What should you arrange before traveling?
🛂 Visa:
Don’t leave it until the last minute! When traveling to Sri Lanka, you will need a visa, which can be conveniently obtained online through the ETA system: https://www.eta.gov.lk/slvisa/. The online application process is quick, and approval usually arrives within 24-48 hours.
The ETA visa allows a 30-day stay with double entry, making it an ideal choice if you plan to visit a neighboring country and return to Sri Lanka.
💰 The online visa currently costs 50 USD, while the Visa on Arrival (VOA) is 60 USD, so it’s worth arranging it in advance to save both time and money.
Important: Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from the date of entry. To apply for the visa, you’ll need a copy of your passport and your arrival address (e.g., the address of your first accommodation).
💡 Tip: Always carry a printed copy of your ETA visa approval, as it may be requested upon arrival. This can help avoid any misunderstandings at the border.
Insurance:
Make sure you have comprehensive travel insurance that covers health and accident-related incidents. This will not only ensure peace of mind but also provide financial protection in case of unexpected situations.
Money:
The official currency of Sri Lanka is the Sri Lankan Rupee (LKR). While major cities and tourist spots often accept credit cards, it’s wise to carry cash for smaller transactions.
💡 Tip: Larger denominations of euros and dollars tend to get better exchange rates in Sri Lanka.
Health Tips:
It’s advisable to bring any necessary vitamins or medications before your trip.
International Driving License:
An international driving license may be required if you plan to rent a car or tuk-tuk.
What to bring with you?
These are just the most important things, and all of this may vary depending on individual preferences.
👕 Clothing:
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Lightweight, breathable clothes (including long pants! At religious sites, you must cover your legs and shoulders.)
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At least 1 pair of shoes and 1 pair of flip-flops.
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Hat/cap
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Raincoat + umbrella
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Sunglasses
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Swimsuit
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Water shoes
🧼 Health and Hygiene:
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Toiletries
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Towels (small + large)
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Hairdryer
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Disinfectant
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Sunscreen (SPF 50)
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Mosquito repellent
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Earplugs
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Cutlery set
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Medications/vitamins (Basic medicines for stomach issues, pain relievers, allergy medication, and personal vitamins.)
📄 Documents and Finances:
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Passport
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Money
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Visa (printed ETA)
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Proof of insurance
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Tickets and bookings
🔌 Other:
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Plug adapter (we also bring a power strip with us) - Sri Lanka uses the British-type, three-pronged plug.
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Chargers and cables
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Power bank
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Waterproof bag
Things to keep in mind in the country
🙏 Religion and Culture:
Sri Lanka is a place of diverse faiths. The majority of the population practices Buddhism, but Hinduism and Islam are also significant religions here, each contributing to the island’s rich religious and cultural landscape.
At religious sites, it is necessary to wear clothing that covers your legs and shoulders, and wearing a hat is considered inappropriate in Buddhist and Hindu temples. It is also considered very disrespectful to take photos with Buddha statues or other religious images at these places.
🍛 Food and Drinks:
Always check the origin of your drinks; it is not recommended to drink tap water.
🚕 Transportation:
Pick Me and Uber are available, or you can use buses and trains.
💱 Currency Exchange:
In larger cities, ATMs and currency exchange services are widely available. Some ATMs charge a service fee. Many accommodations also offer currency exchange. In smaller towns, ATMs can be found, especially in popular tourist spots, but it’s wise to carry enough cash as well.
💡 Tip: Exchange your money in bigger cities (e.g., Colombo, Negombo) because the exchange rates are often worse elsewhere, and there might not even be an ATM.
🛡️ Safety:
Sri Lanka is generally safe, but always be mindful of your valuables, especially in crowded areas. We always keep our most important items in a waist pouch because it stays in sight at all times.
Must-see attractions
Anuradhapura and Mihintale
Ancient cities and religious sites that are pivotal in Sri Lanka’s history, with impressive ruins and sacred landmarks.
Sigiriya Rock Fortress or Pidurangala Rock
A stunning ancient fortress on a massive rock, offering breathtaking views, or Pidurangala, a nearby rock that provides a quieter, yet equally spectacular view.
National Parks
Sri Lanka is home to several beautiful national parks, such as Yala, Udawalawe, and Minneriya, perfect for safaris and wildlife spotting, including elephants and leopards.
Please consider carefully before visiting national parks, as, based on our information, the locals often do not respect the animals but rather see them as a source of income and livelihood. In many cases, 4-8 jeeps chase the animals in the wild so tourists can see them. Additionally, if possible, choose to visit elephant parks where direct contact training is NOT practiced. You can identify these by the fact that the trainers carry long sticks with hooked ends, which are used to injure the animals, teaching them to fear humans. Look for places where the animals are respected. 🙏
Dambulla (Cave Temple and the Golden Temple)
Dambulla is famous for its impressive cave temple complex, with stunning Buddha statues and murals, as well as the nearby Golden Temple.
