Whilst a lot of places do take card, cash is still widley used and often preferred. We would recomend changing a small amount at the airport and then use ATMs during your stay. Commercial Bank ATMs are the most reliable in dealing with foreign cards.

We recommend always carrying some smaller denominations for tips. Standard tipping is around 10% in restaurants and 50 - 100 rupees (27p / 34c) for taxi's, porters, cleaners etc.

Having data is really useful for things like uber and maps. You can of course use your foreign SIM however you can purchase a local E-Sim at the airport. Hutch offer 15 day or 30 day package for around $10. Don't worry about doing it advance, best to do it at the kiosk in the airport.

Tuk tuks are certainly the fastest and chepaest way to get around and can fit 2 comfortably (or 3 at a bit of a squeeze). We recommend booking them through uber and changing your payment method to cash as this is often preferred by drivers. If no uber tuks are availble you can hail a tuk off the street but make sure to check that it is metered. If its a fixed price you can cross check with the uber price to make sure you are not "getting taken for a ride", if the difference is only a couple hundred rupees it's fine.

For trips that are longer, late at night or if you simply want to be more comfortable we would advise booking a car rather than a taxi. You can use uber but we would recommend using Kangeroo Cabs.

Colombo is hot and humid all year round. Expect it to be around 31°C during the day and 24° during the night. A lot of places have AC but older buildings (e.g. churches) and semi outdoor places (like our reception) can get warm even at night. Please dress appropriately and drink lots of water!

Do's:

- wear mosquito repellent

- wear sun screen

- drink lots of water

- wash your hands frequently

- ask if the water is filtered (or buy bottled)

- bring imodium with you just in case

- bring sanitry products with you (can be hard to find in all supermarkets)

Don'ts

- drink tap water (for brushing your teeth the water is fine)

- pet street dogs

- eat fresh salad leaves (e.g. lettuce) unless in a decent restaurant or hotel

In case of an emergency

We would recommend that you purchase travel insurance before you travel as you will need to pay for healthcare.

If needed we advise you to use one of the many private hospitals in Colombo:

Durdans hospital, Central hospital, Asiri hospital, Nawaloka hospital, Kings hospital etc.

If there is an issue, please contact us as we may be able to help or advise.

Sri Lankan's like their food spicy so we recommend you approach spice with caution! If you don't like spicy food ask for no spice. If you like spicy food go for for low or medium. If you're feeling BRAVE go for spicy.

Colombo has many great restaurant and cafes that offer a wide array of options, here are few of our favourties:

Coffee

Cafe Kumbuk

Kaffi

Black Cat

Grind

Cafe 1959

Cool Cafe's for brunch / lunch

Barefoot Cafe - Down the road from the Galle Face Hotel (wedding venue). This is a famous Colombo staple which offers lovely a relaxed vibe. The cafe is attached to beautiful shop where you can buy hand-woven textiles and Sri Lankan crafts (perfect for souveniers and gifts). A jazz band also plays on Sundays.

The 'Stache - Really cool cafe that does Sri Lankan-Western fusion food. Order the Thai-Red Curry Kiribath, Sri Lankan Turkish Eggs and a stack of fluffy Pancakes!

Life's Good Kitchen - Great setting with an all day breakfast as well as some Sri Lankan delicacies. Order the Lamprais and a lime juice with sugar syrup on the side.

Seed Cafe - Relaxed setting in an old colonial house with loads of great brunch classics.

Sri Lankan

Ceylon Curry Club - You have to order the Rice and Curry or the Hoppers where they make them at your table. Fun fact, they flew to India to cater for the Sri Lankan option at the famously extravagant Ambani wedding!

Ministry of Crab - Right next door to the Ceylon Curry Club, this restaurant is owned by two of Sri Lanka's greatest cricketing legends (Kumar Sangakkara & Mahela Jayawardene). The crab curry is amazing, but this is a pricey option!

Casual Dinner - For when you want a break from the spice/ Sri Lankan food

Nikki - Greek food

Thai Cuisine Boulevard - Unsurprisingly Thai food!

Mayz Table - Thai food

Bay Leaf - Italian food and one of Danushka's favourite restaurants.

Peach Valley - Chinese food

The Commons - Western and Sri Lankan options. Burgers, sandwhiches, wraps etc.

Nice Dinner

Gallery Cafe - Famous achitect Geoffrey Bawa's former office, beautifully transformed into a courtyard resturant. Lovely for a romantic date-night.

GINI - Beautiful outdoor setting, with smaller sharing plates and cool cocktails. Quite pricey for Sri Lanka, similar price to a dinner out in London. Book ahead of time.

Bars

Playtrix - Sports bar located the Colombo City Centre Mall. Serves pitchers of cold beer and shows Premier League and Rugby games.

Uncle's - Fun drinks and music spot on Park Street Mews, a lively street with plenty of bars and restaurants

Octopussy - Lively bar/club.

AND many more, so please ask us for further reccommendations!