Light cotton
garments are ideal with perhaps a wide brimmed hat or a cap alongwith a
pair of sun glasses for it is generally sunny or slightly hot on most parts
of the Island throughout the year. It is required to dress modestly without
revealing ones physique especially when entering buddhist shrines and other
holy sites as well as to remove headwear and footwear. For
the hill country where the temperature can go even below 10'c medium weight
slacks and pullovers are recommended.
Or simply
go native with a batik wrap around and a matching blouse for a lady, a
sarong with a matching shirt of an ethnic motif for a gentleman.
Pre planning
your travel using a Sri Lankan city map or proper guide book will certainly
increase your chances of experiencing a memorable visit. These are available
at most bookshops and can be obtained from tourist information centres as
well.
Legally any
article, mainly antiques, rare books, Palm leaf manuscripts and other rare
or historically important items may not be exported. Take care when shopping
for momentoes. Any article over 50 years old will be considered an antique.
Certain locations
will require a permit in order to be visited & photographed or filmed.
These are available with the Central Cultural Fund. Or simply pay at the
location itself.
Other locations may not allow the use of any types of cameras or video equipment
at all.
Bear in mind that photographs need to be taken in a manner which does not
cause disrespect to the monument or the community.
230-240 Volts
50 cycles A.C., Be prepared
Tipping is optional
and is upto the customer. Most restaurants and bars include a service charge
in their bill. If not a 10% tip is generally considered fair.
GSM Dual Band
(900/1800 MHz)or 900MHz cellular phones will operate in Sri Lanka.
A phone with a prepaid connection can be bought for a very nominal fee from
any of the four main operators in the country.
Occasionally
one may come across beggers or street kids who request for money from passers
by. Organised groups far outnumber genuine paupers and can be ignored.
Water
It is recommended that filtered or bottled mineral water be consumed but
most restaurants will accommodate requests for boiled water.
With over 1300
km's of coastline to explore you are certain to stumble upon an enchanting
beach hideaway. Please be sure to check with the locals before attempting
to wade or swim An early morning trip to the seaside might allow you the
chance to come across large shells which are also sold to tourists by enterprising
locals for very high prices.
To ensure the
health and safety of all guests in Sri Lanka, every tourist hotel is required
to be equipped with equipment to manage illness and injury. To further ensure
that safety standards are maintained, the Sri Lanka Tourist Board is geared
with a fleet of ambulances that will be used to bring tourists from the
hotel care centres to the closest hospital or to the nearest point of evacuation
if required. The Ceylon Tourist Board and the tourism sector in Sri Lanka
are going to great lengths to ensure you enjoy a pleasant stay in Sri Lanka
and if any unfortunate occurrence happens, the best health care available
is on call at all times Your
ground handling agent will also provide you with necessary information
or simply call the tourist police for assistance in emergencies.
|