Sri Lanka
25 apps · Apps verified August 9, 2026 · Guide written April 7, 2026
Quick Answer
What apps do I need in Sri Lanka?
For Sri Lanka, most travelers should download Wise, XE Currency, Airalo, and Holafly before arrival for transport, payments, maps, and connectivity. International cards are widely accepted, though keeping a backup payment option is still wise. Tap water is not generally safe to drink, so plan on bottled or filtered water.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Short answers to the questions travelers and AI assistants ask most often.
What apps do I need in Sri Lanka?
For Sri Lanka, most travelers should download Wise, XE Currency, Airalo, and Holafly before arrival for transport, payments, maps, and connectivity. International cards are widely accepted, though keeping a backup payment option is still wise. Tap water is not generally safe to drink, so plan on bottled or filtered water.
Can I drink tap water in Sri Lanka?
No, tap water is not safe to drink in Sri Lanka. Do not drink tap water. Bottled water is cheap and widely available. Be cautious with ice outside tourist restaurants. King Coconut (thambili) is a safe and refreshing alternative — sold everywhere from roadside vendors.
Should I tip in Sri Lanka?
Tipping is appreciated but not mandatory. Sri Lankans are gracious about it. Restaurants: 10% appreciated if no service charge. Some add 10% service charge.
Do I need a visa to visit Sri Lanka?
Visa requirements vary by nationality for Sri Lanka. ETA (Electronic Travel Authorization) required before arrival via eta.gov.lk. Costs $50 for most nationalities. 30-day tourist visa, extendable to 90 days at immigration in Colombo. Indian nationals get visa on arrival. Some countries get 30-day visa-free access.
What power adapter do I need for Sri Lanka?
Sri Lanka uses Type D, G power outlets at 230V, 50Hz. Mix of Type D (Indian round) and Type G (British square) outlets. Many hotels have universal sockets. Bring a universal adapter.
If you use these apps at home
How the big global apps hold up in Sri Lanka — and what locals use instead.
- If you use Uber Works here
- Yes — Uber works in Sri Lanka. Locals also use PickMe.
- If you use Uber Eats Works here
- Yes — Uber Eats works in Sri Lanka. Locals also use PickMe Food.
- If you use WhatsApp Works here
- Yes — WhatsApp works in Sri Lanka. Locals also use Viber.
- If you use Google Maps Works here
- Yes — Google Maps works in Sri Lanka. Locals also use Organic Maps, Pravesha, and RDMNS.LK.
- If you use Google Translate Works here
- Yes — Google Translate works in Sri Lanka.
- If you use Apple Pay
- For payments, locals in Sri Lanka typically use Wise and XE Currency.
Finance & Payments
2 apps
eSIM & Data Plans
4 apps
Already use N26, Revolut, or Truecaller? Some bank apps now bundle travel data, so check yours first. If not, these standalone eSIMs are the best value:
Ride Hailing
2 apps
Public Transit
3 apps
Navigation
3 apps
Food Delivery
2 apps
Communication
3 apps
Tours & Experiences
2 apps
Health & Insurance
3 apps
Dining & Reservations
1 app
💳 Payment Methods in Sri Lanka
Tourist Accessibility
Moderate accessibility
International Cards
ATM availability: common
Accepted Payment Methods
Popular Local Payment Apps
💡 Sri Lanka is heavily cash-dependent. International cards accepted at hotels, larger restaurants, and tourist shops, but NOT at small shops, tuk-tuks, or street vendors. ATMs are common in cities (~4,000 nationwide) but scarce in rural hill country and national park areas. Withdraw enough before heading to rural areas. LANKAQR merchants recently started accepting Alipay+ for tourists from select countries. Dialog tourist SIM at the airport is exceptional value: 125GB + unlimited local calls for $10/30 days.
Travel Information for Sri Lanka
Common Requirements
- Passport valid for at least 6 months
- Return/onward ticket
- Proof of accommodation
- Sufficient funds
🏧 ATM Tips
ATMs widespread in cities but scarce in rural areas. Withdraw limits 25,000-200,000 LKR per transaction. Commercial Bank and HNB ATMs are most reliable for foreign cards. Always choose LKR when prompted for currency.
💱 Money Exchange Tips
Exchange at banks or authorized dealers — airport rates are decent in Sri Lanka. 1 USD = ~300+ LKR so you'll deal with large numbers. Keep small notes for tuk-tuks and local shops. New polymer notes introduced recently.
Best Time to Visit
December to March for west/south coast and hill country. April to September for east coast. Two monsoon seasons affect different coasts — Sri Lanka always has a good-weather coast.
Languages
Sinhala, Tamil English: moderate
SIM Cards & Connectivity
Dialog tourist SIM at the airport: $10 for 125GB + unlimited local calls for 30 days — exceptional value. Alternatively, Mobitel and Airtel also available. Passport required. 4G coverage good in cities, patchy in hill country.
Transportation
PickMe is essential — the only way to get fair tuk-tuk prices without haggling. Train journeys are a highlight — book the Kandy-Ella route early via Pravesha app. Buses are cheap and go everywhere but can be crowded and chaotic. Domestic flights limited. Tuk-tuks are the main local transport outside Colombo.
Cultural Notes
- Buddhist majority — dress modestly at temples (cover shoulders, knees, and remove shoes)
- Always remove shoes before entering temples and many homes
- Do not pose with your back to Buddha statues — it is considered highly disrespectful and can result in deportation
- Use your right hand for giving and receiving
- Poya (full moon) days are public holidays — no alcohol sold and some businesses closed
- Avoid touching monks, especially women — do not hand objects directly to monks
- Head nodding means 'yes' (not a wobble like in India)
- Sri Lankans are incredibly hospitable — expect invitations for tea
- Be sensitive about the civil war (ended 2009) — avoid taking sides
Safety Rating
Emergency Numbers
Tap Water
Do not drink tap water. Bottled water is cheap and widely available. Be cautious with ice outside tourist restaurants. King Coconut (thambili) is a safe and refreshing alternative — sold everywhere from roadside vendors.
Power Outlets
230V, 50Hz
Mix of Type D (Indian round) and Type G (British square) outlets. Many hotels have universal sockets. Bring a universal adapter.
Tipping
Tipping is appreciated but not mandatory. Sri Lankans are gracious about it.
Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB)
Cheapest option. Pick up from designated area. PickMe accepts cash and cards.
Pre-paid taxi counter inside arrivals. Fixed prices to different zones. Reliable and safe.
Budget option. Express buses run frequently. Air-conditioned. Takes longer due to traffic.
⚠️ Tuk-tuk Overcharging
Drivers quote tourists 3-5x the local rate, especially from airports, train stations, and tourist areas. No meters in most tuk-tuks.
Always use PickMe app for transparent pricing. If negotiating, know approximate distances and rates.
⚠️ Gem Scam
Friendly locals invite you to a 'special' gem shop claiming gems can be resold at huge profit in your home country. Gems are overpriced or fake.
Never follow strangers to gem shops. If buying gems, only use certified dealers with proper documentation.
⚠️ Fake Tour Guides at Sigiriya
Unlicensed guides approach at Sigiriya, Lion Rock, and other sites offering cheap tours, then demand large tips or lead you to commission shops.
Book guides through your hotel or reputable agencies. Official guides have ID badges from SLTDA.
⚠️ Spice Garden Overcharging
Tour drivers take you to 'famous' spice gardens where products are marked up 500-1000%. Drivers earn commission.
If interested in spices, visit on your own terms. Prices in local markets are a fraction of spice garden prices.
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