Sri Lanka Travel FAQ: 13 Questions Answered Before You Go
Sri Lanka packs an extraordinary amount into an island the size of West Virginia. Ancient ruins, tea plantations, leopard safaris, pristine beaches, and a food culture that rivals India's — all within a few hours' drive of Colombo. Here's what you need to know.
Q: Do I need a visa?
A: Most nationalities (including US, UK, EU, India, Australia) must apply for an ETA (Electronic Travel Authorization) online at eta.gov.lk before arrival. Costs $50 USD for a 30-day tourist stay (extendable to 90 days). Processing is usually instant but apply 48 hours ahead. Indian nationals can also get a 30-day visa on arrival.
Q: Should I hire a private driver or rent a car?
A: Hire a driver. Strongly recommended. Sri Lankan roads are narrow, winding, and the driving culture involves overtaking on blind corners. A private driver/guide costs $50-70 USD/day including fuel and their meals/accommodation. They know the roads, suggest stops, and handle the chaos. Book through your hotel or reputable agencies.
Do NOT rent a car and self-drive unless you have significant experience driving in South Asia.
Q: What about the trains?
A: The Kandy-to-Ella train is legendary — one of the most scenic rail journeys in the world. Read our full train journey story. Second class costs 600 LKR (~$1.80) and takes 6-7 hours through tea plantations, crossing the Nine Arches Bridge. It's extraordinary.
Book second or third class online at seatreservation.railway.gov.lk or buy tickets at the station. First class observation car tickets sell out weeks in advance. Second class unreserved is fine — arrive 30 minutes early for a window seat.
Q: Is the dual pricing fair?
A: This is the question every traveler asks. Most archaeological sites and national parks charge foreigners significantly more than locals. Sigiriya: $30 vs 100 LKR (~$0.30) for locals. Yala safari: $15 park fee vs minimal local rate.
It's official government policy, not a scam. Sri Lanka is a developing country recovering from economic crisis, and tourism revenue funds conservation. Budget $20-40/day for entrance fees if visiting major sites. The Cultural Triangle ticket ($50) covers Sigiriya, Polonnaruwa, and Anuradhapura — good value.
Q: Is Sigiriya worth $30?
A: Yes. A 5th-century rock fortress rising 200 meters from the jungle with frescoes, mirror walls, and lion's paw entrance carvings. The 1,200-step climb takes 1-1.5 hours. Start early (7AM) to avoid midday heat. The summit views are spectacular. Allow a full day with travel from Colombo (3.5 hours by car).
Q: What should I eat?
A: Rice and curry is the daily staple — rice with 3-5 curries, sambol, and papadam. Costs 300-600 LKR (~$0.90-1.80) at local restaurants. Kottu roti (chopped roti stir-fried with curry) is the street food staple (~400 LKR). String hoppers for breakfast are a must-try.
Budget 3,000-5,000 LKR/day ($9-15) for three excellent meals at local restaurants. Tourist restaurants charge 2-3x more for the same food.
Q: When is the best time to visit?
A: It depends on which coast. West coast and hill country: December to March (dry season). East coast: April to September. There's almost always a dry coast somewhere on the island.
The key insight: Sri Lanka has two monsoon seasons hitting different coasts. If the west is rainy, the east is sunny, and vice versa.
Q: How many days do I need?
A: Minimum 7 days for a satisfying trip. Classic route: Colombo (1 day) → Sigiriya (1 day) → Kandy (1 day) → Train to Ella (1 day travel + 1 day exploring) → Yala safari (1 day) → Galle Fort + beach (1-2 days). 10-14 days is ideal. Tea enthusiasts should also read our hill country tea guide. Nearby destinations include Kerala across the water and Maldives for a beach extension.
Q: Is Sri Lanka safe?
A: Generally safe. Level 1. Tourist-friendly with warm hospitality. Post-2019, security has improved significantly. Main concerns: gem scams (never buy gems from strangers or tuk-tuk-recommended shops), tuk-tuk overcharging (agree on price beforehand, typical Colombo ride 200-500 LKR), and rip currents at some beaches.
Q: What about the gem scams?
A: Sri Lanka's most documented scam. A friendly stranger (or tuk-tuk driver) takes you to a "special gem shop" where you're offered "investment grade" gems at "wholesale prices." The gems are real but wildly overpriced, or they're synthetic. Never buy gems from strangers. If you want gems, go to certified dealers in Colombo's gem quarter (Sea Street).
Q: What's the currency situation?
A: Sri Lankan Rupee (LKR). ATMs are widely available in towns. Credit cards accepted at hotels and larger restaurants. Cash needed for local restaurants, tuk-tuks, and rural areas. Withdraw LKR at commercial bank ATMs (lower fees than private ones).
Q: Can I do a day trip from Colombo to Galle Fort?
A: Yes. 120 km south, 2-3 hours via the Southern Expressway. But I'd recommend staying overnight — the sunset rampart walk and morning quiet are worth it. The Dutch colonial fort (1663) is free to enter and explore. Boutique hotels inside the fort from $40-100/night.
Q: Should I tip?
A: Not expected at local restaurants. At tourist restaurants, 10% is appreciated. For drivers, $5-10/day tip is standard. For hotel staff, 500-1,000 LKR for good service. Tipping is not culturally required but tourism workers rely on it.
