Dress code in Sri Lanka | What you need to know - Travelers Isle (2023)

FAQs

What is the dress code for Sri Lanka? ›

The Sri Lankan attitude to dress is fairly relaxed. However, in order to ensure locals are comfortable with you, you may want to ensure you dress modestly – and this applies to both men and women. In this context, dressing modestly really means covering your shoulders and your knees.

Women should wear long skirts, dresses or loose trousers and modest blouses. Men should wear long trousers. Ancient temples are considered sacred, and should be treated as such. You should remove your shoes when entering a Buddhist or Hindu temple and hats at all religious places, if carrying an umbrella unfurl it.

Much like the Europeans, the same rules of thumb apply when considering suitable attire to wear in the blazing heat: breathable fabrics such as linen and cotton, shirts, jeans and sun-hats which are all appropriate for the high temperatures that Sri Lanka experiences each season.

Although Sri Lankan attitudes to informal styles of dress are generally relaxed, women travelling alone may feel uncomfortable if not dressed modestly. Cover your legs and shoulders, and take off shoes and hats if you are entering a Buddhist temple.

Do I need to wear a face mask in Sri Lanka? Wearing a face mask is required in public spaces and on public transportation.

Smart casual includes items like blazers, sports jackets, dresses, sweaters, trousers, khakis, skirts, blouses, button-down shirts, polos, dress shoes, boots, heels, flats, scarves and jewelry.

2. Can you wear shorts in Sri Lanka? The answer to this question is pretty straightforward: yes, you can. Even the locals wear shorts to combat the heat, but please remember to steer clear of hotpants when you are packing for your trip.

As we mentioned earlier, cash is an important medium of exchange in Sri Lanka. Pretty much all shops, restaurants, and commercial establishments around the country will accept Sri Lankan rupee banknotes, and we recommend having some on hand when you travel.

Courses or boosters usually advised: Tetanus. Other vaccines to consider: Hepatitis A; Hepatitis B; Rabies; Typhoid. Selectively advised vaccines - only for those individuals at highest risk: Japanese Encephalitis.

Do you need water shoes in Sri Lanka? ›

While waterproof shoes might seem like a good idea, they're too warm for Sri Lanka's heat and humidity, so look for ventilated shoes instead. Hiking shoes: Ventilated comfortable hiking shoes is a great companion for the temples, tea plantations, and hills of Sri Lanka.

Sunblock, Sunglasses & a hat to protect against the sun and glare. Insect repellent. Lip balm. You may prefer to wear closed shoes while on safaris and whilst walking around camp.

Individual preference of beauty differs from person to person. Considering Sinhalese' aspects towards beauty, a woman is beautiful when she has small, white teeth, black eyes, shiny and healthy skin, long-black hair, large breasts (Vathsala 2008), round face and long and thin fingers.

If departs after 14 days of vaccination

Pre departure negative COVID-19 test reports should be in English (PCR report done within 72 hours prior to embarkation OR Rapid Antigen Test (RAT) report (self-swabs are disallowed) done within 48 hours prior to embarkation).

In his statement the Minister confirmed that Kenya, Oman, Turkey, Pakistan, Bangladesh, the Maldives, Sri Lanka and Egypt will be removed from the red list at 4am on Wednesday 22 September.

The Daha Ata Sanniya masks are essential accessories of ancient dance ritual in Sri Lanka, also known as devil dance. Its purpose is healing and blessing through a performance in which 18 kinds of maladies, inflicted by devils, are purged from human body.

According to Debretts, jeans can be smart casual, but only on the condition that the event or place you're heading to is a more laid back one. (Jeans would not be welcome at a smart casual wedding, for example.) However, the denim in question should be immaculate - so give the ripped knees a miss.

The casual dress code typically consists of jeans, T-shirts, and cardigans. If you prefer skirts and sneakers, go for them! This is a relaxed and comfortable type of dressing – have some fun!

Individual preference of beauty differs from person to person. Considering Sinhalese' aspects towards beauty, a woman is beautiful when she has small, white teeth, black eyes, shiny and healthy skin, long-black hair, large breasts (Vathsala 2008), round face and long and thin fingers.

What are the items prohibited to bring to Sri Lanka? ›

Without hesitation, we respond… “absolutely, yes it is.” There is really no doubt in our minds that Sri Lanka is generally one of the safest places to visit in Asia, if not the world. While the economic and political issues are by no means solved, they will no longer impinge in any way on travellers.

In Summa Theologica, Aquinas wrote that beauty consists of three elements: consonantia, claritas, and integritas. That which is beautiful has proportion, clarity, and integrity.

The average Sri Lankan is 160.12cm (5 feet 3.04 inches) tall. The average man in Sri Lanka is 165.68cm (5 feet 5.23 inches) tall. The average woman in Sri Lanka is 154.56cm (5 feet 0.85 inches) tall.

The top of the head is considered to be the most important part of the human body. To touch someone on the top of their head, especially a baby or child, is rude and insensitive.

They are not prohibited but a valid license / permit is required for the importation of such items. Following are some controlled items and a list of authorities to obtain a license to import. – Telecommunication Regulatory Commission: For Mobile Phones, Radio Transmitting Devices and other communication equipment.

Tipping your driver/guide after your journey is normally part of the experience in Sri Lanka, particularly as they are trying very hard to make your trip memorable. This is all at your discretion. The average tips are from US$ 5-50 for driver/guide per day. This tip is dividable among the member of your group.

It can get quite chilly during the evenings on safari, which is why we recommend always taking a warmer layer on safari. Take your fleece, jacket, and beanie or scarf along with you to dinner and stay snug and warm as you tell safari stories next to the fire.

SAFARI PACKING TIPS: COLOUR

What colour should you wear on safari? We recommend neutral safari clothing for your African travels. This includes shades of khaki, brown, beige/tan, and green. These colours blend in well with the bush and are best-suited to safari travel for a few important reasons.

Tap Water. Please note the tap water in Sri Lanka is not drinking water. It will do you no harm for brushing your teeth, but please only drink bottled water.

Can you drink tap water in Sri Lanka? ›

Water and food

Avoid drinking tap water in Sri Lanka. Although it's generally chlorinated and safe to drink, the unfamiliar micro-organisms it contains (compared with what you're used to at home) can easily precipitate a stomach upset.