Your Sri Lanka Travel Support Centre

Planning a trip to Sri Lanka — or already here and need help? You are in the right place.  This page is your complete support resource for travelling in Sri Lanka, brought to you by the Ceyways Tours team. From emergency contacts and visa information to local customs, currency tips, and practical travel advice — everything you need to travel confidently across our beautiful island is right here. And if you ever need us personally, we are just one message away.

Need Help Right Now?

Reach the Ceyways Tours team instantly — available 7 days a week.

Call Us

+94 71 321 0162 / +94 76 538 2277

Available: Monday – Sunday, 8:00 AM – 8:00 PM

WHATSAPP US

Fastest way to reach us for quick questions, tour enquiries and booking confirmations

EMAIL US

ceywaystours@gmail.com

For detailed enquiries, itinerary requests, and tour bookings

How Can We Help?

Emergency Numbers in Sri Lanka

We hope you never need these — but save them in your phone before you travel. Screenshot this page or note them down now.

Service Number Notes
Police
119
Available island-wide, 24 hours
Fire & Rescue
110
Available island-wide, 24 hours
Tourist Police
+94 11 242 1052
Colombo — specialist support for tourists
Ambulance / Medical
1990 or 011 269 1111
National ambulance service
Accident Service
+94 11 269 1111
National Hospital Colombo
Ceyways Tours — Emergency
+94 71 321 0162
Call or WhatsApp us anytime during your trip

Emergency Numbers in Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka Travel Essentials

Everything you need to know before and during your trip.

VISA & ENTRY card

Most visitors need an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) before arriving.

  • Official portal: www.eta.gov.lk
  • Fee: USD 20 (single entry)
  • Validity: 30 days, extendable Processed within 24 hours
  • Passport must be valid 6+ months Always use the official government website only.

CURRENCY & MONEY

ATMs widely available in cities and tourist areas Visa and Mastercard accepted at hotels and larger shops Carry cash for markets, tuk-tuks, temples, and small towns Use official bank exchanges — avoid street money changers

  • Currency: Sri Lankan Rupee (LKR) Approx
  • rate: 1 USD = 300 LKR (check before travel)

SIM CARD & INTERNET

A local SIM is affordable and highly recommended for maps and communication.

  • Main providers: Dialog, Mobitel, Hutch, Airtel Buy at: Bandaranaike Airport arrivals hall or any network store
  • Cost: Approx LKR 500–1,500 for a tourist SIM with data Bring your passport to register the SIM Free Wi-Fi available at most hotels and cafes

WEATHER & BEST TIME

South & West Coast + Hill Country:

  • Best December to March East Coast (Trincomalee, Arugam Bay)
  • Best May to September Cultural Triangle: Good year-round
  • Temperature: 25–35°C on the coast | 15–25°C in the hills Sri Lanka can be visited any month — ask us for advice on your specific dates

HEALTH & SAFETY

Sri Lanka is safe and welcoming for tourists. Simple precautions:

  • Drink bottled or filtered water only
  • Use sunscreen and mosquito repellent in jungle and coastal areas
  • No mandatory vaccinations — Hepatitis A and Typhoid recommended
  • Travel insurance strongly recommended (include medical evacuation cover)
  • The sun is intense — wear hats and light clothing outdoors
  • Keep a small first aid kit for minor issues during travel

Getting Around Sri Lanka

Your options for travelling across the island.

Option Best For What to Know
Private Car / Van (Ceyways Tours)
All tourists — most comfortable
Door-to-door, flexible, personal. Your driver handles everything. Book through Ceyways Tours.
Scenic Train
Hill country — Kandy to Ella
One of the most beautiful train rides in the world. Book early at seatreservation.railway.gov.lk
Tuk-Tuk
Short trips in towns
Negotiate fare before getting in. Metered tuk-tuks in Colombo. Fun and authentic.
Public Bus
Budget travel between towns
Affordable but crowded. AC intercity buses are more comfortable for longer routes.
Domestic Flight
Colombo to Jaffna or Trincomalee
FitsAir and Sri Lankan Airlines. Saves time on long northern routes.

Useful Links for Your Sri Lanka Trip

Resource Link What It Is For
Sri Lanka Visa (ETA)
Apply for your tourist visa online before travel
Train Seat Booking
Book the famous Kandy to Ella scenic train
Sri Lanka Tourism Board
Official tourism information and guides
Sri Lanka Weather
Official weather forecasts island-wide
Currency Converter
Check live LKR exchange rates
Colombo Airport
Flight information — Bandaranaike International Airport

Local Tips for a Respectful & Enjoyable Visit

A little local knowledge goes a long way in Sri Lanka.

VISITING TEMPLE

Remove shoes before entering any temple or religious site

  • Dress modestly — cover shoulders and knees. Carry a sarong or scarf
  • Never turn your back to a Buddha statue for photos — considered disrespectful
  • Do not point feet toward religious objects or altars
  • Speak quietly and behave respectfully inside places of worship

LOCAL CUSTOMS

Traditional greeting: ‘Ayubowan’ — hands pressed together, means ‘may you live long’

  • Sri Lankans nod sideways to mean YES — do not be confused!
  • Ask permission before photographing local people, especially in villages
  • Avoid public displays of affection in most areas
  • Bargaining is acceptable in markets — do so politely and with good humour
  • Remove shoes when entering someone’s home

TIPPING GUIDE

Tipping is appreciated but not mandatory in Sri Lanka:

  • Restaurants: 10% if no service charge is included
  • Hotel porters / housekeeping: LKR 100–200 per service
  • Tour drivers: USD 5–10 per day is a kind gesture
  • Local guides: USD 5–10 per day
  • Tuk-tuk drivers: Rounding up the fare is appreciated
  • Spa / massage: LKR 200–500

PHOTOGRAPHY TIPS

  • Sigiriya and Ella sunrise are among the most photographed moments — arrive early
  • Nine Arches Bridge in Ella: photograph when the blue train passes — ask locals for the timetable
  • Wildlife photography: early morning safaris give the best light and animal activity
  • Always ask permission before photographing people in villages
  • Drone photography requires a permit in Sri Lanka — check regulations before flying

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What types of tours does Ceyways Tours offer?

We offer a wide range of tours across Sri Lanka, including cultural heritage tours, wildlife safaris, beach escapes, adventure treks, and customized itineraries tailored to your preferences.

Absolutely! At Ceyways Tours, every journey is designed around your interests, pace, and travel style to create a truly unique experience.

Yes, we provide professional drivers, comfortable vehicles, and knowledgeable local guides to ensure a safe, smooth, and immersive travel experience.

You can easily book through our website, via email, or by contacting our travel support team. We’ll help you plan every detail of your trip.

Yes! Our tours are designed to accommodate all types of travelers, from families with children to solo adventurers seeking cultural and nature experiences.

Sri Lanka is a year-round destination, but the ideal time depends on the region. The southwest coast and hill country are best from December to March, while the northeast is ideal from May to September.

Yes! Ceyways Tours emphasizes sustainable tourism, supporting local communities, wildlife conservation, and eco-friendly practices throughout your journey.

Online Visa service

Train Seat Booking

Sri Lanka Tourism Board

Sri Lanka Weather

Currency Converter

Colombo Airport

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