Kandy (Spice Garden, Royal Botanical Garden, Tea Factory + Plantation, Tooth Temple)
The cultural capital, home to the famous Temple of the Tooth, a spice garden, lush botanical gardens, and scenic tea plantations where you can learn about the tea-making process.
Nuwara Eliya / Ella
Beautiful hill stations with cool weather, tea plantations, waterfalls, and scenic hikes. Nuwara Eliya is known as “Little England” for its colonial architecture, while Ella offers stunning views and natural beauty.
Maskeliya - Adam’s Peak / Horton Plains - End of the World
Adam's Peak, a sacred pilgrimage site, offers a sunrise trek with breathtaking views. Horton Plains National Park is home to the famous "End of the World" cliff, offering stunning landscapes.
Southern Coast
Sri Lanka’s southern coastline offers beautiful beaches, vibrant coastal towns, and historical sites, including Galle Fort and the scenic beaches of Unawatuna and Mirissa.
How to avoid tourist traps?
Sri Lanka is a fascinating country offering countless experiences for visitors. Like every popular tourist destination, it also has tourist traps and deceptions worth avoiding to make your trip perfect. However, our personal experience was very positive: during a long vacation, we enjoyed the beauty and experiences of the country without any issues. That said, we did encounter some situations where attempts were made to deceive tourists. If you stay vigilant, you can easily avoid these traps and enjoy your time in Sri Lanka without any negative experiences. Perhaps the simplest way to avoid financial scams is to gain realistic experience about prices during your first few days. From then on, no one can trick you.
1. Ask about prices in advance! 💵
Problem: It often happens that tourists accept any product or service without asking questions and are charged a surprisingly high price in the end.
Solution: Before using any service – be it a restaurant meal, souvenir, or simple service – always ask about the price. This way, you can avoid unpleasant surprises.
2. Use reliable transportation apps!
Problem: Do not get into tuk-tuks parked on the roadside or those that wave you down, as they are always very expensive. It also happens that Grab drivers cancel the trip midway and ask for more money in the end.
Solution: Use transportation apps and stick to the pre-agreed fare. If a driver cancels the trip, find another one through the app, and do not accept offers from tuk-tuks that stop you on the street.
3. Police and "fake police"
Problem: Tourists driving rental vehicles may become targets for police, who sometimes impose unjustified fines. Additionally, some individuals pretend to be police officers to extort money.
Solution: Always carry all necessary documents (rental agreement, license, international driver’s license). If fined, ask for an official receipt. Ignore “fake police” and seek help from official authorities.
4. Beware of pickpockets
Problem: Pickpockets can be a problem, especially in crowded areas.
Solution: Keep your valuables safe, for example, in a money belt or secure backpack. Be cautious and never leave your belongings unattended.
5. Look for reliable tour guides
Problem: Many self-proclaimed tour guides overcharge for their services or give false information.
Solution: Look for guides in reliable places, such as ticket offices or information desks.
6. Beware of fake gemstones 💎
Problem: Fake gemstones are commonly sold in Sri Lanka, and many stores operate without the necessary licenses.
Solution: Only buy from stores with proper licenses and certifications.
7. Stilt fishing for tourism purposes
Problem: Stilt fishing is a unique Sri Lankan tradition and a famous tourist attraction. However, some artificial stilt fishing setups are created purely for photography and charge money for photos.
Solution: If you want to see real stilt fishing, research authentic locations beforehand or ask your accommodation for advice.
8. The broken surfboard scam
Problem: The broken surfboard scam is a common trick in Sri Lanka, where surfing is very popular among tourists. Many surf schools and rental shops are available, but caution is advised. Often, a poorly maintained or damaged surfboard is rented out. If you don’t notice the defect and the board breaks under your use, you may be held responsible for the full cost of a new board.
Solution: Always carefully check the condition of the rented surfboard, and if you notice any cracks or damage, request a replacement before leaving the shop. Take photos of the board’s condition before using it to protect yourself from any false claims.
Conclusion
Sri Lanka offers a rich cultural experience, stunning landscapes, and warm hospitality. By being well-prepared and staying vigilant, you can focus on enjoying the incredible adventures the country has to offer. Follow these tips, and your journey will be as seamless as it is unforgettable.
Let the charm of Sri Lanka captivate you! 🌴✨ Safe travels! 🛫
Rebeka & Jeno