Quick facts
LKR (Sri Lankan Rupee) Currency — Cards at hotels; cash preferred at beach shops
Sinhala & Tamil Language — English widely spoken in tourist areas
IST (UTC+5:30) Timezone — No DST
Nov – Apr Best Months — Dry season on the south coast
~$15–50 USD Daily Budget — Budget to mid-range
ETA Required Visa — Apply online before arrival — most nationalities eligible
Budget breakdown
| Category | Budget | Midrange |
|---|---|---|
| Accommodation | $10–15 | $25–40 |
| Food | $5–8 | $12–20 |
| Transport | $1–2 | $5–8 |
| Activities | $5–10 | $15–25 |
| Daily Total | $20–35 | $50–90 |
Daily per-person estimates. Costs vary by season and travel style.
Practical info
Health & Safety
- The reef makes Unawatuna one of the safest swimming beaches in Sri Lanka — currents are minimal inside the bay.
- Mosquitoes are present — use repellent at dawn and dusk. Dengue is a risk; there is no vaccine.
- The nearest hospital is in Galle (10 minutes by tuk-tuk). For minor issues, pharmacies on the beach road stock basics.
Connectivity
- Buy a Dialog or Mobitel SIM at Bandaranaike Airport for LKR 1,500 with 10GB data — much cheaper than buying locally.
- WiFi at guesthouses and cafés is generally reliable but not fast — download content in advance for offline use.
- Power is reliable with rare outages. Bring a universal adapter — Sri Lanka uses UK-style 3-pin plugs.
Getting Around
- Unawatuna is walkable end-to-end in 15 minutes. Tuk-tuks wait at both ends of the beach road.
- Tuk-tuk to Galle: LKR 400–600 (10 min). Agree price before departure.
- Local buses run along the coastal road to Galle, Mirissa, and Matara. Flag them down anywhere on the main road.
Money
- ATMs on the beach road accept international cards. Carry cash as many small shops and tuk-tuk drivers are cash-only.
- Haggling is expected for tuk-tuks and market purchases but not in restaurants or shops with fixed prices.
- Tipping 10% at restaurants is appreciated but not obligatory. Service charge is sometimes included.
Weather
- November to April: dry season, calm seas, best swimming and snorkelling. Peak tourist season December–March.
- May to October: monsoon season, rougher seas, occasional heavy rain. Fewer tourists and lower prices.
- Water temperature is 27–29°C year-round — no wetsuit needed.
Packing Tips
- Reef-safe sunscreen is essential — the coral is fragile and chemical sunscreens cause bleaching.
- Bring water shoes for the rocky entry at Jungle Beach and the reef edges.
- A lightweight sarong is useful as a beach towel, temple cover-up, and picnic blanket.
