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Useful Informations | |
Tourism Information
ComplaintsComplaints regarding Tourist services could be made to the Director, Corporate Division, Sri Lanka Tourism Tel +94 112 437 057 ToutsBeware of touts. Avoid them. Do not accept their offer to give more for your foreign currency or lead you to shops which give you special bargains it will all be for the tout's bargain only.
A fully fledged tourist police force has been established at Sri Lanka tourism premises. Its functions are re-establishing a network of Tourist police stations in key tourist areas for visitors, both local and foreign to enjoy a hassle free holiday. The division will also protect from negative practice such as use of children for commercial sex, drugs, and other undesirable activities. You may contact the Tourist Police Division for assistance and inquiries at Tel: +94 112 421 451
Sri Lanka has a unified exchange rate for foreign currencies which floats in response to basic exchange market developments. Sri Lanka CurrencySri Lanka has a decimal currency system. One Sri Lanka rupee is divided in to 100 Sri Lankan cents. Currency notes are in the denominations of Rs.10/-, Rs. 20/-, Rs. 50/-, Rs. 100/-, Rs.200/-,and Rs.1000/-Rs.2000/-, Denominations clearly marked in additional to Sinhala and Tamil . Coins commonly in use are the following Denominations; 5cents, 10cents,25 cents,50 cents ,One Rupees, Tow Rupees, Five Rupees and ten Rupees. Currency RatesFor up to date currency rates, please click the link below: These rates are subject to fluctuation each day. Traveller's cheques earn slightly more. Note: The rates apply to all bills paid in foreign currency at hotels, travel agents or shops are licensed to transact business foreign currency only. Foreign currencies other than Pound sterling, U.S Dollars, Deutsche marks and Japanese Yen are not necessarily accepted at provincial banks. Currency RegulationsVisitors to Sri Lanka bringing in excess US$ 10,000 should declare the amount to the Customs. All unspent monies, which were converted from foreign currencies declared on arrival, can be re-converted to original currency. You are required to produce encashment receipts. Credit cardsMany hotels and shops accept reputed Credit cards. No surcharge should be permitted for its use. Cash advances are possible against Credit cards in certain banks. ImportantRetain some of your hotel and shopping receipts specially for gems. Those worlds make customs clearance easy.
Banking facilities have grown and widened tremendously to cope with the sophisticated needs of today's businessman. Sri Lankan and foreign banks provide an expanding range of services easy. Banking hoursBanks keep increasingly flexible hours to suit computer convenience. All banks are open from 09000 hrs to 1300 hrs Monday to Friday. Some city banks close at 1500hr, while still others have night banking facilities too. Some banks are open on Saturdays for limited number of hours for transactions. Banks are closed on Sundays, all public Holidays and bank holidays on June 30 and December 31. Exchanger Counters
Nationals of over 24 countries are exempt from visa requirements. However the visa they obtain at the point of entry is formally valid for only 30 days. For details contact; the Department of emigration and Immigration, Andanda Rajakaruna Mw, Maradana Colombo10 Tel: (+94) 115 32900, (+94) 115 329316/20/21/25 The Government of Sri Lanka will take action against visitors to the country who overstay their visas. Hotels and guest house which harbour such persons are also liable to prosecution. Passport PhotosMost photographic Studios in Colombo, supply urgent passport size photo for visa and other requirements. Airport EntryEnter to the Bandaranaike International Airport, Aktunayake, is restricted except for embarking passengers. Those who wish to meet incoming passengers may do so by purchasing a ticket. Embarkation TaxRs.1500/= at Bandaranaike International Airport , Katunayake.(Subject to change) Departure and Transit lodgeThere are several shops in the transit & Departure lounge of the Bandaranaike International Airport , Katunayake which sell gems, ceramics, handicrafts, batiks, cut-flower , books and picture postcards of Sri Lanka . Payment is accepted only in foreign currency.
The duty free shop at the transit and departure lounge of the Bandaranaike International Airport, Katunayake has an extensive range in well known brands of liquor, hi-if equipments, wrist watched cameras, films, perfumes cosmetics, electrical appliances, cigarette lighters and souvenirs. Payment is accepted only in foreign currency. Passengers arriving of duty free liquor from the duty free counter which is situated after immigration checkpoints. Custom formalitiesVisitors are required re-export articles brought in as personal effects. Make sure that you take back cameras and photographic equipment and any transistor radios, recorders and sound equipment declared on arrivals .The Customer check is usually oral. However, random examinations of baggage is carried out.
Arrival
Professional Teams Filming and photographic equipment will be allowed and valid carnet or a bank guarantee or on a refundable deposit of the duty payable on the items. Departure Permitted
Not Permitted
Purchases made in Sri Lanka out of foreign currency bro • Tea • Antiques • Gems
The taking of rubbings of sculpture at protected monuments is generally discouraged. It is allowed only with prior authority. Obtain permission from the Archaeological office in Colombo or at the site
Alcoholic drinks are freely available at public bars, restaurants, wine shops, stores & super markets. However sale of liquor is prohibited on Poya Days (Full Moon Days).most hotel bars and restaurants also observe this rule.
