Sri Lanka
South Asia · Sinhala · Sri Lankan Rupee
Eat rice and curry with your right hand, read the head wobble as a yes, and never pose with your back to a Buddha statue.
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5 phrases you need in Sri Lanka
- Helloආයුබෝවන්AH-yoo-BOH-wan
- Goodbyeගිහින් එන්නම්gi-HIN en-NAM
- Pleaseකරුණාකරka-roo-NAH-ka-ra
- Thank youස්තූතියිSTOO-tee-yee
- Excuse meසමාවෙන්නsa-MAH-wen-na
The Trovlr app drills all 8 Sri Lanka phrases with audio, Duolingo-style. Get the app →
Know before you go
transport
Book the Kandy-Ella train a few days ahead for reserved seats, and use the PickMe app for metered tuk-tuks instead of negotiating every ride.
etiquette
Buddha imagery is legally protected; visible Buddha tattoos have gotten tourists deported, and turning your back on a statue for a photo causes real offense.
money
Carry rupees in cash outside Colombo and the main tourist towns; ATMs are common in towns but cards are rarely accepted at small guesthouses and eateries.
safety
Rip currents are the most underrated danger; swim only at beaches locals use seasonally, since safe coasts flip between southwest and east with the monsoons.
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