001
27 Sept 202353K
Travelling by train
Tips for train travel, including transfers and how long the routes take.
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162 cards
Expat's practical guide
Practical guides for expats: connectivity, transport, rentals and daily life.
002
8 Sept 202354K
Mobile operators and SIM cards
The mobile operators Dialog and Airtel, and buying SIM cards at the airport.
Open source003
004
8 Sept 202354K
Mobile internet speed and coverage
Mobile internet speed and network coverage on the island.
Open source005
8 Sept 202354K
SIM and data plan costs
The cost of SIM cards and data packages, and managing them through the operators' apps.
Open source006
8 Sept 202354K
Renting a motorbike
Renting a motorbike, learning to ride, and rules for using transport safely.
Open source007
8 Sept 202354K
Medicines and sun protection to bring
Which medicines and sun protection products to bring with you.
Open source008
8 Sept 202354K
Vaccinations for travel to Sri Lanka
Whether vaccinations are needed for a trip to Sri Lanka.
Open source009
8 Sept 202354K
Hard-to-find goods on the island
Goods that are hard to find on the island: hygiene products, wine, and sports nutrition.
Open source010
8 Sept 202354K
Online shopping and marketplaces
Online shopping, local marketplaces, and delivery of international orders.
Open source011
8 Sept 202354K
Delivery services and parcels
Delivery services on the island and the particulars of sending parcels.
Open source012
8 Sept 202354K
Power outages and generators
Power outages and the availability of generators in cafes and hotels.
Open source013
8 Sept 202354K
Finding flights
Finding flights, aggregators, charters, and the second airport at Hambantota.
Open source014
8 Sept 202354K
Shopping on the island
Shopping on the island: shopping centres and local brands.
Open source015
016
8 Sept 202354K
Motorbike Repairs
What to do if your bike breaks down on a trip and how vehicle repair works.
Open source017
018
8 Sept 202354K
Independent Travel Across the Island
Traveling independently through the central part of the island by bus and train.
Open source019
19 Nov 202325K
WeTeam Guide
About the Sri Lanka guide covering transport, venues, shopping, and useful information for tourists.
Open source020
19 Nov 202325K
Food Delivery in Colombo
The PickMe Food and Uber Eats services for ordering food from cafes and restaurants.
Open source021
23 Oct 202349K
The Big Sri Lanka Guide
About the big Sri Lanka guide: transport, shopping, more than 100 venues, and useful services.
Open source022
5 Dec 202335K
WeTeam Guide
Information on transport, venues, shopping, and useful services for traveling around the island.
Open source023
5 Dec 202335K
Fitness by the Ocean
An unusual open-air gym in Mirissa and kickboxing sessions.
Open source024
26 Dec 2023150K
Taxis and Tuk-Tuks
How to check ride fares through PickMe and avoid being pushed onto imposed routes.
Open source025
26 Dec 2023150K
Ayurvedic Products
Where to buy Ayurvedic products at real prices and how to assess the value of the goods.
Open source026
26 Dec 2023150K
Critical Thinking When Shopping
Tips for assessing the value of goods and services before making a purchase.
Open source027
26 Dec 2023150K
WeTeam Guide
Information on transport, venues, shopping and other useful services around the island.
Open source028
26 Dec 2023150K
Checking at Fuel Stations
What to watch out for when filling up a bike or a car.
Open source029
26 Dec 2023150K
Choosing Excursions
What to pay attention to when buying a tour of the island's interior.
Open source030
26 Dec 2023150K
Bus Fares
Reference prices for trips along the coast and ways to check the fare.
Open source031
26 Dec 2023150K
Verifying Information
Why it's important to double-check advice and directions given by random passersby.
Open source032
31 Mar 202427K
Tour Operators
When a package tour can turn out cheaper than organizing the trip yourself.
Open source033
31 Mar 202427K
Airport Transfer
How to cut transfer costs through shared rides and minivans.
Open source034
31 Mar 202427K
Tour Operator Bus Hack
Using package tourists' transfer buses as a budget way to reach the coast.
Open source035
31 Mar 202427K
Cooking Your Own Meals
Saving money by buying seafood and cooking meals at home.
Open source036
037
31 Mar 202427K
Tuk-Tuk
The specifics of renting a tuk-tuk for independent travel around the island.
Open source038
31 Mar 202427K
Renting a Tuk-Tuk
The popularity of tuk-tuk rentals among foreign tourists and ways to find one.
Open source039
31 Mar 202427K
Public Transport
Buses and trains as the cheapest way to get around the island.
