Sri Lankan Surprise - Additional information

Weather
September will see the tail end of the "Yala" monsoon season in the south and west, with clear skies starting to appear. There may be the occasional shower and thunder, which will lessen towards the end of the month, meaning a lot more sun than the previous months. Everything is very green and lush at this time.

 

Visas
Please ensure that your passport has at least 6 months validity from your return date left on your passport. 
Australian passport holders require an Electronic Travel Authority (ETA) for Sri Lanka. Please use this link for further info and to apply - https://eta.gov.lk/slvisa/ 
Keep up to date with all the latest government advice at https://www.smartraveller.gov.au/destinations/asia/sri-lanka

 

Health
Please consult your doctor or a travel doctor about what vaccinations are required for travel to the region. If you plan to bring medication, check if it's legal in Sri Lanka. Take enough medicine for your trip. 

Carry a copy of your prescription or a letter from your doctor stating:

- What the medication is
- Your required dosage
- That it's for personal use

There is always a risk to your health when travelling, and it is better to be prepared. It is recommended to take with you some diarrhoea medication in case you come down with a stomach bug. It is also a good idea to bring along some hydrolyte for dehydration purposes. We also recommend Travelan to help protect your stomach from any nasties (available over the counter at any pharmacy). 

 

Clothing and what to pack
Throughout the year, Sri Lanka is mostly humid and comparatively warm, like any other island. As a general guideline, all clothes should be lightweight, loose-fitting, and easy to wash; hence, cotton clothing will be much more comfortable. Some warm clothes will be useful when you are in the Hill Country.
Please note that to enter places of religious worship, you are advised to wear white clothes covering your body without revealing body parts. Foot/head wear is not permitted in religious places. Shorts are acceptable for both men and women in the main tourist areas, except at religious places. 
Don't forget insect repellent.

 

Money
The local currency is the Sri Lankan Rupee (LKR). Exchange Australian dollars at the airport or commercial banks in major centres. Most major towns and cities have ATMs, but not all accept international cards. Hotels and major shops accept credit cards.

 

Food and drinks
Sri Lanka is blessed with fertile soil, rich seas and a tropical climate in which delicious fruits, fresh vegetables and sensational spices grow abundantly. That abundance is reflected in the country’s cooking, which also shows the influences of the many colonial races who ruled Sri Lanka in the past.
Sri Lanka is an excellent destination for vegetarians with their background in Buddhism and Hinduism.
Please avoid drinking tap water. Bottled water and soft drinks are widely available.

 

Etiquette & Customs
For most Sri Lankans, especially rural folk, cutlery is an alien concept, and all food is eaten with the right hand as the left is associated with washing after using the toilet. Therefore, you should remember to use your right hand for giving, receiving, shaking hands, or eating (if there is no cutlery). It should be noted that public displays of affection, such as kissing, are generally not acceptable. You should also avoid pointing the soles of your feet at anyone. This may seem unlikely to happen, but you could inadvertently while lying down or sitting with your feet up, especially in vehicles while travelling, and it is thought to be impolite.

 

Toilets
Squat toilets are the most common toilets in Sri Lanka. Always carry your own toilet paper and soap as they are usually not provided. Flushable, Western-style toilets can be found in upmarket restaurants, newer hotels and in some tourist areas.

 

Religion
Religion is an inherent part of Sri Lankan life, and visitors are encouraged to experience religious festivals and visit temples and shrines whenever possible during their trip.
You will not be allowed to take photographs at most religious sites. All full moon days are public holidays, and temples will be filled with white clad devotees

 

Begging
You may encounter some beggars in Sri Lanka, although this is not nearly as much of a phenomenon as in India.
It is up to you to decide whether to make any donations. Please seek advice from your guide.

 

Haggling
Haggling is also a way of life in Sri Lanka.
In many of the shops, there is no fixed price, so the shopkeeper will start with a high price, which you are then expected to haggle down until you reach your limit.
Haggling should always be relaxed and can be a lot of fun as most of the shop owners are very friendly.

 

Safety
Most people find that Sri Lanka is a very friendly and hospitable country and crime against tourists is extremely low. Having said that, you should, of course, be careful at all times and take standard precautions such as not leaving money or expensive belongings in your hotel room.

 

Wi-Fi
Wi-Fi coverage varies as you travel around Sri Lanka and you may not find as much public WiFi as you do in other Asian countries.
Most hotels offer WiFi, especially in cities and tourist areas, but there may not be as much in more rural areas.
For constant connectivity, E-SIMs and local SIM cards are generally a very good idea and usually much cheaper than international roaming.

 

What plug do I need?
Sri Lanka primarily uses UK-style 3-pronged sockets/ square plugs.

 

Luggage
Please keep your luggage to a minimum. Do not take what you cannot handle yourself. Where available, the hotel staff will assist with taking your luggage to your room (for a tip), so please keep this in mind when packing.
 

Travel Insurance
It is mandatory for travellers to have comprehensive travel insurance; please ensure you have provided Sisterhood Womens Travel with a copy of your policy, including a 24/7 Emergency Contact Number.
 

WhatsApp Group
Please make sure you download WhatsApp onto your phone before departure. This App will be your communication tool whilst on tour and your tour hostess will contact you before departure to set you up in your tour WhatsApp group.  It’s also a lovely way to remain in touch with friends upon your return.

 

Changes to Itinerary
We do our best to give Sisters an enjoyable, trouble-free tour experience, but occasionally, even the best-laid plans can go awry.  We cannot rule out any changes to the itinerary and ask that you maintain a positive, upbeat, and flexible attitude.

 

Updated: 18 June 2025