Sri Lanka Travel & Emergency Guide
Essential emergency numbers, speed limits, etiquette & travel tips
Open in WooGu (100% Offline)Emergency Numbers in Sri Lanka
119 / 110
General Emergency
119
Police
1990
Ambulance / Medical
110
Fire Department
Key Travel Facts
Capital
Colombo
Currency
LKR (Rs)
Official Language
Sinhala / Tamil / English
Country Code
+94
Driving Rules & Speed Limits in Sri Lanka
Urban / City
50 km/h
Rural
70 km/h
Highway
100 km/h
Alcohol Limit
0.5 ‰
Toll & Vignette: Toll roads on expressways (e.g. E01), cash payment at toll booths.
Tipping & Etiquette
Recommendation: 10 percent customary in restaurants. Tipping is widely expected. 500-1,000 LKR per day for private drivers/guides and 200-500 LKR for hotel baggage porters.
- DO Cover shoulders and knees and remove shoes before entering Buddhist temples.
- DO Apply DEET mosquito repellent throughout the day against dengue fever.
- DO Greet locals with 'Ayubowan' and joined palms.
- DON'T Never turn your back on a Buddha statue for a photograph (punishable offense!).
- DON'T Do not display visible Buddha tattoos (cover them with clothing).
- DON'T Do not demand alcohol in public on sacred monthly Poya full-moon days.
Power Sockets & Tap Water
Plug Type & Electricity: Type D & G (230V, 50Hz). Adapter required for 3-pin round and UK sockets.
Tap Water: Tap water is not potable. Drink only sealed bottled water with the SLS certification seal, even for brushing teeth.
Insider Tip: Never pose with your back turned to a Buddha statue for photos – this is considered a serious religious insult and is punishable by law!
