FAQ's
FAQ’S About Travel to India
Q: WHICH IS THE BEST PERIOD TO VISIT INDIA?
A: India is a big country - almost a sub continent and one part or the other is always worth visiting due to the favourable weather. However, in general, most of the places in plains are best visited from October - March and the ones at the higher reaches are best experienced in summer (April - September). Of course the monsoon rains are a big attraction these days.
Q: IS VISA REQUIRED FOR INDIA?
A: Yes, actually it is a must. Visas are the responsibility of the traveller. As a general rule most of the countries expect your passport with six months validity.
The visa rules keep changing so please check them yourself before going ahead.
Q: WHAT IS THE CURRENCY OF INDIA?
A: It is Rupee, being equal to Rs. 100 paise. The denominations in which it is available are: Rs 1000, 500, 100, 50, 20, 10 & 5. Coins are available in Rs. 5, 2, 1 & Paise 50.
Q: WHERE CAN I CHANGE CURRENCY?
A: Money exchange counters are available at all international airports in India, as well as most hotels and major cities. Many of the wildlife resorts across India do not have the facilities to exchange money and it is a good idea to carry enough Indian money with you for your expenses.
Q: HOW IS THE MOBILE PHONE COVERAGE IN INDIA
Mobile coverage is good in urban areas and big cities but patchy and unreliable in rural areas. Make sure you get the global roaming activated before you leave your country.
Q: WHAT ABOUT PHOTOGRAPHY IN INDIA - CAN I TAKE PICTURES OF PEOPLE, MONUMENTS, WILDLIFE, AIRPORTS, ETC?
A: In general Indian people like to be photographed with foreign tourists. You could in general take photos of public, market, streets, building, etc without any hesitation. However, while shooting ladies, close-up of people, it is advised to seek permission first. At the monuments and wildlife sanctuaries, it is usually allowed by paying a prescribed camera fee. In case you wish to make a documentary or movie, in that case a special permission is required which has to be obtained from the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) in advance. At the airports and railway stations, usually photography is not permitted.
Q: WHAT TYPE OF CLOTHES IS REQUIRED TO BE WORN AT RELIGIOUS PLACES AND IN GENERAL ANYWHERE IN INDIA?
A: During summer months, light cottons and during winters, warm clothing is a must. As India is a warm and humid (coastal region) country, light colour lose fitting long garments would do well. While visiting temples and mosques, one should have preferably shoulders and head covered with a scarf or handkerchief as well as legs fully covered, especially in case of ladies. One is usually expected to enter without footwear inside a temple. At places, non-Hindus may not be permitted at the sactum sanctorum of temples. Of course one can even try Indian outfits (like Qurta - Pyjama, Salwar Qurta, etc) which are cotton clothes, being very comfortable wears. While visiting the wildlife sanctuaries, one should wear only beige, khaki, white or camouflaging clothes (not the
Q: IS SMOKING ALLOWED IN INDIA?
A: All public places in India are declared non smoking zones, hence you must look for proper place which is meant for smoking. If found smoking just about anywhere, one could be fined for that.
Q: WHAT VOLTAGE IS USED IN INDIA?
A: Here we have 220 - 250 V electricity supply. In India there are different plug-in pins than in Europe or other countries. Hence it would be a good idea to bring in the multi-plug and dry cells from home country. Though most of the big star hotels do provide them now.
Q: HOW ABOUT THE NIGHT LIFE IN INDIA?
A: India is not really known for the night life, but yes, there are plenty of discos, night clubs, bars, shopping areas that are open till late, mostly in bigger cities and starred hotels. Though Mumbai and Goa are better known for it.
Q: HOW SAFE IS WATER IN INDIA?
A: At starred hotels, in general, it is quiet safe where they provide you filtered water, however, you should usually stick to the mineral water at all places. However, never try the same from roadside taps, or open air restaurants, etc. As you are in a different country and your stomach is not used to this water, it is best to only use bottled water.
