Hi Reader,

Planning your first trip to Sri Lanka can feel a little confusing, there are so many details to figure out. Do I need a visa? When’s the best time to go? What currency should I bring? How do I get around once I’m there?

Here’s the good news: we’ve been through this all before, and we’ve pulled together the essential things you need to know so your trip feels exciting instead of overwhelming.

Visa

Most travellers need an ETA (Electronic Travel Authorisation) before entering Sri Lanka. You can apply online in advance for $50 per person, or pay $60 on arrival. There have been recent discussions about making visas free, but this hasn’t been confirmed yet. Once there is a set date for this, we will let you know.

Our tip? Apply online before you travel, it’s quick, saves time at the airport, and gives you peace of mind.

Best time to visit

Sri Lanka has two monsoon seasons, which means the best time to visit depends on where you’re going:

• South & West coast (Colombo, Galle, Mirissa): December to March is best for sunshine and calmer seas.
• East coast (Trincomalee, Arugam Bay): April to September is the driest, perfect for beach days and surfing.
• Central highlands (Kandy, Nuwara Eliya, Ella): Cooler year-round, but January to April is clearest for hikes and tea plantations.

Currency & money tips

Sri Lanka has a closed currency (Sri Lankan Rupee), which means you can’t buy or sell it outside the country. Bring major currencies like USD, GBP, EUR, or AUD and exchange a small amount at the airport when you arrive for taxis and small purchases. For the rest of your trip, exchange at banks or ATMs for better rates. Larger hotels and restaurants accept cards, but smaller shops, local eateries, and tuk-tuks are cash only, so always keep some rupees handy.

Getting around

Transport is part of the adventure in Sri Lanka! You’ve got a few options:

• Tuk-tuks → fun and cheap for short rides around towns or beaches.
• Buses → incredibly cheap, but crowded and chaotic, more of a local experience.
• Trains → scenic routes through tea plantations (Ella to Kandy is a must!), but book ahead if you want a reserved seat.
• Private driver → more expensive, but offers the most comfort and flexibility if you’re short on time or covering lots of ground.

Sorting these essentials early will give you a solid foundation to plan the rest of your trip, whether that’s spotting leopards in Yala, climbing Sigiriya Rock, or relaxing on golden beaches.

We’ve shared even more helpful tips in our full guide: on 15 Tips on visiting Sri Lanka: Everything you need to know​

And if you’re looking for a bit of inspiration for where to stay, we recently shared our experience at a truly unique hotel: The incredible Heritance Kandalama Hotel: A hotel build into a rock.​

We’d love to hear from you: What’s the first thing you always check before planning a big trip? Hit reply and share your approach, it’s always fun to compare planning styles!

Latest blog post:

• ​A day trip to Anuradhapura​
• ​What to pack for a safari​
• ​How to climb Sigiriya Rock​
• ​10 Common Sri Lanka travel mistakes to avoid​

Happy travelling

Bev & Shams

Email: bev@bevandshams.com

Website: www.bevandshams.com​

Grab our FREE Ultimate Travel planner – start planning smarter and travelling more, without breaking the bank!

​Download it here​

​

​

Useful links:​

Resources: www.bevandshams.com/travel-resources/​