Generally drinking tap water isn’t advisable and the same rule applies for ice cubes. Not to worry though, bottled water is readily available at roadside stalls. If you’d like a chilled bottle of water don’t be afraid to ask. Bottled water is also very cheap by western standards, a 1.5 litre bottle of water will cost you approx $1usd. Seal tampering with bottled water very rarely but just to make sure ensure that the seal & lid are fresh & tightly sealed.

Sri Lanka has a wide network of ATMs accepting international Visa, MasterCard and Cirrus/Maestro cards. ATMs have spread to all of the cities and major regional centre’s. To exchange money any bank or exchange bureau will change major currencies in cash, including US dollars, Euros and Pounds. Make sure you change your rupees back into hard currency before you leave the country for the best rates.

Local food is reasonably priced, though it’s about three times more expensive in guesthouses than in local restaurants; it’s around Rs 300 to 450 ($3-4 USD) at a guesthouse, or as little as Rs 100 ($1 USD) at a local restaurant. Dinner at the country’s better restaurants costs around Rs 2000 ($20 USD) per person. Sri Lanka is famous for its hot curries & delicacies, if your palate doesn’t work well with spicy food don’t be afraid to ask the chef or waiter to make something less spicy. Local chef’s are always happy to accommodate guests and won’t be offended by your requests.

Although a 10% service charge is added to food and accommodation bills, this usually goes straight to the owner rather than the worker. So tipping is a customary way of showing your appreciation for services rendered. Drivers expect a tip, as do people who ‘guide’ you through a site. As a rule of thumb tip 10% of the total amount due. If there’s no money involved use your other thumb for this rule: Rs 10 for the person who minds your shoes at temples, and Rs 20 for a hotel porter. Also when looking at a food menu for example ‘keep an eye’ out for applicable taxes, if these aren’t clearly marked ask one of the staff and ask if the charges are inclusive of all taxes.

MasterCard and Visa are the most commonly accepted cards. Other major cards such as Amex and Diners Club are also accepted. Moneychangers can be found in Colombo and the major cities, as well as in tourist centres such as Hikkaduwa. They generally don’t charge commission and their rates are usually competitive.

Whatever you call them, Tuk Tuk’s are a very common method of transport for short journeys. In the last year the number of ‘Metered Tuk Tuk’s’ has increased but mainly in Colombo & its surrounding suburbs. Non-Metered Tuk Tuk’s are readily available at most street corners or bus stops, however cost a bit more than the metered. As a general rule non-metered tuk tuk’s should charge approximately 50-60 rupees pre kilometer, just be prepared to haggle for the best price.

Colombo & other big towns have a relaxed approach to dress while smaller cities and villages remain conservative. When traveling in deeply rural areas, conservative dress is recommended for both men and women. When visiting places of worship men & women should try to cover bare shoulders & avoid wearing shorts or ensure that your legs are covered down to the knees at the very least.

Generally Sri Lankans especially children love having their photo taken but permission should be granted first in particular when taking photos of women. Photography or filming is strictly prohibited in & around military installations, some bridges/dams or other high security areas. Some religious sites do not allow flash photography and it is a good idea to ask permission to photograph religious ceremonies or shrines.