Essential Travel

Essential travel information

What is Sri Lanka Standard Time?

  5 hours and 30 minutes ahead of GMT/UTC (UTC+05:30) For more information please refer http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sri_Lanka_Time

 Where is Sri Lanka situated?

  In the south eastern part of Asia. The country lies north of the equator in between 5° 55'N and 9° 55' N and in between longitudes 79° 42' East and 81° 52' East. Sri Lanka is situated at a distance of 880 km from the equator.

 What is the currency used In Sri Lanka?

  Sri Lanka has a decimal currency system. One Sri Lankan rupee is divided into 100 Sri Lankan Cents. Currency notes are in the denominations of Rs. 10/-, Rs. 20/-, Rs. 50/- Rs. 100/- Rs. 200/-, Rs. 500/-, Rs. 1000/- and Rs. 5000/-. Denominations are cl

What is the best season for beaches?

  November to April - South West part of the island May to October - North West part of the island

What can we buy in Sri Lanka?

  Beside the traditional tea, gems and spices, tourist can buy some of the most attractively priced garments and crisp linen in Sri Lanka.

What are the prohibited items to export and import?

Ivory, antiques, living plants, reptiles and living animals are prohibited. Precious stones could be carried with a permit.

 What are the postal charges?

  For information on postal rates contact the General Post Office, Janadhipathi Mawatha, Colombo 1. Tel: 326203.

What are the International Direct Dial (IDD) facilities?

International Direct Dial (IDD) telephone services are readily available through your hotel, or from the roadside public payphones situated in all parts of Colombo and its Suburbs, and also in several provincial towns, too. There are card-operated payp

What are the entrance permits required?

  Information regarding entrance permits and its requirements can be obtained at the Central Cultural Fund – Sri Lanka. Contact details : Central Cultural Fund 212/1, Bauddhaloka Mawatha, Colombo 7.   E-mail: info@ccf.lk Tel: + 94 (01) 2500732

 How can we hire vehicles?

Independent car hires can be arranged by rent-a-car or travel companies in the island. It is recommended to have a chauffeur-driven car which can be arranged for similar cost as traffic in Sri Lanka can be chaotic.

Do we need visas?

  Nationals of over 24 countries are exempt from visa requirements. However the visa they obtain at the point of entry is formally valid for only 30 days. For details contact; the Department of Emigration and Immigration, Ananda Rajakaruna Mw, Maradana

 Do we need vaccination?

  You are strongly advised to contact your own GP or vaccination centre in respect of required vaccinations for Sri Lanka. Check on recommended inoculations as least a month before travel. Malaria tablets, vaccinations for Tetanus, Typhoid, Hepatitis A,

At what time do banks close?

Banks keep increasingly flexible hours to suit customer convenience. All banks are opened from 09.00 hrs to 13.00 hrs Monday to Friday. Some city banks close at 15.00 hrs while some others have night banking facilities too. Banks are closed on Saturdays a

Are there restricted hours to obtain bank exchange?

  The banks at the International Airport are operated 24 hours at departure and arrival as well as some private banks.

Are Credit Cards Accepted?

  Many hotels and shops accept reputed credit cards. No surcharge should be permitted for its use. Cash advances are possible against Credit Cards in certain banks. For more information please refer http://www.sltda.lk/node/199