Travel Essentials › Sri Lanka
Travel Essentials
Plugs: Types D, G and M, 230 V. Emergency: Police 119, Ambulance 1990, Fire 110. Tipping: A 10% service charge is often added; otherwise leave about 10% or small change. Tap water: Drink bottled or treated water.
Types D, G and M, 230 V
| Police | 119 |
| Ambulance | 1990 |
| Fire | 110 |
A 10% service charge is often added; otherwise leave about 10% or small change.
Greetings. A slight bow with palms together ("Ayubowan") is a warm, respectful greeting; handshakes are also common in cities.
Buddhist sites. Remove shoes and hats before entering temples; cover shoulders and knees. Never turn your back to a Buddha statue for a photo.
Right hand. Eat and pass objects with the right hand; the left is considered less clean.
Sri Lanka is generally safe for tourists, with low rates of violent crime; petty theft and tourist-targeted scams are the main concerns.
Tuk-tuk overcharging. Meters are often "broken" or skipped; agree a price before riding or use a ride-hailing app like PickMe.
Gem scams. Touts and shops sell fake or overpriced "precious" gems to tourists; buy only from the National Gem and Jewellery Authority if at all.
Spice garden / doctor pitch. Drivers detour to "spice farms" where a fake doctor diagnoses ailments and pushes expensive remedies; politely decline and ask to continue.
Women travelers. Generally safe, but avoid walking or taking tuk-tuks alone late at night, and sit near other women or families on overnight trains; unwanted staring or comments can occur.
Criminalized
Same-sex sexual activity is criminalized under a colonial-era law (up to 10 years in prison), though prosecutions are rare; a repeal bill has stalled, and LGBTQ+ travelers should be discreet.
| Coffee (café) | LKR 600 | $2.00 |
| Local bus or metro ride | LKR 150 | $0.50 |
| Mid-range restaurant meal | LKR 3,000 | $10 |
| Hostel bed / budget room (night) | LKR 2,700 | $9 |
| Mid-range hotel (night) | LKR 21,000 | $70 |
| Daily budget, mid-range traveler | LKR 21,000 | $70 |
2026-09
December to March is the classic window for the west/south coasts and hill country, with dry, sunny weather; the east coast (Trincomalee, Arugam Bay) is best May-September when the other coast is rainy.