Visas, money, temple etiquette, tipping and staying connected — the practical things every first-time visitor to Sri Lanka should know before they land.
Sri Lanka is one of the friendliest, easiest countries in Asia to travel in — but a little preparation goes a long way. Here's what we tell every guest before they arrive.
Visas: apply online before you fly
Most visitors need an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) before arriving. From 2026, travellers from 40 countries — including the UK, USA, Canada, Australia, India, China, Japan and much of Europe — can get a free 30-day tourist ETA, but you still need to apply online before you travel. Always use the official government website (eta.gov.lk) and check the latest rules, as they change from time to time. Your passport should be valid for at least six months.
Money: rupees, cards and cash
The local currency is the Sri Lankan rupee (LKR). Hotels, larger restaurants and shops accept cards, and ATMs are easy to find in towns. Carry some cash for tuk-tuks, small cafés, markets, temple donations and tips. It's best to change money or withdraw cash on arrival in Sri Lanka rather than before you leave home.
Tipping
Many hotels and restaurants add a service charge to the bill. Beyond that, small tips are appreciated and customary for hotel staff, safari jeep drivers and trackers. For a driver-guide who looks after you for your whole trip, a daily tip is the norm and is always gratefully received — your travel planner can suggest an amount.
Visiting temples
Temples are active places of worship, and a few simple courtesies make all the difference.
Cover your shoulders and knees — a light scarf or sarong is handy to carry.
Remove your shoes and hat before entering temple grounds. In the midday sun the ground gets hot, so socks are a good idea.
Never pose for photos with your back to a Buddha statue, and don't touch or climb on statues.
Cover any visible tattoos of the Buddha, which are considered disrespectful.
On full moon (Poya) days, which are public holidays each month, alcohol isn't sold in shops or most restaurants.
Getting around
A private car with a driver-guide is the most comfortable way to explore, especially on longer routes. For short hops, tuk-tuks are everywhere — agree the fare first or use a ride-hailing app such as PickMe, which works in most towns. Trains are slow but wonderfully scenic, especially through the hill country. Traffic drives on the left.
Staying connected
Tourist SIM cards from Sri Lankan networks are sold at the airport arrivals hall and come with generous data for a low price. Many travellers now buy an eSIM before they fly. Wi-Fi is available in most hotels.
Health and staying well
Drink bottled or filtered water. Use high-factor sun cream — the tropical sun is strong even on cloudy days — and pack insect repellent, especially for evenings and national parks. Check with your doctor or travel clinic about recommended vaccinations a few weeks before you go, and always travel with insurance.
Power and plugs
The power supply is 230V. You'll find a mix of sockets, mainly the British three-pin type and the older round-pin type, so a universal adaptor is the easiest solution.
What to pack
Light, breathable clothing for the lowlands; a warm layer for the hill country, where evenings can be cool; modest clothing for temples; comfortable walking shoes; a rain jacket in the monsoon months; and a reusable water bottle.
Travel with local support
The easiest way to avoid surprises is to travel with people who know the island inside out. Every SLankaTours journey includes a dedicated local team and 24/7 support, so if your plans change, the weather turns or you simply want a restaurant recommendation, we're only a message away.
