Climate

Tropical Climate with wet and dry seasons.
The coastal or upland areas benefit from cool mountain or sea breezes all year round, although coastal regions will benefit from warmer temperatures, averages of 27°C (80°F) in Colombo and 16°C (61°F) in Nuwara Eliya, which is on higher ground, all year round.
There are two monsoons in the wet season dependent on region.  The Yala Monsoon occurs in the South and Western regions between May & September whereas the  Maha Monsoon occurs in the north and eastern regions between October and Janaury

Currency

Sri Lankan Rupees (LKR)  - consist of Rupee Notes and Cents. Notes are in denominations of 10,20,50,100,200,500 and 1000.

Custom & Excise

From April 2006, there is no longer a duty-free allowance for tobacco products. Any passenger arriving into Colombo and clearing customs, if having any cigarettes in their possession, will be charged at Rs.6,000 per carton of cigarettes. The import and export of local currency is limited to Rp5000.  The import of notes from India and Pakistan is not allowed. Otherwise, the import of foreign currency is not restricted but all amounts over US$5,000 are subject to declaration.

Dress Code

Light loose cotton clothing is advisable.
In places of worship or of cultural importance showing shoulders and legs (above the knee) is frowned upon, that includes wearing short trousers. You will also be required to remove your footwear and headware.
Nudity or topless bathing is not permitted

Electricity

230.240 v – 50 cycles AC. Peripheral devices such as laptops would need a stabilizer.
Sri Lankan hotels have two types of plug bases; either the UK (Type G) or India (Type D).

Health

Travel insurance is recommended for all travellers. Medical care is hugely variable in Sri Lanka. Colombo has some good clinics; they may be more expensive than local medical facilities but they’re worth using because a superior standard of care is offered.

Language

Sinhala is the most commonly spoken language in Sri Lanka, but depending on region you may encounter Tamhil. English is widely used a link language.

Local Customs

In general, the country has a tolerant approach to western visitors, but local laws and sensitivities should be respected. The main religion is Buddhism, so take care visiting places of worship or Buddhist monks. Photography or touching sacred statues or the monks themselves is strictly prohibited.

Medicine

The only vaccine required by international regulations is yellow fever. Proof of vaccination will only be required if you have visited a country in the yellow-fever zone within the six days before entering Sri Lanka. If you are carrying prescribed medication make sure they are in their original, clearly labelled containers. A signed and dated letter from your physician describing your medical conditions and medications could be useful .

Money

MasterCard and Visa are widely accepted. American Express is also often accepted. Major cities have ATMs, although not all will accept international cards. The tourist board urges caution when paying by credit card due to the potential for fraud. The rate of exchange for traveller's cheques can be better than the rate of exchange for cash. To avoid additional exchange rate charges, travellers are advised to take traveller's cheques in US Dollars or Pounds Sterling.

Photograpy

It is prohibited to take photographs of Buddhist monks or yourself posing next to a Buddhist statue.

Safety

All usual precautions when traveling should be taken. Be vigilant against theft when out and about from pick pockets, and place your personal belongings in a secure location when in your accommodation.

Smoking

Smoking in public places is prohibited.

Time Zone

5.5 Hours ahead of GMT

Tipping

Tipping is expected - 100 rupees for waiters, porters and taxi is considered reasonable.

Transport

Sri Lanka has a good public transport system consisting of buses and trains. However, it is recommended that you organise taxis or hire a car if you wish to travel around. Alternatively, as moving between resorts can take a considerable amount of time by road Airtaxis are available from either Deccan Aviation or Sri Lanka Airlines.

Visas

All visa must be applied through using the Electronic Travel Authority (ETA) and will cost between US$10 - US$20. To apply for a visa please click here. If you would like more detailed information regarding visa elegibilty and criteria please click here.

Water

Use only bottled or filtered water for drinking and brushing teeth to be sure of clean water – and avoid ice outside of major hotels.