Cotton garments are the ideal as Sri Lanka is a tropical island. However, viscose/cotton mixed garments are commonly worn. Light clothing is recommended in the lowland areas and light woolen clothing is suitable in the hill country. A sun hat and sunglasses may help to escape
the heat during daytime.
•
Currency
Sri Lanka follows decimal currency system in Rupees (Rs.) and cents (Cts.) with
100 cents equal to a rupee. Currency notes are available in the denominations of
Rs.10, 20, 50,100,200, 500, 1000 & 2000. Coins are issued in values of Cts.25, 50 and Rs.1, 2, 5 and 10. The intervention currency will remain as the US Dollar.
•
Entering Places of Worship
Visitors to Buddhist temples are advised to be properly clad covering the body in full. Briefs, shorts, bear backs and bare shoulders are against accepted norms. When entering Buddhist and Hindu shrines footwear and headgear should be removed.
•
Tourist Information
Those who intend visiting Sri Lanka can obtain more information from the overseas offices of the Ceylon Tourist Board or the Sri Lanka Missions in their home country. A Travel Information Counter at the Airport operates twenty-four hours of the day to assist visitors arriving in the Island. Travel Information Centres at No.80, Galle Road, Colombo 3 (opposite Cinnamon Grand) and at Kandy also provide information to tourists.
•
Customs Regulations (INBOUND)
Declare all your valuable equipment, jewellery and gems. If you have nothing to declare, go through the “Green Channel”. Baggage should not contain goods for others, goods in commercial quantities, and prohibited or restricted goods. You are required to take back all your personal effects when departing the country. You are entitled to bring in 1.5 liters of spirits, 2 bottles of wine, a small quantity of perfume and travel souvenirs not exceeding US $ in value.
•
Customs Regulations (OUTBOUND)
PERMITTED: You are entitled to take out what you have declared and brought into the country, and whatever you have purchased locally, such as jems, jewellery and Sri Lankan products with the funds brought in. Three kilos of Sri Lanka tea, duty free, foreign currency declared and brought into the country. Unused Sri Lankan currency should be reconverted to foreign currency at departure.
NOT PERMITTED: Gems and jewellery or valuable equipment not declared on arrival or not purchased in Sri Lanka. Gold (crude, bullion or coins) Sri Lankan currency in excess of
Rs. 250/- . Firearms, explosives and dangerous weapons. Antiques, statues, treasures, vintage books, etc., Animals, birds or reptiles (dead or alive) and their parts. Tea, rubber and coconut plants. Dangerous drugs.
