Once You Are There

Airport
Driving in Sri Lanka
Electricity & Sockets
Embassies and Consulates
Health Check
Internet & Email
Language
Laundry
Local Time
Newspapers
Opening Hours
Photography
Post
Radio & TV
Taxis & tuk-tuks
Telephone & Fax
Toilets
Weights & Measures

All international flights to Sri Lanka arrive at Katunayake, which is 30 km north of Colombo.

Arrival
Disembarkation cards are handed out to passengers during the inward flight. Complete parts 1 and 2 and hand them in at the immigration counter on arrival along with your passport.

The airport has modern facilities including duty free shops (with a large selection of electrical goods) on arrival, but they only accept foreign currency. At the airport you can change money at one of the many exchange counters in the Arrivals hall, which are open when flights arrive. The exchange rates here are normally some of the best on the island and there is usually little difference between the various banks represented. There is an ATM at the airport.

Visitors to Departure or Arrivals at the airport must buy an entrance permit for
Rs 130 at the special booth before entering the terminal building.

Departure
The Departure Tax is included in your flight ticket.

Up to 3 kg of tea is allowed to be exported duty free.
The following items are not allowed to be exported from Sri Lanka:
All currencies in excess of that declared on arrival
Any gems, jewellery or valuable items not declared on arrival or not purchased in Sri Lanka out of declared funds
Gold (crude, bullion or coins)
Sri Lankan currency in excess of Rs 250
Firearms, explosives or dangerous weapons
Antiques, statues, treasures, old books etc (antiques are considered to be any article over 50 years old)
Animals, birds, reptiles or their parts (dead or alive)
Tea, rubber or coconut plants
Dangerous drugs

Driving in Sri Lanka

If you want some time to yourself during your stay in Sri Lanka and decide to hire a car or motorcycle for the day, take great care on the Sri Lankan roads. Pedestrians often walk along or in the middle of narrow roads during the day or night, and cattle and dogs roam at will. Forget about warning others of your intentions because Sri Lankan drivers simply expect everyone else to avoid them. And remember too that size of your vehicle dictates the right of way, or 'might is right'. Buses and trucks have priority, followed by cars and tuk-tuks, and finally the vulnerable but ubiquitous cyclist.

Foreigners intending to drive in Sri Lanka need to get a free 'recognition permit' which is issued up to the expiry date of your International Driving Permit. To do this, simply call the AA between 08.30 and 16.30, Monday to Friday, at:
Automobile Association of Sri Lanka
3rd Floor, 40 Sir MM Markar Mawatha, Galle Face, Colombo 3
Tel. 011-2421528, Fax 011-2446074

Electricity & Sockets

Sri Lanka's electricity supply is 230-240 volts, 50 Hz AC. There may be pronounced variations in the voltage, and power cuts are not uncommon. Socket sizes vary so a universal adaptor may come in handy. Three pin (round) sockets are still widely used so make sure that this is included. The correct adaptor for UK plugs is widely available in Sri Lanka for less than UK£1. Some hotels do not have electric razor sockets, and as it is difficult to obtain the correct adaptor in shops outside Sri Lanka, a battery operated shaver is recommended.

Embassies and Consulates in Sri Lanka

Australia
3 Cambridge Place, Cinnamon Gardens, Colombo-7
Tel 011-2698767
www.srilanka.embassy.gov.au

Belgium
Police Park Terrace 3/1, Havelock Town, Colombo-5
Tel 011-2504351
Email consul.belgium@unilink.lk

Canada
6 Gregory's Rd, Cinnamon Gardens, Colombo-7
Tel 011-2695841
Email clmbo@dfait-maeci.gc.ca

France
89 Rosmead Place, Cinnamon Gardens, Colombo-7
Tel 011-2698815
www.ambafrance.lk

Germany
40 Alfred House Ave, Kollupitiya, Colombo-3
Tel 011-2580431
www.germanembassy.lk

Italy
55 Jawatta Rd, Havelock Town, Colombo-5
Tel 011-2588388
www.italianembassy.lk

Japan
20 Gregory's Rd, Cinnamon Gardens, Colombo-7
Tel 011-2693831
www.lk.emb-japan.go.jp

Netherlands
25 Torrington Ave, Cinnamon Gardens, Colombo-7
Tel 011-2596914
Email nethemb@sri.lanka.net

Sweden
49 Bullers Lane, Cinnamon Gardens, Colombo-7
Tel 011-2795400
Email ambassaden.colombo@sida.se

UK
190 Galle Rd, Kollupitiya, Colombo-3
Tel 011-2437336-43
www.britishhighcommission.gov.uk/srilanka

USA
210 Galle Rd, Kollupitiya, Colombo-3
Tel 011-2448007

Internet & Email

Internet access has become widespread across Sri Lanka, particularly in the tourist centres. Prices around the island are normally Rs 1-5 per minute, although hotels will charge significantly more.