Open source040
31 Mar 202427K
Traveling Through the Island's Interior
Organizing trips through central Sri Lanka with a driver or a group of friends.
Open source041
31 Mar 202427K
Sri Lanka Guide
Curated lists of cafes, hotels, routes and contacts for independent travel.
Open source042
31 Mar 202427K
Cycling Trips
Renting a bicycle and riding through the rice fields at dawn and dusk.
Open source043
17 Apr 202435K
Safety on the beaches
General recommendations for keeping your belongings safe.
Open source044
17 Apr 202435K
Carrying fruit
The practice of taking fruit home in luggage and tips on choosing the right ripeness.
Open source045
17 Apr 202435K
Tangalle — Colombo transport
Highway buses, transfers and compromise route options.
Open source046
047
048
049
050
17 Apr 202435K
Saunas and ice baths
Where to find saunas and wellness centres in the south of the island.
Open source051
17 Apr 202435K
Medicines
Bringing in medicines and the availability of Indian equivalents on the island.
Open source052
053
17 Apr 202435K
Independent travel
The pros and cons of travelling around the central part of the island on your own.
Open source054
17 Apr 202435K
Optimal trip length
Recommendations on how long to travel in order to get to know the island.
Open source055
056
15 Sept 202415K
Travel plans
Using ready-made itineraries, choosing hotels, exchanging currency and organising trips.
Open source057
15 Sept 202415K
Transport and mobility
A comparison of transport options, car sharing and public transport.
Open source058
19 Dec 202456K
Airport, SIM cards, and currency exchange
Currency exchange at the airport, choosing between the Dialog and Airtel mobile operators, transfers, and first steps after arrival.
Open source059
19 Dec 202456K
Taxis and transport from the airport
Using PickMe and Uber to get around the island.
Open source060
19 Dec 202456K
Navigating Sri Lanka
A recommendation to use Google Maps as the main navigation tool.
Open source061
19 Dec 202456K
Driving in Sri Lanka
The features of left-hand driving, road culture, and car rental.
Open source062
19 Dec 202456K
Hard-to-reach locations
How to get to remote attractions and the particulars of the routes.
Open source063
19 Dec 202456K
Structure of the comprehensive guide
An overview of the comprehensive guide's structure: hotels, restaurants, villages, and routes.
Open source064
10 Feb 2023136K
An expat's practical guide
The transfer from the airport to the south coast, travel time, and whether it's worth stopping in Colombo for the first few days.
Open source065
10 Feb 2023136K
An expat's practical guide
Car rental, an international driver's license, rental costs, and mileage limits.
Open source066
10 Feb 2023136K
An expat's practical guide
Dialog and Mobitel SIM cards, coverage, and choosing an operator.
Open source067
10 Feb 2023136K
An expat's practical guide
Mobile plans, topping up your balance, and the operators' apps.
Open source068
10 Feb 2023136K
An expat's practical guide
Transfers, taxis, buses, trains, the Makumbura station, and routes to the south.
Open source069
10 Feb 2023136K
An expat's practical guide
Home and mobile internet, real-world speeds, VPNs, Telegram, and Russian services and banks.
Open source070
10 Feb 2023136K
An expat's practical guide
Scooter rental, road traffic, buses, trains, tuk-tuks, and the PickMe app.
Open source071
10 Feb 2023136K
An expat's practical guide
Choosing excursions and trips around the island.
Open source072
10 Feb 2023136K
An expat's practical guide
Power outages, the aftermath of the crisis, and a service for checking outage schedules.
Open source073
19 Jan 202520K
Best time to visit
The season on the south of the island falls in the winter months, with general tips on choosing when to travel.
Open source074
19 Jan 202520K
Visa for Sri Lanka
The current entry rules for citizens of Russia, Kazakhstan, Belarus, and other countries.
Open source075
19 Jan 202520K
How to get from the airport
Transfers, bus No. 187, Uber and PickMe, and the particulars of the Colombo and Mattala airports.
Open source076
19 Jan 202520K
Currency exchange and SIM cards
The currency exchange rate at the airport, choosing a mobile operator, and the cost of mobile internet.
Open source077
21 Feb 202321K
How to visit safari parks
How to visit safari parks: the best time for watching animals and choosing which day to go.
Open source078
21 Feb 202321K
Matale as an alternative destination
Matale as an alternative to the popular tourist destinations when traveling to the center of the island.
