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FAQs
LANGUAGES SPOKEN
Q:
Is English spoken and understood in Sri Lanka?
A:
There are three official languages in Sri Lanka, Sinhala is a major
official language and is generally understood though out the Region.
English is the preferred Business language, so many tourist enjoy
their Vacation. Sri Lanka has many diverse population groups and
many European languages are spoken in the southern and eastern
area, which should ensure a pleasurable Sri Lankan Beach Safari.
CURRENCY
Q:
What is the currency used in Sri Lanka?
A:
Sri Lanka has a decimal currency system. The unit of currency is the
Rupees (Rs), which is divided into 100 cents. Notes are in Rs2000,
Rs1000, Rs500, Rs200 and Rs100 Rs50 Rs20 Rs10. Coins are in
denominations of Rs5, Rs2, Rs1 and 50c, 25c, 10c, 5c and 1c. At
present one US $ is worth Rs 107+(02 October 2008, refer to the
Currency converter) Sri Lanka is so affordable the your next
Beach Safari adventure or Jungle Wedding is a reality.
MONEY MATTERS
Q:
Where can I change currency?
A:
You will be required to declare all foreign currency in any form
when entering/exiting Sri Lanka and we therefore advise that you
only change money as required. The only international airport “BIA”
have banks where money can be changed and facilities are usually
available at hotels.
Q:
Are Credit Cards Accepted?
A:
Most hotels and shops accept reputed credit cards. Some have
surcharges. Cash advances are possible against Credit Cards in
certain banks. All major credit cards, including Visa, American
Express and MasterCard, are accepted at most hotels, shops and
restaurants. Proof of identity may be requested in some instances
and it is therefore useful to carry a passport or some form of photo
identification at all times.
Traveller’s cheques are accepted, mostly with identification.
American Express credit cards are not always accepted. Keep travel
documents in a safe place. It can be very inconvenient to obtain
replacement airline tickets should they be lost or stolen. A police
affidavit is required, if you want to avoid paying the full fare for
their replacement and this will definitely inconvenience your Beach
or Wild Safari Vacation or Big Game experience.
Q: Banking Facilities?
A:
Banking hours are from Monday to Friday 09h00-15h00 and Nations
Trust Bank and some other banks are open 7 days. Some banks have
24/7 service enabled. Automated teller machines (ATMs) operate 24
hours and can be found in most shopping centres. Online internet
banking facilities are available at most Large Shopping Centres.
TAXES
Q:
Does Sri Lanka charge Value Added Tax (VAT)?
A:
15% VAT tax is charged on most purchased goods and services. Ask for
more information at the airport on arrival.
DRIVERS LICENCE
Q:
May I drive a vehicle if I want to have a Self Drive Sri Lankan
Safari Adventure, if I have an International drivers licence?
A:
Yes, check prior to travelling for any special requirements, or
contact us for more information on Self Drive Tours.
Vehicles drive on the left hand side of the road in Sri Lanka.
COMMUNICATION
Q:
What is the International Direct Dial (IDD) facilities like at the
Big Game Parks?
A:
Internationall
Direct Dial (IDD) telephone Services are readily available through
your hotel, or from any Suntel Phone or Dialog KIT connection
enabled mobile phone can be found in all parts of Sri Lanka. There
are card-operated payphones. The phone IDD phone cards are easily
obtainable. When touring, it is best to obtain a phone-card before
setting out. It is also advisable to establish if your
mobile/cellular phone is compatible with the Sri Lankan network.
Mobile/cellular/satellite phones can be rented for your vacation,
contact us for more details.The country's cell phone network is an entirely GSM system.
Internet Outlets and Internet stores are readily available whether
are on your Jungle Honeymoon, Sri Lankan Wedding Adventure, Paddy
Safari or Beach Safari vacation in Sri Lanka.
MEDIA
Q:
When on an Sri Lankan Adventure Safari, can I be kept in formed of
International news events?
A:
Sri Lanka, receives CNN, SKY and BBC news broadcast as well as the
local news broadcasts. Most of the Daily Newspapers are in English
as well as magazines. So whether you are on “Sri Lankan hunting
safari adventure” or concerned about the “Facts About Sri Lanka” you
will be as informed as if you were on an "all inclusive honeymoon
vacation packages to Mexico, Cancun or Belize"
TRANSPORT
Q:
As Sri Lanka is seen as an overseas venue, is airline travel
recommended to reach Sri Lanka for your Beach Safari Honeymoon or
Jungle Safari honeymoon?
A:
Sri Lanka has only one International Airport which regularly receive
many of the World renowned Airline Carriers. Should you require
further assistance in this regard contact us and we will
assist with your regional/internal flights.
Q:
How do I get around in Sri Lanka?
A:
Sri Lanka has a First World excellent infrastructure in the metro
areas even though it’s a third world developing country. Travel by
road, air, sea and luxury train is easy. Sri Lanka lends its self to
those wishing to self-drive, and method of seeing the country is
extremely popular. There are many guided tours, by train, air
conditioned coach; there are also regular scheduled flights,
shuttle/charter flights.
SRI LANKAN WILDLIFE
Q:
what animal species can be seen in Sri Lanka?
