The currency in Sri Lanka is the Rupee and AUD$1 is roughly R115. When you join a One Life trip we like to keep extra costs to a minimum and include as much as possible to make it easier for you to budget. Luckily, Sri Lanka is a cheap country for most things! You will be able to feast on the freshest seafood and homemade curries for just a few dollars and buy fresh coconuts on the beach for pennies. An average local meal of rice and various curries will set you back around AUD$4. The local beer called Lion is delicious and costs around AUD $2 per pint.
Spending money all depends on the kind of person you are. Each person knows their own likes/dislikes and spending habits. You may like to drink cocktails in hip lounges by the beach or crack open a local beer under a palm tree on the sand.
Tips are expected in Sri Lanka. They are not compulsory, but there is very much a tipping culture for hotels and restaurants for around 10% of the bill. We usually find it easier if your group leader says how much the tip should be and everyone can pitch in together.
You will always need a visa to visit Sri Lanka and it must be organised before you arrive. Sri Lanka tourist visa charges USD $30 per person for NON-SAARC countries & USD $15 for SAARC countries, can be obtained directly via this site. Payments can be done easily online and you’ll receive confirmation within 48hrs. Easy! Just remember – your passport has to be valid for at least six months from the day of arrival. You will also need to have proof of onward travel (flight tickets out of the country).
We advise you to check with your local Sri Lankan consulate or embassy to get the most up-to-date conditions. One Life Adventures cannot apply for your visa for you, so please make sure you have sorted it by the time you arrive!
Travel insurance on or Sri Lanka trips is compulsory. Get a quote here.