Live It Sri Lanka - About Sri Lanka

USEFUL TIPS ABOUT SRI LANKA

	Visa & Immigration
All foreign nationals arriving in Sri Lanka with a valid passport will be granted Visa on arrival for a maximum period of 30 days. Applications for extensions must be made direct to the Controller of Immigration in Colombo at the Department of Immigration & Emigration.
	Travelling
The common mode of public transportation in Sri Lanka is the bus. They don’t cost much but then again they are not very comfortable either although you do get intercity Coaches with air-conditioning .Public transportation will remain active until mid night but tends to slow down after 9:00 Pm. Trains are also commonly used in Sri Lanka. Trains are fairly crowded but long distance trains will have spare seats and can be pre booked. Local trains are operated without A/C.”Tuk Tuks” or Three Wheelers are the most popular local Taxis. Though not recommended for long journeys, these miniature buggies are ideal for short journeys but the price should be pre negotiated. Private chauffeur driven cars and vans (A/C & non A/C) are available at a relatively higher cost.
	Where to stay
Accommodation can be at home stays, rented apartments, motels, hostels & hotels. www.colombohotels.lk & www.beachhotels.lk are a useful resource to find decent accommodation in Sri Lanka & the official accommodation provider for Lonely Planet.
	Health
When traveling it is always advisable to drink bottled mineral water which can be purchased from any of the local shops or Super Markets. Cotton clothes are best recommended to survive Sri Lankas ever changing weather; however a light sweater will come in handy when you are in the chilly hill country where temperatures can drop to 12 – 15 C during certain months of the year. When days are extremely sunny it is best to use adequate sun block. Sun glasses and a hat will come in handy to avoid sun burn or heat strokes. Don’t forget to use mosquito repellent whenever you are out doors or visiting rural areas, especially during the rainy season when mosquitoes are found almost everywhere. Make sure you have enough prescribed medication to last your trip.
	Culture Shock
* Sri Lankans love a full wide smile. So it is customary to smile in return. * In Sri Lanka umbrellas are not just for rainy days but used on extra sunny days too. We are not too fond of a sun tan. * In Sri Lanka women in short skirts may be stared at but not a rural farmer in a loin cloth! * Toilet paper is not too commonly used yet readily available in Sri Lanka. So it maybe advisable to carry some handy tissues at all times for emergencies. * Modest attire and respectful behavior at religious places is a must. Remember nothing above knee length is considered modest when it comes to visiting religious place. * Beggars are a common sight on the roads. Just use your instinct to determine whom to give and whom to ignore… * Public nudity and display of emotions such as kissing is not only unacceptable but penalized in Sri Lanka. * Be respectful to monks. There’s no particular etiquette for non Sri Lankans. Just be polite. * Do not turn your back or stand along side a Buddha statue when within a reasonable distance including posing for photos
	Touts & Tricks
During your stay in Sri Lanka you will come accross people offering cheap products, transport or tours. Do not be enticed by the seemingly cheap offers. You may very well be a victim of a professional Tout. Your “Tout Guide” might take you to places where they got deals arranged. By the end of your “cheap” tour you would have paid lot more on extras! The Touts may look simple and friendly but looks can be deceptive. All we say is if you would like to go on any tours or over night excursions please book through a reputable company that offers full insurance to avoid any unhappy circumstances.