Sri Lanka - Plugs and sockets: need a travel adapter? (2023)

FAQs

Do I need a travel adaptor for Sri Lanka? ›

Dual voltage rated appliance

This means that you will not need a converter or transformer but just a travel adaptor, because Sri Lanka operates on a 230V supply voltage, which is within the 110-240V range that the dual voltage appliance operates on.

In Sri Lanka the power plug sockets are of type D, M and G. The standard voltage is 230 V and the frequency is 50 Hz.

According to a press release from the PUCSL, “The Government has decided that the Type G plug and socket outlet, widely known as the 13 ampere plug and socket outlet, commonly referred to as the 'square pin' plug and socket, is to be the only national standard in Sri Lanka.

For most electronics, American travelers will only need an adapter for their international tour. But, it's very important to check your devices as any that are not dual voltage will also require a converter.

You can't use your electric appliances in Sri Lanka without a voltage converter, because the standard voltage in Sri Lanka (230 V) is higher than in the United States of America (120 V).

The best currency to take to Sri Lanka is the local currency, the Sri Lankan rupee. US dollars are also highly exchangeable at local banks and currency exchange offices.

The Type D electrical plug is also known as the Old British Plug. It has three large round pins in a triangular configuration, and may be found in countries that were originally electrified by the British. Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Benin, Botswana, Cameroon, Chad, Dem.

Type G plugs are also known as the “Commonwealth Plug .” They are widely used in the UK, Ireland, Hong Kong, Singapore, Cyprus, and Malta.

Type C (electrical socket/electrical plug)

The pins are 4 to 4.8 mm wide with centers that are spaced 19 mm apart; the plug fits any socket that conforms to these dimensions. It also fits into Type E, F, J, K or N sockets that often replace the Type C socket. Type C plugs are generally limited to a maximum of 2.5 A.

What country is Type C plug? ›

Type C: Europe, Russia, Asia

Compatible in most of continental Europe, Russia, and much of Asia outside China, this plug consists of just two round pins. Type C adapters are also compatible with Type N adapters in Brazil—but not anywhere else in South America.

Companies in Europe realized that supplying power at 220 volts instead of 110 volts would be cheaper. At a higher voltage, electric companies can deliver the same power with less current – picture a narrow stream flowing quickly compared to a wider stream flowing slowly. And less current allows for thinner wires.

The big difference between an adapter and a converter is electricity. While the purpose of an adapter is to simply help the plugs on your electronics fit into (or more aptly, adapt to the shape of) foreign outlets, a converter's job is to change the voltage found in an outlet to match that of your devices.

Apple iPhones are dual voltage and do not require a converter. Your iPhone will work anywhere in the world with the correct country adapter.

Appliances in the United States typically use anywhere between 110 and 130 volts of alternating current (AC). A majority of the world's countries, however, use 220 – 240 volts. If your appliance can only run on 110 – 130 volts, you will need to use a converter.

Persons in Sri Lanka may retain in his possession foreign currency notes up to USD 10,000 or its equivalent in other foreign currencies, for any period, by such foreign currency received as remuneration from a person resident outside Sri Lanka or purchase from an authorized entity to travel purpose or withdrawn from ...

Mobile/cell phone reception in Sri Lanka is generally very good in cities and towns, though coverage may be patchy in rural areas. Travellers can either purchase a local SIM or use their own, but they must have activated global roaming before leaving their home country.

Exercise a high degree of caution

Pay close attention to your personal security and the current health situation. Monitor the media for new and existing risks. Exercise a high degree of caution in Sri Lanka due to the threat of public demonstrations, shortages of some imported medicines and the risk of terrorism.

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.

Mobile Phones/ Devices for Personal use - Telecommunications Regulatory Commission of Sri Lanka. Only up to five (5) units can be imported/ brought for the personal use.

How many perfumes can I carry to Sri Lanka? ›

Passengers over the age of 18 years of age are allowed the following free imports: Two bottles of wine as well as one and half a litre of spirits. Two ounces of perfume and a quarter litre of eau de toilette.

Credit cards are widely accepted in Sri Lanka, particularly Visa and Mastercard. This is true for cities, most towns and other touristed areas. It's illegal in Sri Lanka to make card transactions in a foreign currency so be sure to choose Sri Lankan rupee if given the choice.

