Etiquette
̈ Remove shoes and hats at temples (but socks are Ok for
walking sun-scorched pavements).
̈ Cover shoulders, arms and legs at temples as directed.
̈ n ever 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 arrested and deported.
̈ Ask permission before photographing people. A few business-
oriented folk, such as the stilt fishers 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.
̈ n ude and topless sunbathing are not allowed on beaches.
̈ Modesty is the rule: overt displays of affection are frowned
upon.
̈ Answer the personal questions that are common – Are you
married? Do you have children? Where are you from? – with good
cheer and even creativity.
̈ Don’t hand somebody something with your left hand (which is
considered unclean), use both hands or just your right.Local Economics
Although Sri Lanka’s
economy is quickly expand-
ing, people still work very
hard to get by. Earnings
compared to First World
nations are low.
̈ Minimum wage on
plantations: Rs 515 per day
̈ Minimum wage for servers/
hotel staff: Rs 7500 per month
̈ Annual salary for a manager
or accountant: US$12,000
Bargaining
See the box on shopping
(p310) for information
regarding 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
Language
Many Sri Lankans speak
English but your efforts to
speak their language are
always appreciated. See p 318
for some useful phrases to
learn.
Food sellers, Galle Face Green (p61), ColomboMICK ELMORE / GETTY IMAGES ©PLAN YOUR TRIP
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