Costs of Travel in Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka’s not quite the bargain destination it once was, but prices remain comparable to other destinations in Southeast Asia.

One of the great benefits of travelling on Sri Lanka tours is you don’t have to worry about paying for accommodation, transport and important sites - that’s all pre-booked and paid for. All you need is a budget of on average Rs 10,000/day (approx USD $60) to cover expenses such as:

It’s not unheard of for prices offered to tourists in some shops to be inflated compared to prices offered to locals. Bargaining is a way of life in Sri Lanka and haggling at markets is therefore expected, except in Laksala stores (Sri Lanka Handicrafts Board), which offer fixed prices.

Be sure to shop around various shops and stalls, and compare the materials and quality of the goods before you start to negotiate prices with a seller. There’ll be lots of beautifully decorated batik clothing, carved wooden figures and elaborate masks, fruit, spices, jewellery and gems on offer in most of the markets. It’s particularly important to know your gems before you agree a price - these can vary widely in quality and materials.

Fair trade involves a bit of give and take, so it’s important to respect the effort, detail and skill that’s gone into making the product you’re buying. When haggling in Sri Lanka, you can generally achieve a discounts of around 15 to 30% depending on the item concerned. On the other hand, tea is generally cheaper in Sri Lanka than overseas and you’re unlikely to get a discount on local prices.

It’s no fun bartering when things get heated or unfriendly. If at any stage you feel a negotiation has turned sour, it’s OK to walk away. You’re not obliged to pay a price you feel is unfair or unwarranted.

Sri Lanka allows you to bring in duty free 1.5 litres of spirits, two bottles of wine, a quarter-litre of eau de toilette, and a small quantity of perfume and souvenirs with a value not exceeding US$250.

You may bring personal equipment such as cameras and laptops on arrival, but they have to be declared on arrival, and taken out of the country with you when you leave. Importing non-prescription drugs and pornography of any form is an offence.

If you discover a real passion for Ceylon tea, you can take up to 10kg home with you duty free (assuming your home country will allow it entry). Don’t be tempted to buy any part of any wild animal, coral, shells or protected marine animals as this is strictly prohibited. See customs.gov.lk for further information.