12 Essential Sri Lanka Travel Tips for First-Time Visitors
Sri Lanka is one of the most rewarding destinations in South Asia. First-time visitors will be wowed with its palm-fringed beaches, ancient cities, lush tea plantations, and abundant wildlife. We were!
During our recent trip, we realised that knowing what to expect before you visit and a little effective preparation can make a world of difference to your enjoyment of Sri Lanka.
From train travel tips to cultural customs and weather patterns, here are our 12 essential travel tips for your first trip to Sri Lanka.
12 Essential Sri Lanka Travel Tips
1. Get Your Visa Before You Arrive 🛂
Most visitors need a tourist visa to enter Sri Lanka, but it’s easy to apply online.
✔️Apply for a visa, called an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) at eta.gov.lk.
✔️Visas are typically valid for 30 days, with the option to extend to up to six months. It’s valid for three months from the date of issue.
✔️Print a copy of your ETA and keep it with your passport when arriving. You’ll need to show your ETA upon arrival along with a confirmed return ticket (if travelling by air) and evidence of sufficient funds for your trip.
💡 Tip: Make sure your passport is valid for at least 6 months beyond your travel dates.
2. Watching the Weather is Essential ☀️🌧️
Sri Lanka has two monsoon seasons and knowing which one affects which part of the island is key to planning your trip.
✔️West and South coasts and Hill Country: Best visited from December to March.
✔️East Coast: The best time to visit is from May to September.
✔️Rain can fall year-round in Sri Lanka wherever you are so pack a light rain jacket and plan indoor alternatives just in case.
💡 Tip: April and September are great months to visit as they’re shoulder seasons with fewer crowds and moderate weather.
3. Currency and Cash 💵
The local currency is the Sri Lankan rupee (LKR). While cards are accepted at many hotels and restaurants, cash is essential in rural areas and markets.
✔️ATMs are widely available in towns and cities.
✔️Always carry small notes for tuk-tuks, tips, and street food.
✔️ Exchanging currency at the airport is fine, but you’ll find better rates in cities.
💡 Tip: Avoid carrying large amounts of cash and keep valuables stored securely.
4. Dress Modestly and Respect Sacred Sites 🕌👚
The majority of Sri Lankans are Buddhist and you’ll discover strong cultural and religious traditions throughout the country. It’s essential to follow local customs and etiquette when visiting.
✔️Both genders should cover shoulders and knees when visiting temples or sacred sites. Don’t wear clothes with graphic images or offensive slogans.
✔️Remove hats and shoes before entering any temple.
✔️Never turn your back to a Buddha statue when taking photos as it’s considered disrespectful.
💡 Tip: A sarong or light scarf is useful for covering up when needed.
5. Public Transport Is an Adventure 🚂🛺
Taking the train or bus in Sri Lanka is an experience in itself. Be prepared for slow, crowded public transport but a fun cultural experience!
✔️ Book train tickets in advance, especially on scenic routes such as Kandy–Ella.
✔️Buses are cheap and run frequently but they can be hectic. Hold on tight and watch your valuables.
✔️Tuk tuks are a great option for travelling short distances but make sure you agree on the fare before the ride or use PickMe app in cities. You can use the app to pre-book rides and pay your fare.
💡 Tip: Try at least one scenic train journey: Sri Lanka’s hill country routes are unforgettable.
6. Wi-Fi Isn’t Always Reliable so Get a SIM Card 📱
Staying connected in Sri Lanka is easiest if you pick up a local SIM card (we had an eSIM, and connectivity was hit and miss.
✔️Dialog and Mobitel offer the best coverage and tourist packages.
✔️Buy a SIM at the airport or in major towns with your passport.
✔️eSIMs (e.g. Airalo) are increasingly available and convenient.
💡 Tip: WhatsApp is the preferred communication tool in Sri Lanka; everyone from hotels to tuk-tuk drivers will use it to communicate with you.
7. Be Aware of Local Etiquette 🙏
We found Sri Lankans to be friendly and welcoming, but polite behaviour and respect from tourists goes a long way.
