Welcome to Sri Lanka 😊

Quick Facts About Sri Lanka

Money and Finances

The currency in Sri Lanka is the Sri Lankan rupee (LKR). The denominations of coins are 1, 2, 5 and 10 rupees and notes come in 10, 20, 50, 100, 500, 1000, 2000 and 5000 rupees.

ATM Network

ATMs are widely available in urban areas in Sri Lanka, but may be less common in rural areas. Most accept international debit and credit cards.

Credit Cards

Credit cards are widely accepted in major cities and tourist areas in Sri Lanka, particularly Visa and Mastercard. However, AMEX may not be as widely accepted, so it's always best to check ahead of time and have cash as a backup.

Internet and Phones

In Sri Lanka, the average internet speed for uploads and downloads is around 6 Mbps. While there is no government internet censorship, occasional social media blockages have been reported.

Phone Plans and SIM Cards

There are several telco companies in Sri Lanka, like Dialog, Mobitel, and Etisalat. The average cost of a mobile phone plan is around LKR 1,000 per month. While most phones work with Sri Lankan networks, there may be some sim compatibility issues.

Dialling to Sri Lanka

To call Sri Lanka from another country, dial +94 followed by the area code and subscriber number. The area codes used in Sri Lanka are 11 (Colombo), 33 (Kandy), 31 (Galle) and more.

Transport Around Sri Lanka

Air Travel

Sri Lanka's main international airport is the Bandaranaike International Airport, located in the town of Katunayake, just outside of Colombo. There are also domestic airports in cities like Koggala and Batticaloa.

Train Travel

Sri Lanka has an extensive inter-city train network that covers the entire country. Trains are a popular form of transport for locals and tourists alike, and they offer comfortable seating and stunning views. A second class ticket from Colombo to Kandy, for example, costs around 200 LKR (about $1.10 USD) and takes about 3 hours.

Metro / Local Trains

There is no metro system in Sri Lanka.

Buses

There are several bus operators in Sri Lanka, and it's a popular form of transport for both short and long distances. Buses range from basic to luxury, and prices vary accordingly. A bus from Colombo to Galle, for example, costs around 130 LKR (about $0.70 USD) and takes about 2.5 hours.

Rideshare

Uber and PickMe are popular rideshare companies in Sri Lanka. Rides are relatively cheap, with a 10 km trip costing around 400-500 LKR (about $2.20-$2.75 USD).

Driving by Car

Driving in Sri Lanka can be a challenge, especially in the busy cities. Speed limits are generally 50 km/h in built-up areas and 70 km/h on highways. Sri Lanka drives on the left side of the road.

Local Customs

In Sri Lanka, tipping is not mandatory but appreciated for good service. A 10% tip in restaurants is common. When greeting someone, a simple 'Ayubowan' (may you have a long life) with hands together and a slight bow is customary. Sri Lankans are generally very friendly towards strangers and will often strike up conversations. It is not common for men and women who are not related or in a romantic relationship to touch or embrace in public, so it is best to avoid this. When addressing someone, use 'Mr.' for men and 'Miss' for unmarried women. 'Mrs.' is used for married women.

Health and Diseases

Medical System

Sri Lanka has a national healthcare system that provides free and subsidized healthcare to its citizens. The quality of healthcare varies between urban and rural areas, and private healthcare is also available. A visit to a doctor can cost approximately $15 to $30. Health insurance is recommended for travelers. Private health insurance plans are readily available and can cover costs for emergency medical treatment, hospitalization, and medical evacuation.

COVID Situation

Sri Lanka took early measures to control the COVID-19 pandemic, including implementing travel restrictions, contact tracing, and quarantine measures. As of October 2021, Sri Lanka has had a total of approximately 500,000 confirmed cases and 13,000 deaths. The government continues to roll out vaccination programs.

Common Health Risks

Travelers to Sri Lanka should be aware of the risk of mosquito-borne diseases, such as dengue fever and malaria, especially during the monsoon season. It is also important to watch out for food and water contamination to avoid diarrhea and other gastroenteritis illnesses. Leptospirosis and hepatitis A are also common in Sri Lanka.

Laws and Regulations

Alcohol Consumption

In Sri Lanka, the legal drinking age is 21 years old. Alcohol sales are prohibited on Poya Days (full moon days), which occur once a month in Sri Lanka. It is also illegal to sell alcohol to Muslims.

Recreational Drugs

Drug laws in Sri Lanka are very strict. Any form of drug use, possession, transportation, or trafficking can result in harsh penalties, including lengthy prison sentences or the death penalty.

Pre-Marital Relationships

Premarital sex is considered taboo in Sri Lanka, although it is not illegal. However, same-sex relationships are illegal in Sri Lanka and can result in imprisonment.

LGBTQ and Same-Sex

Homosexuality is illegal in Sri Lanka and same-sex relationships are not recognized by the government. LGBTQ individuals face discrimination and harassment in Sri Lanka.

Firearms / Guns

Guns and firearms are heavily regulated in Sri Lanka. It is illegal to possess a firearm without a license, and obtaining a license can be a complex process. It is also illegal to carry a firearm in public without a permit, and the penalties for violating firearms laws can be severe.