About Sri Lanka
When to visit Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka is a year round destination with an abundance of sunshine all year round. The average temperature is around 27°C – 30°C in most parts of island. The temperature gradually drops as the land rises towards the hill country, with some parts of the highland as low as below 10°C at night. The island has two wet monsoon seasons: briefly between May and July in the south-west region and between December and January in the north-east. However, clear blue skies and bright sunny days are usual even during the wet season, when tropical showers and storms don’t last long. Sri Lanka is 51/2 hours ahead of GMT (Greenwich Mean Time), 2½ hours behind Singapore and 4½ hours behind Australia EST (Eastern Standard Time).
Booking in advance
The peak season is between December and March as many European travellers prefer the warm sunshine and the golden beaches of Sri Lanka to their winter cold. Hotels in popular tourist destinations, such as the west coast beach resorts, Kandy and Nuwara Eliya should be booked in advance to secure desired accommodation. July and August could be also considered a peak period, especially in Kandy due to the famous Perahera which is a “must-see” for visitors
What to pack
As little as possible! Sri Lanka is a tropical country and cotton clothes are ideal and, of course, swimwear if you are visiting the beaches. Casual but not provocative dress is acceptable everywhere. You should bring your favourite brand of sun tan lotion as it might not be available in local shops. WiFi is available at all hotels so bring your essential gadgets to keep in touch. If you wear glasses, pack a spare pair in case of loss or damage. Bring enough of your prescription medicines too as the brand might not be stocked by local pharmacies.
How about Visa’s?
All visitors (except those holding Maldivian or Singaporean passports) require a visa to visit Sri Lanka. Obtaining a visa is remarkably simple as it can be done in advance through the official government website: (www.eta.gov.lk) by using a credit card for the required fee. Do not use other websites as they will charge extra. If you haven’t been able to obtain a visit visa in advance, it can be obtained by queuing at a special desk in the immigration arrivals hall.
Immigration
Immigration forms must be filled in by arriving foreign nationals but not by Sri Lankan passport holders. On departure, only Sri Lankan passport holders have to fill in embarkation forms.
Customs
You may be required to open your baggage for inspection on departure as well as on arrival. Tobacco products are not part of a tourist’s duty free allowance. Certain types of animal products, antiques and gold are not allowed to be taken out of the country. It is important that you retain your shopping receipts, especially for gems.
Currency/ Money Exchange
Foreign currency and Traveller’s Cheques may be changed at any hotel, although commercial banks offer better rates. Converting Sri Lankan rupees back to foreign currency can be done at the airport banks which are open 24/7. Retain receipts when changing foreign currency into rupees so you can exchange rupees back into foreign currency as necessary. Currency notes are in circulation are for 20, 50, 100, 500, 1000, 2000s and 5000 rupees. Please note that the Sri Lankan rupee is not the same as the Indian rupee and has a different value.
Credit Cards
Most widely accepted credit cards are American Express, Visa and MasterCard. Cash advances may be obtained against credit cards at bank ATMs. It is advisable to check if your card is accepted by an establishment before using any services. Banks are generally open from 9.00am to 1.00pm from Monday to Friday. Some city banks close at 3.00pm, while others offer night banking facilities. Most banks are closed on Saturdays, Sundays, all public holidays and special bank holidays. ATMs are found in banks island-wide.
Shops
Most shops open at 10.00am and close at 06.00pm. Shops are usually closed on Sundays and Full moon (Poya) days. The full moon Poya day has religious significance for Buddhists and alcohol is not served in hotels, bars, restaurants and public recreational areas on this day.
Medical Facilities
If you need a doctor, please contact the hotel reception. The hotel will have a doctor within the hotel premises or on call. Pharmacies are available in all towns
Communication
International Direct Dialing (IDD) facilities are available at all city hotels, resorts, post offices and telecommunication centres. There are several mobile telephone companies selling local sim cards available to use in your own mobile phone device. WiFi is available island wide except in remote areas. Postal services are provided at most hotels and at the local post office or authorized sub-post offices. Faxes can be handed over to the hotel reception for transmission or via a fax bureau.
Food & Drink Tips
Your hotel provides safe and high quality food and we, as a policy, do not recommend restaurants outside the hotel. Always wash and peel fruit before consumption. Drink plenty of water during the day to avoid dehydration.