Q: IS TIPPING CUSTOMARY?
A: Yes, it is well accepted. Usual is 10% at the restaurants. Also the porters at airports (except metro cities in India), hotel bell boys, private driver, etc would be happy to have it at the end of their good and dedicated service.
Q: WHAT IS THE BEST THING TO DO IF PESTERED BY BEGGARS AND STREET URCHINS?
A: Well, you can start by ignoring them completely and if they get too persistent give them a stern look.
Q: HOW GOOD IS THE CONNECTIVITY IN INDIA?
A: Indian destinations are well connected by flights, vast network of trains and of course by road. If you have sufficient time, you should usually travel with a combination of road and rail so as you can get to see more of real India. Of course after the recent aviation boom, now there are so many flights possibilities for the modern jet set tourists.
Q: HOW SHOULD I CARRY MY MONEY AROUND?
A: In a money belt or in a passport pouch that is carried around the neck. This way it is always in front of you, in your sight.
FAQ'S About Travel to Nepal
Q: WHEN IS THE BEST TIME TO GO TO NEPAL?
A: Plan to visit Nepal between October and May, keeping in mind that October-November and February-March are the best times (but crowded with other travelers).October and November are considered the best times of the year. The monsoon will have just ended, and clear skies with optimal temperature will prevail. The main festivals of Dashain and Tihar (Hindu equivalent of Christmas in terms of festivity) fall during these months. From mid-June to early October, it's the monsoon, during which time it rains almost everyday and most of the Himalayas are hidden behind the clouds.
Q: WHAT SORT OF CLOTHING SHOULD I BRING WITH ME?
A: Clothing depends on place and time. Medium-weight and easy to wash cottons can be a good choice year-round in the Kathmandu valley. It is recommended that between October to February, woolen sweaters, jackets or similar other warm outfits are necessary. From March through May, light clothing such as short and long-sleeved shorts will do perfectly fine at Kathmandu, Pokhara and most other towns. For mornings and evenings, a jacket or heavy woolen sweater will be essential. For months from June to August, it is recommended that you bring an umbrella or raincoat and a pair of sandals with you as these months are the rainy months of Nepal. Expect lot of walking even if you don't plan to trek. So it's recommended that you bring comfortable footwear: sneakers and sandals are the best
If you intend to go for trekking, a pair of hiking boots will be great. Bring plenty of woolen socks too. Specialized trekking gear is easily available and can be rented in fairly inexpensive charge in Kathmandu and Pokhara:
Q: DO I NEED A VISA TO ENTER NEPAL?
A: All foreign nationals, except Indian Citizens, need visas to enter Nepal.
Visas are the responsibility of the traveller. As a general rule most of the countries expect your passport with six months validity.
The visa rules keep changing so please check them yourself before going ahead.
Q: WHAT DO I NEED TO GET MY VISA?
A: You need a valid passport, two passport size photos and money.
Q: WHERE DO I APPLY TO GET MY VISA?
A: The best way to apply for visa is from the Royal Nepalese diplomatic missions in your home country.
• The other choice is to get it from Immigration office at the entry points of Nepal.
Q: NOW, WHAT ARE THE ENTRY POINTS OF NEPAL?
A: They are:
• Tribhuvan International Airport, Kathmandu
• Kakarvitta (Jhapa) (Eastern Part of Nepal that has border with India)
• Birgunj, (Parsa) (Central Part of Nepal that has border with India)
• Kodari (Sindhupalchok) (Northern Border with Tibet)
• Belahiya, (Bhaieahwa) (Rupandehi, Western Part that has border with India)
• Jamunaha (Nepalgunj) (Banke, Mid-western Part that has border with India)
• Mohana (Dhangadhi) (Kailali, Far Western Part that has border with India)
• GaddaChauki (Mahendranagar) (Kanchanpur, Far Western Part that has border with India)
Q: WHAT ARE HEALTH REQUIREMENTS TO VISIT NEPAL?