A:
Sri Lanka’s world-renowned game reserves including the Big Games –
Elephant, Water
Buffalo, Leopard, Sloth bear, Wild boar
as well as many other species of Sri Lankan wildlife and a large
variety of bird species. Sri Lanka prides itself on preserving
nature and many protected Game Parks have been established.
SAFARI SAFETY
Q:
Will my Fiancé or family be safe on Safari?
A:
It must be remembered at all times that the Sri Lankan Wildlife that
you see, IS WILD but not wild as BIG5 in South Africa. Anyway must
not be approached on foot unless with an experienced Sri Lankan
Safari guide. Stay in you vehicle and if approached by an Elephant,
on of the Big Game, make a hasty but gentle retreat, this is his
domain.
Don’t swim in rivers without asking the village people or locals, if
it is known that crocodiles live in the area.
Don’t feed the animals, this is very dangerous and can cause the Sri
Lankan wildlife, like the Big Game to become reliant on man, with
Ecological ramifications.
Don’t walk bare foot, when on an exotic Southern Sri Lankan Safari
as there are many species of snake and insect. It is recommended
that you wear a strong walking boot when on Safari, especially when
viewing the Big Game.
CHILDREN ON
SAFARIS
Q:
Is Sri Lanka a good destination when travelling with children?
A:
Sri Lanka will create a lasting impression on any child and there
are many exciting exotic Sri Lankan adventure tours. It should be
remembered that while on a tented luxury walking safaris, the
recommended age for children on safari is six years and older.
SAFETY
Q:
How safe is Sri Lanka?
A:
Many Game Parks, Hotels have security personnel and safety is of
paramount importance, even so, it is wise to take certain standard
security precautions. Ask the place of accommodation to place your
valuables and passport in the safe. Most will have personalised
safes in the main bedroom. Always keep a record of your passport
number, airline tickets and travellers cheques, and ensure that
these items are kept in a safe place. Don’t ever leave baggage or
personal items unattended as petty thieves are always looking for an
easy opportunity. Better not travel in the North, North East, North
West Areas without contacting the government authorities or the
travel and tourism ministries since there is an ethnic war since
1983. Anyway since many parts have acquired by the Local government,
now it’s much safer than the past decade to travel over there.
Eastern part of the country has the loveliest beaches in the
country. Therefore you should not miss that area.
FOOD
Q:
What type of meals is served in Sri Lanka?
A:
In general, every type of cuisine or dietary requirement can be
catered for. Most B&B establishments, hotels and restaurants in Sri
Lanka serve delicious, hearty meals with fresh ingredients and
wonder Tropical fresh fruit. Vegetarian, kosher and halaal dietary
requirements will be accommodated with prior notice. Most of the
Sri Lanka recipes have hot and spicy ingredients, therefore beware
of what really includes in the dishes you order before confirming.
HEALTH
Q:
Do I have to make special medical precautions?
A:
There are no major medical threats in Sri Lanka, however, please
consult your physician or health department for the latest health in
Sri Lanka. There are mosquitoes in certain areas and taking the
prescribed creams, use of mosquito nets and insect sprays is usually
adequate.
Prescription medications: make sure you have enough to last during
your trip, as well as a copy of the prescription(s). Pharmacies are
available throughout Sri Lanka, so your Safari adventure will be
more pleasurable than an "all inclusive honeymoon vacation packages
to Mexico”, and have the first world facilities, as if you were
having a "Disney honeymoon packages", without the crowd.
Sri Lanka has many Class Hospitals and Clinics, that in the
eventuality of one of your party requiring medical treatment, you
can rest assured that they will receive First World medical
treatment and care while you are on vacations.
PASSPORTS AND VISAS
Q:
What travel documents do I require?
A:
Please ensure that you are holding a valid passport with sufficient
blank pages for entry stamps in each country visited, and that you
apply for visas prior to your departure. It is advisable to check
with your Embassy or Consulate for the latest visa and entry
requirements beforehand or contact us and we’ll gladly
provide you with information so that your Sri Lankan Adventure
Vacation documentation is correct. See our Embassies section.
WATER
Q:
Can I drink the water?
A:
Tap water is safe to drink in Sri Lanka. However, many types of
bottled water are available. It is also not advisable to drink any
water from rivers or streams, while viewing the Big Game, deer, or
the exotic Sri Lankan bird without prior permission of the tour
guide. Anyway most of the natural streams have unpolluted water.
ACCOMMODATION AVAILABLE
Q:
What types of accommodation is available?
A:
Sri Lanka has every conceivable type and price range of
accommodation. From, luxury air conditioned tents, Five star Hotels,
B&B’s, Big Game Parks, Ocean facing Accommodation, Villas, Back
packing, Caves, Caravans, Time Share, Private, Hostel, every
conceivable type you may require for your special Sri Lankan Safari
Honeymoon. In this regard view Accommodation.
ELECTRICITY
Q:
What’s the standard voltage used in Sri Lanka?
A:
230-240 volts.
PLACES OF WORSHIP
Q:
Are Places of Worship allowed in Sri Lanka?
A:
Sri Lanka’s Constitution has entrenched the right to Worship, and
most Religions are practiced in Sri Lanka. Enjoy your Religious
beliefs, without prejudice while on your Sri Lankan Adventure
Honeymoon or Sri Lankan hunting safari adventure. If you are a
Buddhist you have ample of places to worship in this country, since
it’s a land which lord Buddha has visited thousands years ago.
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