Trip Planning
The TakeYourBackpack guidebooks are your all-in-one travel companion, featuring the best cities, national parks, hikes, beaches, and unique sites, along with essential tips on when to go, how to get around, exchanging money, and even local phrases to get you started — everything you need for a smooth, unforgettable backpacking adventure.
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Personal tip: I normally search on good rating for atmosphere (for meeting people) and location (for easy exploring). Cleanliness as a bonus.
Travel Essentials
Hepatitis A and B, typhoid, and rabies are recommended vaccinations for traveling to Sri Lanka. Consider Japanese encephalitis if you plan on extended rural stays. Make sure your routine vaccines like measles-mumps-rubella (MMR), diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis, and polio are up to date. Always consult a healthcare provider for personalized advice.
vaccination requirementsWhen I first started traveling, I often spent part of my first day in a new country hunting for a local SIM card. While this can still be slightly cheaper, it also takes time and planning.
These days, it's much simpler to install an eSIM before leaving home. Once you arrive in Sri Lanka, you can activate it immediately and have mobile data from the moment you land — which is especially useful for ordering transport or navigating away from busy airports.
There are many providers nowadays, and price differences are usually small. I personally go with Airalo, as it offers excellent network coverage throughout the country and strong global coverage, so you can manage multiple countries from a single app.
Get your e-sim for Sri LankaCulture & Customs
Dress modestly, especially at religious sites; cover shoulders and knees. Always remove shoes before entering homes or temples. Use your right hand for eating and giving; the left is considered unclean. Public displays of affection are frowned upon; keep it minimal.
For LGBTQ+ travelers, discretion is wise; same-sex relations are legal but not widely accepted. Women should be cautious in rural areas; solo travel is generally safe but avoid isolated spots at night.
Tipping isn’t mandatory but appreciated; 10% is standard. Respect local customs, and you’re good to go.
Trying traditional food is always a great way to experience the culture. Here are some must-try dishes for Sri Lanka.
- Rice and Curry: This isn’t just one dish but a spread of small dishes featuring various curries. Expect a mix of veggie, meat, and fish curries, all served with rice. It’s a staple across the island and represents the heart of Sri Lankan meals.
- Hoppers: These are bowl-shaped pancakes made from fermented rice flour and coconut milk. Often served with a spicy sambal or a fried egg in the center, they’re a favorite for breakfast or dinner.
- Kottu Roti: Think of it as the ultimate Sri Lankan street food. It’s a stir-fry of shredded flatbread, veggies, eggs, and sometimes meat, all mixed on a hot griddle. The rhythmic sound of chopping is iconic in itself.
- Pol Sambol: A simple yet spicy coconut relish made with freshly grated coconut, chili, lime, and onion. It’s a side dish that packs a punch and is perfect with rice, bread, or hoppers.
- Parippu: This lentil curry is a comforting dish made with red lentils, coconut milk, and spices. It’s a staple in Sri Lankan homes and a must-try for its creamy and spicy flavor.
Tap water in Sri Lanka is generally not recommended for tourists to drink, as it may not meet the same safety standards you’re used to. While locals often drink it, it’s safer for travelers to stick to bottled or filtered water to avoid any digestive surprises. Consider carrying a portable water filter or purification tablets if you want to reduce plastic waste.
The main language in Sri Lanka is
Sinhala. Backpacking is way more rewarding if you know a bit of the local language, so I'd suggest brushing up on the basics just in case your Sinhala skills have become a bit rusty.
Want to understand locals better?The complete Travel Guide for Sri Lanka includes 52 essential words and phrases — greetings, thank-yous, ordering food, transport, numbers, and common local expressions you'll actually hear.
Get your local basic phrases 👉
Get the Travel Guide - In Sri Lanka,
English is widely spoken, especially in urban areas and tourist destinations. It serves as a second language for many locals, particularly among the educated population, government officials, and those working in the hospitality and service industries. In cities like Colombo, Kandy, and Galle, you’ll find that most people can communicate effectively in English, making it relatively easy for travelers to navigate.
However, proficiency can vary, particularly in rural areas where Sinhala or Tamil is predominantly spoken. In these regions, you may encounter individuals who have limited English skills. Despite this, many locals are friendly and willing to help, often using gestures or basic phrases to communicate.
Overall, while English is not the official language, its prevalence in education and commerce ensures that travelers can generally find assistance and information without significant language barriers. Learning a few basic phrases in Sinhala or Tamil can enhance your experience and foster goodwill with the locals.
Money & Payments
The local currency of Sri Lanka is LKR (Rs).
When backpacking through Sri Lanka, keep some cash on hand as smaller shops and street vendors often don’t accept cards. ATMs are widespread in cities and larger towns, so you won’t struggle too much to find one, but they can be scarce in rural areas. Also, check if your bank charges withdrawal fees abroad to avoid surprises.
Carrying a mix of USD and Euros can be handy, especially for emergencies, as these are easily exchangeable. However, it’s best to convert most of your money to Sri Lankan Rupees (LKR) upon arrival. Banks offer decent exchange rates, but if you’re in a hurry, authorized money changers in tourist areas are a quick option.
Credit cards are accepted in hotels, some restaurants, and larger shops, but it’s wise not to rely solely on them. Always have enough cash for the basics like local transport, meals, and smaller purchases.
In Sri Lanka, tipping is appreciated but not mandatory. At restaurants, leaving a tip of around 10% is common if a service charge isn’t already included. For porters and taxi drivers, a small tip of 100-200 LKR is often enough to show your appreciation.
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Over the years, I've learned the importance of packing minimally. It's so much easier to jump on the back of a truck or squeeze yourself into the last spot of a minibus without that supersized backpack. If you're headed to a warm destination, leave your winter jacket at home; for colder regions, opt for thin thermal underlayers. Instead of packing your entire wardrobe, bring just three sets of clothes, as laundry facilities are available everywhere.
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Hi, I’m Johan (Netherlands 🇳🇱), the creator of TakeYourBackpack. Over the past decade, I’ve backpacked through 80+ countries across six continents, gaining extensive experience with independent travel, long-term trips, and overland routes.