A: Nepal does not require any specific immunization for visitors. It is however best to have vaccine before coming to Nepal. Your doctor can advice you on the type of vaccine to be taken to travel to third world countries like Nepal.
Q: HOW TO STAY IN GOOD HEALTH WHEN TRAVELING IN NEPAL?
A: Enter Nepal with one or two vaccine taken for common diseases like malaria. When in Nepal, eat thoroughly cooked food. Avoid salad. Drink only the reputed brand of bottled water. Soft drinks like Coke, Pepsi are fine to drink. Avoid Fast foods. Wear a mask (if possible) when walking in the dusty and polluted streets, specially during the summer season in Nepal it can be tough to walk in the streets.
Q: WHERE AND HOW DO I EXCHANGE MY MONEY INTO NEPALESE RUPEE?
A: All major banks in Nepal exchange convertible hard currencies into Nepalese rupees. There is an exchange counter in the Kathmandu airport for you to start off. The US dollar is the most widely accepted currency. Don't exchange more money than is necessary for usage in the next couple of days because exchanging Nepalese rupees back to hard currency is not easy: it can be done only at the airport before you leave, and only a certain fraction of what you originally exchanged into Nepalese rupees can be re-converted. Besides banks, there are licensed money exchangers in Kathmandu, Pokhara and Sunauli. It is important to retain your exchange receipts in order to apply for visa extension and re-conversion of left-over Nepalese rupees when you leave Nepal.
Q: CAN I USE MY CREDIT CARD?
A: Many tourist related businesses have started accepting payments in credit cards. It is, however, a fairly recent phenomenon, and cards other than Visa and Mastercard may not be accepted in most places. Remember that usage of credit cards in Nepal can cost you an extra three to five percent in transaction costs.
Q: ARE THERE ATM MACHINES WHERE I CAN DRAW FUNDS FROM MY HOME COUNTRY BANK USING MY ATM CARD?
A: Commercial Banks such as Himalyan Bank and Nabil Bank have installed ATM machine's in some places of Kathmandu but you may or may not be able to draw money from these machines depending upon the type of machine.
Q: HOW SAFE IS NEPAL?
A: Nepal is one of the safest places in the world. Violent crimes are very rare, and the only real concern to a traveller is petty theft. However, if you take basic common sense precaution, there is nothing to fear. Don't bring valuable things with you unless necessary for your trip. Keep your money and other valuables in a money belt or pouch strapped around your waist. Lock your bags and luggage.
FAQ'S About Travel to BOUT TRAVEL TO TIBET
Q: WHEN IS THE BEST TIME TO VISIT TIBET?
A: The best time to visit Tibet is from early May to late October. Because first of all the Tibet Weather would be not harsh, and secondly it is best time to visit Mt. Everest Base Camp (if you have plan to get there).
Q: WHAT'S THE WEATHER LIKE IN TIBET?
A: Lhasa - Shigatse - Lhatse - Tingri - Nylam: Along the Friendship highway is basically in good conditions year around. But from December to February, the thawed road could make some trouble. Try to avoid August - landslide could happen in therainy season.Mt.Everest Area: Early May and early October are the best time to visitMt. Everest. Due to the clear weather, you have great chance to seeMt. Everest's true face (if you are lucky). From December to February, you'd better not to go to this area because it is too cold - except you are real Great Adventure People.
Ali (Mt.Kailash): Even without climate restrictions, this area is already inhospitable. Big rain and snow could make the journey worse. However, for those determined tourists, the appropriate time is May, June, July, September and October.
Eastern Tibet: Don't go to this area in July or August (the rainy season) because the rain could ruin the road, and make terrible landslides. In winter, the road could be frozen.
Northern Tibet: With the average altitude of 4,500m, this area offers very limited time for tourists. Summer (July to August) is the prime time to enjoy the great plain in northern Tibet.
Q: WHAT DO YOU SUGGEST WE BRING WITH US IF WE TRAVEL TO TIBET?
