Welcome to Sri Lanka

Discover the pearl of the Indian Ocean with Dijital Team. Explore the nation's rich culture, scenic landscapes, and the financial capital with our recommendations of must-visit spots and local travel tips.
Your Pre-Travel Checklist

Before you book your flights, ensure you've fully planned your stay in Colombo and make other travel arrangements with our easy-to-follow checklists. From important documents to smart navigation tips, we’ve got you covered for a stress-free adventure in the tropical island!

Travel-Entry Requirements

Entry requirements, documentation, and guidelines to ensure an enjoyable trip.

Dijital Team can help plan your trip and provide further recommendations based on personal interests, travel pace, and seasonal activities.

Additional Travel Recommendations

Travel Insurance: Strongly recommended to cover:

  • Medical expenses
  • Delayed or cancelled flights
  • Lost or stolen luggage

Cloud Backup: Save scanned copies of:

  • Passport
  • ETA
  • Flight bookings
  • Insurance documents

Airport Transfers:

  • Pre-arranging transport with your hotel or airport cab services is advised for convenience and safety.
  • The Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB) is about 40–60 minutes from Colombo city, depending on traffic.

Local Contact:

  • It's helpful to have the hotel’s phone number and address easily accessible.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Visa Requirements

Most Nationalities: Citizens of most countries are required to obtain an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) before entering Sri Lanka. The ETA allows stays of up to 30 days for tourism, business, or transit purposes. You can apply for the ETA online via the official Sri Lanka ETA portal here: https://www.eta.gov.lk/

Visa Extensions: If you wish to stay longer than 30 days, you can apply for a visa extension at the Department of Immigration and Emigration in Colombo. Extensions are generally granted for up to 90 additional days, and in some cases can be extended twice (maximum 180 days in total).

Special Cases: Some nationalities and individuals traveling for purposes other than tourism or short-term business (such as employment, volunteering, or study) may require a different type of visa issued prior to arrival. Please check with the nearest Sri Lankan embassy or consulate for specific requirements and application procedures.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Passport and Documentation

Passport Validity: Your passport should be valid for at least six months from your date of entry.

Return or Onward Ticket: It’s advisable to carry proof of onward travel or a return ticket.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Passport Validity: Your passport should be valid for at least six months from your date of entry.

Return or Onward Ticket: It’s advisable to carry proof of onward travel or a return ticket.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Additional Travel Recommendations

Travel Insurance:  Strongly recommended to cover:

  • Medical expenses

  • Delayed or cancelled flights

  • Lost or stolen luggage

Cloud Backup: Save scanned copies of:

  • Passport

  • ETA

  • Flight bookings

  • Insurance documents

Airport Transfers: 

  • Pre-arranging transport with your hotel or airport cab services is advised for convenience and safety.

  • The Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB) is about 40–60 minutes from Colombo city, depending on traffic.

Local Contact: It's helpful to have the hotel’s phone number and address easily accessible.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Visa Requirements

Most Nationalities: Citizens of most countries are required to obtain an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) before entering Sri Lanka. The ETA allows stays of up to 30 days for tourism, business, or transit purposes. You can apply for the ETA online via the official Sri Lanka ETA portal here: https://www.eta.gov.lk/

Visa Extensions: If you wish to stay longer than 30 days, you can apply for a visa extension at the Department of Immigration and Emigration in Colombo. Extensions are generally granted for up to 90 additional days, and in some cases can be extended twice (maximum 180 days in total).

Special Cases: Some nationalities and individuals traveling for purposes other than tourism or short-term business (such as employment, volunteering, or study) may require a different type of visa issued prior to arrival. Please check with the nearest Sri Lankan embassy or consulate for specific requirements and application procedures.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Flights to Colombo

Seamlessly plan your journey and discover convenient flight options to Colombo.

What to do upon arrival at the BIA Airport

IMMIGRATION CLEARANCE 

  1. Proceed to the Immigration counter and present your Travel Document. 
  2. Await the Immigration Officer to stamp your Travel Document. 

BAGGAGE CLAIM 

  1. Walk through the Duty Free Shopping area and down the escalator to reach the Baggage Claim area. For more info: www.quarantine.health.gov.lk 
  2. Your Baggage Belt is displayed on the Flight Information Screens.  
  3. Retrieve your baggage from the carousal, check the Baggage Tags to confirm the ownership. 

CUSTOMS CLEARANCE 

  1. You may do shopping at the Duty-Free shopping area before proceeding for the Customs inspection. For more info: www.customs.gov.lk
  2. Go through the Customs inspection. Declare all your currency, valuable equipment, jewellery and gems. 
  3. If you have nothing to declare you can go through the Green Channel.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Arranging Flights to Colombo

When it comes to flying into Colombo (CMB), your point of entry is Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA). To ensure a smooth and cost-effective travel experience, we highly recommend booking your flights well in advance.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Airlines Travelling to Sri Lanka from Australia
Sri Lankan Airlines Logo
Etihad Airways Logo
Emirates Logo
Singapore Airlines Logo
Cathay Pacific Logo

Where To Find Your Driver

Walk into the Arrival Lobby (passing Currency Exchange, Travel, Hotel and Telecommunication service desks) to find your driver- who would be holding the paging board with your name on it.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Who To Contact If There Is An Issue

MAIN CONTACT

Hiruni: +94 75 873 6815 /
+94 76 854 5016


Driver's contact details will be shared with you 03 hours before your arrival. If you are having difficulty to locate the driver at the paging area, you may also contact:

Hilton Travel Counter: +94 70 687 9473

Hilton Duty Manager: +94 77 305 2502

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Travel Tips

Is it best to arrange airport pickup and drop off with your hotel accommodations?

Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB) is located in Katunayake, about 30 km north of Colombo city. There is no direct metro or train connection from the airport, so the most convenient options for travel are private transport, hotel shuttles, or taxis.

Alternatively, Dijital Team can arrange transfers for you using our provider. Contact our team and we can assist you.

Arranging an airport transfer in advance ensures a seamless and stress-free journey to your hotel. You’ll receive details on where to meet your driver at Bandaranaike International Airport before you arrive.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Where to Stay in Colombo

Find our guide with everything you need to know, including exclusive room pricing and airport transfer fees to ensure your arrival and departure are hassle-free. 
Check-in & check-out times

Hotel check-in time is 1500 hours and check-out time is 1200 hours.

Early check-in or late check-out policy

Early check-in from 6am to 12 noon cost = 50% of the room rate, late check-out from 3pm to 6pm cost = 50% of the room rate.

Transfers

Sedan - USD$55 per way

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Enjoy Your Stay at Hilton Colombo

We've negotiated special rates to offer you a comfortable and 5-Star hotel stay in the heart of the city — complete with added conveniences.

Please use our Corporate D Number D113442803 for bookings.

Room Type Dijital Team rate in USD
Deluxe Room 95.00 USD
Executive Room 125.00 USD
Corner Suite 165.00 USD
Business Suite 173.00 USD

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Note: Rates are confidential, quoted in USD and are valid per room, per night and inclusive of Breakfast & Wi-Fi. A 48hrs prior notice required for any change/ cancellation. Or a cost of 1 night stay will be charged.

** All above rates subject to 10% service charge, 18%VAT, 1% TDL and SSCL 2.5 (subject to change)
Getting and Moving Around the City

Discover the best ways to navigate the bustling city capital with ease.

Explore the Vibrant City of Colombo

Welcome to Colombo — the city where colonial charm meets cosmopolitan flair. Explore and discover the hidden gems from historic spots to restaurants and pubs.

Getting around Colombo

Hop on a tuk-tuk or book a car via Uber or PickMe Apps. Or book your trip with Kangaroo Cabs. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A Day In Colombo Itinerary

  • Independence Square - Colombo
    Independence Square
    This national monument was built to commemorate the country's independence from British rule. 
    Independence Square
    This national monument was built to commemorate the country's independence from British rule. 

Recommended Restaurants
and Bars in Colombo

Colombo Authentic Restaurants  

Sri Lankan Cuisine

Seafood Restaurant

Western Style Restaurants 

  • Park Street Mews (near the Hilton Residence) has several western bars and restaurants.

Bars

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Currency, ATMs, and Money Exchanges

Access Sri Lankan Rupees conveniently and hassle-free, with numerous ATMs and money exchanges scattered throughout the city of Colombo.

Currency, ATMs, Money Exchanges

The official currency of Sri Lanka is the Sri Lankan Rupee (LKR). Notes are available in 20, 50, 100, 500, 1000, 2000, and 5000 rupee denominations, with coins in 1, 2, 5, and 10 rupees. Credit and debit cards are widely accepted in hotels, restaurants, and major stores, but it’s a good idea to carry some local cash for taxis, markets, and smaller shops where cards may not be accepted.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

How to Exchange your Local Cash to Sri Lankan Rupee

When exchanging your local cash to Sri Lankan Rupees, you may use ATMs or money exchanges.

Please note that bank charges may apply.

Most ATMs have daily withdrawal limits, typically allowing you to withdraw up to LKR 60,000–100,000 (approximately A$300–500) per transaction, depending on your card issuer.

When withdrawing cash, it’s best to look for international bank ATMs such as HSBC, Standard Chartered, or Commercial Bank.

Withdrawal fees can range from LKR 300–500 (approximately A$1.50–2.50) per transaction, plus any fees your home bank may charge.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

ATMs in Colombo

ATMs in Colombo City accept most major debit and credit cards, including Visa, Mastercard, UnionPay, and some American Express cards.

Most ATMs allow cash withdrawals, balance inquiries, and basic banking services.

Fees may apply for foreign cards, and your home bank may also charge international transaction fees.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Money Exchanges

Money exchanges in Colombo offer competitive exchange rates for converting foreign currencies to Sri Lankan Rupees (LKR) and vice versa. They provide a secure and convenient way to exchange money, especially in central areas like major hotels and city malls.

Most money exchanges accept major currencies such as AUD, USD, EUR, GBP, and JPY, and primarily handle cash transactions.

Card payments are generally not accepted for currency exchange.

Opening hours may vary, but many authorised money exchanges operate extended business hours to accommodate travellers.

Visitors report that authorised money exchanges in Colombo offer good exchange rates and a hassle-free experience. However, it’s still recommended to compare rates between different providers or check rates at banks and hotels to ensure where you can get the best value from.