Frequently Asked Questions

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Before You Go

Do I need a visa to visit Sri Lanka?

It depends on your nationality.

• Many countries get free entry or visa-free access (check current list)
• Others need ETA (Electronic Travel Authorization) (~$50-60, apply online at eta.gov.lk)
• Most tourist visas valid for 30 days
• On-arrival visas available at airport if you don’t pre-apply

Always verify at eta.gov.lk before booking your trip—policies change frequently.

Is Sri Lanka safe right now?

Yes, generally very safe for tourists.

• Low violent crime against tourists
• Political situation stable (as of 2025)
• Common issues: Petty theft, tourist scams (tuk-tuk overcharging, gem shops)
• Solo travel (including women) is common and manageable with precautions

Check: Your government’s travel advisory before departing
Tip: Save Tourist Police hotline: 1912 (24/7, English)

See our Safety & Health page for detailed advice.

When is the best time to visit?

It depends on where you’re going!

Sri Lanka has two monsoon seasons affecting different coasts:

Southwest Coast & Hill Country (Colombo, Galle, Kandy, Ella):

• Best: December - March (dry, sunny, peak season)
• Avoid: May - September (monsoon, heavy rain)

Northeast Coast (Trincomalee, Arugam Bay):

• Best: April - September
• Avoid: October - January (monsoon)

Peak Tourist Season: December - February (best weather, most expensive, crowded)

Budget Season: May - September (rain on southwest, but cheaper and fewer tourists)

How much money should I budget per day?

Budget Traveler: $20-30/day

• Hostels/guesthouses, local food, buses/trains, 3rd class train tickets

Mid-Range Traveler: $50-80/day

• Nice guesthouses, mix of restaurants, PickMe rides, private drivers occasionally

Comfort Traveler: $120+/day

• Boutique hotels, upscale dining, private car with driver, organized tours

Add for: Entrance fees ($5-30), activities like safaris ($30-80), alcohol (expensive due to high taxes)

Is English widely spoken?

Yes, in tourist areas.

• Cities, hotels, restaurants: Most staff speak English
• Tuk-tuk drivers, shop owners: Basic English
• Rural areas: Less common, but tourist areas well-covered
• Younger generation: Better English than older

Learn a few Sinhala phrases—locals appreciate the effort!

Food & Drink

Is vegetarian/vegan food easy to find?

Extremely easy!

Sri Lanka is a vegetarian paradise:

• Rice and curry often has multiple veggie options
• Dhal curry, coconut sambol, veggie rotis widely available
• Many locals are vegetarian
• “Vegetarian” is understood everywhere

Vegan: Also easy—most curries are naturally vegan (coconut milk-based). Just confirm no dairy.

Can I drink tap water?

No, tap water is NOT safe to drink.

• Use bottled water (widely available, ~LKR 100-200/liter)
• Ice in tourist restaurants usually fine (made from filtered water)
• Brush teeth with bottled water in rural areas
• Avoid ice in very local spots if unsure

How spicy is the food?

Very spicy by default!

Sri Lankan food can be much spicier than Indian or Thai food.

Tips:

• Ask for “mild” or “not spicy” when ordering
• Say: “Vadi katas venna epa” (Don’t make it too spicy)
• Tourist restaurants offer milder versions
• Rice helps cool the burn!

For spice lovers: Local rice and curry is authentic spice heaven

Can I drink alcohol?

Yes, but it’s expensive.

• Alcohol has high taxes (beer ~$3-5, cocktails $5-10+)
• Available at hotels, restaurants, licensed bars
• Not sold on Poya Days (full moon Buddhist holidays—~once/month)
• Limited in small towns; more available in cities and beach areas

Local beer: Lion Lager, Carlsberg (brewed locally)

Getting Around

How do I get from the airport to my hotel?

Best option: PickMe app (ride-hailing like Uber)

Steps:

1. Get a SIM card at airport arrivals
2. Download PickMe app
3. Book tuk-tuk or car
4. Cost: ~LKR 1,000-1,500 to Negombo, ~LKR 2,500-3,500 to Colombo

Alternative: Prepaid airport taxi (more expensive but convenient if no SIM)

See our Getting Around guide for full details.

What’s the best way to get around Sri Lanka?

Short distances: PickMe app (tuk-tuks, cars) or regular tuk-tuks
Long distances: Trains (scenic, cheap) or private driver (comfortable, flexible)
Budget: Buses and 3rd class trains
Comfort: Private car with driver (~$40-70/day)

Most scenic: Kandy to Ella train ride through tea country

Should I rent a car or hire a driver?