Open source079
2 Mar 202315K
Choosing a seat on the whale-watching boat
Advice on choosing the best seat on the boat for whale watching.
Open source080
2 Mar 202315K
Preparing for a sea excursion
Preparing for a sea excursion: packing snacks, dealing with seasickness, and using Dramina.
Open source081
2 Mar 202315K
Whale watching as a tourist activity
Whale watching as a tourist activity: limits on time and on what to expect.
Open source082
16 Apr 202327K
Surfing basics
Surfing basics: types of waves, kinds of spots, differences between boards, and surf etiquette.
Open source083
16 Apr 202327K
How surf lessons are organized
How surf lessons are organized: the stages of training, the lineup, and safety.
Open source084
16 Apr 202327K
Preparing for big waves
Preparing for big waves: breath-hold training and working through fear.
Open source085
16 Apr 202327K
Reading the surf forecast
Reading the wave forecast and the basics of surfing on your own.
Open source086
087
16 Apr 202327K
Safety during lessons
Safety during lessons: the instructor-to-student ratio and what to do if you panic.
Open source088
16 Apr 202327K
Video reviews as part of surf training
Video reviews of lessons as part of learning to surf.
Open source089
16 Apr 202327K
How many lessons it takes to reach green waves
How many lessons you need to start riding green waves.
Open source090
16 Apr 202327K
Mentally preparing beginners for the ocean
Mentally preparing beginners for the ocean and open water.
Open source091
16 Apr 202327K
Examples of students' progress
Examples of students' progress and adapting the lessons to different physical abilities.
Open source092
16 Apr 202327K
Surf camp facilities
Surf camp facilities: yoga, lectures, film screenings and video analysis.
Open source093
16 Apr 202327K
Additional activities
Additional activities: SUP boarding, snorkeling and trips to the center of the island.
Open source094
26 Apr 202357K
Bandaranaike and Hambantota airports
Bandaranaike and Hambantota airports: arrival options and their impact on transfer time.
Open source095
26 Apr 202357K
Weather in the off-season
Weather features in Sri Lanka during the off-season, temperatures and preparing for the rains.
Open source096
26 Apr 202357K
Weather archives and forecast services
Using weather archives and forecast services to plan trips.
Open source097
26 Apr 202357K
Arugam Bay infrastructure
Arugam Bay infrastructure: SIM cards, shops, vehicle rental, coffee shops and services.
Open source098
26 Apr 202357K
Whiskey Point Resort
Whiskey Point Resort: accommodation costs and lodging details.
Open source099
26 Apr 202357K
Maps on Sri Lanka
Using Google Maps in Sri Lanka and the problems with how Maps.me works.
Open source100
26 Apr 202357K
Booking accommodation directly
How to book accommodation directly, without Booking or Airbnb, to get lower prices.
Open source101
26 Apr 202357K
Features of the off-season
Features of the off-season: how the tourist season shifts between the island's coasts.
Open source102
10 May 202320K
Local transport
Local transport and ways to get around off the tourist trails.
Open source103
10 May 202320K
The PickMe app
Using the PickMe app to order tuk-tuks and avoid inflated prices.
Open source104
10 May 202320K
Crazy Bus
Crazy Bus: the quirks of local buses and budget travel around the island.
Open source105
9 Aug 202315K
Buying tickets online
The problems of buying tickets online and the quirks of booking activities in Sri Lanka.
Open source106
9 Aug 202315K
Large water park
A large water park: opening hours, facilities, safety and restrictions for children.
Open source107
9 Aug 202315K
Travelling in the highlands
What to know about travelling in the highlands: the need for warm clothing.
Open source108
9 Aug 202315K
How to deal with leeches
How to deal with leeches: salt, salt water, and checking your clothing after walks.
Open source109
9 Aug 202315K
Finding food in the island's interior
Where to find food in the island's interior and why dinner often has to be ordered in advance through your hotel.
Open source110
23 Aug 2023168K
Sun protection, clothing, and temple dress code
Sun protection, clothing recommendations, and the dress code at temples.
Open source111
23 Aug 2023168K
Ordering food without sugar or spice
How to order food without sugar and without spice at cafés and restaurants.
Open source112
23 Aug 2023168K
The ocean air's effect on electronics
The effect of ocean air on electronics and equipment.
Open source113
23 Aug 2023168K
What to buy in Sri Lanka
What to buy in Sri Lanka: Ayurvedic goods, incense, soap, and local products.
Open source114
23 Aug 2023168K
What to bring with you to the island
Which goods and toiletries are best to bring with you to the island.
