We would like to wish you all a very warm welcome to Sri Lanka. We have compiled some information, which we hope, will be of use to you during your stay with us.
Local Time Sri Lanka is 5 hours and 30 minutes ahead of GMT.
Visa Requirement and Procedure
Please note, the new visa procedure implemented by the Department of Immigration / Emigration for all tourists arriving in Sri Lanka is effective from January 01, 2012. It has been made mandatory that all tourists fill in the ETA form online and apply for their visa prior to arrival.
For more information, log on to www.eta.gov.lk.
Local Customs
The traditional way of greeting people is by placing your hands together (as if to pray) and saying ‘AYUBOWAN’ which means ‘may you have a long life’ the same can be used when saying good bye. The main faith in Sri Lanka is Buddhism. When entering any temples or places of worship, correct attire should be worn. Knees and shoulders should be covered and foot wear and hats removed.
What to wear
Light cotton dresses and light weight suits.
A wide-brimmed beach hat and sunglasses, comfortable shoes/sandals.
In the hill country a pull over will be necessary.
Visitors should be decently clad when visiting any place of worship.
Beachwear is not suitable for temples and shrines.
All visitors to Buddhist and Hindu temples are expected to remove footwear and hats.
When entering the temples, shoulders and knees should be covered.
Hotels prefer long trousers for gents during dinner.
Topless sunbathing is prohibited for women.
Medical Matters
Most of the towns have pharmacies. Should you require the services of a doctor, please contact the hotel reception who will arrange for a doctor to come and see you. If you suffer from an upset tummy due to the food or the climate, stick to plain dry food for a while and drink plenty of bottled water.
Swimming and Bathing
We do not recommend swimming in the Red flag area. If the Red flag is flying, this means there are strong currents and it is unsafe. Nude sunbathing is against the law in Sri Lanka and please make sure that you cover up when entering the reception area. Please be careful when going out in the sun for the first few days of your holiday, as the tropical sun has phenomenal burning power. Always use a high factor sun cream and remember to drink plenty of bottled water.
Tipping
Tipping is customary, but not obligatory, in restaurants and hotels a 10% service charge is automatically added to your bill. However, if you feel that you have had very good service, an additional tip is considered fair. You may wish to leave your hotel tipping untill your departure, as most hotels often pool all tips between everyone. For guests who go on tours and wish to tip their driver / guide, the tipping amount is entirely at your discretion.
Touts
Like in most tourist destinations you may (or should we say will) be approached by street touts or beach hawkers that offer to sell local souvenirs (e.g. Baby Elephant, Buddha statues etc.) A polite but firm ‘No’ will suffice to ward off their attention.
Valuables
We recommend that all your valuables such as money, flight tickets, passport, jewellery etc. should be kept in your possession or in the hotel’s safe at all times. Please do not leave any valuables in the hotel rooms unlocked at any time.
Currency
One Sri Lankan Rupee is made up of 100 cents. Currency notes are in the denominations of Rs. 10, Rs. 20, Rs. 50, Rs. 100, Rs. 200, Rs. 500, Rs. 1000, Rs. 2000 & Rs. 5000. Coins are in the following denominations: 1 cent, 2 cent, 5 cents, 10 cents, 25 cents, 50 cents, one rupee, two rupees, five rupees and ten rupees.
Banking Hours
• National banking hours are from 0900 hrs to 1500 hrs on week days.
• Banking hours may be different at private banks.
• Automated Teller Machines (ATM) can be operated throughout the day.
• Reputed credit and charge cards are widely accepted by shops in Sri Lanka.
Local Transport
Travel by the public transport system is not for the faint hearted. Most of the buses and trains are overcrowded and of poor standard and maintenance, delayed and uninsured. Prices should be negotiated first for short journeys by unmetered taxis or Tuk Tuks.
Photography
It is considered disrespectful to stand with your back turned to a Buddha statue/picture when taking photos. It is always advisable to ask permission when taking pictures in places of worship or of local people. Many historical and holy places levy a small charge for cameras and video cameras to be taken inside.
Service
Should you feel that there are any short comings in the services provided by us, please do not hesitate to contact us.