Preparations (air tickets, hotel, visa)

Sri Lanka Travel Packing List|Essentials for Entry, Sightseeing and Hygiene! How to Choose Plug Adapters and Clothing?

21 April 2023

Sri Lanka, with its abundant natural beauty and World Heritage sites, is also known as a popular tourist destination for women, isn't it?

Essential tips for solo travellers to Sri Lanka from an experienced perspective!! Make the most of 'Lanka Me' to efficiently explore the World Heritage Sites!

 

It's important to check in advance what you need for your trip, isn't it?

 

Today I'd like to share a list of items to pack for a trip to Sri Lanka.

I shall share the items I actually took with me when travelling to Sri Lanka, so I hope you will find this useful.

 

What is the climate and local atmosphere like in Sri Lanka?

 

The climate in Sri Lanka varies between the south and west versus the north and east, so the weather differs depending on where in Sri Lanka you are travelling to.

The climate in the south and west is,There are two rainy seasons: April to June and October to November.

 

It is conceivable that rainfall may increase due to the influence of the monsoon.

Moreover, the climate in Colombo isApproximately 27 degreesand it is pleasant to live in throughout the year,In the highland areas, it is approximately 16 degrees.and it becomes cooler.

 

The northern and eastern regions,October to March is the rainy season.

Although rainfall is relatively low, factors include dry conditions, significant temperature fluctuations, and high temperatures.

 

Sri Lanka offers everything from tranquil regions to thriving cities, but above all, it boasts abundant natural beauty where you can enjoy a leisurely pace of life.

 

Essential for your Sri Lanka trip! Basic packing list

Here are some essentials for travelling in Sri Lanka.

In Sri Lanka, there aren't as many convenience stores as there are in Japan, so even if you fancy something, shopping isn't always straightforward.

 

Let's make sure we have all the essentials before we go!

 

Passport (with at least six months' validity remaining)

Without a passport, you cannot travel at all, but the crucial point is that it must have at least six months' validity remaining.

Even if you hold a passport, if the remaining validity period falls below six months,Travel is not permitted.so be careful.

 

It is also advisable to make a copy of your passport.

 

Copy of the ETA approval letter

Even if you are only visiting Sri Lanka for a few days for tourism purposes, you will need to apply for a visa.

However, during the period from August 2019 to 31 January 2020,For stays of up to six months for tourism purposes, a tourist visa is no longer required.

 

However, please note that although acquisition is no longer required, application remains mandatory.

You can apply online or easily apply at the airport, so rest assured.

 

Those wishing to apply in advance may refer to the information below.

Related:A Comprehensive Guide to Preparing for Your Sri Lanka Trip! Covering everything from budget flights and visa applications to itinerary planning.

Once you have applied for your visa, please keep the copy of the approval letter safe.

Not needing to obtain a visa means that you are also exempt from the associated fees.

スリランカの入国申請書

 

 

Cash (yen)

The currency of Sri Lanka is called the Sri Lankan rupee.

US dollars and South Korean won, among others, can be exchanged in Japan before travelling to the destination, butSri Lankan rupees cannot be exchanged in Japan.

 

Therefore, please take Japanese yen with you and exchange it in Sri Lanka.

There are plenty of currency exchange counters inside Sri Lanka Airport, so you needn't worry.

 

However, exchange rates apply, and you stand to gain more with a favourable rate.

When you go to Colombo, you'll find it on Mudalige Mawatha.Crown Money ExchangeThat's why it's recommended, as you can exchange currency at a better rate than at the airport!

 

Credit card

Be sure to take your essential credit card for overseas travel.

Please check in advance whether it can be used for overseas travel.

 

In Sri Lanka,When using a credit card, you will be asked, "Japanese yen? Sri Lankan rupees?"

In this case, remember that it is often more advantageous to respond with "Sri Lankan rupees" and have the transaction settled at the Sri Lankan rate.

 

Additionally, in Colombo, there have been incidents of credit card skimming, so extreme caution is required when using them.

