your unofficial travel guide

Travel Know-How

Everything you need to know before and during your Sri Lanka visit. From visas to local etiquette, we've got you covered.

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HIDDEN SRI LANKA by Oshan

your unofficial travel guide

Travel Know-How

Everything you need to know before and during your Sri Lanka visit. From visas to local etiquette, we've got you covered.

Travel Essential Guides

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Visa & Entry

ETA requirements, visa fees, and entry procedures for Sri Lanka

Health & Medical

Vaccinations, hospitals, pharmacies, and health tips for travelers

Safety & Essentials

Stay safe with emergency contacts, scam awareness, and travel tips

Local Laws

Important regulations and customs to follow during your visit

Culture & Etiquette

Customs, dress codes, and cultural tips for respectful travel

Language Guide

Essential Sinhala and Tamil phrases to help you get by

Useful Links

Handy bookmarks for your adventure

FAQ

Questions everyone asks (we've got answers!)

Quick Tips & Essentials

Essential information on power, hygiene, and daily travel logistics.

✓Apply for ETA 48hrs before travel

✓Tourist Police: 1912 (24/7)

✓Carry photocopies of passport

✓Remove shoes at temples

Power & Electricity

Voltage: 230V (50Hz)

Sri Lanka uses a mix of plug types. It's best to bring a universal adapter.

Type G

British 3-pin rectangular (UK style). Most common in newer hotels and Colombo.

Type D

Old British 3-pin round (India/Nepal style). Common in older buildings and rural areas.

Type M

South African 3-pin round (Larger pins than Type D). Rare but exists in some old properties.

•Bring a Universal Travel Adapter - essential as plug types vary even within one hotel.
•If you have a Type G plug but the socket is Type D (round), you need an adapter.
•Many sockets have a switch on the wall - check it's 'ON' if charging doesn't start.
•Voltage fluctuations can occur in rural areas - a surge protector is a good idea for expensive electronics.
•The 'Pen Trick' (using a pen to open the ground pin shutter) is dangerous - use a proper adapter.

Restrooms & Hygiene

Squat Toilets

Ceramic pan on the floor. MOST COMMON in public bus stations, train stations, rural areas, and older homes/restaurants.

Bring your own toilet paper and hand sanitizer - rarely provided in public facilities

Water tap or bucket provided for cleaning - toilet paper often not used traditionally

Wear shoes that are easy to clean and have good grip

Public toilets often have a small fee (Rs. 20-50)

Face the hooded end when squatting

Western Style

Standard sit-down toilets. Found in all hotels, tourist restaurants, modern establishments, and most urban homes.

Check if toilet paper can be flushed (bins are often provided for paper due to old plumbing)

Most tourist facilities will have these - no need to worry

The 'Bum Gun' (Handheld Bidet)

Common in hotels, restaurants, modern urban homes, and tourist facilities. LESS common in rural areas and older public facilities.

Use for cleaning, then dry with toilet paper

Test pressure first - it can be strong!

Not as universal in rural/public areas as in hotels - don't rely on it being available everywhere

Essentials to Carry

Toilet paper (carry a roll/tissues, ESSENTIAL for rural/public restrooms where it's not provided)
Hand sanitizer (soap not always available in public facilities)
Small change (Rs. 20-50 coins) for public toilet attendants
Wet wipes for extra hygiene (especially at bus/train stations)