Language

Sinhala and Tamil are the official languages of Sri Lanka, but English is widely spoken and understood in the main tourist centres though not by many people in rural areas. Some German is spoken by a growing number of Sri Lankans in the southwestern beach resorts around Bentota, while Kandy has some French speakers.

Laundry

Most hotels and guesthouses offer a daily laundry service. However, smaller establishments may take a couple of days to wash and dry your clothes and so ask before sending them to be laundered. Be aware that clothes are traditionally washed in nearby rivers or lakes by rubbing and bashing them against a rock. If you do not wish your clothes to be treated this way, ensure you get them laundered at a hotel that has modern clothes washing facilities.

Local Time

Sri Lanka is 5.5 hours ahead of the UK (GMT [UTC] + 5.5 hours), 4.5 hours ahead of Europe, 10.5 hours ahead of the USA's east coast (EST + 10.5 hours), and
4.5 hours behind Australian EST.

Newspapers

The Daily News and The Island are national daily newspapers published in English. Every Sunday, there are several papers published in English including the Sunday Observer and Sunday Times. In Colombo and in some hotels around the island a wide range of international daily and periodical newspapers and magazines is available. The Lanka Guardian is a respected fortnightly publication of news and comment.

Opening Hours

Banks
Private banks, like Commercial Bank, Hatton National Bank, HSBC and Sampath Bank, are generally more efficient and offer a quicker service than their government-run competitors (Bank of Ceylon, People's Bank and National Savings Bank). Banking hours are generally 09.00 to 13.00 Monday to Friday, although some banks in Colombo and Kandy have extended opening hours and also open at the weekend. However, most banks are closed on Saturdays and Sundays, monthly Poya [Full Moon] days, national holidays, 30 June and 31 December, and other days throughout the year. Therefore, it is best to ask locally for accurate opening times.

Post offices
Post offices are found in even the smallest rural town across the island. In addition, private agencies also act as post offices in some areas. Post offices are open from 08.00 to 04.30 on Monday to Friday and between 08.00 and 12.00 on Saturdays, and closed all day Sunday. In some of the tourist centres, post offices are open until 20.00 or 21.00 Monday to Saturday as well as on Sunday mornings.

Shops
Shops are generally open Monday to Saturday from 09.00 and close between 18.00 and 19.00 in the evening.

Restaurants
Many restaurants close early in the evening (before 19.00), but you can eat at any hour during the day. Establishments that have a public bar licence are normally open late, but can only serve alcohol from 11.00-14.00 and 17.00-23.00. However, alcohol is not served on Poya [Full Moon] days.

Offices
Government offices are renowned for their 'flexible' opening hours but should be open Monday to Friday from 09.30 to 17.00, although they are not reliable during the afternoon "siesta" time between 13.00 and 16.00. Other offices are open at similar times and also on Saturday mornings from 09.30 to 13.00.

Museums, monuments and archaeological sites
Archaeological sites are open daily from 07.00 to 18.00, although some sites are now opening earlier (before sunrise). Most museums are open from 09.00 to 17.00 but close either on Thursday or Friday and sometimes both.

Photography

With the exception of monks who may show some reluctance, Sri Lankans love to be photographed. Keep in mind that they may however ask for a tip. To show respect, always ask permission before taking a picture of someone.

Photography is prohibited in all militarised areas, at the airport and in some museums and temples. In other museums and temples a permit is required for a nominal fee.

Film is readily available throughout the country in the tourist areas and is inexpensive. However, if you require specialist film or black and white film then you should bring a sufficient supply from home. Film development is inexpensive and is normally of a high quality.

Camera batteries are readily available throughout the country.

A lens hood and/or polarising filter are useful for reducing the flare from brilliant sunshine and reflection from bright colours. High temperature and humidity can play havoc with cameras so protect all equipment with silica gel crystals.

