Packing for Sri Lanka means preparing for its tropical warmth and varied landscapes. Opt for lightweight, light-coloured cotton clothing that keeps you cool under the sun. If your itinerary includes the cooler, hilly regions, carrying some warm attire is wise as evenings can be quite chilly.

When planning for evening wear, adhere to the dress codes of upscale dining venues, which often require ‘long attire’ for men, no shorts or sandals and something formal for places like The Hill Club in Nuwara Eliya. Women should consider dresses, skirts or long shorts but avoid beachwear or swimwear.

Respect is paramount at religious sites. Dress modestly: cover legs and shoulders and remove shoes and hats before entering Buddhist or Hindu temples. Unfurl any umbrellas and steer clear of beachwear or nudity, which is not tolerated anywhere in public, including beaches, topless sunbathing is also off-limits.

Here’s a suggested packing list to cover all bases:

• 2 pairs of cotton trousers
• 1 pair of shorts (men only)
• 2 long cotton skirts (ankle length, for women)
• Underwear and swimwear
• A few T-shirts or lightweight shirts
• A sweater for the cool evenings in the hills
• A pair of sneakers or sturdy shoes
• Socks, which are especially useful when visiting sun exposed temple areas
• Sandals or slippers for general comfort and specifically for use in showers
• A set of clothes suitable for dressing up
• A sun hat or an umbrella for protection against the sun

Lastly, consider packing a sarong. It’s an incredibly versatile piece that is light, cool and compact. Perfect for a range of uses from beach to temple, it aligns well with local customs and helps you stay comfortable while respecting cultural norms.

Interacting with locals in Sri Lanka is an enriching experience that calls for respect and understanding of cultural norms. One important tradition is the Right-Hand rule. Always use your right hand for eating, giving and receiving items, as using the left is considered impolite.

Embracing cultural differences is key to a rewarding journey. Sri Lanka, like much of Asia, has its unique ways that charm visitors. To truly enjoy your stay, approach each interaction with calmness, cheerfulness and openness. Being patient and courteous can significantly enhance your travel experience, as demanding behaviour often leads to poor service and disapproval.

Environmental responsibility is crucial. Pollution and waste management issues are prevalent in many parts of Asia due to inadequate disposal systems and limited recycling options. Travelers are encouraged to minimize their plastic use by avoiding plastic packaging and carrying their own shopping bags. Proper disposal of waste, especially plastics, is essential. Be mindful of the local wildlife and ecosystem conservation laws as well. It is illegal to export or even possess endangered flora and fauna, including items made from wild animals such as leopard skins, crocodile skins and elephant tusks.

When exploring marine life, it’s vital to protect coral reefs, which are living organisms. Avoid touching or breaking coral. If you’re on a glass bottom boat tour, encourage the driver to keep a safe distance from the reefs to prevent damage, especially in popular areas like Hikkaduwa. Additionally, never purchase coral, seashells or turtle shells, as these practices can harm the environment and endangered species. All five species of Sri Lankan turtles are endangered and it’s important to avoid stressing them in their natural habitat.

By adhering to these guidelines, you can ensure your visit is both enjoyable and respectful, contributing positively to the preservation of Sri Lanka’s rich cultural and natural heritage.

Traveling to Sri Lanka is not only safe but also a visually stunning experience. The country enjoys peace and an increasing influx of tourists, attracted by its reputation as one of the last ‘unspoilt’ destinations in Asia. Our tours are carefully planned in regions known for their safety, ensuring you feel secure throughout your stay. Many visitors find a second home in Sri Lanka, eager to return to the comfort and security offered by our dedicated team.

When it comes to safety precautions, it’s important to use common sense and take necessary measures. Always store your valuables such as passports, money and jewellery in the hotel safe deposit box, as hotels are not liable for items lost within guest rooms. Avoid leaving valuables unattended, especially in public areas like beaches or hotel balconies. Keep a separate record of your travellers’ cheque numbers and consider having a backup stash of around US$200 kept apart from your main funds.

