Sri Lanka Travel Information & Tips
Practical Sri Lanka travel information: getting around, food, what to pack, etiquette, health, money, plugs and shopping, from the Figo Holidays team.
Quick facts
- Currency: Sri Lankan rupee (LKR)
- Languages: Sinhala and Tamil; English widely spoken
- Time zone: UTC+5:30 all year
- Electricity: 230 V, 50 Hz, Type D and G sockets
- Driving: on the left
- Dialling code: +94
Travel information topics
- Getting Around - Roads, trains, tuk-tuks and why journeys take longer than the map suggests, plus the case for a private driver-guide.
- Food & Drink - Rice and curry, hoppers, fresh seafood and king coconut: what to eat, how spicy it gets and how to eat safely.
- What to Pack - Light cotton for the heat, a warm layer for the hills, modest clothes for temples and a few extras that make a trip easier.
- Culture & Etiquette - Greetings, temple manners, photography and respect for wildlife: how to be a welcome guest in Sri Lanka.
- Health & Safety - Vaccinations, mosquitoes, sun, water and emergency numbers: simple precautions for a healthy and safe journey.
- Language & Staying Connected - Sinhala, Tamil and English, a few useful words to try, and how to get a SIM card, find Wi-Fi and stay in touch with home.
- Money & Payments - The rupee, cards and cash, ATMs, tipping and holidays: how to pay for things in Sri Lanka.
- Electricity & Plugs - 230 volts, Type D and G sockets, and what to do about plug adapters, device chargers and the occasional power cut.
- Shopping & Nightlife - Tea, spices, batik, crafts and gems to bring home, what not to buy, and where to find an evening out.
This guide is general advice and is not medical, legal or financial advice. Entry rules, health recommendations and prices change, so please check official sources and ask us if you are unsure.