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Sri Lanka

  • 27-06-2013 5:42pm
    #1
    killbillvol2
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 5,178 ✭✭✭


    Heading to Sri Lanka next week and I know a few posters here have been, so...

    A couple of specific questions first:

    Is there a left luggage office/lockers in Colombo Fort Railway Station?
    What's the handiest way to get rupees on arrival at Colombo airport?
    Any tips on taxis etc. from the airport - I'll be arriving close to midnight but I've booked a guest house near enough to the airport.
    Can I pick up a sim card in the airport or wait til I get to Colombo? Any recommended network?
    And generally:

    Any tips/must do etc?
    I'm provisionally looking at heading for Kandy and then a week or more in the highlands. I'm then going to make my way north to Jaffna. Other suggestions welcome!


Comments

  • #2
    ardmacha
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 7,476 ✭✭✭ardmacha


    Is there a left luggage office/lockers in Colombo Fort Railway Station?

    I think so, but haven't used it.

    What's the handiest way to get rupees on arrival at Colombo airport?

    there are multiple exchange desks before you come out, all with the same rates, give them €100.
    Any tips on taxis etc. from the airport - I'll be arriving close to midnight but I've booked a guest house near enough to the airport.

    There is a desk at the airport, when you come out in arrivals, that will be arrange taxis to town, not sure if they are good value for nearby. The guest house might send someone for a small fee.
    Can I pick up a sim card in the airport or wait til I get to Colombo? Any recommended network?

    I think there is at least one desk selling SIMS when you come out in arrivals. Mobiltel and Dialog are everywhere and inexpensive, data is good value and even calls to Ireland are not especially expensive.

    Also while you can get your visa on arrival, doing it before hand lets you skip one queue http://www.eta.gov.lk/slvisa/


  • #3
    killbillvol2
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 5,178 ✭✭✭killbillvol2


    Thanks. Visa is sorted. No definite info anywhere on left luggage but it's not a big deal.
    Generally speaking, are you better off exchanging cash or using ATMs? And do exchange rates vary wildly or is it pretty standard?


  • #4
    ThunbergsAreGo
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 10,399 ✭✭✭✭ThunbergsAreGo


    How did it go?

    Off there tomorrow


  • #5
    razor12345
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 213 ✭✭razor12345


    Hey folks, heading there at the end of year, any info greatly appreciated,


  • #6
    ThunbergsAreGo
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 10,399 ✭✭✭✭ThunbergsAreGo


    Was there last year, feel free to PM any question! What are you planning on doing?

    Great great holiday!


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  • #7
    Lombardo86
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 485 ✭✭Lombardo86


    naughtb4 wrote: »
    Was there last year, feel free to PM any question! What are you planning on doing?

    Great great holiday!

    Hi - would you mind giving some first hand info on Sri Lanka if possible? Thinking of a trip there next year for roughly 10 days..

    Want to get a feel for it. Is it a place i could do a mixture of beach/lazy days and then combine with tours/safaris etc

    Thanks!


  • #8
    ardmacha
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 7,476 ✭✭✭ardmacha


    Want to get a feel for it. Is it a place i could do a mixture of beach/lazy days and then combine with tours/safaris etc

    No better place for a bit of both. Lots of people do beach for week then a bus tour for a few days in the interior of the island, temples, tea, etc


  • #9
    Lombardo86
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 485 ✭✭Lombardo86


    ardmacha wrote: »
    No better place for a bit of both. Lots of people do beach for week then a bus tour for a few days in the interior of the island, temples, tea, etc

    It is looking likely that that's what we will do. Suppose i am looking looking for specifics as to what people did..

    - Is it easy to get around (given i will be arriving in and out of Colombo if i go?
    - In terms of cost, where is it on the scale of 1-10?
    - Is it safe etc.

    Thanks


  • #10
    killbillvol2
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 5,178 ✭✭✭killbillvol2


    Lombardo86 wrote: »
    It is looking likely that that's what we will do. Suppose i am looking looking for specifics as to what people did..

    - Is it easy to get around (given i will be arriving in and out of Colombo if i go?
    - In terms of cost, where is it on the scale of 1-10?
    - Is it safe etc.

    Thanks

    I found it easy to get around but I was travelling solo and travelling light. Trains are great value and comfortable but to limited destinations. I used buses a lot. They're dirt cheap, frequent and overcrowded. Don't sit at the front - you don't want to watch the driving.

    Hotel accommodation is overpriced for what you get in comparison to the rest of Asia. Guest houses are pretty decent value though and plentiful. Food is very cheap and can be great value at the top end.

    It's safe and the people are very friendly and warm.


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