Colombo Sri Lanka Travel Guide
Main mobile providers in Sri Lanka are Dialog, Mobitel, and Hutch. You can purchase SIM cards upon arrival at Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA). Your passport is needed for registration.
Sinhala and Tamil are the official languages. English is widely spoken in tourist areas, hotels, and larger restaurants. You will find communication straightforward in most tourist settings.
Local SIM cards are valuable for navigation, ride-sharing apps, and staying in touch with ease.
Sri Lanka Post (SLPost) operates post offices throughout Colombo. Services include standard, registered, and express mail for sending letters or parcels home.
Purchase a local SIM card immediately upon arrival at the airport. It simplifies navigation, transport, and communication needs throughout your stay.
Generally open from 9:00 AM to 7:00 PM. Large shopping malls often stay open until 9:00 PM or 10:00 PM.
Typically open from 11:00 AM for lunch until 10:00 PM or 11:00 PM for dinner. Some cafes open earlier for breakfast.
Banks operate weekdays, 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM. ATMs are widely available 24/7 at banks and malls.
Government offices operate on weekdays, generally from 8:30 AM to 4:15 PM. They are closed on weekends and public holidays, requiring prior checking.
Sri Lanka observes many public holidays, including monthly Poya Days (full moon days). These are religious holidays for Buddhists, with specific restrictions.
Check if your travel dates coincide with any Poya Days or major festivals. This helps planning around potential closures or restrictions, especially regarding alcohol sales.
Respect local customs for a positive and rewarding experience.
A traditional greeting involves pressing palms together with a slight bow, often with "Ayubowan." Handshakes are also common, especially in professional or tourist settings. A smile and a nod are always appreciated.
Generally, photography is acceptable, but it is polite to ask permission first, notably for close-up portraits. Be respectful at religious sites and look for specific signs regarding photography.
Engage with locals respectfully. Be patient and polite. Learning a few basic Sinhala or Tamil phrases (e.g., "hello," "thank you") shows willingness to connect.
Using the right hand for eating is traditional, especially for rice and curry. Tipping is appreciated for good service, even if a service charge is included on the bill.
Always remove your shoes when entering a Buddhist temple or a private home. This is a fundamental sign of respect.
Travelers with mobility challenges find some infrastructure limitations in Colombo.
Sri Lanka's infrastructure, including Colombo, is generally not well-equipped for travelers with mobility challenges. Sidewalks can be uneven, narrow, or obstructed.
Newer luxury hotels may have accessible rooms and facilities. Some modern shopping malls and certain newer attractions may feature ramps and lifts for convenience.
Specialized services for travelers with visual or hearing impairments are limited. Language barriers can further add challenges, requiring proactive measures.
Specific resources or organizations focusing solely on accessibility for tourists in Colombo are limited. Direct communication with service providers is advisable.
Sidewalks are often uneven, narrow, or obstructed, making navigation challenging.
Public buses and trains generally lack wheelchair access.
Private vehicles with drivers offer the most practical and comfortable transport.
If specific accessibility features are a need, communicate your requirements clearly to your accommodation and any tour operators well in advance of your trip.
