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• lightweight windproof shower
jacket for open air travel at sunrise and sunset, and in case of
rain
• fleece, trousers and warm hat, especially in hilly areas
• hat to protect head and neck from sun
• good quality ‘wraparound’ sunglasses with retainer
• small ruck-sack to keep belongings together and dust out
Shopping, Tipping and Eating Out
As throughout Asia a relaxed but assertive manner pays dividends.
An up to date travel book will list all the best areas to shop for
particular products en route (spice, tea, herbal remedies,
fabrics, masks and gems), as well as good quality well priced
restaurants where you can instruct your driver to take you. (Also
see responsible tourism)
Clothing
‘Beachwear’ away from the poolside or beach usually won’t cause
offence but will make you the centre of attention, shorts and
T-shirts are fine but even men shouldn’t go topless. Tracks are
often unsurfaced and uneven so trainers or all-terrain sandals are
a good idea. Though it can be cold in the hills be very wary of
sunburn, an umbrella (cheaply bought locally) doubles as a
sunshade as well as keeping off any showers. When visiting temples
women should keep legs, chest and shoulders covered, and men
should wear trousers, always remove your shoes before entering.
Responsible Tourism Sri
Lanka’s resources are limited, please use as little water and
power as possible. Carry rubbish away with you and decline plastic
bags (buy or bring fabric ‘shoppers’), apart from being unsightly
wildlife can be injured or poisoned. Common sense and common
courtesy should prevail in all your actions. Don’t buy coral, sea
shells and obviously not turtle shells, and satisfy yourself that
wooden items are from a sustainable source.
Animals
The best advice is not to handle them at all, aside from other
risks they may carry a variety of parasites and skin disease.
Don’t feed wildlife it can encourage unnatural dependency and
disease.
Swimming
Only sheltered bays or beaches protected by a coral reef are
‘safe’ for swimming, be very cautious of currents especially if
you see surf or during the wet seasons– ask hotel staff and
observe all flags and signs. Don’t touch or brush against coral
and avoid jellyfish.
Inoculations and Malaria
Always seek the advice of your doctor at least two months before
travel. Typhoid, Hepatitis A, Polio, Tetanus and Diphtheria are
generally advised as in most of Asia and Africa. It makes sense to
get a hepatitis booster within 6 months for log term cover. A
range of anti-malarial drugs that reduce the risk of contracting
malaria is available, however avoidance of bites is the most
effective prevention. Mosquitoes are a year-round issue but are
most virulent during and immediately after the monsoons. In the
evening opt for long sleeves and trousers, light coloured close
woven material is ideal, avoid perfume or after-shave and protect
yourself with a good insect repellent (such as ‘Jungle Formula’).
At night a mosquito net (especially an impregnated one) gives good
protection, along with mosquito coils or ‘buzzers’.
Water and Diarrhoea
Bacteria multiply quickly in a hot climate, diarrhoea is commonly
your stomachs reaction to the unfamiliar germs. When not
accompanied by other symptoms it should pass within 24 hours, but
it is essential to replace lost fluids and salts. Only bottled
water should be used for drinking, always check the seal and
dispose of bottles responsibly. A ‘total filter’ can be used to
purify water and avoid plastic waste, these are available from
outdoor equipment shops, however they can be expensive and
obviously won’t chill your water! Pay particular attention to
personal hygiene, wash hands often, especially before eating, keep
cuts clean and covered, use bottled water for tooth brushing. Be
wary of salads, prepared fruit and ice.
First Aid and Medical Treatment
If in doubt concerning any medical issue you should always seek
expert advice. It is sensible to carry with you antiseptic cream
or wipes, plasters, a sealed bandage, diarrhoea treatment (always
read instructions), re-hydration sachets, insect repellent and
bite soothing cream, aspirin or paracetemol and an adequate supply
of any regular medication.
Laundry
Most hotels and lodges offer a laundry service, this is often
same-day and cheap but clothing will be vigorously washed,
delicate items should not be handed over.
Communications
The privately operated phone booths will usually be cheaper than
hotel rates and are open almost all hours in some areas. Internet
facilities are widely available and offer a cheap way of
contacting home. Post can take several weeks to reach its
destination, put postcards inside envelopes and ensure that stamps
are franked.
Cameras
Colour print film is quite widely available but check the use-by
date and storage conditions before buying. More specialised
supplies should be brought with you from home (remember to check
your camera batteries). Lens cleaning materials are invaluable, a
polarising filter reduces the fading caused by strong sunlight and
silicon gel sachets inside your camera case are a good idea to
absorb any humidity. Ask before taking photos of people or
religious sites and be wary of photographing dams, airports or
other important structures. Don’t use your flash on indoor murals
and frescos – it can damage them.
Money
Rupees generally cannot be bought or exchanged outside of Sri
Lanka, a mixture of cash and travellers cheques provides the best
degree of security and flexibility. US dollars and sterling are
the easiest currencies to exchange, with American Express, Thomas
Cook and Visa being the most accepted travellers cheques. Exchange
rate is approximately 125Rs/ £1 and 90Rs/$US. There are some ATM’s
in Colombo and Kandy but credit cards should not be relied upon.
Time Difference
Sri Lanka is 6 hours ahead of GMT and 11 hours ahead of American
EST.
Visas
Are issued on entry to most nationalities and are valid for 30
days.
Electricity
The voltage is 230-240V AC, some sensitive equipment may need a
voltage stabiliser. Round 3-pin plugs are used, bring a universal
adapter from home.
Language
Sinhala and Tamil are the national languages but English is widely
spoken. A few words of Sinhala or Tamil will always be welcomed!
Useful Things to Take
Torch and batteries, insulated water bottle, mosquito net,
adhesive tape, alarm clock, wet-wipes, small ruck-sack, fabric
shopping bags, padlock.
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