Traverzy

Before You Travel to Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka is a small island full of amazing stuff. Ancient ruins, lush tea hills, pristine beaches and wonderful natural parks and many more. Also you can experience different weather conditions within a few hours. Need cold, chilly weather? You can drive to kandy or nuwara eliya if you are thinking about Sunny dry weather, the east and south coast are the best.So Before you Travel to Sri Lanka there are few Things you should know, So I am going to explain about those without any long boring stories.

Key Points

Sri Lanka Visa Requirements for Tourist

First Time visitors, you can get a 30 days Travel visa called ETA (Electronic Travel Authorization) Before You apply for the visa make sure your Passport valid for at least six months from the planned date of departure from Sri lanka.

Prices (according to official government website):

Total fee :

SAARC Countries: 20$ ( Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan and Sri-Lanka )

Other Countries : 50$

Currency and Language

Currency is LKR. You can exchange your currency upon arrival.

These are the main banks in sri lanka that you can exchange your money securely:

ATMs of Sampath Bank, Bank of Ceylon, People’s Bank and Commercial Bank,HNB (Hatton National Bank), NDB (National Development Bank).

Also You can find ATMS in any city of Sri Lanka For more info Read this Reddit Post

Language

No worries, Most Sri Lankans understand a little bit english. So if you need some help people love to help. Please be aware of scammers. But most of them give you generous advice without considering money or gifts. If you have interest, These are few useful words:

What is the name?(goods, or place, peson) – Mokakda Nama? Or Nama Mokakda?

Which Bus/train/? – Mona (Bus/train) ekada?

Where – Koheda

Thank You – Isthoothiy

Help – Udau karanna

Can i take a Photo – photo ekak Gannada? Or You can use broken English like “Photo Okay?” using a hand gesture.

Climate 

There are some rainy seasons in Sri Lanka but it is not like it rains all day along.

For the South and West Coasts and Hill Country: Best time is December to March.

For the East Coast: Best time is April to September.

If you need more information check this link

Cultural Rules

Sri Lanka is a buddhist Country but there are other religions too. Most of the places you can see the Religious temples. Enter into religious places: Make sure to remove your slippers at the entrance of the religious places.in the most of the famous religious places there are shoe keepers they will keep your shoes or slippers until you come back. This will cost you around 100- 200 lkr or Some are free.

DressCode – Make sure to wear clothes that Cover your Shoulders and Knees. You cannot enter Dri Dalada Maligawa(Kandy) wearing short Trousers.

Taking Photos

If you travel to Archaeological Sites Should be aware of signs that photos are allowed or not. If you are in a rural area ask permission before taking a photo.

Transportation

There are Buses, Trains, Taxis(cars, tuk tuk) and also “Pick Me“ and “Uber” in many cities.

Buses and trains are the budget friendly option. You can go anywhere in the country using Buses. There are Private buses and Government buses but prices are Same. Red Color buses are Government Buses. Taking a Bus : There are bus Stops (halts) and Bus Stands Every city and rural area in Sri Lanka. When you enter a bus you Should buy a Ticket from a bus Conductor. Tell him the place you want to go and he will give you a ticket.

If you don’t know the Which Bus you should take, you Can Ask the Bus Driver or Bus Conductor :

Is this bus going to this place? /Are you going to (City)?/ is this Bus going to (City)? → “City Name” Yanawada?

Bus Booking Sites for long Travel –

Train Booking Sites

https://seatreservation.railway.gov.lk/mtktwebslr/–official Taxi Services Sri Lanka

 Pick Me, Uber , Kangaroo cabs

Tuk Tuk – This is a great way to travel short distances, also this is a fun way to ride. Most taxis are metered. If it is not a metered taxi you should ask the price before getting into it.

With these tips in your back pocket, you’re pretty much set for Sri Lanka. Remember, planning a little beforehand goes a long way, but don’t be afraid to just go with the flow once you’re there. Sri Lankans are super welcoming, and you’ll find your way around just fine. Enjoy every minute!