A: For the clothing, we suggest casual attire style and layered clothing. In day time you may need only a T-shirt or at most a jacket, but at night you may need a coat. Down coat is necessary if you go beyond Lhasa and Shigatse to remote areas, the Everest Camp or further to Mt.Kailash.Sun glasses, sun blocking cream, moisture scream are very necessary to be in your packing list.
Q: WHAT IS HIGH SEASON? WHAT IS THE DEFINITION FOR HIGH SEASON, SHOULDER SEASON AND LOW SEASON?
A: High season marks the most popular times of the year for travel in Tibet, due to the weather, holiday periods or other reasons. Therefore hotels, airlines and travel agencies are heavily booked, and prices are higher than at other times. The seasons are usually defined as follows:
High season: July 1 to October 15.
Shoulder season: May 1 to June 30.
Low season: October 16 to April 30.Travelers should also be aware that the peak holiday periods: first week in May, first week in October, and Chinese Spring Festival (often takes place in late January or early February) are particularly busy. Prices and bookings will be even higher than usual.Access Tibet Tour reserves the right to vary prices as a result of seasonal charges being imposed.
Q: WHAT CURRENCY DO I HAVE TO USE IN TIBET?
A: The legal tender in Tibet is Renminbi (RMB). Foreign currencies can not be used directly. Foreign currencies may be converted into RMB at all banks, bank branches or hotels at the exchange rate quoted on the foreign exchange marker on the day.The Bank of China in Tibet is the bank which specializes in handing money exchange.
Q: IS IT EASY TO FIND AN ATM IN TIBET?
A: You won't have any problems finding an ATM in Lhasa and Shigatse, although you probably won't be able to find one in remote areas or the smaller towns. However, this situation is changing, and ATMs are gradually spreading out across the land.
Q: WHAT CREDIT CARDS ARE ACCEPTED IN TIBET?
A: Actually it is often accepted in big cities in Tibet, like Lhasa and Shigatse. Most of the internationally accepted credit cards are usable in Lhasa. They include: Visa, MasterCard, American Express, Diner's club, and the JCB card of Japan. Credit cards are accepted only in large shopping stores. Credit card symbols are displayed in the visible place in shops and hotels indicating credit cards are accepted.
Q: WHAT DOCUMENTS DO I NEED IF I AM PLANNING TO TRAVEL TO TIBET?
A: You need to have a valid passport, a valid China visa and a Tibet travel permit (sometimes people call it Entry permit or TTB, or Tibet visa).
Q: DO I NEED VISA FOR CHINA?
A: All visitors traveling to mainland China, whether for business or pleasure, require a visa. No Visa is required prior to enter Hong Kong, a Visa will be issued upon arrival. If you travel beyond Hong Kong, even for a few hours, you will need a China visa to enter China.
Q: WHAT SHOULD I BE AWARE OF WHEN APPLY FOR THE CHINA VISA?
A: Access Tibet Tour recommends that you obtain your visa before leaving the country where you live. When you are applying for the China visa, ATT advises you try not to mention Tibet or to write anything about Tibet on the application form. It is advisable to refer to other places in China like Beijing, Shanghai, Xi'an, etc. otherwise, visa officer may reject your application and you won't get the visa to China.
Q: HOW CAN I GET CHINA VISA IN HONG KONG?
A: It is usually very easy to apply for a China visa in Hong Kong. You can get a visa yourself at:Office of the Ministry ofForeign Affairs of the People's Republic of China
5th Floor, Lower Block
26 Harbor Road, Wanchai, Hong Kong
Tel: ++852-25851657 OR ++852-25851680 OR ++852-25851794
Please Note:
1) You need to go there Monday to Friday during business hours.
2) 'Fast Process' means: the visa should be processed the same day.
