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🇱🇰 Sri Lanka: plugs, time difference, currency & tipping

The practical stuff UK travellers need to know before going to Sri Lanka, including Colombo.

Plug adapter from the UK?ProbablyType D, G, M
Voltage230VSame as UK (230V)
Local time now–+5.5h / +4.5h vs UK
CurrencyLKRSri Lankan rupee
Drive on theLeftSame as UK
Tipping10%Restaurants

🔌 Plugs & adapters

Possibly. UK-style type G sockets are common, but you'll also find other types, so pack a universal travel adapter to be safe.

The voltage (230V) is close to the UK's 230V, so UK appliances work with just a plug adapter.

  • Type D: Three large round pins in a triangle
  • Type G: Three rectangular pins (the UK plug)
  • Type M: Three large round pins (larger than type D)

Check another destination →

🕒 Time difference

Sri Lanka is 5 hours 30 minutes ahead of the UK in the UK winter and 4 hours 30 minutes ahead of the UK in the UK summer (the clocks change on different dates).

Convert a time to Sri Lanka →

💶 Money & tipping

Sri Lanka uses the Sri Lankan rupee (LKR).

A 10% service charge is often added. Tips for drivers and guides are customary.

Work out a tip →

🚗 Driving

Traffic drives on the left, the same as in the UK. Speed limits are signed in km/h. Convert km/h to mph →

🗣️ Language & phone

Main language: Sinhala and Tamil. Dialling code: +94.

Quick answers for Sri Lanka

Plug adapterTime differenceTippingCurrencyDriving sideCan I use my hair straighteners?Can I use my hairdryer?Can I use my phone charger?Can I use my laptop charger?Can I use my electric toothbrush?Can I use my electric shaver?

Places in Sri Lanka

Colombo

Common questions

Do I need a plug adapter for Sri Lanka?

Possibly. UK-style type G sockets are common, but you'll also find other types, so pack a universal travel adapter to be safe. The voltage (230V) is close to the UK's 230V, so UK appliances work with just a plug adapter.

What plug type does Sri Lanka use?

Sri Lanka uses type D, G, M: type D – Three large round pins in a triangle; type G – Three rectangular pins (the UK plug); type M – Three large round pins (larger than type D). The voltage is 230V at 50Hz.

What is the time difference between the UK and Sri Lanka?

Sri Lanka is 5 hours 30 minutes ahead of the UK in the UK winter and 4 hours 30 minutes ahead of the UK in the UK summer (the clocks change on different dates).

Which side of the road do they drive on in Sri Lanka?

On the left, the same as the UK.

What currency is used in Sri Lanka?

The Sri Lankan rupee (LKR).

Do you tip in Sri Lanka?

A 10% service charge is often added. Tips for drivers and guides are customary.

What is the dialling code for Sri Lanka?

+94. From a UK phone, dial +94 and drop the first 0 of the local number.

For passports, visas, entry requirements, health and safety advice, always check GOV.UK foreign travel advice before you travel.