Hire a driver (strongly recommended)

• Traffic is chaotic
• Roads poorly marked
• Driving is on the LEFT
• Driver knows routes, speaks English, acts as guide

Cost: ~LKR 12,000-20,000/day ($40-70) including fuel

Self-drive: Only if very confident; most tourists regret it

Health & Safety

Do I need vaccines?

Recommended:

• Routine vaccines (MMR, tetanus, etc.)
• Hepatitis A (food/water)
• Typhoid
• Hepatitis B (if getting medical care or tattoos)

Not required: Yellow fever (unless coming from endemic country)

Consult your doctor 4-6 weeks before travel.

What about mosquitoes and dengue?

Risk: Moderate, especially during/after monsoon

Prevention:

• Use DEET repellent (30%+ recommended)
• Wear long sleeves/pants at dawn/dusk
• Sleep under mosquito nets if available
• Stay in air-conditioned or screened rooms

Dengue symptoms: High fever, severe headache, joint pain → seek medical help immediately

Malaria: Rare in tourist areas, low risk overall

Is solo female travel safe?

Yes, with standard precautions.

Sri Lanka is relatively safe for solo women:

Do:

• Dress modestly (cover shoulders/knees)
• Use PickMe/Uber after dark
• Stay in well-reviewed guesthouses
• Trust your instincts

Avoid:

• Walking alone late at night in isolated areas
• Accepting drinks from strangers
• Getting in unmarked taxis

Harassment: Can happen (staring, comments) but rare. Firmly say “no” and walk toward crowds.

See our Safety & Health page for detailed advice.

Money & Costs

Should I bring cash or use cards?

Bring both.

• Cash (LKR): Essential for tuk-tuks, street food, small shops
• Credit cards: Accepted at hotels, larger restaurants, some shops
• ATMs: Widely available in cities/tourist areas

Best strategy: Withdraw cash from ATMs as needed (~LKR 50,000-100,000 per withdrawal)

Where can I exchange money?

• Airport: Convenient, slightly lower rates
• Banks: Best rates, longer wait
• Licensed money changers: Good rates in cities

Avoid: Unlicensed street changers

Bring: USD, EUR, GBP (most accepted)

Do I need to tip?

Tipping is not mandatory but appreciated.

Restaurants: 10% if service charge not included (check bill)
Tuk-tuks: Round up fare or add LKR 50-100 for helpful drivers
Hotels: LKR 200-500 for porters, room cleaners
Guides: LKR 1,000-2,000 for day guides
Drivers: LKR 2,000-3,000/day for private drivers on multi-day trips

Weather & Climate

What’s the weather like?

Hot and humid year-round in lowlands (25-31°C / 77-88°F)

Cooler in Hill Country (Ella, Nuwara Eliya: 15-25°C / 59-77°F)

Two monsoon seasons:

• Southwest (May-Sept)
• Northeast (Oct-Jan)

Best weather overall: December - March

Are there tsunami risks?

Low risk, but possible.

After the 2004 tsunami, Sri Lanka has improved early warning systems.

If earthquake felt near coast: Move inland/uphill immediately. Don’t wait for official warning.

Current weather alerts?

Check before and during trip:

• Sri Lanka Meteorology Department
• Your government’s travel advisory

Connectivity

Will my phone work?

Yes, if it’s unlocked.

Buy a local SIM card at the airport:

• Dialog (best coverage, most reliable)
• Mobitel or Hutch (alternatives)

Cost: ~LKR 500-2,000 for SIM + 10-50GB data (7-30 days)

Bring: Passport (required for registration)

Is WiFi available?

Yes, at most hotels, guesthouses, cafes

Quality: Variable (often slow)

Recommendation: Get local SIM for reliable mobile data

Culture & Customs

What should I wear to temples?

• Cover shoulders and knees (no tank tops, shorts, or short skirts)
• Remove shoes before entering
• Cover Buddha tattoos if visible
• Bring a sarong or scarf in your bag for coverage

Can I photograph people?

Ask permission first, especially:

• At temples
• Local people in villages
• Monks

Most people are friendly and will agree, but always ask.

Are there cultural taboos?

Yes:

• No public displays of affection (holding hands okay, kissing not)
• Don’t point feet at people or religious objects
• Don’t touch people’s heads (considered sacred)
• Don’t pose with your back to Buddha statues

Respect local customs at temples and rural areas.

Emergency Contacts

• Tourist Police (English support): 1912 (24/7)
• Police: 119
• Ambulance: 1990
• Fire: 110

Save 1912 in your phone before traveling!

See our Emergency page for comprehensive contact list.

How can I edit a page?

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Still have questions?

• Check our other guide pages for more detailed info
• Ask your hotel/guesthouse staff—Sri Lankans are very helpful!
• Call Tourist Police hotline 1912 for on-the-ground assistance

Verify: Information current as of December 2025. Always check official sources for latest travel requirements and safety updates.