Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Ayurvedic practitioners. In general it's not acceptable Ayurvedic practice for males to
massage females and vice versa.
Insurance
Unless you are definitely sure that your health coverage at home will cover you in Sri
Lanka, you should take out travel insurance - bring a copy of the policy as evidence that
you're covered.
Worldwide travel insurance is available at
www.lonelyplanet.com/travel-insurance.
You
can buy, extend and claim online anytime - even if you're already on the road.
Internet Access
Internet facilities are available across Sri Lanka. In the smallest of towns, look around the
bus stand. Access costs Rs 100 to Rs 150 per hour.
Wi-fi in guesthouses and hotels is common in Colombo and touristed areas of the coasts
and inland areas. It's often free, except at some top-end places which can charge excess-
ive rates. Connection speeds are acceptable - but don't expect to stream a film. Also, re-
ception in rooms may not work.
Legal Matters
Sri Lanka's legal system is a complex, almost arcane mix of British, Roman-Dutch and na-
tional law. The legal system tends to move slowly, and even a visit to a police station to re-
port a small theft can involve a whole lot of time-consuming filling out of forms. The tourist
police in major towns and tourist hotspots should be your first point of contact in the case of
minor matters such as theft.
Drug use, mainly locally grown marijuana, but also imported heroin and methamphetam-
ine, occurs in tourist centres such as Hikkaduwa, Negombo and Unawatuna. Dabbling is
perilous; you can expect to end up in jail if you're caught using anything illegal.
