Sri Lanka is one of the most rewarding destinations in Asia for European travelers, but a little preparation goes a long way. Here are 15 practical tips gathered from our years of guiding travelers from the UK, Germany, France, Netherlands, and beyond.
1. You'll Need an ETA (Electronic Travel Authorization)
All European passport holders need an ETA to enter Sri Lanka. Apply online at least 48 hours before your flight at eta.gov.lk. The process is straightforward and costs approximately $50 USD. Your ETA is valid for 30 days and can be extended at the Department of Immigration in Colombo.
2. The Sri Lankan Rupee (LKR) — Cash is Still King
While major hotels and restaurants accept credit cards, many local shops, tuk-tuk drivers, and smaller eateries are cash-only. ATMs are widely available in towns and cities. We recommend withdrawing rupees upon arrival at Bandaranaike Airport. Avoid changing money at unauthorized dealers.
3. Dress Modestly at Religious Sites
Sri Lanka is a deeply spiritual country with Buddhist, Hindu, Muslim, and Christian places of worship. When visiting temples or religious sites, ensure your shoulders and knees are covered. Remove hats and shoes before entering temple premises. White clothing is considered respectful at Buddhist temples.
4. Sri Lankan Food is Incredible (But Spicy!)
Sri Lankan cuisine is a flavour explosion — fragrant rice and curry, hoppers (bowl-shaped pancakes), kottu roti (chopped flatbread stir-fry), and fresh seafood are highlights. Dishes tend to be spicier than Indian food. Don't be afraid to ask for "less spicy" versions. Try a traditional "rice and curry" lunch packet from a local restaurant — it's authentic and costs under £2!
5. Tipping Etiquette
Tipping is appreciated but not mandatory. A general guideline: 10% at restaurants if service charge isn't included, LKR 500-1000 per day for your chauffeur-guide, and small tips for hotel porters and room staff. Your Gecko Travels guide will advise you on appropriate amounts.
6. Stay Hydrated — Drink Bottled Water
Tap water in Sri Lanka is not safe to drink. Always use sealed bottled water, which is inexpensive and available everywhere. Your Gecko Travels vehicle is stocked with complimentary chilled water throughout your tour.
7. Get a Local SIM Card
Pick up a local SIM card at the airport arrivals hall (Dialog or Mobitel are the best networks). A tourist SIM with generous data costs around £5-8 and gives you reliable internet coverage across most of the island. This is much cheaper than international roaming.
8. Time Zone & Jet Lag
Sri Lanka is GMT+5:30. From the UK, that's 5.5 hours ahead (4.5 during BST). From Central Europe, it's 4.5 hours ahead. The flight from London is approximately 10-11 hours direct. Jet lag is usually mild — most travelers adjust within a day.
9. Wildlife Safety on Safari
Sri Lanka's wildlife is thrilling but wild. Never stand up in the safari jeep. Keep a safe distance from elephants — they can charge without warning. Wear neutral colours (khaki, olive, beige) on safari. Your Gecko Travels guide is trained in wildlife safety protocols.
10. Sunscreen & Mosquito Protection
The tropical sun is intense even on cloudy days. Use SPF 50+ sunscreen and reapply frequently. For mosquito protection, use repellent containing DEET, especially during dawn and dusk. Lightweight long sleeves in the evening help too.
11-15. Quick-Fire Tips
11. Power sockets use Type D and Type G plugs — bring a universal adapter. 12. Bargaining is expected at markets but not in shops with fixed prices. 13. Sri Lankans drive on the left (same as the UK). 14. Always carry toilet paper/tissues — public restrooms may not provide them. 15. Learn a few Sinhala words: "Ayubowan" (hello), "Istuti" (thank you), "Kohomada" (how are you?) — locals absolutely love it when visitors try!