Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Bargaining
See First Time Sri Lanka for information on bargaining.
Tipping
Although a 10% service charge is added to food and accommodation bills, this usually
goes straight to the owner rather than the worker.
Restaurants & Bars
Up to 10% in cash to servers beyond the 'service charge'
Drivers
10% of total fee
Room cleaners
Up to Rs 100 per day
Bag carriers/porters
Rs 50 per bag
Shoe minders at temples
Rs 20
Guides
Varies greatly; agree to a fee in parks and religious sites
before
you set out
Etiquette
Remove shoes and hats at temples (but socks are OK for walking sun-scorched pave-
ments).
Cover shoulders, arms and legs at temples as directed.
Never pose beside or in front of a statue of the Buddha (ie with your back to it) as this is
considered extremely disrespectful.
Displaying any kind of body art that includes an image of the Buddha can get you arres-
ted and deported.
Ask permission before photographing people. A few business-oriented folk such as the
stilt fishermen at Koggala or the mahouts at the Pinnewala Elephant Orphanage, will
ask for payment.
Raising your voice is very rude and won't help your dispute.
Nude and topless sunbathing are not allowed on beaches.
Modesty is the rule: overt displays of affection are frowned upon.