Health-wise, it’s advisable to seek care from private sector hospitals for better service. Ensure your health insurance is comprehensive. For those coming from yellow fever zones, a vaccination certificate is mandatory. Stay updated with your Hepatitis A, Polio and Tetanus vaccinations and consider malaria prophylaxis if venturing into rural areas. Carrying Imodium could help manage minor stomach upsets during your trip.

Mosquitoes and other pests are a reality in the tropics. Most hotels provide plug in mosquito repellents in rooms and it’s wise to have extra repellent tablets, coils or citronella candles handy, especially if dining outdoors. Applying repellent lotion is recommended. Local remedies like ‘Siddhalepa balm’ can soothe mosquito bites effectively. If you encounter leeches, soap or lime on exposed skin can prevent bites and wearing leech socks over trousers offers additional protection. Should a leech attach itself to you, applying salt will make it detach harmlessly.

With these precautions in mind, your visit to Sri Lanka can be both safe and immensely enjoyable, letting you focus on the beauty and warmth this island has to offer.

In Sri Lanka, Sinhala and Tamil hold the status of official languages, while English serves as a ‘link’ language, widely understood across the country, especially in urban areas and tourist spots. In remote areas, however, familiarity with English may be less common. For the convenience of international visitors, Sri Lanka Tailor-Made offers guides fluent in multiple languages including English, German, French, Spanish, Italian and Japanese. Road signs throughout the nation are displayed in both Sinhalese and English, enhancing ease of navigation.

Telecommunication facilities are readily available throughout Sri Lanka. Public telephone booths, although accepting coins, might offer limited clarity and duration of calls. Telephone bureaus are more reliable, providing IDD (International Direct Dialling) and internet services, albeit with varying quality. For international calls from within Sri Lanka, dial ’00’ followed by the necessary country and area codes. Locally, omit the area code when calling within the same area but include it when making inter-city calls.

Sri Lanka is well-connected in terms of mobile technology, supporting GSM on 900/1800 bands along with WAP, GPRS, 3G and wireless broadband predominantly available in Colombo. Tourists can benefit from purchasing a local SIM card, available from providers like Dialog and Mobitel, especially at their airport counters, for cost-effective local and international communication. Starter packs are usually priced around 1500 Rupees, with top-up options widely accessible.

For internet access, most hotels offer connectivity, with many featuring Wi-Fi, particularly in upscale and boutique accommodations. Internet cafes are common in larger towns, providing ADSL connections, however, speeds might be slower in less populated areas. The typical cost for internet use in a café is about 0.50 Euros per hour. For more mobile internet access, companies like Dialog provide WiMAX Broadband wireless connections, facilitating connectivity across various parts of the island.

In Sri Lanka, the local currency is the Rupee (Rs), subdivided into 100 cents with denominations ranging from 10 to 2,000 rupees. Smaller denominations are preferable as larger notes can be challenging to break. Prices in tourist spots are often quoted in US dollars or Euros, but payment is typically made in Rupees at the current exchange rate.

For those bringing money into the country, it’s advisable to carry a freely convertible currency like the US dollar or Euro, especially if your home currency isn’t widely traded internationally. At the airport, numerous exchange counters are available after customs and exchanging money upon arrival is convenient.

Credit cards, particularly Visa and MasterCard, are widely accepted across Sri Lanka, even in smaller towns. Travelers’ cheques are also a good option, particularly brands like Thomas Cook and Visa. When using foreign currencies or credit cards, transactions will be converted to Sri Lankan Rupees using the prevailing bank exchange rates.

There is no limit on the amount of foreign currency you can bring into Sri Lanka but amounts exceeding US$ 15,000 must be declared. When leaving, you can re-exchange unspent rupees at the airport banks, providing you have kept your exchange receipts.

