South Asia
Sri Lanka
Compact island where scenic train rides, tea hills, wildlife safaris and surf beaches sit within a day of each other. Easy for solo travelers; tuk-tuk haggling and post-2022 price rises are the trade-offs.
- US travel advisoryLevel 2Exercise increased cautionDetails
- Visa2 of 198passports can visit visa-freeDetails
- CurrencyLKRUS$1 ≈ Rs330.41Details
- Price level27%of US prices (World Bank PPP)Details
- English3/5Common in tourist areasDetails
- PlugsType D, G, M230 V, 50 HzDetails
- Emergency119Police 119 · Ambulance 1990 · Fire 110 · Tourist police 1912
- Tap waterNo, drink bottledDrink bottled or filtered water; refill stations and guesthouse filters are common in tourist towns.Details
- LGBTQ+CriminalizedSmall, discreet scene in Colombo.Details
- Internet37 MbpsMedian fixed broadband · mobile 59 MbpsDetails
- DrivingOn the leftAn IDP must be endorsed by the Automobile Association of Ceylon, or get a temporary Sri Lankan licence.
Where to go in Sri Lanka
18 places with full guides. Comfortable monthly budget for one person, rent included.
| Place | Safety | Month, comfortable | Best months | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| EllaMountain town | 4/5 | $757–1,150 | Jan–Mar, Jul–Aug | 87/100 |
| ColomboCity | 4/5 | $908–1,360 | Dec–Mar | 74/100 |
| KandyCity | 4/5 | $757–1,150 | Jan–Apr | 87/100 |
| GalleCity | 4/5 | $757–1,210 | Dec–Mar | 83/100 |
| MirissaBeach town | 4/5 | $787–1,270 | Dec–Mar | 80/100 |
| WeligamaBeach town | 4/5 | $696–1,150 | Nov–Mar | 86/100 |
| Arugam BayBeach town | 4/5 | $696–1,150 | May–Sep | 86/100 |
| SigiriyaTown | 4/5 | $666–1,090 | Jan–Mar, Jul–Sep | 89/100 |
| UnawatunaBeach town | 4/5 | $726–1,180 | Dec–Mar | 84/100 |
| HikkaduwaBeach town | 4/5 | $666–1,090 | Dec–Mar | 89/100 |
| Nuwara EliyaMountain town | 4/5 | $696–1,120 | Feb–Apr, Aug | 85/100 |
| NegomboCity | 4/5 | $666–1,090 | Dec–Mar | 88/100 |
| AhangamaBeach town | 4/5 | $787–1,270 | Nov–Mar | 80/100 |
| HiriketiyaBeach town | 4/5 | $757–1,270 | Nov–Mar | 81/100 |
| TrincomaleeCity | 4/5 | $636–1,030 | May–Sep | 89/100 |
| BentotaBeach town | 4/5 | $908–1,510 | Dec–Apr | 68/100 |
| TangalleBeach town | 4/5 | $817–1,360 | Dec–Apr | 75/100 |
| JaffnaCity | 4/5 | $696–1,150 | Feb–Mar, Jul–Aug | 87/100 |
When to visit Sri Lanka
West and south coasts and hill country: December–April. East coast (Arugam Bay, Trincomalee): May–September. October–November brings inter-monsoon rain almost everywhere.
Good to know
Entry
- Get an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) online before flying; it has been free for 40 nationalities since May 2026, paid for others.
- Use only the official eta.gov.lk site; look-alike agent sites charge extra fees.
- Tourist visas can be extended online with the Department of Immigration, by one month or up to six months.
Laws visitors break by accident
- Disrespecting Buddha images, such as posing with your back to statues or Buddha tattoos, can mean deportation.
- Alcohol sales are banned on monthly Poya (full moon) holidays; bars and liquor shops close.
- Drones need Civil Aviation Authority permission; flying over temples and military sites is prohibited.
Etiquette
- Remove shoes and hats at temples; cover shoulders and knees
- Never pose with your back to a Buddha statue
- Use your right hand for eating, giving and receiving
- Ask before photographing monks
Tipping
Many bills include a 10% service charge; add a little for good service. Drivers and guides expect a daily tip; round up tuk-tuk fares.
Sources
- US State Department travel advisory
- Department of Immigration and Emigration
- Sri Lanka ETA (official)
- Dialog Tourist SIM
- Sri Lanka Tourism
- Speedtest Global Index: Sri Lanka
- World Bank open data
Country facts are researched by SoloSquare; advisory levels, crime, health and visa figures come from the sources listed. Compiled and reviewed by SoloSquare. How we compile and score this. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.