Q: Requirements to obtain a Visa in Hong Kong
A. One recent passport photo.
B. Passport which needs to be valid at least more than 3 months.
C. Call the office before your visit.
D. China Tourist and Business (F) Visa can be obtained easily in Hong Kong. It can be obtained with the help of a travel agent but at least 3 full working days should be allowed for this procedure.
Q: DO I NEED DOUBLE/MULTI-ENTRY VISA IF I COME TO TIBET FROM CHINA MAINLAND AND RETURN CHINA MAINLAND AFTER THE TRIP?
A: No, because Tibet is a part of China, if enter Tibet from other cities in China mainland and after the trip in Tibet, get back to China mainland again, only a single entry visa is required.For example:BeijingàTibetàShanghaiFor this, a single entry visa is okay.
Q: IF I TRAVEL VIA NEPAL TO TIBET, ARE THERE ANY SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS ON CHINA VISA?
A: Before you are coming to Lhasa from Katmandu, you must get China visa from Katmandu because no matter you've already got the visa in your country or not, you must get a visa in Katmandu, which is regulated in an official memo between China and Nepal. The fastest way is that we send the Invitation Letter to Katmandu at least one day prior to your arrival in Katmandu, then you can apply for China Visa in the second day easily, which will cost around 1-2 days. Chinese Visa fees: US$ 50.00 payable in cash upon arrival in Katmandu [US$ 70.00 for US Citizens].The Chinese embassy in Katmandu only opens for visa application on Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 9:00am to 11:30am. The application will take at least one working day, please
Q: WHAT'S THE PROCEDURE TO GET CHINA VISA IN KATMANDU?
A: Step 1: After you book the tour from us, provide me your copy passport information and copies of your passport
Step 2: We will apply the 'Visa Invitation Letter' from Tibet Tourism Bureau, after we get, we will fax it to our Nepal business partner before you arrive in Katmandu
Step 3: After your arrival in Katmandu, our Nepal business partner will try to find you in your hotel, then go to the ChineseEmbassy together to apply the Chinese Visa. With the 'Visa Invitation Letter', you can get your Chinese Visa very easily.
Q: WHAT IS TIBET TRAVEL PERMIT?
A: Tibet Travel Permit is the official document that allow foreign traveler to enter Tibet. It is granted by the Tibet Tourism Bureau. Tibet Travel Permit sometimes is also called Tibet Entry Permit or TTB permit.
Q: WHAT DO I NEED TO DO TO OBTAIN THE TIBET TRAVEL PERMIT?
A: You need provide us with the high quality scanned copies of your passport and China visa, and the following information as well. Then we can hold these things to help you get the Tibet Travel Permit.
1) Full name
2) Gender
3) Date of birth
4) Passport number
5) Nationality
Q: CAN I GET THE TIBET TRAVEL PERMIT EASILY?
A: Travelers can get the Tibet Travel Permit easily through a travel agency except diplomats, journalists, and government officials who should travel to Tibet under the arrangement by the Foreign Affairs Office of Tibet Government.
Q: WHEN DO I NEED TO APPLY FOR THE TIBET TRAVEL PERMIT?
A: You need to apply for the travel permit at least 10 days prior to your entry date, which means you should prepare all the information and documents in hand before this period of time.
Q: WITH THIS TIBET TRAVEL PERMIT, WHERE CAN I GO IN TIBET?
A: Tibet Travel Permit (or TTB) only endorses you to enter Tibet, to stay in Lhasa area and two another major towns of Tibet like Gyantse and Shigatse. If you are planning to travel beyond and farther, you are required to prepare the PSB Permit for which Access Tibet Tour could help you to apply.
FAQ'S ABOUT TRAVEL TO BHUTAN
Q: WHEN IS THE BEST TIME TO VISIT BHUTAN?
A: The best time to visit Bhutan is during spring or autumn, the months of February, March, April, September, October and November. The other months are either cold or rainy but they too have their own flavour.
Q: WHICH DZONGS AND MONASTERIES CAN WE ENTER?
