General FAQs about Srilanka

 Why Blissful Beach Bum in Srilanka?

We are thrilled and honored to introduce you to the unique experience of staying and surfing with Blissful Beach Bum. We've crafted a slice of Sri Lankan life to share the joys we cherish. We wholeheartedly support our local Sri Lankan community in every aspect, from our surf lessons to our cozy Surf Villa, weekly beach cleanups, and all other tours and experiences we offer. Our Surf Camp experience prides itself on being incredibly flexible; you can structure your holiday time as you please—surf when you want, eat when you want, and sleep when you want, all about embracing the essence of Blissful Beach Bum.

How long is the usual learning curve for surfing?

The learning duration for surfing varies  individually. Beginners usually start riding small waves after a few lessons, yet mastering advanced techniques may require more time and practice.

What's the best way to reach there from the airport?

Our pickup and drop service will make your life easy. Post signing up, Just share your flight details with us over email ( info@blissfulbeachbum.com) , and we'll organize an airport pickup for you. The drive takes about two to three hours. Our driver will be waiting for you at the airport, saving you time and hassle. We highly recommend it for the convenience and value it offers.

What type of instructors will be guiding us during surf lessons?

At Blissful Beach Bum Surf School in Weligama. our instructors are seasoned surfers fluent in English, each with unique backgrounds. They bring extensive knowledge about the local areas and surf spots.

Is surfing in Weligama safe for beginners?

 The shallow warm waters make surfing in Weligama safe place to learn, The right guidance and safety protocols  are in place to make it easy to learn. Blissful Beach Bum skilled instructors prioritize your safety throughout the lessons.

How is the Mobile network

Srilanka has no issued with mobile network in COlombo as well as main highways. Weligama too has decent network to keep you connected. You can buy a local SIM card at the airport for your data plan of ensure you have a good internaltional roaming data pack from your country.

What about Driving in Srilanka, Weligama

While many people drive / ride in Weligama - plesae note that you need an international draving lisence. In addition to that you may also neeD TO REGISTER YOURSELF BEFORE you drive at our local authorities. Now doing so is an offence. Police checks are regular at night to ensure everyones safety. DO NOT DRINK AND DRIVE

HOW CAN I GET A CHEAP FLIGHT? 

There are several locations throughout Europe that offer non stop flights to Columbo. Cheap flights can be found through the following internet portals: Skyscanner, Traveloka, Checkfelix or Opodo.

WHAT AIRPORT DO I FLY IN TO SRI LANKA 

Look for Colombo.  Bandaranaike International Airport (In Columbo). It is the national capital and the main airport in Srilanka.

Can I have someone pick me up at the Airport? 

Airport transfers (airport pick-up and drop-off) are available and recommended for a fee for Weligama. Please share your exact arrival ( and departure) flight details (date and time of arrival, airline and flight number) and your WhatsApp number by email on info@blissfulbeachbum.com when you sign up to ensure smooth operations.

Upon your arrival at Colombo airport, please connect to the free airport WiFi, and our driver will send you a text message with their name, photo, and details about the meeting point at the airport. The drive from the international airport to Weligama takes approximately 2 to 3 hours.

Is VISA required for Srilanka ? 

This is best checked based on your countries passport. For most European and North American nationals, currently the 30 day visa is free of charge, and we recommend you get this before you arrive to Sri Lanka. Most passports can fill an online form just days before aprrival and receive an e visa by email Once you land in Sri Lanka tourists are permitted to stay for 30 days with this visa. If you wish to stay in Sri Lanka longer than 30 days you can apply for an extention for up to 90 days from the date you arrived into the country. To apply for your visa kindly check with your travel advisor or look up the official website online.

WHAT’S THE CURRENCY IN SRI LANKA? 

The local currency is the Sri Lankan rupee (LKR). You can refer to xe.com to see the exchange rates

HOW AND WHERE CAN I CHANGE MONEY? 

