1. Q: How much does the ETA (Electronic Travel Authorization) cost?
A: The processing charge for a Tourist visa with Double Entry for 30 days is US $15 for citizens of SAARC countries and US $30 for citizens of all other countries.

2. Q: Do I need an ETA to visit Sri Lanka?
A: Yes, citizens of all countries except for Singapore and Maldives need to obtain an ETA to visit Sri Lanka.

3. Q: What is an ETA?
A: ETA is an official authorization for a Short Visit to Sri Lanka, issued online. It is required for tourists, business travelers, and transit visitors. No passport copies, documents, or photographs are needed to obtain an ETA.

4. Q: Do I need a visa to enter Sri Lanka?
A: Yes, a visa is required to enter Sri Lanka. Additionally, if you are planning a short visit, you must obtain an ETA before arrival.

1. Q: What types of accommodation can I expect in Sri Lanka?
A: We offer a wide range of accommodation options, including private boutique hotels, villas, eco lodges, and tents. However, in some remote or undeveloped destinations, international standard hotels may not be available, and facilities may be relatively basic.

2. Q: Can I smoke in public places in Sri Lanka?
A: No, smoking and consuming liquor in public areas, including enclosed spaces like restaurants, is banned in Sri Lanka.

3. Q: Is it true that liquor is not served on Full Moon days?
A: Yes, on Full Moon days (known as Poya days), which hold religious significance for Buddhists, the sale of liquor and meat is prohibited. Liquor shops, meat shops, and entertainment centers remain closed on these days.

4. Q: What precautions should I take when choosing drinks in Sri Lanka?
A: It is recommended to avoid drinking tap water unless it is purified. Bottled water is widely available and safe to consume. Sri Lanka has its own variety of local beer, and imported beer and foreign liquors are also available.

1. Q: What are the business hours and days for banks?
A: Banks in Sri Lanka are typically open from 09:00 to 15:00, Monday to Friday. Some banks may also open on Saturday mornings. However, they are closed on Sundays and Poya Days.

2. Q: Are ATM machines available throughout the country and do they issue cash for my debit/credit card?
A: Yes, ATM machines are available in most cities in Sri Lanka. You can withdraw cash against your Visa or Mastercard at most ATMs. However, it is recommended to check with your bank to ensure that your card is valid for use in Sri Lanka. Look for the Maestro or Cirrus logo on ATMs.

3. Q: Are credit card charges made in foreign currency?
A: No, credit card charges in Sri Lanka are not made in foreign currency. Local establishments determine payments based on the exchange rate prevailing at the date of payment.

4. Q: Are credit cards accepted everywhere in Sri Lanka?
A: Yes, credit cards are extensively used and accepted by local establishments in Sri Lanka, even in small towns. The most popular card types are Visa and Mastercard, with American Express (Amex) being used to a lesser extent.

5. Q: Where can I re-exchange foreign currency?
A: You can re-exchange foreign currency at bank counters at the airport when you are departing Sri Lanka. Please note that only bank receipts, not money changer receipts, are accepted for re-exchange.

6. Q: What are the requirements for re-exchanging currency?
A: It is recommended to keep all receipts of exchange, including ATM receipts, for the money you have declared. These receipts will be useful when re-exchanging to foreign currency and taking your money out of the country.

7. Q: How much money can I take out of the country from Sri Lanka?
A: If you plan to take out a sum exceeding US $5000 (or its equivalent in Euro or another currency) in currency notes, you must declare the total amount brought in, even if it is less than US $15,000.

1. Q: Can I access the internet for free in Sri Lanka?
A: Most hotels provide internet facilities, and internet cafes with ADSL connections can be found in most towns. However, internet connections in remote areas may be slow. The average cost of surfing in a cyber cafe is approximately Euro 0.50 per hour. Some 5-star and boutique hotels offer free WiFi to guests.

2. Q: How do I dial out or within the country?
A: To dial out of the country, dial ’00’ followed by the relevant country code and the number. Within the country, for calls within a specific district (e.g., Colombo), you don’t need to dial the area code. However, for outstation calls, the area code is necessary.

3. Q: Can I buy a local mobile connection while in Sri Lanka?
A: Yes, if you have a ‘dual band’ and unlocked phone, you can purchase a local SIM card and top-up cards from mobile operators such as Dialog, Mobitel, Etisalat, Hutch, and Airtel. Dialog has a counter at Katunayake Airport where you can buy a connection for Rs. 1500/=.

4. Q: What is the country code for Sri Lanka?
A: Sri Lanka’s country code is +94. To call a number in Colombo for land number, for example, dial +94112XXXXXX. For mobile numbers, dial the country code followed by the mobile number (e.g., +9477XXXXXXX for a dialog number).

5. Q: What mobile technology is supported in Sri Lanka?
A: All mobile operators in Sri Lanka support GSM technology on GSM 900/1800 bands. WAP and GPRS are widely supported. 3G/4G and wireless broadband are available in Colombo, and Wi-Fi zones can be found in selected spots in major towns.

