To make sure that all your surprises in Sri Lanka are good ones, I have put together a few Travel Tips that will help you to prepare for your stay in my mysterious island of Sri Lanka.
Internet: You shouldn't have much trouble finding Internet facilities in most towns. If your hotel does not have Internet or email facilities available, ask anybody where you can find a “Internet Café”. The locals will be happy to point you towards the closest store where you will be able to use the internet. Is cheap in main cities (Rs: 40 to 60 Per hour) but in rural areas (Rs. 4 to 8 per minute) as they use Dial-up line not ADSL.
International Calls: There are four main network operators on the island; Dialog GSM, Mobitel, Celltell and Hutchison Telecom. The cheapest is to get a mobile phone connection with one of these major companies. A local SIM card for around Rs. 500 (that will work in GSM phones from Europe, the Middle East and Australasia). You will find recharge cards at any corner store throughout the island.
ATM's: Commercial Bank has a wide network of ATMs accepting international Visa, MasterCard and Cirrus/Maestro cards. Other options include Bank of Ceylon, NationsTrust Bank, People’s Bank, Hatton National Bank, Seylan Bank, Sampath Bank and HSBC. ATM's have spread to all of the cities and major regional centres, though you can’t rely on the network paying up every single time.
Cash & Money changers: Any bank or exchange bureau will change major currencies in cash, including US dollars, euros and pounds sterling. Change rupees back into hard currency before you leave the country for the best rates. Money changers can be found in Colombo and the major cities, their rates are usually competitive.
This tip is provided by supplier M19606