230-240 VOLTS 50 CYCLES A.C.
Sri Lanka has a five day week. In addition to Saturdays and full moon (poya) day of each month is a public holiday. All places of entertainment (including cinemas) and bars are closed on Poya day. Hotels make special arrangements for customers to order their drinks the day before a poya Holiday.
Television Sri Lanka has two state owned TV channels Rupavahini and the Independent Television Network (ITN). In addition to those, there are private channels - MTV, Sirasa TV, TNL, ART TV, Swarnawahini, Derana, Max TV, TV Lanka & Shakthi TV, 11 Stations cable satellite TV Services available. ART TV caries CNN news bulletins. ETV, MTV CARRIES For News and ART TV are exclusive English channels; English movies and documents are featured on other channels as well. Radio In addition to the state run Sri Lanka Broadcasting Corporation (SLBC), several new private radio stations are on the air on FM bands. Over 15 radio channels in Sinhala, English and Tamil. Yes FM, E, TNL, Lite, SUN FM, Neth FM, Real Radio offer latest contemporary music & programming. Gold FM and Classic offer vintage fare. Newspapers English Dailies; Morning Leader, Ceylon daily News, The Island < Daily Mirror, Week and express, On Sunday; Sunday Observer, Sunday Island the Sunday Times, the Sunday Leader, The Nation, Lakbima News.
EMS Lanka (International) – D. R. Wijewardena Mw, Colombo 01, Tel : 2447844, 2328359 Ext. EMS . EMS ( Domestic )Post master General's Office, Colombo 01. Tel 2447844 FedEx Express – 65C, Dharmapala Mw, Colombo 07 Tel 4522222, 2255846, 2487871 Aramex – 14, Albert Crescent, Colombo 07 Tel : 267977, 4728100 Antron Express – (Pvt) Ltd _ no. 16/5, Elliot place, Borella Tel: +94 112 370840 TNT International Express – 315, Vauxhall St, Colombo 02. +94 112 3084 44 DHL – 130,Glennie St, Colombo 02 Tel +94 112 304304 Domestic Express – 35/8, Polhingoda Ed, Colombo Tel: +94 717 47147, +94 4619 918
Colombo and most provincial towns are linked by direct dial telephone service. Each provincial exchange where direct dialling facilities are available has code number which precedes the subscriber's number .When dialling within the same exchange, do not dial the code. Example: from Kandy to travel Information centre, Colombo. Tel: +94 112 437059. Within Colombo , +94 112 437059. From Colombo to Tourist Information Office, Kandy , 0812222661 Kandy there are card operated pay-phones. The phone cards are easily obtainable from the shops near the pay-phone kiosk. The minimum cost of a phone card is Rs.100/- when touring. It is best to obtain a phone – card before setting out.
There are four mobile telephone services operating in Sri Lanka All of them –Togo, Mobitel, Air Tel, Hutch and Dialog GSM- serve Colombo and the suburbs and Kandy. Except for Hutch all others Have Island – wide coverage. A wide range of services and packages are offered by all. Information can be sort through the wide network of centres in Colombo and suburbs. The four services offer varying tariff and services packages, and is best to study all before picking on one. Some Packages, of little day-to day benefit, may hide high call costs. Those mobile phone services are ideal call costs. These mobile phone services are ideal for business travellers who need quick contact during a short and busy stay. They are also good for investors at the initial stage of setting up business. Tigo: +94 112 5415141 Mobitel: +94 717 55777 Dialog GSM: +94 777 678678 Hutch: +94 785 785785 Air Tel: 075 5 755 755 Freight Service
Baggage Express: 414/18 Bloemendhal Rd, Colombo 13, Tel: +94 112 391207 Fax: +94 112 391709 Hotline : +94 777562420, 071562420 International moving, sea Air & door service Quality export packing. Postal
For information on postal rates contact, the General post Office Bristol Street, Colombo 1. Tel +94 112 326203. Speed Post Sri Lanka (Domestic Courier Service) Tel +94 112 440907
The Sri Lankan Philatelic Bureau, General Post Office Bristol St. , Colombo 01,has exhibition and sales outlet for all Sri Lanka stamps first day covers, special, etc. of interest to the philatelist. Tel: +94 112 326153, +94 112 326177.
Trained Registered Guide Lecturers carry identity cards issued by the Ceylon Tourist board. They could be hired thought the Travel Information Centre. Tel: +94 112 347059, or Approved Travel Agent or President, National Tourist Guide Lecturers Association of Sri Lanka 37/35 Temple Road.Colombo10.Tel : +94 112 681214.
Tipping is optional. It is left o the customer to tip if satisfied with service. Most hotels and restaurants include a service charge of 10% in any bill. In the event of your wishing to give a tip, about 10 cent of the bill is generally considered affair tip. |
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