FAQ
SIHELA LANKA TOURS
Visas & Customs Formalities
A: How much is the ETA processing charge for 30 days?
Online:
US $20 for SAARC Countries,
US $50 for Other Countries.
On Arrival:
US $25 for SAARC Countries
US $60 for Other Countries.
(A free Visa regime is implemented for the nationals of China, India, Indonesia, Russia, Thailand, Malaysia, and Japan until 31 March 2024). Free for children below 12 years of any Nationality.
US $20 for SAARC Countries,
US $50 for Other Countries.
On Arrival:
US $25 for SAARC Countries
US $60 for Other Countries.
(A free Visa regime is implemented for the nationals of China, India, Indonesia, Russia, Thailand, Malaysia, and Japan until 31 March 2024). Free for children below 12 years of any Nationality.
B: Is an ETA required for all Visitors?
Required for all except Singapore and Maldives and Seychelles Citizens.
C: What is an ETA?
Official online authorization for visits to Sri Lanka. You can access to Sri Lanka Department of Immigration and Emigration by below link to Apply.
https://www.immigration.gov.lk/index_e.php#
D: Do I need a Visa to arrive?
Yes, and an ETA for short visits.
Language & Communication
A : Is free internet access available?
Many hotels offer Free Wi-Fi. Cyber cafes are also common.
B: How do I dial within/outside the country?
Dial ’00’ or “+” before your country code for international call from Sri Lanka.
No Districts/Provincial code is required for local calls to mobile Connection other than fixed lines.
No Districts/Provincial code is required for local calls to mobile Connection other than fixed lines.
C: Can I get a local mobile connection?
Yes, with a dual band & unlocked phone.
Your foreign passport to Produce for it.
“Dialog”, “Mobitel” and “Airtel” Operators’ Counters are located at the Arrival and Departure lounges of Bandaranaike International Airport.
The Local Sim card with ample data and voice Packages start from 1500 SLR.
Your foreign passport to Produce for it.
“Dialog”, “Mobitel” and “Airtel” Operators’ Counters are located at the Arrival and Departure lounges of Bandaranaike International Airport.
The Local Sim card with ample data and voice Packages start from 1500 SLR.
D: What mobile technology is used in Sri Lanka?
All mobile operators support GSM on 900/1800 bands, with extensive WAP & GPRS coverage. Colombo has 3G and wireless broadband, and Wi-Fi zones are available in some major towns.
E. Which languages are spoken in Sri Lanka?
Sinhala and Tamil are the main languages in Sri Lanka, with English widely understood, especially in tourist areas. Road signs are in both Sinhalese and English.
Health & Safety
A: How to repel mosquitoes?
Hotels provide repellents. products are available in local supermarkets.
B: Any Health concerns?
Available reliable healthcare but limited outside the main cities.
Travelers over 1 year old from yellow fever-risk countries or with over 12-hour transits in such countries must be vaccinated for entry into Sri Lanka.
Travelers from polio infected countries are strongly advised to get vaccinated against polio at least four weeks prior to the visit.
Travelers over 1 year old from yellow fever-risk countries or with over 12-hour transits in such countries must be vaccinated for entry into Sri Lanka.
Travelers from polio infected countries are strongly advised to get vaccinated against polio at least four weeks prior to the visit.
C: Is Sri Lanka safe for Tourists?
Yes, peaceful with record tourist numbers.
D: What Safety precautions while traveling?
Secure your valuables with hotel safe deposit locker. The hotels aren't responsible for lost items.
E. How should I act for any Emergency?
Ensure safety first, Stay updated with local news, Security measures and follow official directives.
At any incident Inform your accommodation, Stay connected with tour contacts. seek support from local communities, fellow travelers and local authorities. Contact your embassy if necessary.
Dial/Reach emergency services, nearest police station, Local hospital.
Dial - 1919 for Government Information Center
Dial - 1990 for Emergency Ambulance Service.
Dial - 118 / 119 for Police Emergency Hotline
Dial - 011-2421052 for Tourist Police
At any incident Inform your accommodation, Stay connected with tour contacts. seek support from local communities, fellow travelers and local authorities. Contact your embassy if necessary.
Dial/Reach emergency services, nearest police station, Local hospital.
Dial - 1919 for Government Information Center
Dial - 1990 for Emergency Ambulance Service.
Dial - 118 / 119 for Police Emergency Hotline
Dial - 011-2421052 for Tourist Police
Food & Lodging
A: What type of accommodations are available?
Wide range of accommodation from Boutique hotels to eco-lodges; some areas have basic facilities.
B: Can I smoke in public places?
No, smoking in public areas is prohibited.
C: Liquor availability on Full Moon days?
Banned on Poya days due to religious significance.
D: Recommendations for drink choices?
Avoid tap water; bottled water is safe.
E: How about beer & liquor?
Sri Lanka offers local beer and two liquors, Toddy tapped from palm trees, and its refined form arrack. The Imported drinks are priced similarly to Western countries.
F: What about soft drinks & fruit juice?
Fresh fruit juice is common in restaurants and smaller eateries in Sri Lanka. The Popular international soft drinks are available even in village shops. "Thembili/King Coconut" is a local, affordable, and refreshing drink commonly sold roadside.
G: Can I get ‘Halal’ food?
Halal food is limited in major hotels in Sri Lanka.
Halal restaurants are mainly in Colombo and Kandy, with seafood being a common alternative.
Halal restaurants are mainly in Colombo and Kandy, with seafood being a common alternative.
H: Can I get vegetarian food?