Open source115
23 Aug 2023168K
Daraz, the local marketplace
Daraz as the local equivalent of online marketplaces for ordering goods.
Open source116
23 Aug 2023168K
Protection against mosquitoes and insects
Products for protection against mosquitoes and insects.
Open source117
23 Aug 2023168K
Beach safety and keeping cash secure
Safety on the beaches and keeping cash secure.
Open source118
23 Aug 2023168K
The PickMe taxi service
The PickMe service for booking taxis and gauging fair ride prices.
Open source119
23 Aug 2023168K
Sri Lankan power sockets and European plugs
What to know about Sri Lankan power sockets and connecting European plugs.
Open source120
23 Aug 2023168K
Finding travel companions via Telegram
Finding travel companions through Telegram and arranging airport transfers.
Open source121
23 Aug 2023168K
Repairing Apple devices in Sri Lanka
Repairing Apple devices in Sri Lanka and an example of the cost of a screen replacement.
Open source122
23 Aug 2023168K
Bus queues and evening intercity travel
Bus queues and what to know about evening intercity travel.
Open source123
23 Aug 2023168K
Choosing excursions and tours
Choosing excursions and tours based on the island's geography and the location of its attractions.
Open source124
21 Mar 2026
Officially confirmed: tourists get fuel without restrictions
Sri Lankan authorities officially confirmed that the fuel rationing system does not apply to tourists.
Open source125
15 Mar 2026
Tourists do not need fuel QR codes
The QR fuel code system does not apply to tourists, who are fuelled without restrictions, but should check fuel availability with drivers in advance.
Open source126
6 Jan 2026
Practical Tips for Arrivals in Sri Lanka
A quick guide for newcomers: current rupee rate, best mobile operator, mosquito protection, the PickMe app, safe-use tips, and advice for mountain trips.
Open source127
28 Oct 2025
Belavia and Red Wings launch flights to Mattala airport
Starting today, Belavia and Red Wings operate regular flights to Mattala airport twice a week from Moscow and every 10–11 days from Russian regional cities.
Open source128
29 Sept 2025
New Store with Familiar Products Discovered
A brief note about the discovery of another store carrying imported goods besides Sea Fair.
Open source129
21 Sept 2025
Cheat Sheet for Buying Charter Flight Tickets to Sri Lanka
A brief guide on purchasing charter flight tickets to Sri Lanka for those planning a trip.
Open source130
17 Sept 2025
What to Always Carry with You on the Island?
A question to subscribers: what items are essential to carry when living on an island in the Indian Ocean.
Open source131
18 May 2025
How much to spend per day in Sri Lanka in 2025
An honest breakdown of travel budgets for Sri Lanka in May 2025, ranging from $30/day for backpackers to $80–120 for average tourists.
Open source132
15 Feb 2025
Reminder about the safe driving livestream
At a subscriber's request, the channel reminds viewers of a past livestream about safe driving in Sri Lanka.
Open source133
20 Nov 2024
Red Wings receives permit for regular flights to Sri Lanka
Rosaviatsiya has authorised Red Wings to operate regular flights from eleven Russian cities to Colombo and Hambantota.
Open source134
18 Nov 2024
How to protect your Telegram account from hacking
The channel shares Artyom's post about protecting a Telegram account from hacking, urging subscribers to stay vigilant.
Open source135
6 Nov 2024
How the charter flight program to Sri Lanka works
The Association of Tour Operators explained on its website how the charter flight program to Sri Lanka works.
Open source136
3 Oct 2024
Important hotel safety tips for Sri Lanka
A post on hotel safety in Sri Lanka with important information for tourists before their trip.
Open source137
30 Sept 2024
Unlimited internet comparison in Sri Lanka: Airtel, Dialog, Mobitel
The author compares unlimited plans from three operators — Airtel, Dialog, and Mobitel — with prices and features for heavy users.
Open source138
27 Sept 2024
Three main road police rules in Sri Lanka
An expat explains the three key traffic violations that road police fine for: crossing solid lines, overtaking at pedestrian crossings, and speeding.
Open source139
20 Sept 2024
Expat tips: doing business, protecting electronics, choosing housing
An experienced expat advises caution when starting business with locals, protecting electronics from humid air, and choosing jungle housing over sea-view properties.
Open source140
18 Sept 2024
Expat tips for tourists: bargaining, bikes, caution
An experienced expat advises tourists to always bargain, rent bikes from trusted providers, and document the vehicle's condition on video.
