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 What type of Visa will I need?
 A visa is valid for 30 days and is issued on arrival at no cost for travellers from Europe, USA, Canada, Japan, Australia and New Zealand. These can be extended for a fee in Colombo at the Visa Council next to Majestic City (photographs sometimes required). If travelling from a different country please contact the appropriate travel bureau.
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What Vaccinations will I need?
Before you depart check with your local doctor that you are covered for the following: polio, tetanus, typhoid , and Hepatitis A, also we advise you purchase anti-malaria medication from your local pharmacy. Malaria is very rare in Sri Lanka but you should still cover well at night and use plenty of repellent. ------------------------------------------------------
What can I eat and drink?
Best rule of thumb is - if you can cook it, peel it or boil it, then you can eat it. Avoid dairy products made with un-boiled milk, e.g. Some ice creams and avoid drinking tap water, even to brush your teeth.
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Can I drive in Sri Lanka?
International driving licences are valid for 3 months and must be obtained in your home country. To extend it to Sri Lankan travel, you must attend the RAC office in Central Colombo where you will require 2 photos of yourself.
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What Time Zone is Sri Lanka in?
Sri Lanka is GMT+5 during the Summer months and +6hrs during the Winter.
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What money do they use in Sri Lanka?
Sri Lanka Rupees is the countries main currency. You can get about 212 Rupees to the English Pound or 108 to the US Dollar. Travellers cheques are accepted in most places but don't be surprised if they charge you more commission than you would usually find in Western countries. Credit cards (MasterCard, Visa ) are commonly accepted in hotels and restaurants and many shops. Cash points are in most major towns.
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What Telephone codes will I need?
To dial in to Sri Lanka you need to use the code 94. To dial out you need to dial 00 plus the country code, so to reach Pure Vacations in the UK you would dial 00441227 264 264.
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Can I use my mobile phone out there?
You will need to make sure your mobile can work on a GSM 900 network (nearly all UK and European phones can but check with your phone manufacturer to make sure). For cheap mobile calls you can buy a 'Pay As You Go' Sim card for around £10, however check with you service provider that your phone is not locked to its current Sim Card before departing.
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What is Fax and Internet access like?
Most Hotels now have Fax facilities and there is an increasing number of internet cafes and hotels that offer internet access. ------------------------------------------------------
What's the post system like?
Airmail post to Europe and America will take around 7 days and is not overly expensive.
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What voltage is used in Sri Lanka?
Their power supply is at 230V delivered at 50Hz, the same as the UK, however they use a 'Type D' plug (3 round pins with ground) so whatever western country your travelling from will need a converter. These are readily available once in the country.
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Do they cater for children?
Definitely! Sri Lanka creates a great environment for children to find their own adventure and if their fussy about eating then it's not hard to find places that serve very western like food. ------------------------------------------------------
What local customs should I be aware of?
Sri Lanka is a very welcoming country but like most places they do have a few quirks that you need to be aware of if travelling from a western country to ensure you don't cause offence. Tipping is generally the same as it is in the western world, around 10% is fine and if staying in a hotel you can tip the chamber made the equivalent of around 0.50GBP a night.
Much of the Sri Lankan life revolves around Buddhism which can be seen throughout the country, visitors are allowed to visit holy sites and you will see many large statues scattered about the land. Do not however attempt to take photographs or pose with the Buddha statues or indeed attempt to shake hands with a Buddhist Monk or a Muslim family (especially the women) without prior consent.
It is normal to see men out alone at night as the women tend to stay with the family. You will discover that men can be very close with each other and will hold hand as a sign of friendship. If you feel comfortable please follow suit but don't apply western thinking to what it may mean.
When gifts are received it is very impolite to open them at the time.
When visiting a Sri Lankan family always take a small gift e.g. Packet of biscuits or cake but not flowers. Remove your shoes when entering a home.
When eating in traditional Sri Lankan establishments use only the right hand, the left is thought to be linked with unclean activities.
Finally, never blow your nose in public, this is seen to be very rude. |