6. Q: Which languages are commonly understood and spoken in Sri Lanka?
A: While Sinhala and Tamil are the official and most widely spoken languages, English is widely understood as a link language. English is spoken at hotels, major restaurants, and shops. Road signs are usually written in both Sinhalese and English.

7. Q: How is the state of telephone facilities in Sri Lanka?
A: Telephone facilities are widely available throughout the country. There are telephone kiosks that accept coins, but the clarity and talk time may be limited. Communication centers are also found across the country, offering IDD facilities and internet access.

1. Q: How can I protect myself from mosquitoes in Sri Lanka?
A: Most hotels provide plug-in mosquito repellents, and you can also purchase repellent mats, burning coils, or citronella candles from local supermarkets. Additionally, apply mosquito repellent lotion when dining outdoors or in mosquito-prone areas.

2. Q: What health issues should I be concerned about in Sri Lanka?
A: Sri Lanka has a reliable healthcare system, but emergency medical facilities may be limited outside of major cities. Travelers from Africa or Latin America should have a valid certificate of vaccination for Yellow fever and Meningitis before arrival.

3. Q: Is it safe to travel to Sri Lanka?
A: Yes, the country is at peace, and tourists visit Sri Lanka in large numbers, experiencing a sense of peace, safety, and stability. As a travel agency, we prioritize the safety and security of our tourists during our tours.

4. Q: What safety precautions should I take while traveling?
A: It is advisable to store valuables like money, passports, tickets, and jewelry in the hotel safe deposit locker. Hotels are generally not responsible for objects lost in the room. Keep a separate note of your Travelers’ Cheque numbers.

1. Q: When is the best time to travel to Sri Lanka?
A: The best and driest seasons to visit Sri Lanka are from December to March on the West and South Coasts and in the hill country, and from May to September on the East Coast.

2. Q: Are there other options to process my digital photos in Sri Lanka?
A: It is advisable to bring a USB cord to transfer your pictures to a PC. Internet cafes are ideal for this purpose. Simply copy the pictures to the PC and then burn them onto a CD. This is a cheaper option and allows you to keep your memory cards empty.

3. Q: Can I process my digital photos in Sri Lanka?
A: Yes, there are many franchised photo shops such as Kodak and Fuji with advanced digital imaging services in major towns. They accept almost all types of digital data storage devices. However, it is always advisable to keep a backup of your pictures before handing them over for processing.

4. Q: Are there any places I should avoid photographing for military reasons?
A: Yes, it is important to never take photos of dams, airports, roadblocks, or anything related to the military. In addition, it is recommended not to shoot with cameras around Colombo Fort.

5. Q: Should I pay for taking photographs of people or places?
A: Tourists are sometimes asked for money for taking photos. It is always best to ask before you photograph whether payment is expected. You can also seek guidance from the accompanying representatives.

6. Q: Are there any other special concerns I should be aware of?
A: Yes, there are a few things to keep in mind. Flash photography is not allowed at the frescoes in Sigiriya. It is considered extremely disrespectful to pose beside or in front of a Buddha statue with your back to the statue. Always ask for permission before photographing a monk.

7. Q: Can I photograph inside temples and monasteries?
A: It is important to ask for permission before taking pictures either of people or inside temples or other sacred places. For example, it is forbidden to take photographs inside the cave temple complex of Dambulla. Additionally, avoid using flash on murals inside temples and other places as it can cause damage.

8. Q: What are the do’s and don’ts of local photography?
A: Always ask permission before taking photographs of people and respect their decision if they refuse. Minority groups, in particular, may be unhappy to be photographed. If you do take photos, consider sending back copies to the people through tour leaders or directly to the village so that they receive copies.

1. Q: How much should I tip in Sri Lanka?
A: It is customary to tip housekeeping staff, doormen, and bellboys. A tip between 100-200 rupees (1-2 USD) for each service is considered adequate. Your guide or driver on a tour may expect a tip between US$ 5 to 15 per day, depending on your level of satisfaction.

2. Q: Is tipping accepted in Sri Lanka?
A: Yes, tipping is accepted in Sri Lanka. Although a 10% service charge is included in bills for food and accommodation, tipping is a customary way of showing appreciation for services rendered.

3. Q: What is the nightlife like in Sri Lanka?
A: Sri Lanka offers some active nightlife in places like Colombo, Negombo, and Hikkaduwa. Colombo has decent pubs, nightclubs, karaoke lounges, and bars. Friday and Saturday nights are popular for all-night partying.

4. Q: What are some recommended items to shop for in Sri Lanka?
A: Sri Lanka offers a wide variety of splendid handicrafts. Some recommended items include Sri Lankan masks, batiks, wood carvings, gemstones, semi-precious stones, lacquerware, handmade silver and brass objects, and the famous ‘Ceylon Tea’.

1. Q: Where can I find more information about Sri Lanka in general?
A: For more information about Sri Lanka, you can visit the official Sri Lanka Tourism website.