How much money is typically required upfront to confirm a booking?

For a secure Sri Lankan holiday booking, most legitimate agencies ask for an early deposit of about 20% to 30% of the overall package price. The precise rate can depend on the season, as well as the level of strictness in the payment rules of the particular hotels you pick.

That first payment is not treated as pure profit; instead, it is quickly passed on to partner hotels and transport providers, so your reservations get locked in. In the busy December to March period, high-end boutique places may require larger non-refundable amounts, and then the agency mirrors that in your starting invoice. After that, the rest of the money is commonly paid 30 days before arrival.