Sri Lanka

[Wilma55]

OH and I are off in 3 weeks to his son's wedding. Can anyone advise regards currency as I believe we can't take any Sri Lankans rupees with us. Will US dollars or £ be ok? Where do we exchange our money. We are B&B except when on 7 day wildlife trip. What are eating out prices like. Any other tips or must sees? We like the look of the coastal train trip.

Just take a bank card and withdraw money at the ATM’s at the airport.

You can get a credit card that charges no fees on foreign exchange too, some banks are quite expensive. Mines a barclaycard - I just have to make sure not to accept the exchange the ATM tells you so it charges the card in the foreign currency,

Sorry, posted too soon.
Which area are you staying in?

Eating out varies depending on where you are but if you eat local food you can get a good dinner for 2 for under £10. Hoppers / string hoppers with dhal are standard, or roti / kottu roti, or curry (often veggie) with rice. The food is delicious, so do try it!

Thanks. We are at Wadduwa then later Bentota so touristy areas.

Ok, you could head down to Mirissa for whale watching - Rajah and the Whales are v professional, we saw blue whales and minky whales with them although the sea did get quite rough. You might also want to go to Galle Fort one day - it’s good for a walk around and some lunch, beautiful colonial architecture and an interesting museum.
You could also go to Colombo and do a tour. Tuk Tuk Safaris are a good bet.

You’re probably a bit far from anywhere that you can do safari, tea plantations, hill country etc. Unless you wanted to overnight somewhere else?

I think the train you mean is the one that runs between Galle and Colombo. We took it to get back for our flight, but it’s a definite commuter train and can get very busy. I don’t think you can prebook tickets either so you may be standing and squashed in.

Thanks for the tips!

Wilma I was in Bentota 6 months ago!

You can change £sterling very easily at the Bank of Ceylon which is located just behind the railway station and close to the centre and lots of restaurants.

Just ensure your £notes are absolutely pristine as they won't accept the slightest mark or tear and really scrutinise them.

There is a very reliable ATM attached to the bank too.

PM me if you need any further info.