Explore The Worlds
Sri Lanka Travel Tips | Your Complete Guide
Adapters & Power
- Sri Lanka uses Type D, M, and G sockets.
- Voltage: 230V.
- Hotels often have UK-style plugs, but we recommend a universal adapter.
👉 Pro Tip: Carry a small power strip if you travel with multiple gadgets.
Airport & Arrival
- Main entry: Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB) – 35 km from Colombo, 6 km from Negombo.
- Domestic flights are available to Nuwara Eliya, Jaffna, Batticaloa, and Arugam Bay – perfect for saving time in 2025 when roads get busy.
Alcohol & Poya Days
- Wine shops mainly sell beer, arrack, and spirits (not much actual wine).
- Supermarkets offer better international selections.
- Poya Days (Full Moon) = no alcohol sales island-wide.
👉 Solution: Buy your drinks one day before Poya.
Sri Lankan Food – A Must Try
Sri Lankan cuisine is trending worldwide – and here, you get the real thing:
- Rice & Curry – spicy, hearty, and delicious.
- Kottu Roti – the king of street food.
- Hoppers & String Hoppers – unique to Sri Lanka.
- Curd & Treacle – traditional dessert.
👉 Don’t miss seasonal fruits (mango, rambutan, mangosteen). Eating with your hands is normal – locals will love you for it!
Climate & Best Time to Visit
Sri Lanka is warm year-round (avg. 28–32°C). But 2025 brings more climate-aware travel, so plan smart:
- Southwest Monsoon: May–June.
- Northeast Monsoon: Dec–Feb.
- Best months overall: Jan–April & July–Sep.
👉 Always pack sunscreen + mosquito repellent.
Clothing & Dress Code
- Light cotton clothes for coast & cities.
- Warm layers for tea country (Nuwara Eliya/Ella).
- Modest dress at temples (shoulders/knees covered).
- No hats/footwear inside Buddhist temples.
Culture & Local Etiquette
- Greeting: “Ayubowan” = May you live long.
- A few Sinhala phrases to win hearts:
- Isthuthi – Thank you.
- Koheda? – Where?
- Lassanai – Beautiful.
- Isthuthi – Thank you.
Tattoos of Buddha: Cover them – it’s culturally sensitive.
Money & Currency
- Currency: Sri Lankan Rupee (LKR).
- Notes: Rs. 20 → Rs. 5000.
- Always carry small notes (Rs. 100/500).
- ATMs everywhere. Declare if carrying USD 10,000+.
👉 Tip: Many shops & tuk-tuks now accept QR payments & cards – but keep cash for rural areas.
Transportation in 2025
- Tuk-Tuks – Cheap, everywhere.
- Trains – The Kandy–Ella train ride remains one of the world’s best. Book first-class in advance!
- Private Cars – Still the most comfortable way to explore. Taxisceylon provides safe, affordable, door-to-door transfers.
- Domestic Flights – Cinnamon Air & others now connect Colombo to Arugam Bay, Jaffna, and tea country.
Wildlife & Safety
- Sri Lanka safaris = elephants, leopards, crocodiles, birds.
- Best parks: Yala, Udawalawe, Minneriya, Wilpattu.
- Avoid touching stray dogs/monkeys (rabies risk).
- Tourist Police Helpline: +94 11 2382209.
Internet & SIM Cards
- Wi-Fi is patchy. Get a local SIM at the airport.
- Dialog & Mobitel offer tourist SIMs starting at USD 10 for 9GB data + calls.
- In 2025, 5G coverage has expanded in Colombo, Galle, and Kandy.
Nightlife
- Colombo: Casinos (Bally’s, Bellagio), rooftop bars, live music.
- Beach Towns: Mirissa, Unawatuna, Arugam Bay = night parties & beach clubs.
Photography Rules
- Stunning for photos but no selfies with Buddha statues.
- Look for “no photography” signs at military/religious sites.
Safety & Travel Tips
- Sri Lanka is one of the safest countries in Asia for travelers.
- Avoid solo late-night walks in isolated areas.
- Always keep a copy of your passport & visa.
Essential Final Tips
- Visa: Apply online via immigration.gov.lk.
- Water: Stick to bottled or filtered water (check seal).
- Sun Safety: Always apply sunscreen (close to equator).
- Sustainability: Choose eco-hotels & reduce plastic waste.
Why Choose Taxisceylon?
At Taxisceylon, we provide trusted Sri Lanka travel services:
- Airport transfers
- Private tours & Round tours
- Cultural & heritage trips,safaris
- Honeymoon & family packages
We don’t just move you around – we help you experience Sri Lanka safely, comfortably, and authentically.
Plan your trip with Taxisceylon and explore Sri Lanka with peace of mind.