Travel Tips
Planning a trip to Sri Lanka? Here is a list of need to knows and links to external sites with further information.
Best Time to Travel
While Sri Lanka has great weather throughout the year, there are certain times ideal for certain activities of your choice. Furthermore the monsoon rains hits at certain times in the year which can cause floods in some regions. One could therefore say the best time to visit the west and south coasts and hill country is from December to March, while the best weather on the east coast is from April/May to September.
Visa Requirements
With effect from 1st January 2012, all Holiday or Business travelers to Sri Lanka must have Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) for entering in to Sri Lanka. Please visit http://www.eta.gov.lk for more information.
Getting Around? (Transportation)
Sri Lanka has developed its roads immensely over the year with the addition of highways to speed up travelling, however it can still be very troublesem to travel on the narrow roads in most cities and villages. You can travel via bus, train, cabs or trishaws (also called tuk tuks). It is essentail to reffer the relevant transportation departments for schedules.
For more private holiday seekers there are chaueffer driven transporation arrangements as well, which could be private car, SUV, bus, or coach. Charter flights can also be arranged for air travel, which saves alot of time if one gets stuck on the road due to traffic.
Money and Payment methods
Tourists and travellers are expected to bring their own money however the amount of money you bring is in regulated. Furthermore you ar e expected to buy in Sri Lankan Rupees. Most foreign credit cards are now accepted including some mobile wallet payments.
Safety and Emergency Numbers to Keep
Sri Lanka has an active police emergency hotline 118 / 119 and other notable numbers including a tourist police hotline 011-2421052
What can I bring in luggage?
You are permitted to bring certain wines and liquirs from the duty free to certain amounts, as well as small amounts of perfume and souveniers. Certain electronic items will need to be declared at the customs on arrival.
What can I take home with me?
you are allowed to export up to 10kg of tea duty free.
Purchase and export without licence of any wild animal, bird or reptile, dead or alive . also the export of parts of animals, birds or reptiles, such as skins, horns, scales and feathers is prohibited.
What can I wear?
It is recommended to wear light cotton clothing due to the humidity and hot weather.