Shopping & Nightlife
Tea, spices, batik, crafts and gems to bring home, what not to buy, and where to find an evening out.
What to buy
- Ceylon tea, in sealed packs from estates and good shops
- Spices, including true Ceylon cinnamon, cardamom and pepper
- Batik, handloom cloth and clothing; Sri Lanka is a major garment maker
- Wood carvings, masks, lacquerware, brass and silverwork
- Gems and jewellery: Sri Lanka is famous for sapphires. Buy from reputable shops and ask for a receipt and a certificate.
Shopping well
Shops and shopping malls usually have fixed prices, while polite bargaining is normal in markets and with street sellers. Be wary of anyone who offers to take you to a gem shop or a "special sale"; your guide can suggest good places but should never push you to buy.
What not to take home
Do not buy or export items made from ivory, turtle shell, coral, shells or other wildlife products. Antiques and old cultural objects usually need export permission, so ask before you buy.
Nightlife and entertainment
Colombo has bars, lounges, clubs and casinos, and beach towns such as Unawatuna, Hikkaduwa, Mirissa and Arugam Bay have relaxed beach bars and live music in season. Elsewhere evenings are quiet. In Kandy a Kandyan dance and drumming show is a popular evening out. On Poya days alcohol is not sold and some venues close.
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.