Organize your stay Sri Lanka
Covid-19 : current situation Sri Lanka
Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, entry and travel restrictions may apply Sri Lanka. Remember to visit the site of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs before you leave for the latest information
Money Sri Lanka
The Sri Lankan rupee (LKR or Rs) is the national currency. The exchange rate varies according to the US dollar. It is impossible to get rupees before departure. You can take dollars or euros with you, which are accepted almost everywhere. You can also withdraw rupees from ATMs, which are also widely available.
As of April1, 2022: 1 € = 316 Rs and 100 Rs = 0,32 €
Budget & Tips Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka is not exactly a cheap destination, and prices have increased considerably in recent years. Entrance fees to the major national parks and sites are very high. Clearly displayed foreign visitor fees will easily tell the difference. You will have to plan your trip carefully, especially if you are traveling with your family. It is also certain that you will often pay a higher price than the locals, whether for transportation, hotels or restaurants
Small budget. Alone, count on a minimum of 14 000 Rs per day, or about 45 €. For two people in a double room, count a minimum of 20 000 Rs per day, which is about 60 €. This is without extra charges such as entrance to a large park, and with the exclusive use of public transportation
Average budget. For two people, count on a minimum of 31 000 Rs per day, that is to say approximately 100 €, excluding the possible rental of a car with driver and without particular extra
High budget. For two people, count on a minimum of 63 000 Rs per day, or about 200 €. This includes a car rental with driver for the day and a comfortable hotel
Passport and visas Sri Lanka
Obtaining a passport. Passports issued in France are biometric. They include your photo, your fingerprints and a secure chip. To obtain a passport, go to the town hall or the prefecture. Children must have a personal passport
An electronic visa (ETA) is required to travel to Sri Lanka. The website www.eta.gov.lk allows you to apply for an electronic travel visa (ETA) online. It is valid for 30 days from the date of entry into Sri Lanka. The cost is 35 US$ for a tourist visa (40 US$ if you ask for it at your arrival at Colombo airport). It is possible to extend this visa for 60 days (2 times 30 days), for that you have to go to the immigration department in Colombo with your passport, your return flight ticket, your address of residence (hotel, etc.) in Sri Lanka, a photo, a pen and 100 US$ per 30 days (!!). Count between 3 and 4 hours of procedure
Driver's license Sri Lanka
Obtain an international license before you leave. Make sure you know about the license and insurance requirements. Even for a short stay, the French driver's license and the international driver's license must be converted. A Temporary Driving Permit (TDP) issued on the basis of your driver's license is mandatory for cars and motorcycles, including those under 100 cc. You must apply to theAutomobile Association of Ceylon (AAC) or the Department of Motor Traffic.
Health Sri Lanka
Dengue. This fever is quite common in tropical countries and is transmitted by mosquitoes. It is very present, especially in the province of Colombo, Gampaha, Kalutara, Galle, Matara, Ratnapura and Kegalle. Dengue fever is a flu-like illness (fever, headache, joint and muscle pain). There is no preventive treatment or vaccine. Never take aspirin. As this disease can be fatal, it is strongly recommended to consult a doctor in case of fever.
Japanese encephalitis. This disease is transmitted by mosquitoes and occurs in rural areas during the wet season, particularly in tropical areas of Southeast Asia. Signs of onset include chills, fever, headache and malaise. Most forms are symptomless, but in the worst cases, it can lead to neurological damage and even death.
Hepatitis A. For hepatitis A, prior immunity makes vaccination unnecessary. It is common if you have a history of jaundice, a prolonged stay abroad, or if you are over 45 years old. Hepatitis A is usually mild, but it can be serious, especially over the age of 45 and if you have pre-existing liver disease. It can be caught through water or poorly washed food.
Hepatitis B. High risk in the country. Hepatitis B is more serious than hepatitis A. It can be contracted through sex or blood. The hepatitis B vaccine should be given in two doses, one month apart (although there are accelerated one-month vaccinations for travelers in a hurry), followed by a booster dose six months later to increase the duration of protection.
