To make the most of your holidays in Sri Lanka, it's essential to be well-prepared for the local climate, everyday logistics, and unique regional practices. Drawing on decades of Shanti Travel’s experience and expert tips, here are practical, in-depth recommendations for a smooth and enjoyable journey.
What to pack
Packing smart for Sri Lanka means aligning your bag with the country’s varied activities, climates, and strong cultural traditions. If you’re planning to use only local transport, a sturdy backpack is ideal—easy to ride with on packed trains and buses. For those traveling by private car or with a Shanti Travel driver, a suitcase works well.
Clothing advice by activity and region:
- Temple visits: Modesty is critical—carry a long skirt, sarong, or full-length pants (linen/cotton, preferably light colors). Shoulders must be covered; bring lightweight shirts or scarves. Easy-to-remove shoes or flip-flops are essential since you’ll need to take them off before entering any sanctuary. Many travelers carry socks or a thin pair specifically for temple walks, as stone floors can get extremely hot.
- Trekking and cool regions (Kandy, Nuwara Eliya, Ella, Knuckles): Pack layers—quick-dry hiking pants/leggings, a warm fleece or hoodie, and a waterproof jacket or poncho. Sturdy shoes with good grip are crucial for trails, while a hat and sunglasses protect against the stronger sun at altitude.
- Beaches and waterfalls: Modest swimwear is key. Outside tourist zones, opt for shorts and a t-shirt for swimming—Sri Lankans typically swim fully clothed. Beach cover-ups or a sarong are practical for moving off the sand; flip-flops or water shoes suit rocky spots.
- Monsoon/variable weather: Always have a packable rain jacket, backpack rain cover (or dry bags for valuables), and extra socks. The climate shifts quickly, especially in the hills.
Essentials to include:
- Reef-safe sunscreen (SPF 50+), insect repellent (DEET 30%+), and after-sun lotion
- First-aid kit, prescription meds, and basic digestive/antidiarrheal remedies
- Reusable water bottle with filter or purification tablets
- Packing cubes or dry bags for organization
- Lightweight flashlight or headlamp for rural stays
Local tip: Always keep a shawl or sarong handy for temples and sudden chill. Packing cubes keep clothing organized, and a small, secure backpack is practical for day trips.
Telephone and internet
Staying connected is easy and inexpensive. Sri Lanka’s top providers—Dialog and Mobitel—offer tourist SIM cards at the airport (passport required). These prepaid options deliver robust 4G data (30-50GB for roughly $5–8, valid for a month). Data reliability is excellent in cities and tourist centers but can be patchy in remote mountains; download maps or travel resources offline for areas with weak coverage.
Practical tips:
- Buy your SIM at arrival—Shanti Travel provides them for ease—you can reload at roadside shops, minimarts, or online apps.
- Keep your phone unlocked, and monitor data use to avoid depletion.
- Free Wi-Fi is common in hotels and cafes but can be slow; avoid public Wi-Fi for sensitive transactions.
- For extended trips, consider an eSIM option if your phone supports it.
Electrical outlets
Sri Lankan power uses 230V/50Hz. Sockets are mostly Type G (UK-style) and Type D (Indian-style); some older outlets use Type M. Many hotels lend adapters, but it’s safest to bring your own universal adapter and a surge protector (occasional surges/power cuts).
Expert advice:
- Carry 1–2 adapters if you have several devices.
- Always unplug devices when not in use for safety.
- Hotels may have mixed outlet types; check before plugging in, especially in rural hotels.
Health and safety
Sri Lanka is a generally safe destination when following basic health guidelines:
Pre-trip:
- Consult your doctor for a vaccination check (tetanus, polio, diphtheria, hepatitis A&B, typhoid, rabies if hiking/remote areas).
While traveling:
- Stick to hot, freshly cooked food; avoid raw salads and cut fruit from street vendors.
- Always drink bottled, filtered, or purified water; avoid ice.
- Protect yourself from mosquitoes (especially at dawn/dusk and after rain). Use repellent, wear long sleeves/pants in rural areas, and sleep under a net if AC or screening is poor.
- Take high-SPF sunscreen, and prepare for sunburn and heat exhaustion by staying hydrated and seeking shade mid-day.
