Are things expensive in Sri Lanka and the Maldives?

Sri Lanka offers relatively good value for money as in costs being much cheaper than in the UK.

A typical lunch in a restaurant will cost you about 700 rupees (about £4.00). A typical dinner will also cost pretty much the same depending on the restaurant. These rates exclude Alcoholic beverages.  Cocktails could cost about 500 rupees (about £2.75) . Meals and Alcoholic drinks at 4 or 5 star hotels can be considerably more expensive.

Your stay in the the Maldives will predominantly be at a Resort where there are always gift shops, but prices  could be a bit on the high side. Shopping in the Maldivian capital of Male is more affordable but variety is limited. Your Resort Reception in the Maldives should be able to give you a better insight.

Currency Exchange Rates when making payment 

Unless otherwise agreed by us in writing your holiday will be quoted and charged in British Pounds Sterling (GBP). The United States Dollar (USD) amounts given are an indication only of the converted price. Exchange rates may fluctuate, and your card issuer may use a different exchange rate to the rate used above and/or charge an overseas transaction fee, if your card is not charged in British Pounds Sterling (GBP).

Seasons

Sri Lanka - The best time to visit the north-central plains, Kandy, the central highlands, the south-east, the deep south and the south-west coasts of Sri Lanka is between December and April. High Season falls in February, with a peak season applying over New Year and Easter. Low season typically runs from May to mid-July. 

Maldives - December - April is considered as Summer periods in the  Maldives and is also the peak tourist season. Between December and April, the island experiences dry weather ideal for outdoor activities. There will be little or no rain showers during this time, hence, making it ideal for tourists to travel. 

What clothes would I need to take ?

Light cotton or linen clothing is what is recommended for both Sri Lanka and the Maldives. We advise you to take along a couple of jumpers and fleece jackets as you will need them when travelling upcountry in Sri Lanka, where the climate is colder than the rest of the island. Slippers are useful when visiting places of worship and for when relaxing by the beach or your hotel.

What is the time difference?

Sri Lanka is GMT + 4.5 hrs in summer and GMT + 5.5 hrs in winter.

Maldives is GMT + 4 hrs in summer and GMT + 5 hrs in winter.

What is the local currency ?

One Sri Lankan Rupee  is equal to 0.0046 GBP and 0.0065 US$.

One Maldivian Rufiyaa is equal to 0.046 GBP and 0.065 US$.

Where can I exchange money?

Sri Lanka - You can only purchase Sri Lankan Rupees in Sri Lanka. When you arrive in Sri Lanka there will be banks and exchange companies just before the Arrival Hall where there are 24hr facilities.  Banks in the city are generally open 9am to 3pm Mon-Fri.

 All banks are shut at weekends and public holidays.  

Changing Traveller’s Cheques cannot be done in Sri Lanka. 

You are not allowed to take Sri Lankan Rupees out of the country.

ATMs accepting Visa and Mastercard are widely available in cities and towns. If you wish to use Visa or Mastercards in ATMs, (as with all overseas travel) it is best to notify your Bank in the UK that you will be travelling to Sri Lanka, prior to your departure.  When changing currency in Sri Lanka it is advisable that you keep a copy of the money exchange certificate with you. Always demand this certificate when you change money as you may be asked for this when you leave. 

Maldives - All major international currencies can be exchanged at the Bank of Maldives Exchange counter located in the arrival hall. This is the only dedicated foreign exchange counter in the Maldives and It is advised not to exchange currency in Male where bank queues are common and waiting time lengthy.

Only major foreign currencies will be exchanged for local currency MVR. It is worth having some US Dollars as this the most widely accepted currency in most resorts. Ensure you hold on to your exchange receipt as you will need to present this upon departure at the exchange counter if you wish to change local currency back to foreign currency.

Can I use credit cards to pay for meals in hotels?

Most international credit cards are accepted at major establishments including almost all major hotels.

What are the laguages spoken in Sri Lanka and the Maldives ?

Sri Lanka - Sinhala is the official language whilst Tamil and English are widely spoken. 

Maldives - Dhivehi is the official language whilst English is widely spoken.

What is the electricity supply?

For both Sri Lanka and the Maldives it's 230/240 volts AC. Small 3 pin round plugs are used as well as 2 pin plugs. A European 2 pin Adapter can be used in the bottom 2 holes of the socket. Adapters are available at Hotel Receptions and also available for purchase in local shops.

Can I drive in Sri Lanka?

An international driving licence is required - obtainable from some main Post Offices in the UK.  A local driving licence is also required which can be obtained from the Automobile Association in Colombo.  Vehicles drive on the left as in the UK. It must be advised that driving in Sri Lanka is not for the faint hearted.

Where are the main airports in Sri Lanka and the Maldives?

Sri Lanka - All international flights arrive at Colombo International Airport (CMB), also known as the Bandaranaike International Airport located at Katunayake on the west coast, about an hour’s drive north of Colombo and 30 minutes south of Negombo.

Maldives -  Male International Airport is the main international airport in the Maldives. It is located on Hulhule Island in the North Male Atoll, near the capital island Male. 

Do I require a Visa?

Please see our Visas page for more info.

What vaccinations do I require?

Please consult your GP or doctor for up to date information before you travel.

Do I need to take precautions against mosquitoes?

Yes, as with all tropical countries, you need to apply mosquito repellent regularly. 

Can I use my mobile phone in Sri Lanka?

Yes, the International Dialling Code for the UK from Sri Lanka is 0044 and 0094 to Sri Lanka from th UK. Your mobile phone will connect automatically to one of the local phone providers such as Dialog or Mobitel though you should be aware that phoning the UK this way can be quite expensive.  If you are staying in Sri Lanka for longer periods, it would be advisable to consider purchasing a Sri Lankan SIM card. Top-up cards are readily available from Telecom shops. If you wish to purchase one, your Pearl Holidays UK driver/guide will be able to help you.

Can I get Internet Access?

Sri Lanka - Hotels increasingly offer Internet Wi-Fi, and Internet cafes exist in Colombo and many towns, although connection speeds can be slow outside Colombo.

Maldives - Most Resorts have WiFi and the speeds are adequate.

What opportunities are there for photography?

There are many opportunities for photography whether it is of scenes of everyday life by the roadside, spectacular vistas or of the amazing wildlife.  Ensure you have a memory card of sufficient size as  you will find yourself taking many photographs.  It would also be a good idea to bring along a pair of binoculars to view the wildlife in the National Parks, as with all wild animals, you will only be able to view them from a distance.

Please note that most places of worship require smart casual clothing, and photography is restricted.

What wines and spirits can I bring into Sri Lanka and the Maldives?

Sri Lanka - You are allowed to bring in 1.5 litres in total of wines and spirits per person.

Maldives - It is NOT allowed to bring in ANY Alcohol. However Wines, Beers and Spirits are served in most resorts.

Any Alcohol you have in person or your luggage which has been purchased at a Duty Free outlet should be declared to the customs authorities who will hold them during your stay and return them to you on your departure from the Maldives.

Prohibitted Items to both Sri Lanka and the Maldives

1. Any meat items cooked or otherwise

2. Pornographic Material

3. Drugs not accompanied by a Doctor's 

    or GP's prescription.

Do I need Insurance?

It is recommended that you have adequate travel insurance for the activities that you are doing on your Tour such as white water rafting, elephant rides, game drives etc.  All travellers booking with us need to notify us of their insurance arrangements prior to travelling from the UK.

What if I need Assistance whilst in Sri Lanka ?

Please see our useful contacts page where we have included some handy contact details including that of our Ground Handling Partner - Butterflies (Pvt) Ltd.