 

clothing

Sri Lanka is, fundamentally, a country with high temperatures,You can get by in Japanese summer attire.

For sun protection and air-conditioning countermeasuresIt's reassuring to have a light jacket, such as a thin hoodie, to hand.

 

Air-conditioning is often set to an unusually low level, not only within Sri Lanka but also on aeroplanes.

The UNIQLO Ultra Light Down jacket proved extremely useful, being warm without being bulky.

 

Furthermore, as 70% of Sri Lanka's population are Buddhists and hold their faith in very high regard, you may be required to remove your hat or shoes when visiting Buddhist sites.

At the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic in Kandy, visitors are not permitted to enter wearing casual attire such as shorts, tank tops, or ripped jeans.

 

Related:Experience a puja at the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic in Kandy!! Discover the highlights around Kandy, including recommended hotels.

swimsuit

If one of your reasons for travelling to Sri Lanka is the beaches, do remember to pack your swimwear.

Sri Lanka's beaches are exceptionally beautiful, allowing you to fully enjoy the resort areas.

 

It is also not uncommon for hotels to have a permanent swimming pool.

Given the likelihood that you'll want to go swimming in a hot country, it would be wise to take it with you.

Related:Review of the hotel used during my trip to Sri Lanka!! A thorough assessment based on price, accessibility from tourist spots, booking methods, and comfort level.

However, as local women tend not to wear revealing clothing due to religious reasons, those who are concerned may wish to wear a swimwear cover-up or similar over their swimwear.

 

hat

As the sun is very strong in Sri Lanka,A hat is an essential item.will become.

Even if you don't usually wear a hat, do take one with you as protection against heatstroke and sunburn.

 

In some places, you may need to remove it, so please take care not to lose or leave it behind.

 

trainers

In Sri Lanka, where there are many places to visit, it's better to wear flats rather than heels.Sneakers are recommended.

Choose shoes that you are accustomed to wearing.

 

Sunscreen

It is advisable to take sun protection measures as much as possible.Let's take sunscreen with us too.

For reapplying every few hours, having a portable sunscreen is more convenient.

 

hairdryer

Some hotels provide hairdryers, but around half of them do not.

Ladies and those who cannot sleep unless their hair is dry should bring their own.

 

Insect repellent spray

As there are a great many mosquitoes in Sri Lanka, if you don't use insect repellent spray, you'll get bitten a lot.

Prepare a few items that are portable in size.

 

Furthermore, throughout Sri LankaDengue fever can sometimes become epidemic.Let us take every possible precaution.

 

Insect bite ointment

It is said that if you are bitten by a mosquito in Sri Lanka, you will be struck by an extremely intense itch.

Therefore, we recommend bringing insect bite medication with you.

 

SIM-free smartphones/rental Wi-Fi

With a SIM-free smartphone, you can simply purchase a local SIM card to use your phone.

Having a smartphone is rather handy for all sorts of things, so it's best to have one.

 

Alternatively, you can use a rental WiFi service.

Related:A comprehensive guide to securing internet access in Sri Lanka! Consider SIM cards and pocket Wi-Fi.

mobile battery

Even if you have a smartphone, it's no use if the battery runs out quickly.

Always carry a mobile battery with you so you can charge whenever needed.

 

We recommend opting for a mobile battery with as large a capacity as possible.

 

Transformers and Converters (Multi-Type)

In Sri Lanka,You'd be well advised to take both the converter and the transformer.

With so many different plug types, unless you take a multi-type adapter with you, you won't know which type of socket you'll be able to use.

 

Sri Lanka has four types of electrical sockets: Type B, Type B3, Type C, and Type BF.

コンセントタイプ

 

The hotel where the author stayed offered three types of accommodation: Type A, B3, and SE.

Furthermore, there are generally multiple types of sockets rather than just one single type.

 

In fact, during my travels, I found the following items to be entirely sufficient.

万能コンセント

 

 

Furthermore, whereas Japan operates on 100V,Sri Lanka operates on 230V.

Do not forget to use a transformer, as plugging it directly into the socket without one may cause damage.