Banks and official money changers are the best option – Airport has the first option available too. Please avoid local touts who are not reliable or legal

Can I withdraw from an ATM? 

Several places have  ATMs in Sri Lanka where you can withdraw rupee with your credit card or bank card (international creditor, e.g. Maestro, Cirrus). Make sure you know the pin number of your card(s). The maximum amount per transaction varies depending on the ATM, but the absolute maximum per transaction is 60,000 rupee (approx. € 300). Several transactions can be done one after another. For safety It is best to use ATMs inside bank.

What Electrical Power / plug is used in Srilanka ? 

For Sri Lanka there are two associated plug types, types D and G. Sri Lanka operates on a 230V supply voltage and 50Hz. You may bring your adapter if your devices have other plugs. Plus adapters are available locally as well.

WHAT are the kind of surfboards provide? 

All options are readily available. From Beginner to intermediate or advanced – we stock all kinds of different sizes and surfboard shapes.

DO I NEED A WETSUIT IN SRI LANKA? 

The warm waters in Srilanka are comfortable and you can safely avoid a wet suit.

DO I NEED MY OWN EQUIPMENT AT THE SURF SCHOOL? 

We will provide you with a surd board and Rashvest. We recommend you do not carry valuables while surfing.

What are the days for surfing? 

We are flexible to your plans  - choose any day from Monday to Sunday to start with us.

Is Weligama in Srilanka suitable for beginners to learn surfing

The constant waves and warm water at Weligama Beach is the best spot in Sri Lanka for beginners to learn surfing.

WHAT’S THE WEATHER LIKE IN SRI LANKA? 

Sri Lanka is genuinely a year – round tourist attraction ! The high season falls between December to mid April with temperatures staying fairly constant all year round. Between October to February the West and South coasts gets most of the sun, while during the months of May to August the weather is more dry and sunny on the East Coast.

It can rain during daytime sometimes, as the weather anywhere is always a bit of gamble. Sometimes it won’t rain the whole week and then later it rains a few days in a row.

WHAT’S THE TEMPERATURE LIKE IN SRI LANKA? 

The average temperature in Sri Lanka is 27 °C. The warmest average high temperature is 31 °C in February, March, April & May. The coolest average llow temperature is 22 °C in January & February.

WHAT KIND OF FOOD IS THERE IN SRI LANKA? 

There is a nice variety of food around Weligama. From Italian to Mexican and most plentiful Sri Lankan Rice and Curry! Europeans and West would find Srilankan food general “Spicy” and you can ask the chef to tone down the spice to your taste. Caution NEVER ask for “Srilankan Spicy Food” J

WHAT KIND OF CLOTHES SHOULD I TAKE WITH ME? 

Comfortware is perfectly fine. As a rule of thumb, you can go around in a bikini or board shorts and flip-flops during the day. In the evening when you go out to eat, T-shirt, shirt and long trousers are a good idea as they also help against the mosquitos.

WHAT VACCINATIONS DO I NEED? 

We recommend a tetanus boost (1 jab in your rear end), hepatitis A (2 to 3 jabs, starting 6 weeks before your trip), typhoid (oral vaccination, 3 weeks before) and, if you want to be on the safe side, malaria prophylaxis and rabies vaccination. Sri Lanka is classified as malaria-free. However, there are some isolated cases of infection now and again. Bear in mind that malaria prophylaxis has side effects on organs and mind. If you act wisely (repellents, protective/covering clothing), you can keep the risk to a minimum.

WHAT’S MEDICAL CARE LIKE IN SRI LANKA? 

All kinds of antiseptic creams, lotions, band-aids, etc. can be found very cheaply at local pharmacies. Medical care in the tourist regions of Sri Lanka is good and mostly up to western standards (hygiene, disinfection, educational standards of the medics, etc.).

WHAT INSURANCE SHOULD I TAKE OUT? 

We strongly recommend that everyone coming to us should have travel health insurance. Please check the best options for insurance in the country of origin that support Medical insurance in Srilanka