little luggage as possible.
Clothing and items for your daily needs are easily available and
cheaper than in the West. Luggage is a very personal choice. But for
international travel, most bags should be durable, lockable and
in most cases have wheels. Find an easy to remember and secure means of carrying
passport, air tickets, credit cards, travelers cheque's etc. A
hidden "money belt" or "wallet" on a cord
that hangs around your neck are examples.
Copies of travel documents, travelers checks etc.,
should be carried separately.
Sri Lanka is modern. Consider buying heavy and
bulky items after arrival. Soaps, laundry detergent, repellents,
lotions, batteries etc.
Bring lip balm, sun screen, nail clippers; and
for adventure touring, zip lock bags.
3-4 sets of clothing is sufficient for most
travel. Laundry service is widely available and inexpensive.
Light weight cotton is recommended.
If you are a western size "large"
or smaller, inexpensive shirts, blouses, trousers, shorts
and skirts are available at markets in most larger cities.
Consider buying part of your wardrobe on arrival.
Bring a hat or buy one upon arrival. Baseball
style or with a full brim.
Larger shoe sizes are hard to find in Sri
Lanka. Make sure your shoes are broken in and comfortable
for extended walking.
Note: Women should not wear tops that show
"bare shoulders" in temples.
Bring a book or two for plane rides and the
beach ... swap them with other travelers you meet along the
way.
When arriving at Colombo airport you'll have free
access to the Duty Free Shop.
Since its considered to be one of the cheapest Duty Free Shops
in Asia it might make more sense to buy your cigarettes here than
in Sydney, Frankfurt or London.
Naturally they have a good range of clothes, cosmetics,
liquor, watches and electronic items as well.
Yes, depending on your provider international roaming should work in Sri Lanka. If you are planning to stay a long time in Sri Lanka it might
be a good idea to buy a local SIM-Card for your mobile phone. Or rent a easy to remember Sri Lankan VIP number from us. For more information please contact us. International calls are costing an average of
US$ 0.20 per minute on a mobile phone with a Sri Lankan SIM card.
What health issues do I have to consider when visiting Sri Lanka?
Standards of hygiene and safety in Sri Lanka may differ from those
you are used to, so please take care, particularly with your choice
of food and drink.
Drink only bottled or boiled water, or carbonated (bubbly) drinks in cans or bottles. Avoid tap water, fountain drinks, and ice cubes.
We also recommend that you avoid
uncooked food (especially shellfish) and food from
street vendors. Buy ice cream only from hotels and reputable shops.
Limit your exposure to the sun and drink lots of fluids.
Compulsory vaccinations or other health precautions were not required,
although it is advisable to be inoculated against Hepatitis A,
B, Cholera, Diphtheria and have your tetanus injection up to date.
While traveling you might consider carrying:
Insect repellent containing DEET.
Flying-insect spray to help clear rooms of mosquitoes. The product should contain a pyrethroid insecticide; these insecticides quickly kill flying insects, including mosquitoes.
Iodine tablets and portable water filters to purify water if bottled water is not available.
Sunblock, sunglasses, and a hat for protection from harmful effects of UV sun rays.
Prescription medications: make sure you have enough to last during your trip, as well as a copy of the prescription(s) or letter from your health-care provider on office stationery explaining that the medication has been prescribed for you.
Always carry medications in their original containers, in your carry-on luggage.
Be sure to bring along over-the-counter antidiarrheal medication.
Consult your doctor before your departure if you
require advice on health precautions for Sri Lanka.
Visitors to Sri Lanka should take the following precautions:
Wash your hands often with soap and water or, if hands are not visibly soiled, use a waterless, alcohol-based hand rub to remove potentially infectious materials from your skin and help prevent disease transmission.
Take your malaria prevention medication before, during, and after travel, as directed.
To prevent fungal and parasitic infections, keep feet clean and dry, and do not go barefoot.
Always use latex condoms to reduce the risk of HIV and other sexually transmitted diseases.
Protect yourself from mosquito insect bites.
Do not handle animals, especially monkeys, dogs, and cats, to avoid bites and serious diseases.
Do not share needles for tattoos, body piercing or injections to prevent infections such as HIV and hepatitis B.
If you are less able-bodied, check with us before you book that
the accommodation you prefer is suitable.
Sri Lanka has introduced a new Visa regulation
(Electronic Visa Authorization - ETA) that requires you to register on
their special website www.eta.gov.lk before arrival.
Note: Passport and visa requirements are liable to change at short notice. Travelers are advised to check their entry requirements for Sri Lanka with their embassy or consulate.
Passport/Visa Note: Visitors also should be able to satisfy the immigration officials they have sufficient funds for their stay in Sri Lanka (minimum US$15 per day). Visa-exempt nationals should have a passport valid for 3 months beyond period of stay, otherwise passports should be valid for 2 months after expiry date of visa.
A good itinerary maximizes enjoyment, available
time and financial resources yet remains flexible enough for change
and opportunity.
Listing your travel objectives can be a first good
step, even if your objective is to wander about aimlessly with
no itinerary or specific destinations.
Be Realistic - How much time is required to get to the destination
and enjoy the activity you have planned. Travel time between
destinations can be a major factor.
Flexibility and an open mind are
key assets for avoiding disappointment or disaster. You may
hear about somewhere that suddenly seems an "absolute must
do".
Weather should be a significant factor in planning
activities. While it doesn't rain "all day, every day"
during the rainy season in Sri Lanka, planning a long mountain
trek in the rainy season might be questionable.
But the rainy season in Sri Lanka can be a good time for some
travelers since:
• The weather is cooler
• You will find fewer tourists
• Prices are lower
• The country is green
Where can I find recommend, English speaking medical resources?
Sri Lanka Medical provides visitors and residents alike with easy access to professional medical facilities & services in Sri Lanka. Regardless if you are searching for qualified physicians, private hospitals, modern pharmacies, dentists or specialists; your answers are only a mouse-click away.
Visit SriLanka Medicalnow...
