WHILE uncovering vacation plans to Sri Lanka, Not a few friends ask for the privilege of a country bordering India and the Maldives. Indeed, not many people know about Sri Lanka tourism.
This might surprise you. In the book The Best in Travel 2019 released Lonely Planet, Ethan Gelber places Sri Lanka as the best tourist destination 2019. Sri Lanka deserves the top spot because of its good nature and culture. Then, the people around 70% Buddhists are also known to be friendly.
There are plans to visit Sri Lanka after the Corona pandemic has passed? Following 5 things travelers need to know before leaving for Sri Lanka.
1. Visa Free
Diva travelers can enter Sri Lanka without a visa. Reason, the Sri Lankan government has imposed visa-free access for Indonesian tourists since August 2020. Visa-free facilities are valid for holidays 30 day.
Upon arrival at Bandaranaike International Airport, Sri Lanka, diva travelers will be asked to fill in visa-free forms. Diva travelers must then submit the form to the Immigration Counter. Sometimes, tourists have to queue long when submitting a form.
So you don't need to queue, diva travelers should fill out visa-free forms online through the site eta.gov.lk.
2. SIM Card
To save on credit usage fees and internet quota while in Sri Lanka, diva travelers can use SIM cards from Sri Lankan operators. Purchases should be made at the airport so that traveler's diva does not need to go around the city looking for a SIM card seller.
It also makes it easier for you when you order an online taxi. At Arrivals Hall there is Bandaranaike International Airport 4 counter that sells SIM cards. The two largest telecommunications operators there are Dialogue and Mobitel. 4G data plan with time 30 day around 1.300 Rupees or Rp130 thousand.
Prepare a passport before buying a card because the seller needs it for administrative purposes. Diva travelers takes about 10 minutes to pay and wait for the SIM card to be installed in the cellphone.
3. Modes of transportation
Diva travelers will have no trouble finding a vehicle that will take you from Bandaranaike International Airport to your hotel or around the capital of Sri Lanka, Colombo. Just download the Pick Me app. Although the GPS is sometimes inaccurate, this is the most popular online taxi application there.
There are several modes of transportation that can be selected through Pick Me, starting from the motorcycle, bajaj which is known by the name of tuk tuk to cars of various sizes. When hungry at the hotel, diva travelers can also order food using Pick Me.
Another online taxi application that can be used is Uber. other than that, diva travelers can also use the services of Kangaroo Cabs, Less Taxi or rent a vehicle with the driver. Less Taxi is usually used for pickup from the airport to the hotel. If you want to reminisce with Jakarta public buses 30- 40 last year, diva travelers can also try traveling using public buses.
4. Language
English is widely spoken in Sri Lanka. Diva travelers should not experience communication problems with Pick Me or Uber drivers, book a hotel, eat and buy tourist tickets. Reason, they mostly understand English.
Taxi drivers who Travel Diva knows are also good at their written English knowledge. Even, he always typed a dot at the end of every sentence he typed in WhatsApp. Create a Travel Diva, this amazing!
5. Currency
The currency used in Sri Lanka is rupees. If you bring a rupee or a dollar, diva travelers can exchange it at money changer counters at Bandaranaike. However, when converting it to Indonesia, don't forget to mention the Sri Lankan rupee.
There are several countries, like India, use rupees. So, don't confuse it with another country's rupees. 1 rupiah is approximately equal to 75,40 rupee. ATMs bearing the Visa logo are easily found in Colombo.
Diva travelers can also withdraw cash in the form of Sri Lankan rupees through an ATM. However, administrative fees, of course. If shopping at the shops, Debit cards bearing Visa and MasterCard can also be used.
Hopefully this guide can be useful for diva travelers who will visit Sri Lanka, of.
