Q: Do I need a visa to visit Sri Lanka?
A: No. Tourists are issued a visa upon arrival.

Q: What can I buy in Sri Lanka?
A: Sri Lanka is a shopper’s paradise. You can find beautiful clothes for women and men at a fraction of retail prices because so many brands are made in Sri Lanka. And not only clothes: Japanese-designed Noritake china is produced and can be bought in Sri Lanka..  And Sri Lanka is home to several high-end design stores and galleries.

Q: Is it possible to bargain or haggle over prices?
A: Yes, in Pettah—“little village”—a huge, bustling, and somewhat chaotic shopping bazaar in Colombo. There is no harm in asking for the best price or offering less if you buy multiple items. But don’t expect it to be like the markets in India—Sri Lankan haggling is more reserved, so it pays to be polite when bargaining.

Q: What is the currency in Sri Lanka?
A: The Sri Lankan rupee. The exchange rate is 2.32 Sri Lanka rupees for 1 Indian rupee.

Q: What are shopping hours?
A: Most department stores, shops, and boutiques are open from 10:00 am until about 8:00 pm Monday through Saturday. Some smaller stores are open later.

Q: Are credit cards accepted?
A: Yes, major credit cards are accepted at almost all large shopping, dining, and hotel outlets.

Q: What about tipping?
A: It is customary to tip waiters 15 percent and porters 100–200 rupees per bag. It is also customary to give a healthy tip to a driver who has taken you on a whole-day or multiple-day journey.

Q: Are the beaches in the tsunami-hit area safe to visit?
A: Absolutely! Sri Lanka has worked tirelessly to rebuild and regroup since the 2004 tsunami. The beaches are clean and peaceful.

Q: Are there restrictions on what to wear in Sri Lanka?
A: Sri Lanka is a modern country where men and women are free to wear what they want. However, modest clothing is encouraged for visits to religious temples and shrines.

Q: Is Sri Lanka safe?
A: Sri Lanka’s hospitality has been legendary for thousands of years. As in many countries, there are political sensitivities and security issues. But these issues almost never affect tourists or travelers to Sri Lanka.

Q: What is the electrical voltage in Sri Lanka?
A: 230 Volts AC

Q: What is the time zone in Sri Lanka?
A: GMT + 6 hours

Q: Does Sri Lanka have ecotours?
A: Sri Lanka is working to preserve and protect its cultural and environmental resources. Visit the Sri Lanka Ecotourism Foundation at http://www.ecotourismsrilanka.net for more information.