A: We can enter till the courtyard in most of the Dzongs and monasteries. We need a special permit from Special Commission to enter to the following ones:
Taksang Monastery, Kitchu Lhakhang, Dungtse Lhakhang in Paro.
Tashichhodzong, Changgangkha Lhakhang in Thimphu.
Kuerjey, Tamshing, Jampay Lhakhang in Bumthang.
Q: ARE BHUTANESE VERY TRADITIONAL?
A: Yes, Bhutanese are very traditional. They have imbibed their traditions into their living so much so that all the buildings including the airport in Paro have designs that are totally traditional. Mostly all men and women wear their traditional dresses called the 'gho' and 'kira' respectively. Even though most of their technology is from the world outside, they have learnt the art of blending it with their traditional life style.
Q: WHAT HEALTH PRECAUTIONS SHOULD I TAKE WHILE TRAVELLING IN BHUTAN?
A: Precautions: Amoebas and Giardias are rife especially in Southeast Asia, so avoid tap water and ice cubes. Please note that sometimes tablets for disinfecting water are not effective against all types of amoeba. Bottled mineral water is available throughout the country. If you are prone to getting sick during driving on a mountain road, it is best you get adequate medicine before you start.
Malaria: Keep plenty of mosquito repellent, cream or lotion for any exposed areas of skin when you are outdoors. Please ensure to keep them handy, especially while travelling by road.
Medication: Bring your customary medicines with you, an anti-diarrhoea medicine, antihistamine tablets, anti-nausea tablets (in case of mountain sickness), eye drops, lip salve.
Hospitals: There are simple medical clinics in all the major centres throughout the country. The hospital in Thimphu is equipped with modern facilities and has professional medical personnel.
Q. WHAT SHOULD I WEAR: ?
A: Druk Air allows 20 kg (44 lb) weight limit in economy class and 30 kg (66 lb) in business class for your checked in baggage. Excess baggage sometimes may be offloaded.
Due to the wide range of temperature and climatic conditions it is advisable to dress in layers. For protection against cold, layered clothing is better than one or two thick garments. If you have scheduled your trip around a festival, you should definitely carry a set of formal clothing. Bhutanese are conservative and mostly wear their traditional dresses, so avoid wear tight body hugging clothes, sleeveless T shirts or mini skirts when walking around the public areas. During your visit to monasteries, dzongs and other religious institutions ensure to dress modestly and respectfully. Refrain from smoking while on the premises. Hats, caps etc should be removed before entering the premises.
Summers too can be cool in Paro and Thimphu, and downright cold in winters. Days can be quite warm, especially in the lower regions such as Punakha and Phuentsholing, and you could start off driving in the cold of dawn and be uncomfortably warm by mid-morning.
In Bhutan, electricity runs on 220/240 volts, with round two-pin and three-pin power outlets. If you bring electrical appliances, please ensure to pack appropriate adapter plugs. Thimphu electrical appliance shops stock adapter plugs, but they are unlikely to be available elsewhere.
Q: WHAT SHOPPING I CAN DO IN SHOPPING:
A: The country is famous for its exquisite postage stamps, hand woven fabrics, carved masks, woven baskets, wooden bowls, handmade paper, finely crafted metal objects and Thanka paintings. There are many shopping complexes when one can buy these.
Q: HOW ARE THE TREKS GRADED AND DO I NEED TO BE PHYSICALLY FIT OR HAVE PRIOR TREKKING EXPERIENCE TO EMBARK ON A TREK?
A: The treks are graded according to its difficulty of route, duration, and altitude. The treks are graded as Easy, Moderate, and Strenuous. As you are aware trekking is a physically demanding activity, so when it comes to easy and moderate treks you should be in good health and prior experience is not required. For strenuous treks, however, it is imperative that you are physically fit and can take the stress of long hours of walking, the ever changing elevation and varying mountain terrain.
Q: IS IT POSSIBLE TO JOIN IN AN ARCHERY GAME AND ALSO VISIT THE VILLAGES AND FARMHOUSES?
