Travel in Sri Lanka

Time: GMT +6.
   
Electricity: 230 volts, 50Hz.
   
Language: Most people speak Sinhala, which is the national and official language. Tamil and English are also widely spoken.
   
Health: Yellow fever vaccination certificates are required by travellers coming from infected areas. Travellers are strongly advised to take out good travel insurance.
   
Tipping: A 10% service charge is usually added to bills.
   
Business: Business hours are generally 9am to 5pm Monday to Friday.
   
Communications: The international country dialling code for Sri Lanka is +94. The outgoing code is 00, followed by the relevant country code (e.g. 0044 for the United Kingdom). City/area codes are in use, e.g. (0)1 for Central Colombo. International direct dial facilities are available in Colombo and other major cities. Four mobile phone operators provide GSM 900 and/or 1800 frequency networks with coverage across all the main parts of the island. Internet cafes are available in the main towns and resorts.
   
Duty Free: Travellers to Sri Lanka over 18 years do not have to pay duty on the following items: 2 bottles wine and 1.5 litres spirits; perfume up to 59ml and 250ml eau de toilette; and souvenirs to the value of US$250. Cigarettes and tobacco are subject to customs duties. Restricted items include firearms, ammunitions, explosives and weapons, plants, fruits, birds and by-products, medication (unless it is for personal use), and goods for commercial purposes. Prohibited items include drugs or narcotics, pornographic material, and material that ridicule religious belief systems.

 

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