Star hotels and major eateries have vegetarian sections, but local 'rice and curry' spots may include fish. 'South Indian' vegetarian restaurants are strictly vegetarian.
Money & Banking
A: What are the business hours?
Banks Branches: 08:30 – 15:00, Mon-Fri; some opened on Saturday.
All banks and money exchange centers are opened - 24/7 at Bandaranaike International Airport.
Some money exchange centers in Pettah, Colombo, operate even seven days a week.
All banks and money exchange centers are opened - 24/7 at Bandaranaike International Airport.
Some money exchange centers in Pettah, Colombo, operate even seven days a week.
B: Are ATMs available?
Yes, in most cities, check card validity with your bank. Watch out for the Maestro or Cirrus logo.
C: Which credit cards are accepted?
Visa and MasterCard widely accepted.
D: Do credit card transactions incur charges in foreign currency?
No, they do not. Local businesses use the exchange rate from the payment date, following the country's regulations.
E: Are credit cards accepted everywhere?
Credit cards, especially Visa and MasterCard, are widely accepted in local areas, including small towns. Amex is less common. Using an internationally valid credit card is recommended for convenience.
F: Where can I exchange currency again?
You can re-exchange foreign currency only at the airport bank counters upon departure, requiring bank receipts, not Money Changer receipts.
G: What are the prerequisites for currency re-exchange?
Keep all exchange receipts, including ATM slips, for currency declaration and future re-exchange when leaving the country.
H: What is the maximum amount of money I can carry out of the country?
If you plan to leave Sri Lanka with over US $5000 in cash, you must declare the total amount brought in, regardless of being under US$ 15,000.
J: What is the maximum amount of money I can bring into the country?
You can bring any foreign currency into Sri Lanka, including TCs and bank drafts. However, amounts over US $15,000 need to be declared to Customs.
K: What are the charges for exchanging foreign currency at the bank?
Banks charge a handling fee plus varying commission. Convert only the money you intend to spend.
L: Where can I exchange my foreign currency for local money?
You can exchange foreign currency at banks, money changers, and hotels. Major banks readily accept Travelers Cheques, with Thomas Cook and Visa being popular choices.
Clothes & Accessories
A : What should I pack?
Lightweight cotton clothes. The warm attire for hilly regions.
B : Dress code for temples?
Modest attire; cover legs and shoulders.
C: Do I need to adhere to a specific dress code?
Pack evening wear as upscale, some hotels may require 'long attire' for men and skirts or longs shorts for women at dinner, Avoid beach or swimwear.
Travelling & Photography
A: Best time to travel?
December- March: West & South Coasts including the Hill Country.
May-September: East Coast including the Hill Country.
May-September: East Coast including the Hill Country.
B : Can I process photos in Sri Lanka?
Yes, many photo shops offer digital imaging services.Better to keep a portable data storage device with you.
C: Any Photography restrictions?
Seek permission at religious sites.
Avoid photographing dams, airports, military-related sites, or roadblocks. Refrain from using cameras in the vicinity of Colombo Fort.
Avoid photographing dams, airports, military-related sites, or roadblocks. Refrain from using cameras in the vicinity of Colombo Fort.
D: Do I need to pay for photographing people or locations?
Most Probably No.But take the feedback from your guide or relevant site agent prior to any photography.
Avoid using flash at Sigiriya's frescoes and always act respectfully. Never pose with your back to a Buddha statue or photograph a monk without permission.
Avoid using flash at Sigiriya's frescoes and always act respectfully. Never pose with your back to a Buddha statue or photograph a monk without permission.
E: Is photography allowed inside temples and monasteries?
Always seek permission before photographing people or sacred sites like temples. For instance, avoid using flash in Dambulla's cave temple to protect the murals.
F: What guidelines should I follow and avoid while taking photos locally?
Always seek permission before photographing individuals.
G: What should I expect if I travel during the off-season?
Traveling off-season offers fewer crowds, discounted air fares and accommodations, often with special deals. Coastal areas maintain around 27°C, but higher altitudes experience cooler temperatures.
H: How about the rainy seasons?
Sri Lanka has two monsoon seasons: when one coast is rainy, the other is dry, making it a year-round destination with favorable weather always somewhere on the island.
Power & Energy
A: Any special power concerns?
Avoid using 110V appliances in 240V outlets in Sri Lanka.
B: Which plug types are common?
UK (Type G) and India (Type D).
C: What’s the voltage type in Sri Lanka?
It is 220/240 volts.
Shopping & Entertainment
A : How much should I tip?
It is your own decision based on your satisfaction on hospitality given and your budget. Commonly experienced Tip for housekeeping staff, doorman and bellboy is SLR 100 -500.
For Guides/Driver it is 5 -15 USD/day.
B: Is there nightlife?
Yes, in Colombo, Negombo, Hikkaduwa, Mirissa, Unawatuna and Ella.
C: What are the popular items to shop?
Handicrafts, Masks, Batiks, Gemstones, Ceylon Tea, True Cinnamon, Ceylon Spices, Organic/inorganic dried Food/Drinks, Oud Essential etc.
Local Customs and Etiquette
A: What should, and shouldn't I do when interacting with locals?
Respect to cultural/religious difference.
Sustainable Tourism
A: What’s mean by Sustainable Tourism?
Sustainable tourism refers to the concept of visiting a place as a tourist and trying to make a positive impact on the environment, society, and economy. It involves making responsible decisions to reduce the negative effects of tourism on local environments and communities, while also contributing to their preservation and development.