ATMs are plentiful in major cities and typically accept international Visa and MasterCard, but it’s wise to check with your bank about your card’s usability in Sri Lanka. Remember to look for the Maestro or Cirrus logo on ATMs.

Regarding business hours, Banks operate from 09:00 to 15:00, Government offices from 09:30 to 17:00 and shops generally from 10:00 to 19:00, with varying open days and some services available on weekends. All these establishments are closed on Sundays and Poya Days, which are public holidays occurring each full moon.

Sri Lanka does not use the IBAN system for bank accounts, relying instead on the BIC or SWIFT code system along with the Basic Bank Account Number (BBAN), common in many non-European countries, including the USA and Australia. This system is adequate for international transfers and aligns with global financial practices outside of the European IBAN framework.

In Sri Lanka, the standard voltage is 220/240 volts, accommodating various international appliances for travellers. When packing for your trip, it’s important to note the types of plug bases you might encounter. Most Sri Lankan hotels are equipped with two primary plug types: the UK (Type G) with three rectangular pins and India (Type D) with three round pins.

Here’s a brief overview of plug compatibility:

• UK (Type G):This plug is commonly used and supports 13 Amps. It can accept a Type C plug (commonly known as the Euro plug) by manoeuvring the Earth socket, though an adapter might be required to connect with a Type D socket.
• Euro Plug (Type C):Featuring two round pins and supporting up to 5 Amps, this plug can fit into both Type G and Type D sockets with a small adjustment using a pen to open the Earth socket. Remember to turn off the power before attempting this.
• India (Type D):Similar to the Euro plug, it can accommodate a Type C by adjusting the Earth socket, but adapting to a Type G socket will require an adapter.

If your device uses a rectangular UK Type G plug and the available socket is a round pin Type D or vice versa, simply ask hotel reception for an adapter. These are also readily available in local supermarkets or hardware stores. For those with appliances featuring the Type I plug, used in countries like South Africa, Australia and parts of China, it’s advisable to bring a Universal Adapter, as local adapters for Type I are harder to find.

A crucial safety tip: never plug a 110V-120V device, such as a hairdryer, into a 240V Sri Lankan socket. The higher voltage can cause severe damage and pose a fire hazard. Always check the voltage compatibility of your devices to ensure safety while using electrical outlets in Sri Lanka.

Sri Lanka offers a treasure trove of shopping opportunities, ranging from intricate handicrafts to modern garments, ensuring that every visitor finds something special to take home. Popular local crafts include vibrant batiks, detailed wood carvings and exquisite gemstones. Shoppers can also find beautiful lacquer-ware, handmade silver and brass items and of course, the renowned Ceylon Tea. However, it’s important to shop responsibly; avoid buying products made from tortoise shells, ivory or ebony to help preserve endangered species and scarce resources.

The country is also noted for its textile industry, offering an excellent selection of clothing at attractive prices. Colombo, fast becoming a hub for garment shopping, provides a wide range of children’s clothing, casual wear for men and women, beachwear and even warm padded jackets.

Nightlife in Sri Lanka, while varied, can be particularly enjoyed in Colombo, Negombo and Hikkaduwa. Colombo boasts a lively scene with pubs, nightclubs, karaoke lounges and bars, fostering a growing pub-culture especially among the younger crowds. The weekends are vibrant, filled with parties that stretch into the early hours. The city’s casinos also offer a mix of live entertainment, gourmet food and gaming. Negombo is quieter but hosts regular beach parties, whereas Hikkaduwa is known for its lively beach restaurants and bars.

When it comes to tipping, while a 10% service charge is commonly added to bills in restaurants and hotels, additional tipping is customary to show appreciation for good service. General tipping etiquette suggests a 10% tip of the total bill. For personal services such as housekeeping, doormen, and bellboys, a tip of 300-400 rupees is standard. Tour guides or drivers typically expect between US$ 5 to 15 per day, depending on the quality of service. Even a small tip of around Rs. 300, equivalent to about 1 US$, is greatly appreciated by locals and helps in fostering good relations.

