Ancient City of Polonnaruwa

Entry requirements vary by passport. Check the requirements for your specific passport on the Sri Lanka page at Yoogo.

Sri Lanka uses the Sri Lankan Rupee (LKR). Cards are accepted in larger hotels, restaurants, and shops in cities such as Colombo, Kandy, and Galle, but smaller establishments, street markets, and rural areas operate on cash, so it is wise to carry a supply of rupees at all times.

Sri Lanka is generally considered a safe destination for tourists, with low levels of violent crime directed at visitors. Standard precautions such as keeping an eye on belongings in crowded places, using reputable transport, and checking current government travel advisories before and during your trip are always sensible.

Sri Lanka's train network offers some of the most scenic rail journeys in Asia, particularly the Kandy to Ella route through tea-covered highlands, and is a popular choice for inter-city travel. Tuk-tuks are the go-to option for short urban hops, while long-distance buses cover the whole island cheaply; many visitors also hire a private driver for flexibility, especially in the Cultural Triangle.

Sri Lanka has two monsoon seasons, meaning the best time to visit depends on which region you plan to explore. The south and west coasts, including Colombo and Galle, are at their driest from December to March, while the east coast and northern areas are best visited from May to September.

Sinhala and Tamil are the two official languages of Sri Lanka. English is widely used in tourism, hospitality, and business, particularly in cities and at major attractions, so most visitors find communication straightforward without knowing any Sinhala or Tamil.

No vaccinations are mandatory for most travellers arriving from non-yellow-fever zones, but hepatitis A and typhoid are commonly recommended given the risk from food and water. Dengue fever is present across the island, so using a quality insect repellent containing DEET and wearing long sleeves in the evening is advisable; consult a travel health clinic at least six weeks before departure for personalised advice.

Tipping is not obligatory but is appreciated and forms a meaningful part of income for many hospitality workers. A gratuity of around 10 per cent is customary in restaurants where a service charge is not already included, and small tips of 50 to 100 rupees are welcome for hotel staff, while guides and drivers generally expect a more substantial gesture for a full day's service.