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Duty Free
The following items may be imported into Sri Lanka by visitors aged
18 years and over without incurring customs duty:
a)200 cigarettes or 50 cigars or 340g of tobacco.
b)2 bottles of wine and 1.5 liters of spirits.
c)A small quantity of perfume and 250ml of eau de toilette.
Restrictions
Only two members of a family are entitled to free import allowances.
Precious metals, including gold, platinum and silver jewellery),
must be declared on arrival in Sri Lanka.
Currency
Sri Lanka Rupee (SLRe, singular; SLRs, plural) = 100 cents. Notes
are in denominations of SLRs1000, 500, 100, 50, 20, 10 and 5. Coins
are in denominations of SLRs5, 2 and 1, and 50, 25, 10, 5, 2 and
1 cents. There are also a large number of commemorative coins in
circulation.
Currency exchange
Foreign currency must be changed only at authorised exchanges, banks
and hotels, and these establishments must endorse such exchanges
on the visitor's Exchange Control D form which is issued on arrival
and must usually be returned at time of departure.
Credit cards
American Express, Visa and MasterCard are widely accepted. Diners
Club has more limited acceptance. Check with your credit card company
for details of merchant acceptability and other services which may
be available.
Travelers cheques
The rate of exchange for travellers cheques is better than the rate
of exchange for cash. To avoid additional exchange rate charges,
travelers are advised to take travelers cheques in US Dollars or
Pounds Sterling.
Currency restrictions
The import and export of local currency is limited to SLRs1000.
The import of notes from India and Pakistan is not allowed, otherwise
the import of foreign currency is not restricted but subject to
declaration. Export of foreign currency is limited to the amount
declared on import.
Social Conventions
Shaking hands is the normal form of greeting. Punctuality is appreciated.
A small token of appreciation, such as a souvenir from home or company,
is always welcomed. Visitors should be decently clothed when visiting
any place of worship.
Tipping
Most hotels include a service charge of 10%. Extra tipping is optional.
Getting There
By Air:
Sri Lanka's national airline is Air Lanka (UL)
By Sea:
International ports includes Colombo, Talaimannar, Trincomalee and
Galle. Passenger services to Sri Lanka are operated by Flagship
Cruises, Holland America, Nauru Line, Norwegian American, P&O, Royal
Viking, CIT and Cunard
Getting Around
By Air:
The major domestic airport is Ratmalana at Colombo. There are daily
flights to smaller airports around the country.
By Rail:
Trains connect Colombo with all tourist towns.
By Road:
Traffic drives on the left. Most roads are tarred, with a 56kph
(35mph) speed limit in built-up areas and 75kph (45mph) outside
towns.
a)Bus:
An extensive network of services of reasonable quality is provided
by the Sri Lanka Central Transport Board.
b)Taxi:
These are available in most towns.
c)Car hire:
This is available from several international agencies. Air-conditioned
minibuses are also available. An International Driving Permit should
be obtained before departure. The minimum age for driving is 18.
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