When planning a trip to Sri Lanka, it’s essential to consider the climate to choose the optimal travel time. The island’s weather varies significantly due to its two monsoon seasons, making Sri Lanka a year-round destination. For dry weather, visit the West and South Coasts, and the hill country between December and March. Alternatively, the East Coast is best from May to September.

Traveling off-season can be advantageous, as it not only means fewer tourists but also lower prices on flights and accommodations, often accompanied by special offers. On the coast, the average temperature is around 27°C, which decreases with altitude, Kandy enjoys a cooler 20°C, while Nuwara Eliya, at higher elevations, averages about 16°C.

Photography etiquette is crucial in respecting local customs and people. Always ask for permission before photographing individuals, especially minority groups who may be reluctant. Avoid paying for photographs to discourage a begging mentality among locals. If you take photos, consider sending copies back to the communities through our tour leaders or directly. This fosters a sense of sharing and respect in photography. Video recording isn’t allowed in certain local areas like small villages and during treks to respect the community’s wishes.

While temples and sacred sites welcome visitors, photography inside places like the Dambulla cave temple complex is forbidden. Use of flash is also prohibited in many sacred interiors to prevent damage. Always show respect by not posing in front of or beside Buddha statues and consult with locals or guides before taking photos that may require payment.

For those wanting to process digital photos, Sri Lanka is well-equipped with franchised shops like Kodak and Fuji available in major towns, accepting various digital storage devices. It’s wise to back up your images before processing. Using a USB cord to transfer photos to a PC at an internet café is an economical alternative to professional processing. Making two CD copies, one to keep and one to mail home, ensures you have ample space on your memory cards for new pictures. Digital camera accessories are readily available in cities like Colombo and Kandy.

Sri Lanka’s cuisine is a tapestry woven from centuries of cultural exchanges. Influenced by Portuguese, Dutch and British colonizers, as well as Arab, Chinese, Indian and Malay traders, the island’s food is a marvellous fusion of traditions, offering everything from mild delicacies to fiery dishes. Seasoned with a rich array of spices like garlic, ginger, lemongrass and curry leaves, each meal is an invitation to explore the diverse flavors of Sri Lanka.

Among the must-try dishes, Lamprais shines with its Dutch Burgher heritage, featuring rice cooked in stock, layered with eggplant, yam and a choice of meat or vegetarian curry, wrapped in a banana leaf and baked to imbue a distinctive flavour. Another favourite, Kottu Roti, combines shredded Godamba Roti with vegetables, meat and spices, stir-fried on a hot iron sheet, a preparation that fills the evening air with its rhythmic sounds.

Kiribath, marking new beginnings and special occasions, is a comforting dish of rice cooked with creamy coconut milk, often paired with spicy Lunu-miris or sweet jaggery. Pittu, a testament to Malay and Tamil influences, is a steamed mixture of ground rice and coconut, enjoyed with curries or coconut milk. For a lighter meal, String Hoppers offer delicate steamed rice noodles, perfect with curries and coconut sambol.

Hoppers, a ubiquitous Sri Lankan staple, are crispy-edged, soft-centred pancakes made from a fermented rice flour batter, complemented by a variety of curries and sambols. Rice and Curry, the quintessential Sri Lankan meal, presents a spread of curried vegetables, fish or meat, accompanied by fluffy boiled rice, pappadam and chutneys, showcasing the island’s spice-infused culinary ethos.

The island’s tropical climate nurtures an extraordinary variety of fruits like bananas, papayas, mangoes and the unique wood-apple, integral to local cuisine and enjoyed fresh or as part of savoury dishes. Whether it’s the unusual red sugar banana or the antioxidant-rich custard apple, each fruit adds a distinctive touch to the Sri Lankan dining experience, making it unforgettable for every palate.