🇱🇰 Travel facts Sri Lanka
✓ Last checked:The most important practical answers for your trip to Sri Lanka — entry, tipping, plug type, customs and more. Compactly verified, with source references.
| Capital | Colombo |
|---|---|
| Language | Sinhalese, Tamil |
| Currency | Sri Lanka Rupee (LKR) |
| Timezone | UTC+5:30 |
| Flight time from Germany | approx. 10–11 hours |
| Emergency number | 119 · Police 119 · Ambulance 1990 |
| Plug | Type D/G · 230 V / 50 Hz · Adapter required |
| EU / Schengen | not an EU country · not Schengen |
Do I need a visa for Sri Lanka?
Passport required; electronic travel authorisation (ETA/e-visa) must be applied for in advance.
Apply only through the official ETA website; passport must be valid for 6 months. Binding information: German Federal Foreign Office.
How much should I tip in Sri Lanka?
5–10%, if no service charge is included in the bill.
Taxi: Round up; private drivers approximately 1,000–2,000 LKR per day.
What plug adapter do I need in Sri Lanka?
Adapter required: plug types D/G, 230 V / 50 Hz.
Plugs are inconsistent (D/G) — a universal adapter is recommended.
Can you drink tap water in Sri Lanka?
No, tap water is not recommended for drinking.
Buy bottled water with an intact seal.
What can I bring back from Sri Lanka to Germany?
Non-EU: When returning to Germany, goods up to €430 (by air), 200 cigarettes and 1 litre of spirits are duty-free.
Will my mobile phone work in Sri Lanka?
No EU roaming — pre-book an eSIM or buy a cheap local SIM on-site.
Card or cash — how do you pay in Sri Lanka?
Rupee (LKR); cash is important, cards accepted in hotels and larger shops.
What should I know about health in Sri Lanka?
Travel health insurance with repatriation is recommended; check vaccination/health advice with the German Federal Foreign Office or tropical medicine institute.
Sources & Note
Information from the perspective of German citizens, as of August 2026, without guarantee. Entry and safety information may change at short notice — the binding source is the German Federal Foreign Office (Sri Lanka travel advice) . Health information does not replace medical travel advice.