Post

Post offices are found in even the smallest rural town across the island. In addition, private agencies also act as post offices in some areas. Post offices are open from 08.00 to 04.30 on Monday to Friday and between 08.00 and 12.00 on Saturdays, and closed all day Sunday. In some of the tourist centres, post offices are open until 20.00 or 21.00 Monday to Saturday as well as on Sunday mornings.

Letters and postcards
Letters less than 10 g sent by airmail to Europe or Australia cost Rs 26, with the fee rising by Rs 10 for every additional 10 g. Airmail letters to North America cost Rs 28, plus Rs 15 for every additional 10 g. Postcards to most countries beyond the Middle East cost Rs 17.

Parcels
Air parcel rates to Europe are Rs 761 for the first 500 g, plus Rs 351 for each subsequent 500 g up to a maximum of 10 kg. To North America, the first 500 g will cost Rs 533 with an extra Rs 431 for each subsequent 500 g. For parcels by sea, the rates to Europe are Rs 820 for the first kilogram, Rs 1065 up to 3 kg, Rs 1337 for
3-5 kg and Rs 1751 for 5-10 kg. To North America it costs Rs 472 for the first kilogram, Rs 908 up to 3 kg, Rs 1359 for 3-5 kg and Rs 2373 for 5-10 kg.

Couriers
International courier services are also available, eg, DHL Parcel Service in Colombo. Documents to the UK cost US$24, and to most EU countries and North America, US$26, for the first 500 g, then US$7 for each additional 500 g. Parcels cost about double this rate for the first 500 g, then the same US$7 rate for each additional
500 g. It takes three to four working days to Europe.

Taxis & Tuk-tuks

For short journeys in town while you are investigating the delights of Sri Lanka for yourself, taxis and tuk-tuks can be a cheap and reliable way of getting around.

Taxis
Taxis have yellow tops with red numbers on white plates, and are available in most towns. Some taxis are metered, although the meter may not work properly, while others are not and so it is best to negotiate a price regardless before setting off.

Tuk-tuks
Although they are the Indian auto-rickshaws made by Bajaj, they are generally called "tuk-tuks" or "three-wheelers" in Sri Lanka. They are for the more adventurous as they move quickly through traffic but compare poorly against taxis for price. Fares are negotiable as they are unmetered but fix a price beforehand - about Rs 20 per km. You can try to offer about 60% of the asking price though it is very unlikely you will get to pay the same rate as local people.

Telephone & Fax

Local calls
Local calls are timed and cost about Rs 25 for two minutes, the rate depending on distance. However, there are many private communication agencies which charge at higher rates and so it is best to ask before calling.

International phone calls
IDD calls are commonplace in Sri Lanka with many private communication agencies in the main tourist centres. It is best to use one with a computerised billing system rather than a stopwatch. Always ask for the country rate before dialling as it can vary quite considerably between agencies. Peak rate is between 08.00 and 18.00 Monday to Saturday, with the cheapest rate from 22.00 to 06.00 Monday to Saturday and all day Sunday.

Calls to the UK can be as low as Rs 40 per minute (Kandy) or as high as Rs 140 per minute (Ella) depending on the town, call rate period and communication agency used. Some places may allow you to receive in-coming calls but may charge you for the service. Remember that hotels and guesthouses normally charge very high rates.

Card-operated pay phones
There are now IDD card-operated pay phones that can connect you to several countries through satellite, such as Australia, Italy, Malaysia and the UK. Most other countries can be accessed through an operator. Phone cards can be bought from post offices, kiosks near the pay phones and some shops (minimum Rs 100). Different companies issue cards that can be used with their pay phones only and are not interchangeable, so beware!

Mobile phones
The coverage by mobile or cell phones extends from Colombo to Anuradhapura, Galle, Kandy, Kurunegala, Nuwara Eliya, Ratnapura and some west coast towns, and is being increased across the island. It may be possible to use international mobile phone sets in Sri Lanka, but you should enquire at home before leaving. The following service providers are currently operating:
Mobitel, Dialog GSM (Vodafone), Celltel and Hutchison Telecom.

Fax
You can send faxes from various communication agencies in major towns. Charges vary according to country but usually cost Rs 150-200 per minute. Business centres in hotels charge considerably more. Fax machines vary in quality and so it is best to write clearly in black or blue ink and contact the recipient immediately to ensure that it has been transmitted correctly.

Toilets

Toilets in good quality hotels and restaurants in tourist centres are of the Western style. In less visited areas, expect to squat Eastern-style, with water provided in place of toilet paper - so carry your own supply with you if you prefer.

