Sri Lanka is one of those destinations where good preparation really pays off. Trains, temples, wildlife, beaches and mountains all come together, but things don’t always run on schedule. This checklist helps you travel relaxed, respectful and prepared, whether you go low-budget or a bit more comfortable.
🛂 Travel Documents & Entry
📘 Passport valid at least 6 months
🛃 Sri Lanka ETA (Electronic Travel Authorization, apply online)
✈️ Flight tickets and boarding passes
🏨 Hotel / guesthouse confirmations
📄 Travel insurance (important for safaris, hikes, scooters)
🛂 Digital + printed copies of passport and documents
🚗 International driving license (if renting a car or scooter)
📱 Emergency contacts saved offline
💰 Money & Payments
💵 Sri Lankan Rupee (LKR)
🏧 ATMs available in cities and tourist areas
💳 Credit cards accepted in hotels and larger restaurants
💱 Cash needed for tuk-tuks, street food, markets
📉 Sri Lanka is budget-friendly, but tourist hotspots are pricier
🚆 Transport & Getting Around
🚆 Trains are slow but incredibly scenic (book early for popular routes like Kandy–Ella)
🛺 Tuk-tuks everywhere (negotiate or use PickMe)
🚕 PickMe app = Sri Lanka’s Grab
🚙 Private driver is common and affordable for longer distances
🗺 Offline maps useful in rural areas
📱 Connectivity & Useful Apps
📶 Local SIM card (Dialog or Mobitel recommended)
📡 Internet is fine in cities, weaker in remote areas
🗺 Google Maps works well
🚕 PickMe for taxis and tuk-tuks
🌦 Weather app handy because of monsoon changes
🧳 Packing Essentials
👕 Light, breathable clothing
👟 Comfortable walking shoes
🥾 Hiking shoes for Ella / hill country
🩱 Swimwear for beaches and waterfalls
🧣 Scarf or shawl for temples
🧴 Sunscreen and mosquito repellent
🌦 Weather & Best Time to Visit
☀️ Tropical climate year-round
🌧 Two monsoon seasons (west/south and east differ)
🧢 Hat and refillable water bottle essential
🌄 Cooler evenings in hill country
🕌 Culture, Dress & Etiquette
🙏 Cover shoulders and knees at temples
🧘 Shoes off at religious sites
📸 Never pose with your back to Buddha statues
🤝 Friendly greetings are appreciated
🧠 Respect religion and local customs
🐘 Nature, Wildlife & Safety
🦁 Safaris in Yala, Udawalawe, Minneriya
🐘 Keep distance from wild elephants
🌊 Strong currents at some beaches — follow flags
🚨 Sri Lanka is generally safe, but stay aware
💧 Drink bottled or filtered water only
🍛 Food & Drinking
🍽 Rice & curry is the daily staple
🌶 Food can be spicy — ask if unsure
🍌 Fresh fruit everywhere
💧 Avoid tap water
☕ Tea culture is everywhere, especially in the highlands
🔌 Electronics & Power
🔌 Plug types D, G and M (adapter recommended)
⚡ 230V electricity
🔋 Power bank useful on long travel days
📸 Camera or phone — Sri Lanka is extremely photogenic
🧭 Travel Mindset
🌍 Travel slow, distances take time
🗣 Talk to locals — hospitality is genuine
⏳ Be flexible with plans
💚 Respect nature and communities