 

However, iPhone chargers are generally compatible with 100V-240V, so they can be used without a voltage converter.

 

Carry-on case/Backpack

We recommend a suitcase or rucksack with enough space to accommodate your return luggage.

Some people have similar luggage, so it's a good idea to add your own distinctive mark.

 

cosmetics

There are differences in quality between Sri Lankan and Japanese products, soPlease bring along the cosmetics you are accustomed to using on a daily basis.

It's a good idea to pack a small pouch with just the essentials for quick touch-ups while travelling!

 

Toothbrush set

Do remember to brush your teeth.

After all, Japanese-made products are of better quality, and the toothpaste is easier to use too.

 

medicines for regular use

In addition to your regular medication, it is advisable to carry headache tablets, fever reducers and painkillers, anti-diarrhoea medication, and travel sickness tablets.

Stomach medicine is also essential, as food may not agree with you or stress can cause stomach ache.

 

sanitary products

As you never know when you might need them, please carry sanitary products with you.

Even if it's not your expected period or you're travelling after your period has ended, it's still advisable to have some with you just in case.

 

Hygiene measures for a comfortable girls' trip! A handy list of items to bring

Hygiene is a concern when travelling abroad.

In Sri Lanka, it is not uncommon to find places without toilets, so it is necessary to create an environment where one can maintain personal hygiene independently.

 

Antibacterial wet wipes

Antibacterial wet wipes can be used when you want to wash your hands but cannot, or before meals.

When travelling abroad, it actually comes in handy more often than you'd think!

 

Toilet paper/Flushable tissues

In Sri LankaMany places lack toilet paper.Please bring your own toilet paper or flushable tissues.

 

Disposable toilet seat cover

As the toilets may not always be very clean, it's reassuring to carry disposable toilet seat covers.

Flushable disposable toilet seat covers are also available and recommended.

 

Sweat-wiping sheet

In Sri Lanka, where temperatures are high, it is not uncommon to work up a sweat whilst sightseeing.

Use a cleansing wipe to keep your body clean.

 

UV-protective sweat-wiping sheets are also available, making it convenient to protect against sunburn at the same time.

 

What items are prohibited from being brought into Sri Lanka?

In Sri Lanka,Obscene materials, antiques, ancient artworks, items subject to the Washington Conventionare prohibited from being brought in.

Please be mindful that there are restrictions on bringing in items such as tobacco, alcohol, and perfume.

 

Summary

The items to take on a trip to Sri Lanka are all important ones, aren't they?

As there are many things you must not forget, please prepare your luggage by making a checklist.

 

A comprehensive guide to preparing for your Sri Lanka trip, from a traveller's perspective!

 

To make your trip to Sri Lanka a rewarding one!

The author has visited over 40 countries during his time from university to his working life.

In developed countries like Europe and America, as well as in Southeast Asia and China, public transport is well-developed and English is widely understood, so I travelled with a rucksack.

 

However, Sri Lanka still lacks a well-developed public transport system, making chartering a taxi the most viable option for getting around.

Sri Lanka boasts numerous World Heritage Sites within its borders, and chartering a taxi to efficiently tour the attractions is another appealing aspect.

Thoroughly examining the effectiveness of taxi charters for affordable and comfortable tours in Sri Lanka!

The author utilised the 'Lanka Me' service operated by Sri Lanka Taxi Charter Service to efficiently tour Sri Lanka.

ランカミー(LankaMe)

Lanka Me's website

 

Sri Lankan taxi services are highly appealing in the following respects and I can personally recommend them.

  • Comprehensive support system provided by a former general trading company executive until departure
  • A pricing structure that is more affordable than that of major travel agencies
  • Detailed explanations of tourist attractions by drivers qualified as guides
  • A sense of security underpinned by extensive usage records
  • Support desk assistance for on-site issues

Further details regarding our Sri Lanka taxi charter service are provided below, so we would be grateful if you could take a look.

 

Lanka Me's website

 

 

-Preparations (air tickets, hotel, visa)