Key facts
Sri Lanka is a country located in Southern Asia. The country has no land neighbors. As for languages, the country’s residents speak Sinhalese and Tamil. Traveling across Sri Lanka if English is your first (and only) language may be difficult due to language barriers.
In the EF English Competency Index (EF EPI), which assesses the language proficiency of non-native speaking countries, Sri Lanka was ranked 82nd out of 100 countries in 2021.
The national currency in Sri Lanka is Sri Lankan rupee (LKR). The rupee (Rs) is subdivided into 100 cent.
Sri Lankan
Banknotes
RS10RS20Rs50Rs100Rs500Rs1000Rs2000Rs5000Rs200
Sri Lankan
Coins
Rs1Rs2Rs5Rs102550
Check with your bank before your trip to find out if there are any fees for using your card abroad. Some banks do not charge fees when you use a foreign ATM or pay in foreign currency, but others may charge a fixed cost for each transaction or allow a limited number of free withdrawals. The travel card provided by Wise.com, Revolut or Monose might be an excellent option to cut down on transaction fees.
Ookla® Speedtest The average fixed internet speed in Sri Lanka is 57.49 Mbps and mobile is 43.74 Mbs.The global average is 187.01 Mbps and 128.37 Mbps respectively.
ATM Density It may be difficult to locate an ATM in Sri Lanka.17.20 ATMs per 100,000 people.The global average is 39.49.
SIM Registration In order to purchase a SIM card in Sri Lanka, a passport or ID is required as identification.
Socket types
There are 3 socket types used in Sri Lanka. Type D is not very common around the world, so it might be a good idea to check if your electronics need an adapter.
The sockets’ shapes and voltage differ from country to country and a travel plug adapter may be required. Portable devices, such as phones, notebooks or tablets, usually handle the entire range of voltages used across the world (110-240V).
Sources
- EF English Proficiency Index (EF Education First)
- Speedtest Global Index® (Ookla®)
- Automated teller machines (ATMs) (per 100,000 adults) (The World Bank Group)
- Registration Policies Per Country (Prepaid Data SIM Card Wiki)
Tourism
What hotel chains are present in Sri Lanka?
There are Mariott hotels in Weligama.
The Hilton hotel chain operates in Sri Lanka.
The IHG hotel chain operates in Sri Lanka.
The Best Western hotel chain operates in Sri Lanka.
There are Radisson hotels in 3 cities.
The Accor hotel chain operates in Sri Lanka.
What fast food chains are present in Sri Lanka?
The McDonald’s chain operates in Sri Lanka.
The KFC chain operates in Sri Lanka.
The Burger King chain does not operate in Sri Lanka.
The Subway chain operates in Sri Lanka.
The Domino’s Pizza chain operates in Sri Lanka.
The Starbucks chain does not operate in Sri Lanka.
Sources
- Country by National Dish (Samson Daniel)
Weather
What is the weather like in Colombo?
Weather data for Colombo (capital city) by Open-Meteo.com
Transport
Railways There are passenger trains operating between some cities.
Subway Systems There is no subway system in any city.
Sources
- List of high-speed railway lines (Wikipedia)
- List of metro systems (Wikipedia)
- Left- and right-hand traffic (Wikipedia)
- The Global Enabling Trade Report 2016: Road connectivity (World Economic Forum)
Safety
Emergency phones in Sri Lanka
Sources
- Sri Lanka Travel Advisory (United States: Department of State)
- Travel Advice for Sri Lanka (United Kingdom: The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office)
- Mortality caused by road traffic injury (The World Bank Group)
- Corruption & Economic Crime (United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime)
Smoking & Alcohol
Smoking ban Smoking is prohibited in all public areas excluding entertainment and restaurants.
Cananbis legality Recreational usage: Illegal
Medical usage: Legalized
The products are only for your own use or consumption, or as a present for members of your household. They may not be imported for commercial purposes under any circumstances.
Alcohol allowance
- Two bottles of wine and 1.5L of spirits.
Tobacco allowance
Customs duty and other levies are applicable on all cigarette and tobacco products.
Sources
- Duty Free Allowances (Airport and Aviation Services)
- List of smoking bans (Wikipedia)
- Legality of cannabis (Wikipedia)