Rabies. Rabies is still present in the country. It is therefore important to avoid contact with dogs, cats and other mammals that may carry the virus. The first symptoms (phobia of air and water) appear between 30 and 45 days after the bite. Once these symptoms are noticed, death occurs within a few days, in 100% of cases. In case of doubt, following a bite, you must absolutely consult a doctor, who will administer an anti-rabies vaccine associated with an appropriate treatment. The preventive vaccine does not exempt you from the curative treatment in case of a bite.
Mandatory vaccination Sri Lanka
In addition to having your standard vaccinations up to date, it is also advisable to be vaccinated against hepatitis A and B, and even typhoid fever, depending on the type of trip you are planning. Vaccination against yellow fever is mandatory if you have previously visited certain countries in Africa or South America
Security Sri Lanka
The country is now a safe destination.
Time difference Sri Lanka
The time in Sri Lanka is 4.5 hours ahead of Paris time in winter and 3.5 hours ahead in summer. When it is noon in Sri Lanka, it is 7:30 or 8:30 am in France
Spoken languages Sri Lanka
Sinhala and Tamil are the two official languages. English is spoken by about 10% of the population. Fortunately, most people working in tourism-related fields (hotels, restaurants, drivers, etc.) have a basic knowledge of English, and sometimes even French, which can make your job easier
Communication Sri Lanka
Thetelephone network coverage is of good quality in the whole island, except for some remote corners (national parks, isolated mountainous areas)
The Internet network is quite good but the quality of the connection is often fluctuating. Wi-Fi is becoming more and more widespread, often free of charge, in hotels, guesthouses and restaurants and even in some shops and public places. However, you should know that the connection quality is good enough to surf the web or social networks, but rarely to watch a movie or a series in streaming... Download your favorite series before coming.
Electricity and measurements Sri Lanka
Electricity. The current is 230-240 volts 50 Hz. Three-pronged English-style plugs are used. The models may vary slightly from one region to another. You will have no problem using your various electrical appliances, provided you have an adapter (which is easily available in Colombo).
Weights and measures. The metric system is used on the island
Luggage Sri Lanka
When it comes to the amount of clothing, don't overload yourself. Stick to lightweight clothing. Have a change of clothes for each outfit. If you wash your own clothes, they will be dry in less than an hour if you are not unlucky with the weather. You can also have it washed in your hotel for a small fee
To be comfortable and protected: a hat or cap, sunglasses, sunscreen, bathing gear. A light raincoat in case of monsoon, a woollen cloth for the stays in mountain. A pair of sturdy sandals; a pair of walking shoes (if they are new, don't forget to do them before leaving, it will avoid many inconveniences that could ruin your trip). Long clothes to avoid mosquito bites in the evening, insect repellent and soothing ointment in case of bites.
For religious or sacred sites: in the absence of pants, shorts covering the knees. A square of cloth to cover the shoulders
To sleep in peace: a sheet to cover yourself at night (some guesthouses and unclassified hotels do not offer one), a mosquito net, preferably impregnated, with string to hang it up. Earplugs
For the practical side: a flashlight, essential in view of the many power cuts and to visit the many archaeological caves, an adapter for electrical outlets, a second bag to travel lighter after putting your bags down at the hotel. The luxury hotels all have electrical outlets that are compatible with French plugs
A first aid kit. Remember to bring your up-to-date vaccination booklet (even more essential nowadays!) and your blood group card. In addition to your usual medication and the prescription that accompanies it, the essentials of your medicine kit are a box of paracetamol, an anti-diarrheal, a thermometer (unbreakable), an antiseptic solution, some compresses and bandages, tweezers, a tube of Biafine (burns), eye drops (dry eyes), a soothing cream for insect bites, tampons or sanitary napkins, and condoms. You can also add a treatment against malaria (quite restrictive and not essential if you stay in the tourist areas).
