Wild Sri Lanka

Frequently asked questions

• What is the time difference between the UK and Sri Lanka?

  GMT +5½ hours

• What is the currency in Sri Lanka?

  Sri Lankan Rupee

• What will the weather be like in Sri Lanka?

  Generally, all our tours operate when it is considered the best time to travel, although it is important to note that climates may vary between different regions and countries, if visiting more than one, so climates may change throughout your tour. As weather patterns around the world become less predictable the information we provide should be used as a guide only and is no guarantee of the weather at the time you travel. We also recommend checking up-to-date weather forecasts before you depart.

  Sri Lanka is generally a year-round destination, although each region has varying weather conditions throughout the year and given its tropical climate, rain showers should be expected at any time. Generally speaking, the coastal areas of Sri Lanka enjoy temperatures averaging 28°C (82°F) while the upland areas are cooler and more temperate, with a yearly average around 16-20°C (60-68°F). January-March is a great time to travel across the whole country, generally basking in sunshine and relatively dry throughout these months. April is also a good travel month, generally warm and sunny, with some risk of showers in the south west later in the month. July-August are popular festival months with drier conditions across parts of the country also making it a great time to spot wildlife. We won’t offer our beach extensions during this period, however, as the south and west coasts are likely to sudden tropical downpours. October falls into the transmission period between the shifting monsoons and is generally a quieter time to visit the island. Rain will typically fall in the late afternoon or evening.

• What clothing should I take to Sri Lanka?

  Dress for our tours is generally relaxed and informal during the day, dressing to suit the weather conditions and the activity you are undertaking. Evening dinners are also informal, with smart casual dress being the norm.

  It’s likely there will be occasions when exploring you’ll be walking on uneven surfaces, so we recommend sturdy and comfortable walking shoes. Wearing layers of clothing means it’s much easier to deal with potentially varied weather conditions – remember it will be cooler at higher altitudes – and it’s always advisable to carry a waterproof, good insect repellent, a high factor sunscreen lotion and a hat for protection from the sun. If travelling on a safari in Sri Lanka, is it recommended to wear natural colours such as khaki, green or beige as bright colours can attract insects and cause diversions for the wildlife.

  Bear in mind in some of the countries you will visit, the local people adopt a more conservative standard of dress than we are used to in the UK and we suggest dressing modestly. When visiting sacred places, or active religious sites, it is recommended that arms and legs are fully covered, so consider wearing long trousers, or skirts. Women may also wish to take a shawl to cover their head and shoulders. Taking off your shoes is also a prerequisite before entering many sacred places – and commonplace when entering many buildings.

• What is the best way to pay for things in Sri Lanka?

  You cannot obtain Sri Lankan Rupee before arrival in the country. Opportunities for cash withdrawals from ATMs are limited and restricted to daily limits ranging between Rs40,000 and Rs60,000 (approx. £148 and £220). We recommend taking some sterling or US dollars that can be exchanged locally in Sri Lanka at local money exchanges. Small amounts of US dollar bills are handy for tipping.

  Please note the following general advice:

  • ATMs are generally available in major cities, less so in rural areas

  • Credit cards are generally widely accepted in the majority of hotels, cruises, larger international restaurants and shops, although be aware credit card payments may incur an additional fee

  • If buying small items or purchasing from local shops, restaurants and markets, or when outside of major cities, with the exception of hotels, local currency is always recommended

  • If you are planning to use your debit or credit card whilst travelling, advise your bank of your travel plans so you do not encounter potential problems when trying to withdraw cash or make a payment

  • When you change money, ask for some small bills and keep these, along with coins, separate from larger ones - this is also handy for tipping

  • It is always worth carrying a small amount of UK Sterling or US Dollars as these can usually be readily exchanged

  • Keep your exchange receipts as these may be needed if you want to exchange any remaining currency you have at the end of your trip

  • A currency card is a simple way to buy local currency and lock in an exchange rate before you travel. We recommend Revolut, a digital banking app which offers a pre-paid physical or virtual currency card. It is simple to apply for, set up and use. For more information on the Revolut Currency Card, please click here.

• How much should I tip in Sri Lanka?

  Tipping in most countries is a way of showing your appreciation for good service, and whilst not compulsory, it is now an accepted practice in many of the countries we visit on our tours and in many, very much a way of life.

  Tipping remains discretionary, although at the end of your tour, if you are happy with the services provided by your Tour Manager, local guides, coach drivers and assistants, we would suggest showing your appreciation for the services offered.

  We have included a number of gratuities into your tour. Tipping for your Tour Manager, local guides and drivers are not included.

  We would suggest the following amounts:

  Very Best of Sri Lanka: USD $100 per person to be distributed amongst the Tour Manager, driver and assistant.

  Treasures of Sri Lanka: USD $120 per person to be distributed amongst the Tour Manager, driver and assistant.

  Private Tours
  Driver Guide: USD $25 per day

  Holiday Extensions
  Drivers: USD $10 per transfer

• What are the entry requirements for Sri Lanka?

  The information provided on entry requirements, passports and visas is for British Citizens only. Any visa information covers visa requirements for the duration of our tour stays in any given country. If you intend to stay longer you should seek additional information before booking.

  Holders of a British Subject passport, non-British citizens and holders of a passport endorsed in any way should check immigration requirements with the relevant embassy or consulate of the country to be visited, as should clients with dual nationality or renounced citizenship.

  It is important to recognise that whilst the information provided is correct at the time of publishing, all requirements may change and all clients must check the up-to-date position in good time before departure with the embassy or consulate of the country(ies) you are travelling through and to.

  We also suggest referring to the UK government’s Foreign Travel Advice website, for advice about travelling abroad, including the latest information on safety and security, entry requirements and travel warnings.

• Do I need to renew my passport for my trip to Sri Lanka?

  A valid ten-year British passport is required for all our holidays, valid for a minimum of six months after your return date to the UK. If you are not currently in possession of a valid passport, please make sure you leave plenty of time before your holiday to apply for this document.

  A full British passport presently takes approximately up to ten weeks to obtain. If you are 16 or over and have not yet arranged a passport, you should apply for one at least 10 weeks before your departure from the UK. The UK Passport Service has to confirm an applicant’s identity before issuing their first passport and may ask them to attend an interview in order to do this. Please note, if you need to apply for visas after you receive your new passport, you will need to factor in additional time for this.

• Will I need a visa to enter Sri Lanka?

  You are required to obtain a Sri Lanka Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) online before you travel. There is currently no charge for the ETA to enter Sri Lanka. You can apply within 90 days of travel on the Sri Lankan government website.

  Alternatively, if you would prefer to have assistance with your visa and have the application process managed by a visa company, we recommend The Travel Visa Company.

• Do I need to have any vaccinations for my trip to Sri Lanka?

  Health facilities, hygiene and disease risks vary worldwide and may change at any time. You should take health advice from your GP or local travel clinic about your specific needs as early as possible and ensure that vaccinations or preventative measures are taken early enough (which may be a month or more prior to departure) to be fully effective by the date of travel.

  In addition to the UK government’s own travel advice website, we also recommend visiting the NHS Travel Vaccinations website, for more information on any required vaccinations.