Beach town in Southern Province, Sri Lanka
Hikkaduwa
Southwest coast strip with reef snorkeling, turtles, surf and cheap guesthouses. Easy and social for beach days; the main road is noisy and the beach crowded in high season.
At a glance
- Safety4/5Safe with normal careDetails
- Monthly budget$666–1,090Comfortable, one person · Rs220,000–360,000Details
- Value for money89/100Better value than 88% of places we coverDetails
- Best time to goDec–MarWarmest: Mar, 29°CDetails
- Internet37 MbpsFixed broadband, Sri Lanka medianDetails
- Tap waterNo, drink bottledDrink bottled or filtered water; refill stations are common at cafés and guesthouses.Details
- LGBTQ+2/5HostileDetails
- Solo travel4/5English: widely spokenDetails
- Doctor's visit$7.6–18.2Private clinic, without insuranceDetails
- Getting aroundPickMeWalkable centerDetails
- Cash or cardMixed: cards and cashCards at larger hotels and some restaurants; cash for tuk-tuks, buses, beach bars and small shops.Details
Where to stay in Hikkaduwa
Areas visitors base themselves in.
| Area | Good for |
|---|---|
| Main beach and Galle Road | Hostels, bars, restaurants, dive shops and surf |
| Narigama | Surf breaks, cafés and laid-back guesthouses |
| Thiranagama and Peraliya | Quieter stays north of the main strip |
Apps that work in Hikkaduwa
Ride-hailing
| App | Notes |
|---|---|
| PickMe | Some tuk-tuks and cars; availability varies |
Food delivery
| App | Notes |
|---|---|
| PickMe Food | Limited coverage on the main strip |
- Maps: Google Maps
- Messaging: WhatsApp, Viber
- Taxis: Most trips are street tuk-tuks at agreed fares. Hotels can book airport transfers.
Cash, cards and tipping
What to carry and how to pay. Money in Sri Lanka.
- Mixed: cards and cash Cards at larger hotels and some restaurants; cash for tuk-tuks, buses, beach bars and small shops.
- Currency: Rupee (LKR). US$1 ≈ Rs330.41 on 03 Oct 2026.
- ATMs: Commercial Bank, BOC, HNB and Sampath ATMs take foreign cards; limits and fees vary by bank.
- 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.
- Paying by phone: Contactless foreign cards and phone wallets work at modern terminals; LankaQR codes need a local bank app.
Before you go
Visa and 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.
Emergency numbers
Police 119 · Ambulance 1990 · Fire 110 · Tourist police 1912
Plugs
Type D, G, M · 230 V, 50 Hz. Do I need an adapter?
SIM and eSIM
Dialog stores right after customs at Colombo airport; passport needed. Tourist plans cost LKR 1,399–2,450 for 30 days with 20–50 GB. eSIMs work for visitors.
More places in Sri Lanka
Going to Hikkaduwa solo?
SoloSquare is where travelers, nomads and locals in Hikkaduwa meet up for small plans: coffee, dinners, walks and day trips. Join one, or start your own in a minute.
Sources
Prices are SoloSquare estimates; climate, air, safety 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.