Practical Info A–Z

Sri Lanka, alongside India, is the birthplace of Ayurveda. Authentic treatments start from 7 days with medical supervision, individual diagnosis, and daily treatments available from around 35 € per day (full board included).

• Best regions: Southwest and West coast (Beruwela, Bentota, Weligama)
• Reputable centers: Look for a registered Ayurveda doctor (BAMS or MD Ayurveda) and an initial consultation with pulse diagnosis
• Minimum: 7 days, ideally 14–21 days for noticeable effects
• Avoid: “Ayurveda massages” in regular spas without medical supervision — that's wellness, not Ayurveda

German, Austrian, and Swiss citizens require an ETA (Electronic Travel Authorization), which must be applied for online before entry.

ETA Details

Important Notes

• Use only the official website! There are numerous fraudulent websites offering the ETA at inflated prices.
• Extension: The ETA can be extended at the Department of Immigration in Colombo to up to 90 days (an additional 25 USD).
• Passport: Must be valid for at least 6 months upon entry.

The currency of Sri Lanka is the Sri Lankan Rupee (LKR). Current exchange rate (as of 2026): approx. 1 € ≈ 350–360 LKR.

ATMs

ATMs are available in all cities and tourist areas. Most accept Visa and Mastercard. Maximum withdrawal amount: usually 40,000–60,000 LKR per transaction. Fees vary by bank (200–500 LKR per withdrawal).

Tips

• Travel credit card: Bring a DKB, Comdirect, or Wise card — no foreign transaction fees
• Cash: Sri Lanka is a cash society. Outside cities and in local restaurants, almost everything is paid in cash
• Exchange: At the airport only the necessary amount, better rates in Colombo (Commercial Bank, People's Bank)
• Dynamic Currency Conversion: ALWAYS decline at the ATM if asked whether to convert to euros

Sri Lanka has a unique double monsoon system — meaning there is always good weather somewhere on the island:

Temperatures: On the coast year-round 27–32 °C. In the Highlands (Nuwara Eliya) significantly cooler: 15–25 °C during the day, down to 5 °C at night. The Cultural Triangle in the dry zone is hot year-round (30–35 °C).

Sri Lanka is a generally safe travel destination. Violent crime against tourists is rare, and the people are exceptionally hospitable. The biggest risks are road traffic and sunburn.

What to watch out for

• Traffic: The biggest risk in Sri Lanka. Chaotic left-hand traffic, aggressive bus drivers, unlit vehicles at night. Be especially cautious as a pedestrian.
• Currents: Many beaches (especially Tangalle, Mirissa) have dangerous rip currents. Swim only at guarded beaches and heed local warnings.
• Petty crime: Pickpocketing occurs in Colombo and tourist areas. Leave valuables in the hotel safe.
• Fraud: Inflated Tuk-Tuk prices, “free” temple tours with subsequent donation extortion. Negotiate prices beforehand.
• Drugs: Absolutely taboo — possession of even small amounts can lead to long prison sentences.
• Wild animals: Keep a distance from elephants (even “tame” ones), monkeys, and crocodiles. Watch out for snakes, especially in rural areas.

Sri Lanka takes its religious sites seriously — disrespect can lead to trouble up to arrest. The following rules apply to all Buddhist temples and most Hindu Kovils:

• Remove shoes: Always, without exception. Often also socks. Tip: Bring light flip-flops that can be quickly put on and taken off.
• Clothing: Shoulders and knees covered. No transparent fabrics. White is respectful, especially during Puja ceremonies.
• Hats and sunglasses: Remove them.
• Photos with Buddha: NEVER pose with your back to Buddha. NEVER pose next to Buddha statues like in a selfie. NEVER sit or climb on Buddha statues.
• Buddha tattoos: Are considered an insult to Buddhism. There have been cases of arrest and deportation.
• Monks: Women may not touch monks. In buses or trains, give up your seat for monks.
• Behavior: Speak quietly, do not point (especially not at Buddha statues with your finger), do not turn your back to Buddha.

Tuk-Tuks are ubiquitous and often the most convenient way to cover short distances. A few rules help to get fair prices:

• Negotiate price beforehand: Ask at the hotel for the approximate price for your route and use this as a starting point.
• PickMe App: Works in Colombo, Kandy, Galle, and other cities. Shows fair fixed prices — the best alternative to negotiating.
• Taximeter: Some Tuk-Tuks have taximeters — insisting on using them is possible, but in tourist areas, they are rarely turned on.
• Guideline: 50–100 LKR per kilometer is a fair price. Short city rides: 200–400 LKR.
• At the airport/station: Prices are always higher here. Walk a bit away and take a Tuk-Tuk there.
• Day rental: Renting a Tuk-Tuk for the whole day (8–10 hours) costs 5,000–8,000 LKR (14–23 €) — often the best way to explore an area.

Sri Lanka's trains are a highlight of the trip — but booking can be a challenge, especially for the popular Kandy–Ella route.

Booking options

• Official online: seatreservation.railway.gov.lk — bookable 30 days in advance. Only 1st and 2nd class can be reserved. The website is functional but sometimes slow.
• 12go.asia: Surcharge of ~500 LKR, but easier to use and with cancellation option.
• At the station: Tickets for the 3rd class are only available at the counter, without reservation — just show up and buy.
• Through hotel/driver: Many hotels assist with booking — sometimes the most stress-free option.

Tips

• Kandy–Ella: Book weeks in advance during the high season (Dec–Mar)! The 1st class Observation is often the first to sell out.
• 2nd class recommended: Open windows, better photos, more authentic experience than air-conditioned 1st class.
• 3rd class as a backup: If 1st and 2nd class are fully booked — just buy a 3rd class ticket at the station and with some luck, get a seat. Arriving early (30 min. before) helps.
• Delays: Always expect 30–60 minute delays. Sri Lankan trains are reliable — but rarely punctual.