Money:
The unit of currency is the Sri Lanka Rupee (LKR), which is
divided into 100 cents. Major credit cards are widely accepted, and
travellers cheques in US Dollars are recommended. ATMs are becoming
more common, but outside the main cities they are unlikely to
accept international cards. Credit cards should be used with
caution due to the potential for fraud. Foreign currency can be
exchanged at bureaux de change, banks and hotels, but exchanging
cash is more expensive than exchanging travellers cheques. Banks
are closed on Sundays.
Time:
Electricity:
Electrical current is 230 volts, 50Hz. Round,
three-pin plugs are used.
Language:
Most people speak Sinhala, which is the national and
official language. Tamil is also spoken, and English is spoken at
most tourist establishments.
Health:
Food and waterborne diseases are a primary cause for ill health
in Sri Lanka. Visitors should only drink bottled water, avoid ice
in drinks, and take care to eat well-cooked food. Hepatitis A
vaccination is recommended for all travellers to Sri Lanka. Cholera
is regarded as a serious risk and precautions are advised, while
typhoid is more of a problem in rural areas. Yellow fever
vaccination certificates are required by travellers coming from
infected areas. Malaria, Chikungunya fever, Japanese encephalitis
and dengue fever are a risk and protection against mosquito bites
is essential. Prophylactics for malaria are also strongly
recommended. There is also a particular danger from contaminated
seafood. Travellers are strongly advised to take out good travel
insurance, and seek medial advice at least three weeks before
leaving for Sri Lanka.
Tipping:
A 10% service charge is added to most restaurant and hotel
bills. Tipping is a customary way to show appreciation for almost
all services and small amounts are sufficient, otherwise 10% of the
amount due is standard. There is no need to tip taxi drivers.
Safety:
There is a risk of terrorism in the country, and although
foreigners have not been the targets of previous attacks, there is
a risk of being caught up in incidents. The Liberation Tigers of
Tamil Eelam (LTTE) suffered a defeat by the Sri Lankan government
in 2009, however there is still the possibility of scattered
attacks. Visitors should keep themselves informed of developments
and remain vigilant.As a result of the conflict much of the north and east remains
heavily mined, particularly around the A9 road to Jaffna. Attacks
have also taken place in central and southern Sri Lanka, in areas
popular with tourists, and civilians have been targeted. Attacks
have also occurred in the south, including the tourist town of
Galle. Some areas of Yala National Park are closed due to security
concerns; there have been a number of attacks since October 2007.
Security has been increased in the south of the country,
particularly in Colombo, and road check points are common. There
have been recent bomb explosions on public transport in central
Colombo. Violent crime against foreigners is infrequent, but there
have been cases of sexual assault and robbery in rural areas and
women are advised to take care when travelling alone.
Customs:
Photography near government or military buildings is
prohibited. Homosexuality is illegal. Topless sunbathing is not
allowed, and visitors, particularly women, should cover up when
entering Buddhist sites. It is considered offensive to pose for
photographs in front of a Buddha statue. Smoking and drinking in
public are forbidden. Honour, or personal dignity, is extremely
important to Sri Lankans and causing an individual to 'lose face'
by public criticism or anger should be avoided.
Business:
In Sri Lanka, due to a warm climate, the dress etiquette may
vary according to various sectors of business. In the more formal
sectors, men will be required to wear lightweight suits, but a more
casual approach is acceptable during the warmer months depending on
regulation. Appointments are to be made in advance and business
cards to be swapped upon first engagements. It is considered rude
to be late for meetings. Business hours are generally 9am to 5pm
Monday to Friday with an hour taken at lunch.
Duty Free:
Travellers to Sri Lanka over 18 years do not have to pay duty on
the following items
:2 bottles wine and 1.5 litres spirits; perfume up
to 59ml and 250ml eau de toilette; and souvenirs to the value of
US$250; 200 cigarettes or 50 cigars and 340g of tobacco. For family
members travelling together free import applies for two members.
Passengers must declare personal effects to ensure free export when
they arrive in Sri Lanka. Restricted items include firearms,
ammunitions, explosives and weapons, plants, fruits, birds and
by-products, medication (unless it is for personal use), and goods
for commercial purposes. Prohibited items include drugs or
narcotics, pornographic material, and material that ridicules
religious belief systems.
Communications:
The international country dialling code for Sri Lanka is +94.
The outgoing code is 00, followed by the relevant country code
(e.g. 0044 for the United Kingdom). City or area codes are in use,
e.g. (0)11 for Central Colombo. International direct dial
facilities are available in Colombo and other major cities. Mobile
phone operators provide GSM 900/1800 frequency networks with
coverage across all the main parts of the island. Internet cafes
are available in the main towns and resorts.