Planning to rely mainly on local transport? Skip the suitcase and go with a backpack instead. It slides more easily under your feet on trains, where luggage racks are practically nonexistent, and into overhead compartments on buses, which usually aren’t designed for bulky bags.
Sri Lanka’s tropical climate means heat and humidity, so pack light clothing in natural fabrics β linen or cotton, in white or light colours. It does get noticeably cool in the hills, though: bring a sweatshirt for evenings in Kandy, Nuwara Eliya, Ella and the Knuckles Range.
A swimsuit is, of course, essential. If you want to keep your shoes in good condition, pack a pair of plastic sandals that hold up better in the rain. A hat, cap, bandana or sunglasses will help protect you from the midday sun, which can be intense.
For temple visits: men should bring a t-shirt or a long-sleeved shirt. Women need to keep shoulders and knees covered and avoid low necklines. Our tip: always keep a shawl within reach! You’ll need to remove your shoes to enter sanctuaries β if you’re worried about hot ground underfoot, pack a pair of socks.
If your itinerary includes a day or two of trekking, choose comfortable clothing and bring proper trainers. A small daypack is handy for a change of clothes, toiletries and a towel. A torch can also come in useful.
Don’t forget: mosquito repellent (easy to find locally and much cheaper than in Europe), high-SPF sunscreen, an intestinal disinfectant, anti-diarrhoea medication, and painkillers.
Calling Sri Lanka from France: 0094 + the city code without the leading 0 + the number.
Calling France from Sri Lanka: 0033 + the local phone number (without the 0).
As long as your phone is unlocked, you can pick up a local SIM card and top it up with credit very easily at small shops. It gives you 3G access, and telecoms are inexpensive in Sri Lanka β international calls come at very competitive rates.
Phone coverage is generally good, except in the Knuckles Range, the hill country and some rural areas. Most hotels offer WiFi, at least in common areas, usually free of charge. If you plan to use your international mobile data plan, it’s worth checking with your carrier before you leave to find out the cost.
Sri Lanka runs on 230V, single-phase, 50Hz. There are two plug types: British-style rectangular pins, and European-style three round pins arranged in a triangle (the top pin isn’t live β inserting a pen tip into it defeats this child-safety feature and lets you plug in your devices). Hotels usually lend adaptors, but you can also pick one up locally in tourist shops and supermarkets for β¬2β3.
Travelling to Sri Lanka carries no particular health risk as long as you follow a few basic precautions. We still recommend checking with your doctor before you leave and packing your usual medication along with your prescriptions. Health information is available from your national health authority or your foreign ministry’s travel advisory for Sri Lanka.
No vaccinations are mandatory for European travellers. It’s recommended to be up to date on tetanus, polio and diphtheria. Vaccination against hepatitis A, hepatitis B and typhoid is also advisable. Antimalarial prophylaxis isn’t necessary, but protecting yourself against mosquitoes is essential, as some carry dengue or (rarely) chikungunya. Bring repellent and use it throughout the day β it’s easy to find locally at prices well below those in Europe (pharmacies are usually located inside supermarkets).
Most hotels carry out regular mosquito treatments, and non-air-conditioned rooms are usually fitted with mosquito nets. Avoid pre-cut fruit from street vendors, stick to cooked food, and go easy on the chilli β you’ll usually be asked if you want your dish “spicy” or “not too spicy.”
Tap water should be avoided entirely (though it’s fine for brushing your teeth). Filtered water is generally safe, but to be on the safe side, stick to bottled water, and make sure soda bottles are always opened in front of you.
The choice of personal hygiene products is very limited locally β tampons in particular are almost impossible to find in Sri Lanka, so plan ahead. If you’re travelling with young children, baby food and care products are available in local supermarkets; if you’re attached to a specific brand, though, it’s best to buy it before you leave.
Always carry small change! Locals, shops and vendors don’t always have change for a 5,000 LKR note (about β¬14). Break large notes at a bank and carry plenty of 100, 500 and 50-rupee notes β you’ll need them for tips.
We recommend downloading the XE app, which is handy day-to-day for checking prices. You can also exchange money at banks or jewellery shops, though usually at a less favourable rate. ATMs are widespread across the island and generally accept Visa, American Express and Mastercard. Note: you can only withdraw 40,000 rupees (about β¬280) per transaction.
It’s worth letting your bank know you’re travelling to Sri Lanka, so your card isn’t blocked as a security precaution. Also check your weekly withdrawal limit and the fees charged per transaction to avoid surprises. Knowing which Sri Lankan bank corresponds to your own bank can help you pick the right ATMs and get through transactions faster.
Tip: a Revolut, N26 or similar card lets you withdraw cash without extra banking fees.
At tourist sites and on beaches, you’ll inevitably be approached by vendors selling handicrafts β don’t hesitate to haggle! In emporiums and shops with fixed price tags, though, it’ll be harder, if not impossible. At the state-run Laksala shops, found in Colombo, Galle and Kandy among other places, you’ll find a solid selection of Sri Lankan handicrafts.
What to bring home? Ceylon tea, spices, carved wood and copper items, batiks, traditional masks, pottery, elephants in every material imaginable, Sri Lanka-branded clothing… there’s no shortage of souvenir options for this destination!
One tip: take your time before buying and compare prices. They can vary a lot from one town or shop to the next.
Planning your own custom trip to Sri Lanka? Request your personalised quote and our local team will get back to you within 24 hours.