Currency
The local currency is Sri Lankan Rupees. Make sure to check the notes are genuine when currency received by another place other than bank, look for watermark, lion mark. Currency notes are Rs.10, Rs.20, Rs.50, Rs.100, Rs.500, Rs.1000, Rs.2000, Rs.5000. make sure to keep plenty of lower value notes since to buy small items across streets you need to have lower denomination notes (Rs.10, Rs.20, Rs.50, Rs.100)
Banks
Monday to Friday 0900 hrs to 1300 hours bans are open. Some banks are open on Saturday mornings and some are open till 1500 hrs in week days. To withdraw money from Credit cards and debit cards ATMs are available across the island.
Shops
Usually shops are open after 10.00am and close at 06.00pm. Sunday and Poya days (Full moon days) most of the shops are closed in Sri Lanka.
Water
Drinking tap water is not safe, therefore it is recommended to drink bottled water. Bottled drinking water is available in most of the retail shops and restaurant.
Languages
There are Two official languages in Sri Lanka. Sinhala (Sinhalese) and Tamil. Most people have knowledge of English and also most of the Sign boards are in English.