- Carry personal meds, treatment for stomach upsets, antihistamines, and rehydration sachets in your day bag. Local pharmacies (often in supermarkets) offer good choices for everyday medicines.
- Emergency number for ambulances: 1990.
Get more info from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website.
Hygiene
Tap water is unsafe to drink—bottle or purify everything you drink. Brushing teeth with tap water is generally safe if you have a healthy constitution, but when in doubt, use bottled. Always ensure seals on bottles are intact, and avoid uncapped or refilled soft drinks. Carry hand sanitizer, antibacterial wipes, and a travel soap bar for hand hygiene on the go.
Personal care products—especially tampons or specialized toiletries—are limited and expensive. Bring feminine hygiene, favorite cosmetics, sunscreen, and baby items from home. Nappies/diapers and basic baby food are available in supermarkets, but reliably finding Western brands or formulas is not guaranteed.
Currency
The currency is the Sri Lankan Rupee (LKR). You can only buy LKR once in-country—either at airport exchanges (which offer competitive rates), currency kiosks, or ATMs. The current rate can be checked at www.xe.com.
ATM and credit card tips:
- Most ATMs accept Visa/MasterCard; withdrawal is capped at LKR 40,000 per transaction.
- Major cards are accepted at hotels, large restaurants, and shops, but cash is king elsewhere—keep small bills for tipping, markets, and rural commerce.
- Inform your bank of your trip and check their overseas withdrawal fees.
- Use official bank ATMs to avoid skimming; avoid late-night withdrawals.
Money safety:
- Carry daily spending cash only; use hotel safes for the rest. Never use unauthorized currency exchangers.
- Sri Lankan law requires all card transactions be charged in rupees, so check exchange rates if paying by card.
Souvenirs/shopping
Sri Lanka offers world-renowned Ceylon tea (look for reputable brands like Dilmah, Mlesna), aromatic spices, batik fabrics, wood carvings, Raksha masks, moonstone jewelry, and handmade Ayurveda products. Haggling is standard in street markets and with mobile vendors—don’t be shy about starting at half the initial price and negotiating with a smile! In stores with fixed pricing (like Laksala or supermarkets), bargaining isn't possible, but authenticity often is higher here than on the street.
Expert shopping tips:
- Take time to compare prices city to city; avoid snap purchases.
- Only buy antiques or religious artifacts from reputable dealers, as export restrictions apply—customs may demand documentation, especially for ancient or rare items.
- Major airports, Colombo, Kandy, and Galle all have reliable souvenir options, but prices may be higher for convenience.
- Gifting? Present items with both hands as per Sri Lankan etiquette.
| Category | Recommendations |
|---|---|
| Best Souvenirs | Ceylon tea, batik, spices, Raksha masks, wood carvings, jewelry, Ayurveda products |
| Bargaining | Common—negotiate at markets; use reputable shops for guaranteed quality |
| Prohibited Items | Antique/religious artifacts without permission, protected wildlife/plant products—ask in shops, check labels |
When to travel to Sri Lanka?
Sri Lanka’s monsoons create microclimates, ensuring sunny weather somewhere at all times. The southwest (including Colombo, Galle, Hill Country) is best visited December–March, while the east and north (Trincomalee, Arugam Bay) shine May–September. The brief “little monsoon” in October–November means more unpredictable weather, but heavy rainfall rarely lasts all day.
Weather tips for travelers:
- If rain strikes, adjust your plans regionally—travel east if the southwest is wet, and vice versa.
- Always consult local weather updates, especially if venturing into hill country where landslides can happen after heavy rains.
- Schedule outdoor and beach activities for the early morning; storms tend to hit in the afternoon.
- During monsoon, enjoy reduced crowds, lower hotel rates, and the lushest scenery of the year.
- Waterproof gear and sturdy, quick-dry shoes keep you comfortable whatever the season.
- For trekkers, the drier months (December–March) are safest and most scenic in the hills and central region.
At Shanti Travel, we accompany our travelers in adapting their routes and experiences to these unique seasonal rhythms, ensuring the best experience no matter when you travel.
With 20 years of expertise crafting tailormade journeys, we at Shanti Travel know that a thoughtful preparation—respecting local customs, packing mindfully, staying safe and flexible—transforms a standard trip into a truly memorable Sri Lankan adventure.
