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Travel Tips Useful in Sri Lanka

Social Conventions

Shaking hands is the normal form of greeting. It is customary to be offered tea when visiting and it is considered impolite to refuse. Punctuality is appreciated. A small token of appreciation, such as a souvenir from home or company, is always welcomed. Informal, Western dress is suitable, except when visiting Buddhist temples, where modest clothing should be worn (eg no bare legs and uncovered heads). Visitors should be decently clothed when visiting any place of worship, and shoes and hats must be removed. Jackets and ties are not required by men in the evenings except for formal functions when lightweight suits should be worn.

Getting There by Air

The national airline is Sri Lankan Airlines (UL) (web site: www.srilankan.lk).

Main Airports

Colombo Bandaranaike (CMB) (Katunayake) is 29km (19 miles) north of the city. To/from the airport: Buses go to the city regularly (journey time - 1 hour). Taxis are available. There are trains to Maradana Station, located 1.6km (1 mile) from the city center (journey time – 1 hour). Facilities: Duty-free shop, restaurant, bar, snack bar, bank, post office, tourist information and car hire. (Normally we provide transfers to the hotel from the air-port.)

Overview

The following items may be imported into Sri Lanka by persons over 18 years of age without incurring customs duty: 2 bottles of wine and 1.5l of spirits; a small quantity of perfume and 250ml of eau de toilette. Please note that with effect from April 2006, there is no longer a duty free allowance for tobacco products. Any passenger arriving into Colombo and clearing customs, if having any cigarettes in their possession, will be charged at LKR6000 per carton of cigarettes approximately. (A few packets for personal use only may be allowed.)

Firearms, explosives and dangerous weapons; ivory; antiques, statues and treasures; old books; animals/birds/reptiles (dead or alive) and parts; tea; rubber; coconut plants; dangerous drugs.

(a) Only two members of the same family traveling together are entitled to free import allowances. (b) Valuable personal effects (including jewelry), must be declared on arrival in Sri Lanka. (c) There is no gift allowance. (d) Unused Sri Lankan currency should be reconverted to foreign currency upon departure. You are not permitted to leave Sri Lanka with currency in excess of LKR250.

Internal Travel

The major domestic airport is Ratmalana at Colombo. There are daily flights to smaller airports at Batticaloa, Gal Oya, Palali and Trincomalee. The airport at Jaffna is currently closed.

Trains connect Colombo with all tourist towns, but first-class carriages, air conditioning and dining cars are available on only a few. New fast services operate on the principal routes, including an inter-city express service between Colombo and Kandy, otherwise journeys are fairly leisurely.

(As Canista Tours we have luxury transport provided based on client needs.)

Getting Around by Road

Traffic drives on the left. Most roads are tarred, with a 56kph (35mph) speed limit in built-up areas and 75kph (45mph) outside towns. Flashing lights mean that the driver is asserting right of way, unlike in the UK. Avoid remote areas and traveling at night. Bus: An extensive network of services of reasonable quality is provided by the Sri Lanka Central Transport Board. Private bus drivers are paid according to the number of passengers and can often drive rather dangerously. Taxi: These have yellow tops and red and white plates. In Colombo, taxis are metered but it is advisable to agree a rate before setting off. Drivers expect a 10 per cent tip. Car hire: This is available from several international agencies. Air-conditioned minibuses are also available. Motorized rickshaws are also readily available for hire in towns and villages. Chauffeur-driven cars are less expensive and recommended. Documentation: In order to avoid bureaucratic formalities in Sri Lanka, an International Driving Permit should be obtained before departure. If not, a temporary license to drive is obtainable on presentation of a valid national driving license. This must be endorsed at the AA office in Colombo. The minimum age for driving a car is 18.