Worth knowing about Sri Lanka in short
Some basic information about the country, the people, traditions, culture and religions.
Climate & Location
Sri Lanka has a tropical monsoon climate throughout the year, because of its location near the equator, with daytime temperatures of up to 30 degrees Celsius (in winter up to 35 degrees Celsius) and very high humidity (up to 90%). In the mountains, where it can be much cooler at night with 10 to 16 degrees, the daytime temperatures are considerably lower and make the climate pleasant. On rainy days, there are usually heavy, but short showers. The hottest months are March and April. The rainy season on the south-west coast is approximately from May to October, in the highlands from about July to December, on the east coast from November to April.
Best travel time
The best bathing season on the west coast is from November to March / April.
Entry and Visa requirements
For the entry into Sri Lanka is since 2012 a visa required and in addition a passport of at least 6 months validity. The Visa can either be applied online (eta.gov.lk) or from a Sri Lankan embassy. For an extra charge, the visa can be issued on arrival at the airport, but long waiting times have to be expected. Children need their own identity documents, an entry in the passport of a parent is not recognized. For long-term visas over 30 days you have to contact the Department of Immigration (www.eta.gov.lk) for more information.
Flight times
A nonstop flight to Sri Lanka takes about 10 hours, depending on the departure airport (Germany / Austria). An alternative are flights with a stopover in Dubai or Qatar.
Links zu Fluglinien can be found under Services
Time shift
CET + 4.5 hours, in the summer CET + 3.5 hours.
Currency
The national currency is Sri Lanka Rupee (LKR). Money can be exchanged in all banks (for a fee) and in almost all hotels. Credit cards (AmericanExpress, VISA, MasterCard) are accepted.
Vaccinations
Vaccinations are not required when entering Germany or Austria.
Language
The national language is Sinhala or Tamil. English is spoken and understood almost everywhere, in some parts also German.
Important when visiting a temple
Temples may only be entered in street clothes (no short pants, miniskirts or open T-shirts, please) and without shoes. As a matter of courtesy, we advise you to seek permission before taking pictures of people. Most Sri Lankans like to be photographed. Please never turn your back agains a Buddha Figure and make a photo and also not point your feet towards it.
Traffic
Sri Lanka has left-hand traffic. It is not recommended to put your own driving skills to the test. The roads are often in poor condition, without signage and besides the tuk-tuks, cars, trucks, mopeds and cyclists are also cows, goats, dogs and more.
Tip
Wages and salaries are very low in Sri Lanka. Therefore, some service professions rely on tips, especially porters, tour guides, hotel boys, chambermaids, waiters or taxi drivers. The latter two are satisfied with about 10 percent of the total bill, with the rest follow your instincts.
Swimming in the sea
Swimming in the sea is not generally dangerous, but there can be strong offshore currents in certain places and precaution are reccomended.
Ladies lying on the beach topless will evoke mixed reactions. Sri Lankan will consider it as an an affront.
Miscellaneous
There is an import ban on cigarettes and other tobacco products to Sri Lanka. In public places and also in most hotel complexes smoking is not permitted. On bank holidays (every full moon day is also a public holiday) alcohol is forbidden, even in restaurants and hotels.
Buddha tattoos in any form are not allowed.