A: Yes, you can join in an archery game and also visit the villages and farmhouses.
Q: IS IT POSSIBLE TO HAVE A MEDITATION SESSION WITH THE MONKS?
A: Yes, it is possible to have a short meditation session with prior permission.
Q: HOW CAN ONE REACH BHUTAN?
A: The most convenient way of entering Bhutan is by Druk Air, the country's national carrier. As flights can be delayed due to weather conditions (particularly during the summer months), it is advisable to allow 24 hours before any onward connection.
Druk Air flies regularly between Bhutan and the following countries:
India (Delhi and Kolkata)
Nepal (Kathmandu)
Thailand (Bangkok)
Arrival/departure by land is also possible, through the southern border town of Phuentsholing. The nearest airport is at Bagdogra, West Bengal. It is a drive of approx. 4 hours. Phuentsholing is a convenient entry/exit point for travellers wishing to visit India along with Bhutan.
Q: WHAT ABOUT FOOD?
A: Most of the hotels serve good quality food. The meals are mostly multi cuisine buffets but in case you have some special dietary requirements, be sure to tell the hotel at the time of check in and they will do their best to accommodate your diet plan.
Bhutanese delicacies are rich with spicy chillies and cheese. Pork and beef are easily available and cheese is a part of most dishes. Swiss Bakery in Thimphu is famous for its burgers and sandwiches.
Q: I AM A VEGETARIAN - IS THIS A PROBLEM?
A: If you are vegetarian, there is no problem. Though there are very limited varieties of vegetables available, most of the hotels will serve you good vegetarian dishes.
FAQ'S ABOUT TRAVEL TO SRILANKA
Q :WHEN IS THE BEST TIME TO VISIT SRILANKA
A: Sri Lanka is a round-the-year country for the tourists who seek for sun and sea. But the best time to visit the island is from November to April.
Q: IS VISA REQUIRED FOR SRILANKA?
A: Yes Visa is required for foreign passport holders. They are required to obtain visa prior to their entry in Srilanka. This can be done online as well.
Visas are the responsibility of the traveller. As a general rule most of the countries expect your passport with six months validity.
The visa rules keep changing so please check them yourself before going ahead.
Q: HOW IS THE MOBILE PHONE COVERAGE IN SRILANKA
Mobile coverage is good in urban areas and big cities but patchy and unreliable in rural areas. Make sure you get the global roaming activated before you leave your country.
Q: WHAT IS THE CURRENCY OF SRILANKA?
The local currency is the Sri Lankan Rupee. Currency notes are Rs.5000, Rs 2000, Rs 1000, Rs 500, Rs100, Rs 50, Rs 20 and Rs10.
Q: WHERE CAN I CHANGE CURRENCY?
A: Money exchange counters are available at all international airports in Srilanka, as well as most hotels and major cities.
Q: IS TIPPING CUSTOMARY?
A: Yes, it is well accepted. Usual is 10% at the restaurants. Also the porters at, hotel bell boys, private driver, etc would be happy to have it at the end of their good and dedicated service.
Q: HOW SAFE IS WATER IN SRILANKA ?
A: At starred hotels, in general, it is quiet safe where they provide you filtered water, however, you should usually stick to the bottled water at all places. However, never try the same from roadside taps, or open air restaurants, etc. As you are in a different country and your stomach is not used to this
Q: CAN I USE MY CREDIT CARD?
A: Credit cards are generally accepted by modern hotels,big restaurants and medium-large shops in tourist areas. Smaller shops, market stalls, cafes, a nd places in countryside probably will not have facilities that support credit cards, so make sure you carry enough cash to cover expenses while in rural areas or when visiting smaller vendors.
Q: WHAT ARE THE ENTRY POINTS TO SRILANKA
Generally all visitors to Sri Lanka travel by air and international flights arrive at the Bandaranaike International Airport which is 35 km north of Colombo, and 6 km of Negombo.