✔️ Greet people with a smile, make slight bow and put your hands together in a prayer position (“Ayubowan”).
✔️Avoid public displays of affection.
✔️ Don’t touch people on the head or point your feet at sacred images as it’s considered rude.
💡 Tip: Showing patience and politeness, especially when things run late, will be appreciated.
8. Stay Safe in the Water 🏊♂️🌊
While Sri Lanka has stunning beaches, strong currents and riptides can make some areas dangerous for swimming.
✔️Swim at lifeguard-patrolled beaches wherever possible.
✔️Follow local advice and warning flags on the beach (red means stay out of the water). If in doubt, always ask a local before entering the sea.
✔️Never swim alone or after dark.
✔️Learn how to identify a riptide and know what to do if you get caught in one.
💡 Tip: East coast beaches tend to be calmer in summer, while south and west are better in winter.
9. Be Responsible When Wildlife Watching🐘🦜
Sri Lanka is rich in wildlife; you’ll see everything from elephants and leopards to whales and exotic birds. Tourists are drawn from all over the world for Sri Lanka’s wildlife opportunities but animal tourism must be ethical.
✔️ Stick to visiting national parks like Yala, Udawalawe, or Wilpattu and always go with reputable guides.
✔️Avoid elephant rides or attractions where animals are chained or used for entertainment.
✔️Don’t feed wild animals or get too close to them (including the monkeys!)
💡 Tip: Early morning safaris offer the best chance of spotting wildlife and avoiding crowds.
10. Tipping Is Customary (But Modest) 💰
Tipping is expected in Sri Lanka but not excessive tipping.
✔️In restaurants, leave 10% if service isn’t included.
✔️ Tip drivers, guides, and hotel staff a few hundred rupees for good service.
✔️Keep small notes close to hand for porters and tuk-tuk drivers.
💡 Tip: Tipping is always appreciated, especially in rural areas where wages are low.
11. Eat Local But Eat Carefully 🍛🥥
We discovered that Sri Lankan cuisine is rich in flavour, spice, and variety but it’s important to be mindful if you have a sensitive stomach. You may want to build up your tolerance before trying Sri Lanka’s spiciest dishes!
Always choose to dine at busy restaurants as they’re likely to have a high turnover of food, meaning that your food will be cooked fresh to order. Avoid food that’s been sitting out in the sun. It’s a good idea to carry hand sanitiser and use it before eating, especially if you’re going to eat with your hands.
Must-try dishes include
✔️Rice and curry (expect several side dishes)
✔️Hoppers (crispy pancake bowls)
✔️Kottu roti (chopped roti with veg/meat)
✔️Pol sambol (coconut relish)
💡 Tip: Sri Lankan spice is no joke and an upset stomach could ruin your holiday. If you’re not sure, ask for “less spicy”.
12. Take It Slow and Enjoy the Journey 🧘♀️
Sri Lanka may be a compact country, but it’s deceptively diverse. If you embrace a slow pace of travel rather than a hectic, jam-packed schedule, you’ll get much more out of the country.
✔️ Don’t try to visit too many places or to pack too much into one day. Instead, pick a few regions to explore in depth.
✔️ Build in downtime between long travel days. You’ll need it!
✔️Be open to detours. Sri Lanka is all about off-the-beaten-track discoveries, and a random local café or unplanned beach stop might become the highlight of your trip.
💡 Tip: Sri Lanka is best enjoyed when you leave space for spontaneity.
Final Thoughts
We think Sri Lanka has something for everyone. It boasts lush highlands, bustling cities, colourful temples, tropical beaches, and some of the kindest people you’ll meet.
For first-time visitors, it’s all about careful pre-planning that leaves room for spontaneous adventure and striking a balance between curiosity and cultural awareness.
Whether you’re sipping tea in the hills, watching elephants on safari, or wandering through ancient ruins, Sri Lanka will leave a lasting impression. We loved it and look forward to returning.