Public toilets are always of the Eastern style and are usually very dirty and should therefore only be used in an emergency.

Radio & TV

Sri Lanka's national radio and television network (SLBC) broadcasts in Sinhalese and English, and operates between 05.40 and 23.00 daily. The evening news is broadcast in English at 22.00 daily. World service has a large audience in both English and regional languages. There are now several private TV channels and a growing number of private radio stations. Satellite TV is now watched by many Sri Lankan families, with a choice of several channels including ETV-1 for BBC and ETV-2 for StarPlus (MTV, TNL).

Weights & Measures

Sri Lanka officially follows the metric system, although non-standard units of measurement may sometimes crop up. Distances are generally stated in kilometres (km) on the roads, however people still often refer to distance in miles (1 km = 0.62 miles), a hangover from British colonial days.

The lakh is a common multiple number used in Sri Lanka, as it is in India, particularly when referring to money, e.g. an item is worth one lakh rupees. One lakh is equal to 100,000.

Health Check

Heatstroke and Sunburn
Full acclimatisation to high temperatures takes about two weeks. The most common form of sunstroke is caused by severe dehydration. Therefore, drink plenty of water, use salt on food and avoid extreme exertion. Tepid showers are more cooling than hot or cold ones.

The burning power of the tropical sun is phenomenal. Always wear a wide brimmed hat and use some form of sunscreen cream or lotion during the day (SPF 15 or higher). Glare from the sun can cause conjunctivitis so wear sunglasses, especially on the beaches.

Insects and Leeches
Insects can be a great nuisance but the main reason to avoid contact with them is the transmission of serious diseases. To ward off mosquitoes sleep off the ground with a mosquito net and burn Pyrethrum mosquito coils. Sprays and insecticidal tablets, heated on a mat plugged into a wall socket, are effective, as are personal insect repellents. Eco-friendly preparations contain citronella.

If you are bitten, cool baths and antihistamine tablets can relieve the itching. Bites that become infected, which can be quite common in the tropics, should be treated with a local antiseptic.

When trekking in the monsoon season be aware of leeches. They usually stay on the ground waiting for a passer-by and get inside boots through the lace holes when you are walking. Then when they are gorged with blood they drop off.

Do not try to pull them off as the head will be left behind and will cause infection. Put some salt, or hold a lighted cigarette to it, which will make it quickly fall off. It helps to spray socks and bootlaces with insect repellent before starting off.

Always drink bottled water and check that the seal is unbroken when purchased. All unbottled water is probably unsafe, as is ice. Do not put ice cubes in drinks.

Pasteurised or heat treated milk is now widely available in Sri Lanka, as is ice cream and yoghurt produced by the same methods. Unpasteurised milk products, including cheese, are sources of tuberculosis, brucellosis, listeria and food poisoning microbes.

Once in Sri Lanka, it is paramount to avoid mosquito bites, consequently cover up exposed skin at dusk, wear pale coloured long sleeved shirts and long trousers or skirts, use a mosquito repellent, and sleep under a mosquito net. Also, remember to take anti-malaria drugs.

Other Health Risks

Animal bites
If you are unlucky enough to be bitten by a snake, spider, scorpion, centipede or sea creature try (within limits) to catch the animal for identification. Contact a doctor or hospital immediately for assistance.

If you are bitten by a larger wild or domestic animal (e.g. dog, cat, monkey or wild cat) do not leave things to chance. Scrub the wound with soap and water/or disinfectant, try to have the animal captured (again within limits) or at least determine its ownership where possible and seek medical assistance at once.

Dengue fever
It is a viral disease transmitted by mosquito bites initially causing a severe headache and body pains. There is no treatment but it is rarely fatal in healthy adults. To reduce the risk of catching the disease, avoid mosquito bites.

Intestinal worms
These are common in Sri Lanka and the more serious ones, such as hook worm, can be contracted by walking barefoot on infested earth or beaches.

Leishmaniasis
This can be a serious disease taking several forms and transmitted by sand flies. These should be avoided in the same way as mosquitoes, although most mosquito nets are not effective against sand flies as the mesh size is normally too large.

Prickly heat
A very common itchy rash that is best avoided by frequent washing and by wearing loose fitting clothing. It is helped by the use of medicated talcum powder and by allowing the skin to dry thoroughly after washing.