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ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Accommodation and Expenses -
Accommodation can be arranged within the village, providing
a unique chance to live amongst Sri Lankan villagers and to
get to know a culture rarely seen by tourists. These local
houses provide both accommodation and food at very good
rates. During their stay volunteers are welcome to use the
office facilities in the CRC centres including computers
with internet access.
Travel and Transport -
Our
Regional
Office
in Matara
is
approximately
160km
south of Colombo. It takes approximately
4.5
hours to reach Matara from the airport by car or van. Public
transport can be used to reach the village from the airport
or from Colombo. Alternatively, YPF transport can be
provided to volunteers (subject to the availability of the
van and dates/ times of arrival) at a concessionary rate.
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US$
80 -
Airport to Matara (one way cost)
US$
90 -
Colombo to the Hambantota CRC (one way cost)
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Costs and Money - The currency is Sri Lankan Rupees (Rs) and
the exchange rate is approximately US$1
to Rs.
109 (current
exchange rate information can be found at
www.exchangerates.org/AddCustomContent/RatesTable). There
are several banks in Colombo,
Matara
and you can also withdraw money from ATM’s in our areas.
However, please be aware that large Rs.
1000 / 2000
notes can be difficult to change in rural areas and we
recommend that you make sure that you have smaller notes
before coming to the village.
Food - Sri Lankan food is
reasonably priced and if you eat in local restaurants a meal
will cost approximately Rs.
100-150.
It is
more expensive in guesthouses and tourist restaurants where
you should expect to pay around Rs.
300
to Rs.
700
for a meal. You can purchase take-away lunch packets in
bakeries and many local restaurants in South,
North
and East for as little as Rs.
100.
Visas - Obtaining a visa is your
responsibility. Please contact us if you would like
visa information. If you are interested in volunteering for
longer than three months there is a lengthy process to go
through so it is important to contact YPF at least four
months before you plan to arrive.
What to
Bring
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We recommend that
you buy a Sinhalese Phrasebook. All young Sri
Lankans study English in school but they often do
not speak or understand English very well in the
village (they are normally able to read and write
better than they can speak). |
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It would be of
great benefit if you are able to bring a laptop with
you. |
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Pack lightly. The
climate is tropical and if you forget anything you
can buy clothes cheaply in Colombo, Matara and
Hambantota. Most things that you will need
during your stay, including toiletries, can be
bought locally.
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When staying in
the village, please be aware of cultural
sensitivities. For example, women should wear
long skirts or trousers that are at least knee
length and sleeveless shirts are not recommended.
Smoking and drinking alcohol is not permitted
anywhere within the YPF and CRC centres.
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A local mobile is
essential for ease of communication. The
cheapest option is to bring your own phone and
purchase a local SIM card. Local SIM cards can
be purchased for approximately Rs. 200-600 and you
can then buy pre-paid top-up cards in pharmacies,
mobile phone stores as well as many grocery stores.
It is very cheap to text and make local and
international calls on a local SIM card.
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We recommend that
you buy a Sri Lanka travel guide before coming out
such as the Lonely Planet, as there is plenty to do
in the surrounding area during your spare time.
Further information can also be found on the lonely
planet website:
http://www.lonelyplanet.com/worldguide/sri-lanka
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With your help, we can make a difference!
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