Open source141
9 Jun 2024
How to Protect a Laptop from Sea Salt in Sri Lanka
The author shares two years of experience living by the ocean and describes methods to protect laptops from the destructive effects of the salty sea breeze in Sri Lanka.
Open source142
9 May 2024
Artist Anastasia Georgievskaya Launches Bespoke Art Guide to Sri Lanka
Anastasia Georgievskaya, the only Russian-speaking specialist in contemporary Sri Lankan art, launched a bespoke art travel guide to the island.
Open source143
13 Mar 2024
Where to Repair a Laptop in Sri Lanka
The MAD Set channel offers practical tips on where to get a laptop repaired on the island.
Open source144
20 Feb 2024
Pasijou launches community breakfasts in Weligama
The Pasijou space in Weligama has launched a series of community breakfasts; the upcoming topic is the rules for riding scooters and motorcycles in Sri Lanka.
Open source145
18 Feb 2024
Instructions for leaving Sri Lanka
The channel publishes a step-by-step guide on how to leave Sri Lanka.
Open source146
10 Feb 2024
Brief overview of healthcare in Sri Lanka
The "Sri Lanka main channel" has prepared an overview of healthcare on the island, which looks somewhat more dramatic from the south than from Colombo.
Open source147
7 Feb 2024
A life hack for island residents for all occasions
The Ostrov channel shares a universal life hack, describing it as knowledge that gives "x5 to your investments", and attaches a legendary Feels Like episode on the same subject.
Open source148
2 Feb 2024
Best scooter rental service in Sri Lanka
The Ostrov channel recommends The Garage scooter rental service in southern Sri Lanka as the best in fleet size and customer support.
Open source149
29 Oct 2023
Broadcast on safe motorbike riding on the island
Recording of a broadcast with stuntman and motorcycle school owner Mikhail covering practical tips on choosing a bike, braking, manoeuvring, and road safety in Sri Lanka.
Open source150
12 Aug 2023
Granny recommends: a list of AI bots on Telegram
Humorous post in granny's letter format: a list of Telegram bots for AI image generation.
Open source151
4 Aug 2023
Granny advises: how to buy crypto with rubles
Humorous post in the format of a granny's letter explaining how to buy cryptocurrency via the Telegram wallet after UnionPay card blocks.
Open source152
2 Aug 2023
How to protect gadgets from humidity on the island
Practical tips for digital nomads: store devices in airtight containers with silica gel and work in air-conditioned spaces.
Open source153
17 Jun 2023
Learning English Travel Verbs
A mini English lesson for subscribers covering the verbs explore, discover, immerse, and time travel with example sentences and Russian translations.
Open source154
13 Jun 2023
Dengue Fever in Sri Lanka: What You Need to Know
Practical guide for island residents on dengue fever: symptoms, precautions against Aedes mosquitoes, and treatment recommendations.
Open source155
16 May 2023
Event Organisation Guide from the 'Departed' Community
Nastya, organiser of the 'Departed' community, shared a guide to preparing events — from pool parties to stand-up nights and business meetups.
Open source156
12 May 2023
How to Exchange Non-Cash Rubles for Rupees
A step-by-step guide to exchanging non-cash rubles into Sri Lankan rupees via Binance P2P and a local bank account.
Open source157
24 Apr 2023
Useful apps for living in Sri Lanka
A selection of local apps for expats: PickMe and Uber for taxis, SL Railway for trains, Daraz and ikman for shopping, Sri Delivery for food.
Open source158
13 Apr 2023
Checklist of Must-Do Traditions for Aluth Avurudu
A practical checklist of traditional rituals and attributes for Aluth Avurudu for those who want to celebrate Sri Lanka's New Year the right way.
Open source159
12 Apr 2023
New Year's Guide for Expats on the Island
A practical guide on how to celebrate New Year's in Sri Lanka, with original text and AI-generated illustrations.
Open source160
3 Mar 2023
Interesting facts about life in Sri Lanka
Morning digest with useful facts: state healthcare in Sri Lanka is free, and locals tend to give directions even when they do not know the way.
Open source161
22 Feb 2023
How to Bypass Instagram Music Restrictions in Sri Lanka
Practical tip: Instagram blocks music in Stories and Reels after a month on Sri Lanka — a VPN or disabling geolocation can help.
Open source162
20 Feb 2023
Guide to Unawatuna: where to stay and how to settle in
Practical guide to living in Unawatuna: overview of accommodation options from upmarket hotels to budget apartments with price-to-quality assessment.
Open source