Sri Lanka Safety & Practical Info Safety, money, SIM cards, tipping and daily basics

Yes — Sri Lanka is generally considered safe for travellers, with a welcoming culture and low rates of violent crime against tourists. As with any destination, exercise normal precautions. See our Trust & Credibility page.

Yes — Sri Lanka is generally safe for solo female travellers, particularly when travelling with a private chauffeur-guide. See our Solo Travel page for tailored journeys.

Sri Lanka's tourism industry is generally welcoming to LGBTQ+ travellers. However, local laws still criminalise same-sex relations (rarely enforced) and discretion is advised outside major hotels and urban areas.

The currency used in Sri Lanka is the Sri Lankan Rupee (LKR). US Dollars, Euros and British Pounds are widely accepted at hotels and for larger purchases. ATMs are widely available in cities and towns.

Yes — credit cards (Visa, Mastercard, Amex) are accepted at most hotels, restaurants and larger shops in cities and tourist areas. Smaller establishments typically prefer cash.

Yes — ATMs are widely available in Sri Lankan cities and towns, including at the airport and banks (Commercial, HNB, Sampath, Seylan). Withdrawals are usually limited to LKR 40,000–100,000 per transaction.

Tipping in Sri Lanka is appreciated but not mandatory. As a guide: 10% at restaurants, LKR 500–1,000 per day for drivers, LKR 1,000–2,000 per day for guides. See our Tipping in Sri Lanka Guide.

Yes — Wi-Fi is widely available in hotels, cafés and restaurants throughout Sri Lanka, though speeds can vary in rural areas. For reliable connectivity, a local SIM card with data is recommended.

Yes — local SIM cards are available at Bandaranaike International Airport and in major towns. Dialog and Mobitel are the main providers, offering tourist packages with generous data. You will need your passport to register the SIM.

Sri Lanka tourist SIM cards typically cost LKR 1,500–3,500 (about $5–$12) for 10–30 GB of data with validity of 30 days. Both Dialog and Mobitel sell tourist packages at the airport arrivals hall.

Most international travellers require an ETA (Electronic Travel Authorization) to visit Sri Lanka, obtained online before arrival. See our ETA Mistakes to Avoid guide.

Toilets and facilities in Sri Lanka vary by location. Hotels, restaurants and major tourist sites generally have clean, modern toilets. Your driver-guide will know the best stops along your route.

Yes — most hotels, resorts and private vehicles in Sri Lanka have air conditioning. In the hill country, many properties rely on natural ventilation instead. See our Tea Country page.

Sri Lanka can be challenging for travellers with limited mobility due to uneven terrain and ancient sites with steps. However, many hotels and resorts offer accessible rooms. Please contact us to discuss your requirements.

Most travellers to Sri Lanka do not require mandatory vaccinations, but routine vaccines (tetanus, hepatitis A, typhoid) are recommended. Always consult a travel clinic 4–6 weeks before departure.

Malaria risk in Sri Lanka is very low, and the country has been certified malaria-free by the WHO since 2016. Dengue fever is present, so use insect repellent and avoid stagnant water.

Dengue fever exists in Sri Lanka, particularly during and after the monsoon. It is spread by daytime-biting mosquitoes, so use repellent and wear long sleeves at dawn and dusk. Seek medical attention if you develop a high fever, headache or rash.

Tap water in Sri Lanka is not recommended for drinking. Bottled water is widely available and inexpensive; hotels typically provide complimentary bottled water.

Sri Lanka has good medical facilities in Colombo (Asiri, Nawaloka, Lanka Hospitals) and reasonable facilities in major tourist towns. Comprehensive travel insurance is essential for any serious issues.

Sri Lanka is generally respectful toward women, but it is a conservative society. Dress modestly outside beach areas, avoid walking alone at night, and use reputable transport. See our Solo Travel page.

Sri Lanka's tourist police can be reached on 1912, and general emergency services on 119 (police) or 110 (ambulance). The Tourist Police Division operates in Colombo, Kandy, Galle and other tourist areas.

Our team is available to resolve issues as they arise during your Sri Lanka journey. Your chauffeur-guide is your first point of contact, and our office team can assist. Contact us at Contact Us.