Basics
Sockets & plugs
Sri Lanka uses 230V, 50Hz with sockets and plugs Type D and Type G.
Read more
Money
Currency
Sri Lanka uses the Sri Lankan rupee (symbol: Rs), code LKR.
Banknotes come in denominations of 5000, 2000, 1000, 500, 100, 50, 20 and 10 rupees. Rupee is subdivided into 100 cents. Coins come in denominations of 10, 5, 2 and 1 rupees and 50, 25, 10, 5, 2 and 1 cents.
Tipping
Tipping is quite common in Sri Lanka and it's good etiquette to leave one. How much money you leave depends on the service and how happy you were with it. Receipts usually include a service charge.
ATMs
Automatic teller machines (local name: ATM) are rare in Sri Lanka. Your best bet is to look for them in large cities and community places.
You do not need a chip & PIN card to use an ATM — your standard magnetic card will work fine.
Communications
Internet
Internet speed in Sri Lanka is on average 4.8 Mbps.
WiFi coverage in Sri Lanka is low. It is not as easy to find one.
Mobile phone
Sri Lanka uses GSM mobile networks GSM 900 and GSM 1800.
If you don't want to buy SIM card in Sri Lanka upon arrival, make sure to check the roaming charges with your telecom provider before your departure so there are no surprises when you return home.
Dial code
To call Sri Lanka, dial +, then 94 (the country code for Sri Lanka), then the area code (without the initial 0) and the local number.
For local calls within Sri Lanka, start with the area code (with the initial 0). In the case above area code is 112 .
Health & safety
LGBTIQ+
Homosexual practices are illegal in Sri Lanka. Punishment includes imprisonment and a fine.
Same-sex marriage is illegal.
Vaccinations
The following vaccinations listed for this country are recommended for your protection and to prevent the spread of infectious diseases.
These apply only to select travelers or persons on work assignments.
Travel advisories
Alerts are issued for short-term events we think you should know about when planning travel to a country.