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.

Using credit and debit cards in Sri Lanka

Credit and debit cards are widely accepted in Sri Lanka, even in smaller towns. Visa and MasterCard are the most commonly accepted cards. AmEx is also accepted, but to a lesser extent. That said, it's still a good idea to carry some cash with you just in case.

A Type C plug / adapter can also be used with Type D sockets. The universal receptacle of the adapter accepts plugs from devices of every country of the world.

The USB-C connector looks similar to a micro USB or rectangular USB 3.0 connectors at first glance, though it's more oval in shape and slightly thicker to accommodate its best feature: flippability. Like Lightning and MagSafe, the USB-C connector has no up or down orientation.

Below is a list all countries and their respective outlets and plugs, voltages and frequencies used for domestic appliances. Type A and Type C are the most used plugs in the world. The U.S. uses Type A and Type B and the U.K. uses Type G.

Electrical sockets in Thailand are compatible with both flat parallel prongs (like in the United States and Japan) and two round pins (like in most European and Asian countries). While two-pin sockets are common in Thailand, some establishments like hotels and offices also have three-pin outlets installed.

The lack of such an earth pin on a type C plug makes it impossible to connect it to a type G receptacle, although it can actually be forced into the socket by sticking a pointy object into the centre hole of the power outlet, which opens up the two other holes.

The Type G electrical plug is a British three-pin rectangular blade plug that has a protective fuse inside to protect cords from high-current circuits. Type G outlets generally include safety switches.

Do you need cash in Sri Lanka? ›

Take money to Sri Lanka and spend travel money for less on the ancient island. Sri Lanka is packed with beauty, adventure and history, and is overall affordable for US tourists. Cash, credit cards and debit cards are all accepted, and you can exchange 1 USD for around 156 Sri Lankan rupee (LKR).

Electrical sockets in Thailand are compatible with both flat parallel prongs (like in the United States and Japan) and two round pins (like in most European and Asian countries). While two-pin sockets are common in Thailand, some establishments like hotels and offices also have three-pin outlets installed.

The type-c plug is used in all countries in Europe except for the United Kingdom and Ireland. This means that you will find this plug in Italy, France, Spain, Germany, and every other country throughout Europe. It is probably the most widely used international plug, and it is also called the Europlug.

You should plan to spend around LKR8,804 ($30) per day on your vacation in Sri Lanka, which is the average daily price based on the expenses of other visitors. Past travelers have spent, on average, LKR1,871 ($6.42) on meals for one day and LKR1,096 ($3.76) on local transportation.

US dollars aren't accepted in Sri Lanka, but you can sometimes pay with them at the airport, hotels, resorts, or shops and restaurants in major tourist areas.

We recommend tipping 10 per cent in cash to servers in restaurants, bars and cafes, and the same for drivers. When it comes to hotel staff, luggage porters are generally tipped USD 0.50 per bag, while we suggest leaving anywhere up to USD 1 per day for cleaners.

Even though you do need a travel adapter you do not need a converter. A converter converts electricity when you are traveling with a single voltage device. Apple iPhones are dual voltage and do not require a converter. Your iPhone will work anywhere in the world with the correct country adapter.

Using a Type B plug adapter will be ideal for Thailand.

You will need to pack a Type B plug adapter for Thailand if the plug you intend on using doesn't fit in a Thai power outlet.

The Type C plug (also called the Europlug) has two round pins. The pins are 4 to 4.8 mm wide with centers that are spaced 19 mm apart; the plug fits any socket that conforms to these dimensions. It also fits into Type E, F, J, K or N sockets that often replace the Type C socket.

Is plug Type C and F the same? ›

A type C plug is slightly thinner than F, so it will fit in both C and F. A type F is slightly thicker than C, so it will only fit in F.

Therefore, $100 USD would be equivalent to around 36,500 LKR.

Cash or card? If you're withdrawing cash in Sri Lanka, you're best bet is to use a card that offers no overseas ATM withdrawal fees, like the HSBC Everyday Global Account card or the Latitude 28° Global Platinum Mastercard.