Guide to Sri Lanka – A first time visitors Quick Guide
First Time Visitors Quick Guide to Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka
Quick Facts for Easy Planning
What should I know?
First time visitors should definitely go through this article to be better prepared during their trip to Sri Lanka.
Language
There are three main languages Sinhala/Tamil/English. Sinhala is the native tongue of the majority sinhalese population, while Tamil is the native tongue of the Tamil and Moor population. Most people are bilingual in Sinhala/English or Tamil/English, while some are Trilingual.
Weather
Sri lanka is a tropical island nation, placed close to the equator in the Indian Ocean, just below India. Sri Lanka mainly has two seasons, Dry and Wet, but offers mild winter conditions in the central mountains. Sri Lanka is two seasonal monsoons, South-West Monsoon(May-August) and North-East Monsoon (October-January).
It’s best to plans your travel locations based on the monsoons as certain excursions will be prohibited due to weather.
S-W Monsoon – Best time to visit the North and East
N-E Monsoon – Better keep your excursion in the North-East short and compact to the essentials.
Average Temperatures :
COASTAL 25-32 C
HILL COUNTRY 16-22 C
Peak and Off Season
Peak Season – November to March
You will that tourist spot packed and busy with excited travelers and accommodation cost will be a bit high.
Off-peak Season – May to October
Off season will be quite but still active. Some prefer the quiet serenity of isolation and annonimity when traveling.
Visas
Online visa application can be made through the official site of the Department of Immigration and Emigration.
Visit our page on Visas
Currency and Exchange
Sri Lankan Rupee (Rs.) (LKR)
There are many currency exchange places in Colombo, Kandy and Galle. ATMs are all bank owned, they support all major Credit Cards and are positioned only at banks and select outlets. (You do not find 3rd party ATMs)
We suggest you check the daily exchange rates before changing money or visit a bank.
Mobile Connectivity (Sim Cards/ Data)
You can get your Sim card at the Airport (recommended option) or at an official outlet in the city. You will need ID verication such as passport.
Mobile Service Providers
Dialog
Mobitel
Hutch
Lost your phone?
Remember to write down your phone IEMEI number in a safe place just in case you lose your phone. TRCSL can help you find it if you can give the IMEI Number.
Visit the link and follow instructions to locate your stolen phone.
Important Numbers
Country Code +94
Emergency 119
Toll Free Ambulance 1990
Work Hours
Government Institutions
8-8.30am to 5pm
Private Institutions
8.30-9am to 5pm
Shops
9-10am to 7-9pm
Bars
Open until 11pm
Restaurants
10am – 10pm (Lunch & Dinner)
Some are open for breakfast
Traveling
Bus: ( Readily Available & Cheap, Cons: Congested and uncomfortable)
Train: (Recommended option for Scenic views, Cons: Runs on a Time table and seat limitations ) ,
Car: (Recommended option for convenience, cons: comparatively expensive to rent a care)
visit our articles on links
Driving
Renting
Transportation
Accommodation
Budget
Mid Range
Luxury
Etiquette
There are a certain thing one needs to be aware about due to cultural sensitivity. Sri Lanka mostly laid back but there are a few you need to remember.
Follow the link to the revelant article.
