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What to buy in Sri Lanka

Tea and cinnamon are the safe choice. They are light, cheap and really from here. Below is what else is worth buying, where to buy it and what to leave in the shop.

  • Old botanical drawing of the tea plant

    01

    Ceylon tea

    The best-known gift from the island. Loose black tea keeps for a long time and weighs almost nothing. Tea from the high hills is light, tea from the south is strong.

    Where to buy
    In the shops at tea factories on the trip to the plantations. Supermarkets sell the same brands for less. On the way to Galle you can stop at the Handunugoda tea estate near Ahangama.
    Watch out
    Look for the lion logo. Only tea packed in Sri Lanka may carry it.
  • Old botanical drawing of the cinnamon tree

    02

    Cinnamon and spices

    Cinnamon comes from Sri Lanka. The real one is light brown, soft and rolled from many thin layers. Pepper, cardamom, cloves and curry powder are also good and cheap.

    Where to buy
    In Keells or Cargills Food City supermarkets and at town markets.
    Watch out
    Spice gardens for tourists charge several times more. Enjoy the tour and buy elsewhere.
  • Painted wooden mask with cobras from Ambalangoda
    Photo: Dan arndt, CC BY-SA 4.0, resized

    03

    Wooden masks

    Hand-carved and painted masks come from Ambalangoda on the west coast. They were made for folk theatre and healing rituals. A small one fits in a suitcase.

    Where to buy
    In workshops in Ambalangoda and in the shops of Galle Fort.
    Watch out
    Compare a few shops. Prices for the same mask differ a lot.
  • Batik being painted by hand with wax
    Photo: Peter van der Sluijs, CC BY-SA 3.0, resized

    04

    Batik, handloom and lace

    Batik is cloth dyed by hand with wax. Handloom cotton is made into scarves, sarongs and tablecloths. Galle is known for handmade bobbin lace.

    Where to buy
    In batik workshops along the coast, in the Barefoot and Selyn shops in Colombo and from lace makers in Galle Fort.
    Watch out
    Ask if the lace is handmade. Machine lace is cheaper and looks similar.
  • Gold ring with a blue Ceylon sapphire
    Photo: gemteck1, CC BY 2.0, resized

    05

    Gems

    Sri Lanka is known for blue sapphires and moonstone. A stone is the most expensive gift and the easiest one to get wrong.

    Where to buy
    Only from a dealer licensed by the National Gem and Jewellery Authority.
    Watch out
    Ask for a laboratory certificate before you pay. Pay by card and keep the receipt. Do not buy stones to sell at home.
  • Engraving of an arrack distillery among coconut palms in Ceylon, about 1675

    06

    Arrack, palm treacle and cashews

    Arrack is a spirit made from the sap of the coconut palm. Kithul treacle is a dark palm syrup that locals pour over buffalo curd. Cashews are sold freshly roasted.

    Where to buy
    In supermarkets and licensed liquor shops. You can also buy arrack at the airport.
    Watch out
    Kithul treacle from street stalls is often mixed with sugar. Buy a sealed bottle with a label.

  • 07

    Balms and herbal products

    Every Sri Lankan home has Siddhalepa balm, for colds and sore muscles. Samahan is a spicy herbal drink in sachets. Spa Ceylon makes soaps and oils that work well as a gift.

    Where to buy
    In pharmacies and supermarkets. Spa Ceylon has its own shops.
    Watch out
    Do not buy remedies without a label, even if the seller calls them ayurvedic.

Where to shop

  • Supermarkets (Keells, Cargills Food City): tea, spices, cashews and balms at fixed prices
  • Laksala, the state craft shops in Colombo and Kandy: fixed prices, good for comparing
  • Galle Fort: small shops with crafts, lace and jewellery
  • Colombo: the best place for last purchases before your flight
  • Town markets, for example in Tangalle: spices and fruit

Paying and bargaining

  • Bargaining is normal in small shops and at stalls. Stay friendly.
  • Supermarkets and larger shops have fixed prices.
  • A driver who takes you to a gem shop or a spice garden usually gets a commission. You pay for it in the price.
  • Small shops take cash only. Larger ones take cards.
  • Keep the receipt for expensive things. Customs may ask to see it.

Do not buy

  • Coral and sea shells
  • Anything made of turtle shell or ivory
  • Mounted butterflies and other animal products
  • Antiques and old statues. You need a permit to take them out.
  • Live plants and seeds

Taking it home

  • You may take 10 kg of tea out of Sri Lanka duty free.
  • Change leftover rupees back before you fly. You may take out only 20,000 rupees.
  • Into the EU by air you may bring goods worth up to €430 per person.
  • Alcohol into the EU: 1 litre of spirits per adult.
  • Meat and dairy products may not be brought into the EU.
  • Fresh fruit needs a plant health certificate. Pineapple, coconut and banana are exempt.
  • Other countries have their own limits. Check them before you fly.

Trips

Trips where you can shop

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