Travel Tips for Sri Lanka: 12 Actually Useful Things to Know

1. Public Transportation is an Adventure

Train

A railway network covers some of the country, but it won’t get you everywhere. Taking the trains around Sri Lanka can be really good fun, but can also be an absolute nightmare if you get stuck on a super busy route! There are usually three classes of tickets that you can buy and third class is almost always the best experience and the most affordable. The famous Kandy to Ella train is known as one of the world’s most scenic journeys through the central highlands of Sri Lanka.

Bus

Buses in Sri Lanka are absolutely not for the faint of heart. They speed down the roads as if they own the place and so they will definitely be the quickest option to get to your destination. They blast loud music (even if it is 6am!); it’s kind of a party bus! Taking a Sri Lankan bus is honestly a must-do in our opinion.

Tuktuk

Tuktuks are everywhere and they’re a really fun transport option too, just make sure you agree on a price before you get in. We were able to travel the two of us, our two 65 litre backpacks and two small day packs in the tuktuks; there’s a decent amount of room surprisingly.

2. Local Taxi & Food Delivery Apps

Sri Lanka uses both Uber and Pick Me, but I would not rely on them for getting to places for a specific time – like the airport to catch a flight.

We missed our train out of Colombo because we were waiting for over an hour for taxis to accept rides on Uber. Drivers would accept and then drive the opposite direction for half an hour and then cancel. So, yeah, do not request through the app during rush hour or if you’re on a tight schedule.

You’ll also likely get the classic (which is the same in some spots in India), where the second that the ride and price is accepted and confirmed, they call you and ask for more money or say that they will only accept cash. It’s an odd one, so just be aware that this may happen. Oh, and you can also request cars or tuktuks!

Both of these companies also do food delivery.

3. Colombo Airport is Not Actually in Colombo

So many people make the mistake of booking their first or last night’s accommodation in Colombo to be closer to the airport to catch their flight. Negombo is not only much much closer to the airport, but it’s also a much nicer city in our opinion.

4. Local Currency

The local currency in Sri Lanka is Sri Lankan rupees (LKR) and is a closed currency, so you won’t be able to get cash before you enter the country. But luckily, we already know the best ATM for you to get cash from 👇

5. Fee-Free ATM Withdrawals

The magic ATM in Sri Lanka is Commercial Bank, and they are also one of most common ATMs you’ll see around the country. No fees to withdraw your cash from these guys.

6. Cash or Card?

And cash is pretty vital in Sri Lanka. Larger shops, supermarkets, bigger hotels, etc. will likely accept card for more expensive transactions, but you’ll definitely need cash for almost everything else.

7. Local SIM Card

We went with SLT Mobitel each time we visited Sri Lanka and had no problems with coverage. Just head to the local store in town and they’re get you up and running in ten minutes!

8. You’ll Likely Need a Visa

The Sri Lankan visa system has changed at least twice in the last two years. A new system and some of the most expensive prices for regular tourist visas I have ever witnessed were introduced, then it was suggested that they would bring in a visa-free regime for many nationalities. And I’m not sure that any of this actually happened in the end. Anyway, the current situation seems to be that all nationalities (excluding a select few) need to apply for an visa ahead of time.

9. Local Languages

Sinhala is a language commonly spoken in the south, west and centre of Sri Lanka, whereas Tamil is spoken in the north and east. English is largely understood around the country also.

10. Sri Lanka Has Two Monsoon Seasons

Sri Lanka is a very tropical country and sees two monsoon seasons. From Oct – Jan the monsoon hits the north and east; and from May – Aug the monsoon hit the south and west.

Between November and April is usually considered the best time to visit the country for dry weather in the south and west (where the majority of tourist attractions and beaches are. But if you’re planning on venturing to the north or east, you’re better off visiting between February and September.

But with the way that the climate is changing nowadays, everything is thrown out of whack and you should definitely pack a raincoat whatever time of year you visit Sri Lanka!

11. Sri Lankan Food is Delicious (and Great for Vegetarians and Vegans!)

We gave Sri Lankan cuisine a big old 10/10 on our vegetarian-friendliness scale! You will ALWAYS be able to find veg and vegan options as standard because its weaved into the regular cuisine. Curries made with beetroot, mango, pumpkin, breadfruit; creamy dals, spicy sambols. Stunningly tasty.

Must-Try Foods

Rice and curry. Ok, I know you’re like ‘erm, obviously!’, but rice and curry is what you order at lunch time only, and it is (shocker) a mound of rice and then some of whatever curries they have made today. It’s usually served room temperature/a little warm because you eat it with your right hand!

Kottu roti is special: a beautiful dish of chopped up chewy roti bread mixed with curry sauces, veg, whatever you fancy thrown in.

Hoppers: plain hoppers, egg hoppers, string hoppers. These guys are the perfect carby compliment to your spicy, saucy breakfast curry or a punchy sambol.

Must-Try Drinks

Lion Beer is the national beer and you’ll see it everywhere. They also make a great ginger beer (non-alcoholic). If you’re looking for something completely unique, you have to try a wood apple juice! I have never ever had anything like it, but I love it. Try it and let me know what you think! Sri Lanka also makes great tea and coffee.

12. Highlights of a Trip to Sri Lanka