10 things you should know before coming to Sri Lanka

While searching for tips that are available to travellers planning to come to Sri Lanka, I found that there was not much good advice offered. Which is why, this month, my post features 10 things that travellers should know before coming to Sri Lanka.

1) You need to get a Visa

Since January 2012 all tourists are required to obtain a Visa to enter Sri Lanka. You can apply online through the Sri Lankan Electronic Travel Authorization website - http://www.eta.gov.lk/slvisa/ .  A tourist Visa for double entry valid for 30 days costs US$ 30.00 for adults and is free for children under 12. You could get the Visa on arrival at the airport, but I recommend that you get it before you arrive because it saves time and is more convenient.

2) Packing Essentials

It’s important that you pack light for your holiday, especially if you are going on a tour with your family. Spending half an hour trying to stuff five cases into a car every time you travel from one destination to another is a huge waste of time and effort. If you are exploring Sri Lanka, you are likely to visit many religious places, so it is important to pack a modest outfit like jeans, light coloured pants or a knee length skirt with a light coloured top, tshirt or shirt with sleeves. Other things that you should pack are flip flops, a hat or cap, sun glasses and a light jacket if you are staying in the hill country which can get chilly in the evenings.

3) Medicine: Talk to your physician

Although I believe it isn’t necessary, most doctors recommend taking Malaria tablets if you are travelling to the North of the country. You should meet with your physician and get advice on what medicine is best for you in the event of allergies etc.

4) Insect Repellent

Sri Lanka is a tropical country and we are home to lots of insects such as mosquitoes. Consider bringing a good brand of insect repellent to avoid getting annoyed by them.

5) Chargers

The plug points in Sri Lanka are most often three round pins or three square pins and electricity is at 230 volts at 50 Hertz. If your devices need charging and it doesn't support this power voltage, you should bring an adapter along with you to protect it.

6) It’s hotter than you think!

Everyone knows that Sri Lanka is a warm country all year round. However, most of the time, it’s hotter than you think. It’s important to not only bring the sunblock, but to actually use it and remember to stay hydrated. Whether you are going to climb Sigiriya Rock or for a short walk down the street, you should always carry a bottle of water with you. It is also very humid in Sri Lanka, so consider packing a good hair conditioner to avoid having frizzy hair throughout your holiday!

7) Don’t get ripped off…

Some shop owners, vendors and tuk-tuk drivers look to make some quick money and tourists are an easy target for them. Don’t give in if they charge you extortionate prices and don’t let them guilt you into giving them a bigger tip than they deserve. Find out how much a ride is to your destination before you get into the tuk tuk, or better yet, get a metered one so you know you won’t be paying extra and always bargain with vendors who don’t have a fixed price list…!

8) Road Rules

Try not to get freaked out by the traffic and the chaotic way people drive here. You will get used to after a few days on the road. Many people have asked me about driving a rental around Sri Lanka on their holiday. I always advise them against it unless they are used to the way Sri Lankan’s drive because it isn’t the safest thing to take on.

9) Food

I believe that to fully experience a country, you need to fully experience its food. You should try as many types of dishes possible and experience the wide range of fruits and vegetables that Sri Lankan has to offer without thinking about the calories. A few must try food items are string hoppers, hoppers, koththu roti, Ceylon tea, tin-kiri te [tea made with condensed milk] and [obviously] rice and curry.

10) Experience

There is so much more to Sri Lanka than just the pristine beaches, ruins and tea estates. You must witness the Sri Lankan culture and experience everything from the wildlife that we are so proud of to the rivers that flow from the hill country. Sri Lanka has so much undiscovered potential and I believe you should stray off the beaten track and discover it first-hand.

I hope you found this post useful. I will leave you with Andrew Zimmerman words; “Please be a traveller, not a tourist. Try new things. Meet new people, and look beyond what’s right in front of you. Those are the keys to understanding the amazing world we live in”.