Travel Tips for Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka is a true paradise, unique and unlike anything else on planet earth. Here you will find tranquil sunsets on golden beaches, fresh scents over vast tea plantations and mysterious leopards roaming the dense jungle. From breathtaking Buddhist temples that exude an atmosphere of peace and tranquillity to incredible natural landscapes, Sri Lanka offers unique moments for your experience.
Here, every corner is filled with amazing experiences. You can immerse yourself in the country's cultural heritage and experience a wealth of local traditions and festivals. The heart of Sri Lanka beats to the rhythm of hospitality and meeting the locals is an unforgettable experience.

Translated with DeepL.com (free version)

• Before you travel to Sri Lanka, you should obtain a visa. Whereas a few years ago you could get a visa on arrival, today you need an ETA (Electronic Travel Authorization). 
• Technically, you can also get your visa when you arrive at the airport. There is a counter there where you can fill out the paperwork and pay. But 1) you probably don't want to waste time waiting in line at the airport and 2) they now require a visa confirmation at the departure airport, which you won't be able to present for the visa on arrival.
• Get a return ticket
• Also make sure you have a return or onward ticket booked or at least reserved in advance. Although immigration officers don't always ask for this, it is an official requirement. If they do ask, you don't want to get stressed before you even leave the airport.
• Extend your stay
• The visa is valid for 30 days from the date of entry, but can be extended for a further 60 days at any time if you wish to stay longer. To extend your visa, visit the Department of Immigration and Emigration in Colombo. Allow at least half a day - you will probably apply in the morning and collect your passport sometime in the afternoon. There is no need to sit and wait for hours during processing. Make time for lunch or a walk in the nearby Viharamahadevi Park. Hotel Water's Edge is just a few steps away from the park and has beautiful grounds.

• Tuk-tuks are a popular means of transportation in Sri Lanka. They are convenient for short trips, but the drivers often overcharge tourists. Find out the average cost of a ride in advance. Do not accept the first price offer. Make your own offer and do not agree to pay more. If the price seems too high, simply refuse the ride.
• The main destinations in Sri Lanka are very popular. To avoid the crowds and have a more authentic experience, stay away from them. Try lesser known but equally interesting places. In the town of Ella, for example, there are many beautiful tea plantations away from the center. Talk to the locals to find hidden gems. Or simply stroll around and enjoy.
• Traditional Sri Lankan cuisine is surprisingly delicious. Curries, rice, seafood, fruit - enjoy it all. Try the famous black tea with milk and spices. Eat tropical fruit straight from the tree. Visit the local market to buy the freshest produce and ready meals. Take your time when eating to enjoy every bite.
• The local currency, the Sri Lankan rupee, has a relatively low exchange rate against the dollar and the euro. Don't let this mislead you. The prices for many goods and services are quite reasonable. A dinner in a good restaurant costs around 1500-2000 rupees or 5-7 dollars. Transportation and accommodation are also affordable.
• There are many stores in Sri Lanka that sell handmade products: Tea, spices, jewelry. Before buying, make sure that the products are certified by the National Crafts Council of Sri Lanka. This government organization checks the quality and ensures that the product was made in the country. Otherwise, you run the risk of buying a fake.
• Note that most ATMs in Sri Lanka do not work with foreign cards. Even in larger cities like Colombo, it can be problematic to withdraw cash or pay with a card. It is better to stock up on cash in rupees in advance.
• Before visiting a Buddhist temple, make sure your shoulders and legs are covered. It is sufficient to put a scarf over your shoulders. It is also not customary to cover your head in temples. Follow these simple rules carefully to avoid embarrassing situations.
• If you are traveling without a car, take a backpack rather than a suitcase. A headscarf is always handy for temple visits, and a knee-length skirt for men. Also take warm clothes with you if you are traveling to mountainous areas.

1. Recommendations for vaccination
The only vaccine required for entry is the yellow fever vaccination. It is required if you have visited yellow fever countries in the last 6 days.
Dengue fever, which is transmitted by mosquitoes, is widespread in Sri Lanka. There is no vaccine yet, you can only avoid the bites. Most hotels have mosquito nets over the beds - use them for safety.
2. Take out insurance
It is strongly recommended that you take out international health insurance. Although there are state hospitals in Sri Lanka, the facilities leave a lot to be desired. Private hospitals are better equipped, but the cost of treatment is high. Insurance can help you avoid high medical costs.
3. What foreigners should expect
If you are a white person, be prepared for a lot of attention from the locals. Many have simply never seen a European before. Over time, you get used to it and don't notice it anymore.
Single women are not advised to go out at night - it is better to call a cab from door to door.
Unfortunately, some men think that single female tourists are approachable. Walk past them, do not engage in conversation. If you are being harassed, turn your attention to others.

In Sri Lanka, the weather is not determined by the seasons, but by the monsoon. The southwest coast is influenced by the monsoon from April to September. On the northeast coast, it is from November to March.
However, there are areas without rainfall at any time of the year. The main thing is to plan your route correctly. Also, the monsoon rains are usually short-lived and do not affect travel. Just take a compact raincoat with you.
Temperatures are around 26-30 °C all year round and can be even higher in the hot months of April and May. In mountainous regions such as Nuwara Eliya and Ella, the thermometer drops to 10-15 °C.
Relative humidity is very high throughout Sri Lanka, averaging 60%. On the southwest coast, this figure can reach 80-90%.

Sri Lanka is an amazing country that will give you many vivid impressions thanks to its rich culture, beautiful nature and hospitable people. However, you should be careful: Take care of your belongings, avoid scammers and follow all safety rules. When choosing your travel time, take into account the rainy season so that the weather does not spoil your vacation, and if you are traveling in summer, either book an air-conditioned hotel or choose a different time of year, as it is very hot in the summer months. Make sure you have medical insurance before you travel and it is recommended that you get all the necessary vaccinations. Be prepared that conditions in Sri Lanka are not up to European standards everywhere - this is part of the authentic experience. Compare prices so you don't overpay and find out in advance the average prices for different services. Respect all local traditions and follow the rules of conduct, especially when visiting religious and historical sites.