General recommendations for Tourists

Essential Travel Tips for Sri Lanka

Emergency Contacts

Tourist Police: (+9411)-242-11-11 – Call for help with any issues you encounter.
General Police: Dial 119 for emergencies (the national emergency service).
Rapid Response Police: Dial 112.
Airport Info Desk: (+9411)-225-28-61.

When you call, always provide your name, location, and details of the situation. It’s a good idea to ask for the operator’s name who took your call.

Pre-Travel Checklist

Use a Tour Operator: Booking through a tour company can simplify your trip and includes assistance in emergencies.

Check Your Documents:
- Ensure your passport is valid for at least six months from your entry date.
- Confirm all personal info (name, date of birth, etc.) is accurate.
- Passport must be clean, undamaged, and free from extra markings.
Carry Medical Insurance: Health services can be costly without insurance.

Safety Tips During Your Stay

Keep Your Passport and Valuables Safe: Carry your passport with you, don’t leave it with others or as collateral. Use a hotel safe for extra protection.
Be Careful with Belongings: Watch your bags, wallet, and phone in public areas, and avoid asking locals to “watch” your bags.
Make Copies of Important Documents: Keep copies of your passport, driver’s license, credit cards, and other key documents in a separate location.

Health & Hygiene

Drink Bottled Water: Avoid unboiled water, raw salads, and street-bought ice cream. Wash fruits with soap or peel them.
Vaccinations: Not required, but for extended stays, vaccines like hepatitis A/B, diphtheria, and tetanus are recommended.

Beach & Water Safety

Swim Cautiously: Avoid swimming far out and never swim while intoxicated. Strong currents in the Indian Ocean can be dangerous.
Respect Beach Dress Codes: Women should avoid going topless on the beach.

Dress and Cultural Etiquette

Dress Respectfully: Cover your shoulders and knees, especially in temples and public areas.
Visiting Temples: Remove shoes before entering and do not turn your back on Buddha statues. Avoid leather items inside temples and ask before taking photos.
General Behavior: Keep noise down after sunset, especially in residential areas.

Money and Payments

Tipping: It’s customary to tip hotel staff ($50–100 for a family on arrival/departure) and 3% in restaurants.
Counterfeit Currency: Look for security features on Rupee notes, as fake bills are in circulation.

Driving and Transport

Local Driving License: If you’re renting a vehicle, a temporary Sri Lankan license is required.
Careful Car Rentals: Check insurance paperwork before renting to avoid issues in accidents.

Hotel and Street Safety

Follow Hotel Safety Rules: Note exits, and avoid leaving valuables in your room unless secured.
Street Smarts: Stick to well-lit areas, and avoid secluded spots at night.
Stay Alert: Refuse food, drinks, or cigarettes from strangers—they could be used to steal from or harm you.

Customs and Import Restrictions

Declare Valuables: Jewelry and certain cultural items like antique masks require a special permit for export.
Currency: You can bring up to $10,000 into the country without special paperwork.
Prohibited Items: Weapons, illegal drugs, and large quantities of certain foods and electronics.

Handling Incidents

Report Incidents Promptly: If robbed or attacked, report it to the police. Insist on a report in case of theft or a vehicle accident.
Be Careful with Police Documents: Avoid signing anything in a foreign language without legal help.